Texas Heritage National Bank PBR Challenge – Sulphur Springs, Texas

By Ted Harbin
Posted Friday, July 17, 2009

PBR Challenge offers marketing opportunities to businesses

SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas – Every day, businesses and organizations face numerous obstacles, and the tough economic times aren’t making things any easier. These economic challenges also create opportunity.

For east Texans, that opportunity is created by the partnership between the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center and the TwoBulls Group, producers of the Professional Bull Riders event in signing a five-year agreement to keep the PBR in Sulphur Springs through the year 2013.

Originally formed as the Lone Star Dodge Colby Yates Challenge in 2008, the event developed a solid marketing foundation and fan base to build on. In June, Texas Heritage National Bank assumed the title position for 2009 and 2010, and bank officials are excited about continuing the economic growth of this event in Hopkins County and east Texas.

The Texas Heritage National Bank PBR Challenge brings not only a world-class event to Hopkins County, but also serves as an incredible marketing outlet for businesses who want to reach thousands of potential clients and customers.

“This is a great opportunity for a business to build brand awareness and be associated with the hottest entertainment ticket in east Texas,” said Jim McLain Jr. of the TwoBulls Group, who produces the event with Emory residents Donny Gowin and Jay Weddle. “Last year we saw how much the fans supported this event, so we’re excited to bring it back to Hopkins County.”

Weddle and Gowin recognize the importance of community involvement.

“We were extremely excited about the support we received with the inaugural event a year ago,” said Gowin, who runs Superior Genetics with Weddle, his brother-in-law. “We know it takes a lot of community support to put on an event of this caliber, and the people from here have really stepped up and made this event their own.”

There are select pieces of marketing inventory available, and are priced to encourage participation by business of all sizes. Not only does a partnership with the Texas Heritage National Bank PBR Challenge help build a community brand, but it positively impacts the local economy and meets the marketing goals of area businesses.

East Texas businesses are taking advantage of this opportunity, many of whom have been on board with this event since its inception: Priefert Ranch Equipment, Daisy Outdoor Products, Alliance Bank, City National Bank, Oakes Construction/Oakes & Greene Bucking Bulls, Big Smiths Bar-B-Q, Legacy Ag Credit, Fuller’s Towing & Recovery, Farm Country, Circle E Western Store, Champion Genetics, Grocery Supply Co., Hall Oil Co. and Best Western Trail Dust Inn, along with many others.

“This enables businesses in the community to reach out to thousands of patrons who not only attend the show, but also those that will hear about the Texas Heritage National Bank PBR Challenge through a tremendous event-marketing campaign,” McLain said. “If a business would like to utilize this event as an impact marketing vehicle, they can contact Marketing Director Holly Leiferman about the opportunities that are available. Like it was a year ago, this will be the showcase event, not only in Hopkins County but also all of east Texas.”

For more information, visit cychallenge.com or e-mail holly@pbftour.com.