RALEIGH, N.C. (June 3, 2008) - French/West/Vaughan (FWV), one of the nation's largest independent public relations, public affairs and brand communications agencies, today announced it has been named agency-of-record by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). The PRCA is the premier governing body of professional rodeo in the United States, sanctioning more than 600 rodeos across the country each year.
FWV will develop and execute integrated PR and marketing initiatives designed to grow the nationwide fan base for pro rodeo, celebrating the excitement of world-class competition and the authenticity of one of America's oldest sports. Emphasis will be placed on communicating the PRCA brand identity and generating media coverage for star athletes and marquee events, including the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR). The WNFR, PRCA's 10-day world championship held each December in Las Vegas, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
"FWV has worked with athletes, teams, league offices and sponsors in every major sport, making them the ideal partner to help us identify and achieve our development objectives," said Sean Daniels, PRCA vice president. "The depth of their experience in Western sports marketing, including long-standing relationships with some of the leading sponsors of pro rodeo, reflects a unique understanding of our sport and a proven dedication to its success."
FWV represents PRCA sponsor Justin Boot Company®, and since 1994 has represented Wrangler®, the leading sponsor of pro rodeo in the United States. The agency previously represented the PRCA from 1999-2001, helping the organization achieve the highest media profile in its history.
"American rodeo is one of the most exciting sports in the world," said FWV President & CEO Rick French. "We are proud to have the opportunity to once again work with the PRCA to expand the fan base for pro rodeo and help generate the awareness and passion it deserves."
About French/West/Vaughan
French/West/Vaughan (FWV) is the Southeast's largest independent public relations, public affairs and brand communications agency. FWV was named a 2006 finalist for PR Week magazine's "Midsize PR Agency of the Year" award, and was named the Holmes Report's 2004 National Consumer Agency of the Year. National and international clients represented by the agency include the Global Water Foundation, the Coca-Cola Company, Wrangler, Justin Boot Company, Canada Post, Speedo, AstroTurf, Gemstar-TV Guide, the International Gemological Institute, the Gatlinburg Department of Tourism and bioMérieux. Regional public relations clients include North Carolina State University, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association and Tweetsie Railroad, among many others. The agency is headquartered in Raleigh and has offices in both New York City and Tampa. The agency's creative arm, FWV Distilled, was established in 2007 and provides award-winning advertising, graphic design ad eMERGING media services for a wide range of clients. For more information, please visit http://www.fwv-us.com/.
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