FSG Bank President and CEO Mike Kramer (left) and UTC director of athletics David Blackburn
photo by Wesley Schultz
The University of Tennessee
at Chattanooga and FSG Bank usher in the 2014-15 athletics season by introducing
a multi-year, multi-faceted partnership that will positively impact UTC
students, fans and alumni as announced today by UTC Vice Chancellor and Director
of Athletics David Blackburn and FSG Bank President
& CEO Mike Kramer.
Heralded as a first for UTC
Mocs’ fans will be a co-branded debit card that FSG Bank will roll out as a
primary component of its brand-new athletics corporate partnership, naming FSG
the “Official Bank of UTC Athletics”. The UTC Athletics Debit Card touting the
university’s “Power C” logo will be available to FSG Bank customers this fall
and can be used nationwide. Existing and new FSG Bank customers can inquire
about the specially designed card by visiting any of the 26 branches or online
at www.FSGBANK.com.
Additionally, as Official
Bank of UTC Athletics, FSG Bank will earmark funds for the establishment of an
endowment to benefit the Mocs’ Club student-athletic scholarships. This marks
another first for UTC Athletics and a generous offering by FSG, first year
corporate partners during the 2013-14 season.
“We are extremely grateful to
FSG Bank for elevating their role with UTC Athletics and becoming a front-runner
for some brand-new initiatives to benefit our campus community,” said Blackburn.
“It’s humbling to work with such outstanding companies in and surrounding
Chattanooga, and we’re honored to have FSG Bank as our first-ever ‘Official
Bank.’ It is exciting to see all that they’re doing to make this a truly great
partnership.”
Aside from category
exclusivity as official bank, the UTC Athletics Debit Card and scholarship
investment, FSG Bank will receive additional corporate partner benefits in its
new term such as the newly unveiled banner backdrop, and visibility through www.gomocs.com, print, radio, television and hospitality.
It will also continue its “Take it to the Bank” campaign surrounding Mocs’
football and men’s and women’s basketball. Last year, FSG Bank donated $15,000
to six local non-profit organizations, and this year all proceeds will benefit
the Mocs Club.
“This is an
exciting time to be a Mocs’ fan, and we are proud to be affiliated with UTC – a
phenomenal university right here in our community where we live and conduct
business,” said Kramer. “At FSG Bank, we take great pride in giving back and
investing in our community. FSG Bank and UTC Athletics have shared a vision for
our community, making this partnership a natural fit and a cornerstone of our
future.”
The FSG Bank–UTC Athletics’
partnership was secured by Learfield Sports’ Mocs Sports Properties, the
athletics multimedia rights holder for UTC. In addition to the rights
management, Mocs Sports Properties oversees all aspects of the Mocs Sports Radio
Network.
UTC is one of 99 collegiate
properties represented by Learfield Sports, which titles the prestigious
Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup with award co-founders NACDA and USA
Today. Learfield’s multimedia rights encompass numerous content distribution
platforms to deliver the passion of college athletics across radio, television
and digital networks to fans globally. Learfield’s college partners also have
access to licensing and trademark consulting, concessions and hospitality
services and professional ticket sales. For more, visit learfieldsports.com.