SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Launches Community Partnership with Michelin

Published on April 14, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, S.C. - The Greenville Drive and Michelin, the industry leader in tire production with North American headquarters in Greenville, announced today that the two organizations have entered into a long-term corporate partnership with a community focus that includes cultural diversity, education and quality of life in the Upstate. As part of the partnership Michelin will be the title sponsor of "Jackie Robinson Night" at Fluor Field, which will take place around the Drive's 7:00 PM game with the Greensboro Grasshopper on Tuesday, April 15th.

Drive Co-owner and President, Craig Brown commented on the importance of this relationship for both organizations, saying, "The Drive is committed to the improvement of Greenville and the Upstate's overall quality of life, on a number of levels, and we are delighted to have Michelin as a strategic partner to that end. Their core values are reflected in ways that touch people's lives positively and practically, and we are excited to be able to work together with them on behalf of the Community."

As part of the partnership, Michelin will be the title sponsor of this Tuesday's night's game honoring Jackie Robinson. 61 years ago on this same date in 1947, Jackie Robinson crossed the color barrier and became the first African-American to play Major League Baseball. In honor of his contribution to baseball and civil rights, the Drive and Michelin will ceremoniously retire Robinson's number 42 and the replica jersey will be on permanent display at Fluor Field.

Herb Johnson, Michelin's Director of Community Relations, underscored the symmetry of the two organization's willingness to use their assets on behalf of the Community. "Being able to rally our community around a sports figure with the kind of character, courage and drive that Jackie Robinson exhibited is a perfect way for Michelin to help educate and promote the cause of cultural diversity here in the Upstate. We have high expectations for the kinds of initiatives we and the Drive can accomplish on behalf of our shared constituents".

Other components of the Drive - Michelin partnership will include to-be-announced initiatives focused on promoting education, plus efforts to create awareness and traffic for Michelin's new downtown retail location with its unique offering of lifestyle gifts and exhibits describing the company's rich heritage.

Mike deMaine, Drive General Manager noted, "The Drive is looking forward to working with Michelin's new West End attraction, Michelin on Main, as it provides new opportunities for people to enjoy their downtown entertainment experience." deMaine concluded, "We are very pleased to have Michelin as a Drive sponsor and a partner in our ongoing commitment to make Greenville and the Upstate an even better place to live, work and enjoy life."

The Greenville Drive is the South Atlantic League affiliate of the 2007 World Champion Boston Red Sox. Ticket plans, hospitality accommodations, group outings, and single-game tickets can be purchased by calling (864) 240-4500 or by visiting www.GreenvilleDrive.com.

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