Bryant dealers nationwide use the sponsorship as a way to show their commitment to and increase their presence in the communities where they do business, noted Debbie Castro, marketing manager for Bryant. She's pleased with how the dealer/distributor network welcomed the sponsorship. "By becoming a sponsor, the Bryant dealer also becomes a part of the team by attending games, interacting with players and coaches, and making resources available," said Castro.

One recent example of a Bryant dealer participating in the sponsorship program occurred in early March. Families of Palm Bay, Fla. were still faced with cost burdens from hurricane damage caused in 2004. To help these families, Palm Bay West Little League maintained low cost registration fees for the 2005 season. As a result, the league lacked enough funding to provide proper baseball/softball equipment to the players.

Because of the Bryant Little League sponsorship, Able Air Inc., a Bryant dealer in Melbourne, Fla., stepped up to the plate to provide assistance to the families of Palm Bay. "An Able Air truck pulled up and started unloading brand new equipment bags, water coolers, score books, ball buckets, and much more. I was overwhelmed with joy for the league and the kids," said Bob Bowen, board secretary for Palm Bay West Little League. "Able Air and Bryant have proven to be bright spots for our community."

Jim Provoncha, service manager for Able Air, said the company received strong, positive feedback from employees as well as the community. "I had more volunteers than I really needed, and everyone had the same feeling - we do a lot of advertising, but not much at a grassroots level. Our employees look forward to doing something hands-on and seeing a face smiling back at them."

Castro frequently receives positive remarks about the sponsorship. "Bryant feels privileged to carry this partnership with Little League into 2005," said Castro. "Our dealers and their communities are rallying in support of one another. The sponsorship further demonstrates that Bryant dealers do 'whatever it takes' to help out their communities."

Bryant, the exclusive HVACR national sponsor of Little League Baseball, engaged in the sponsorship to give its dealers a tool to become more active at the local level. Through the sponsorship, dealers receive advertising, direct mail, and promotional benefits in addition to their on-the-scene role. "Dealers are setting up tables to hand out information, answer questions, and give advice," said Castro. "This sponsorship is a win-win for everyone involved."

For more information on Bryant, visit www.bryant.com.

Publication date: 04/25/2005