DCI Names First-Ever Major Regional Event Title Sponsor

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Coltrin & Associates, a globally recognized strategic communications firm, today announced that it is pleased to be the title sponsor of Drum Corps International’s 2006 Coltrin & Associates Southeastern Championship, which will be held on July 29th at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The event will showcase the highest levels of artistry and athleticism.

This event marks the first competition held at a major stadium to be sponsored by a strategic communications firm and the first time Drum Corps International, the world leader in professional-level marching performance featuring the world’s most elite musician-athletes, has named a title sponsor for a major regional event.

“As the title sponsor of the 2006 Coltrin & Associates Southeastern Championship, we are proud to support this outlet for passion, commitment and expression,” said Stephen H. Coltrin, Chief Executive Officer, Coltrin & Associates. “I have seen first-hand the hard work, discipline and dedication that is required to participate in this spectacular, life-changing activity. The level of expertise the corps achieve approaches the professional quality of the Boston Pops, the New York Philharmonic or Broadway. Drum Corps International is unsurpassed in its ability to encourage excellence and commitment that will serve participants throughout their lives in any endeavor.”

Coltrin was introduced to Drum Corps International through his then 14-year-old son, Wilson, who is an active participant in the drum corps activity. He has been impressed with the personal growth and development Wilson has experienced through his membership in the Jersey Surf, a Drum Corps International unit based in southern New Jersey.

Coltrin & Associates, a firm whose professional portfolio includes top brands such as 3Com Corporation, Del Monte Royal Foods, Salt Lake Olympic Organizing Committee, U.S. Olympic Committee, Sony, Reebok, Burger King, Federated, Palm, BASF, Marriott and many others, is a long-time supporter and advocate for education. Since 1992, Coltrin & Associates, together with the International Radio & Television Society Foundation, Inc. (IRTS), has presented the Coltrin Award for Excellence in Communications Education and the Coltrin Professor of the Year Award to the nation’s top Communications educators.

Coltrin serves as vice-chairman of the IRTS Foundation, and sits on the board of directors for other nonprofit organizations and publicly traded companies. The firm also acts as Drum Corps International’s communications agency of record.

“Through support of sponsors like Coltrin & Associates, we are able to provide a music and performance education experience that takes students beyond the classroom and gives them a stage to showcase their talents as they perform in major stadiums across the nation,” said Dan Acheson, Chief Executive Officer, Drum Corps International. “Drum Corps International’s mission is more than creating world-class marching performances; our goal is to enable our performers with the skills and values needed to become world-class citizens.”

The Coltrin & Associates Southeastern Championship marks Drum Corps International’s return to the Atlanta market for a major regional event after a more than 20-year hiatus. The event will feature a simultaneous combination of complex musical arrangements, intricate dance routines and fast-moving formations from the top drum and bugle corps in the world. The competition is one of the final stops along the organization’s nation-wide Summer Music Games Tour.

Drum Corps International expects an impressive turnout for the event, as tickets sales have already exceeded expectations. Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster and can be purchased at the Georgia Dome box office the day of the event. The Summer Music Games Tour will culminate with the Drum Corps International World Championships in Madison, Wis., which will be held August 8-12.

About Coltrin & Associates
Coltrin & Associates is a global, full-service strategic communications firm. Coltrin created the concept of the Electronic Footprint® to provide clients with a virtual report card by which customers and investors can analyze any company’s management, products and services. Coltrin & Associates was the agency of record for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. Today, the firm represents a broad list of clients in diverse industries. Coltrin & Associates together with the International Radio and Television Society Foundation annually bestow the Coltrin Communications Professor of the Year Award.

A recognized figure in business, broadcasting and the media community, Stephen H. Coltrin was one of 2001’s Honorary Vice Chairmen for Broadcasting & Cable’s Hall of Fame Awards. He is listed in Who’s Who in America, and has been listed in Who’s Who in The World and Who’s Who in the East and Who’s Who in American Advertising. In October 2003, Mr. Coltrin was named the “Leo Hindery Media Ethics and Values Speaker of the Year” at Emerson College in Boston and in 2004 he was presented with the prestigious Chapel of Four Chaplains’ Legion of Honor Award for integrity, compassion and camaraderie.

Recognized by major global brands from the Salt Lake Olympic Organizing Committee to Burger King, Coltrin & Associates specializes in utilizing communications as a comprehensive turnaround strategy. For more information visit www.coltrin.com.

About Drum Corps International
From modest beginnings more than three decades ago, Drum Corps International (DCI) has developed into a powerful, nonprofit, global youth organization with far-reaching artistic, educational and organizational influence. DCI is now recognized as the world leader in producing and sanctioning competitive marching music and related stadium events for youth. For additional information on the Summer Music Games Tour, Drum Corps International or the competing groups, go to www.DCI.org or contact Drum Corps International at (630) 628-7888. Drum Corps International is located at 470 South Irmen Drive, Addison, IL 60101.

Posted by on Thursday, July 27th, 2006. Filed under DCI World.