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Browns' roster nearly devoid of consistent players
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Does it work? Test team returns to try out new products advertised on television
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Health Care Financing Reform: (69) The Brookings Institute Study on "Bending the Curve" – Four General Strategies
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Silverdome Potentially SOLD!
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Nintendo's Mario endures even as games come and go
Struggling organization ends fiscal year with deficit, seeks help selling sponsorships for next year's race
By Katie Byard
Beacon Journal staff writer
Published on Tuesday, Dec 02, 2008
The All-American Soap Box Derby, struggling with a deficit, has hired a Cleveland marketing firm to line up sponsors.
Last summer marked the first time in a decade that the derby ran without a national sponsor. The last title sponsor, Levi Strauss Signature, backed out in fall 2007.
Derby officials said Monday that they have hired new Cleveland marketing firm Metric$ Media to sign up sponsors for next year's event.
The 72nd annual All-American Soap Box Derby world championship will be July 25 at Akron's Derby Downs.
Derby President Jim Huntsman said Metric$ Media won't focus just on title sponsors.
''The goal is just revenue in general,'' Huntsman said, ''whether it's a title sponsor, regional or local sponsor.''
Huntsman and immediate past Treasurer Jack Engelke confirmed Monday that the organization wrapped up the fiscal year Sept. 30 with a deficit. Engelke, now an at-large board member, said accountants are still reviewing the books to determine the size of the shortfall in the roughly $2 million budget.
The derby has faced financial difficulties before. Its income dropped from $1.4 million in 2004 to about $769,000 in 2006, according to the organization's IRS forms.
The city helped the derby out by advancing it $300,000 in 2007 and again in 2008. The money is revenue from two gas wells.
Engelke and Huntsman said they are optimistic the derby can broaden its sponsorship base.
''We know we have a very good product,'' Engelke said. ''Our real product is family fun.''
He and Huntsman noted that participation in the All-American has increased along with the kinds of derby events offered.
The number of cars at last
year's derby topped more than 600, a record.
Huntsman said the derby has added several U.S. cities to the list of those offering local races. Also, he said, the derby is hoping to line up additional foreign sites.
Engelke said that given the weak economy, ''it's just really an uphill battle'' raising money.
But, he said, ''we think ultimately the answer is going to be we're going to have a lot more sponsors giving us fewer dollars.''
Previously, the derby has relied on large sponsors, a Chevrolet or a NASCAR, to give major financial boosts.
Huntsman said Metric$ Media would be paid a percentage of the sponsorship dollars it lands.
Metric$ Media, formed this year by three partners who are former radio station executives, specializes in sponsorship sales, said partner Steve Legerski.
Metric$ Media also is working with the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, selling sponsorships for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Cleveland in January, as well as an American Collegiate Hockey Association event in Cleveland in March.
Legerski, who sold sponsorship for the Cleveland Grand Prix, said the firm ''will be looking for people from title sponsorships to local sponsorships in any amount in any increment.''
Huntsman said the last time the derby had an agent selling sponsorships was a few years ago, when NASCAR teamed up with Brand Sense, a marketing company in Los Angeles.
Katie Byard can be reached at 330-996-3781 or kbyard@thebeaconjournal.com.
The All-American Soap Box Derby, struggling with a deficit, has hired a Cleveland marketing firm to line up sponsors.
Get the full article here.
Comments
Click here to post your comments
Akron, OH
Posted 07:28 AM, 12/02/2008
Katie, dear lady, it would have been better for the readers, iff'n y'all had outlined the some items that the Derby has to pay for from that enormous budget. Don't forget to list the items they charge for, like answerin' the phone, drivin' by to make sure the gates are locked, and little things like that.
Payroll shouldn't be an issue, since ever-buddy involved with the Derby should be volunteers.
akron, oh
Posted 08:03 AM, 12/02/2008
It is going to be tough sledding for all non-profits. It will only get worse. The City Hall hero has his own problems with the Recall and the
Cleveland Mafia Connection.
Posted 08:09 AM, 12/02/2008
Is this Akron, Ohio or are we a suburb of Cleveland?
Are there no advertising firms in Akron, (should be willing to do this pro-bono). Why do we have to hire out of city firms to do our local activities. Here is a good time for Goodyear and Firestone to forget their competing and band together to sponsor the National Soap Box Derby. There are other local companies that could pitch in and continue to make this the event of the year. I can remember way back to the 50's when I was proud to say I was from Akron, Ohio--home of the Soap Box Derby.
Posted 08:28 AM, 12/02/2008
Me too Pat. Never raced a car, but marched in that parade several times. Loved every minute of it. Lets not get carried away with all the "stuff" in our daily lives, and forget something so symbolic of a much easier time and place; not to mention genuine family fun and involvement. Come on corps: step up here. A little goes a long long way.
Akron, OH
Posted 08:55 AM, 12/02/2008
$600,000 in bailouts from out of taxpayers' pockets w/o a say? My, The Don is generous with our loot. Whether you agree or not, next time the Derby comes begging at Don's dusty doorstep, it should go on the ballot.
akron, oh
Posted 09:39 AM, 12/02/2008
Now if I had my druthers, I would fund the derby over a million dollars to some Israeli for profit incubator.Donny spend money to fly to china with his entourage--how about the kids donny.
Posted 09:50 AM, 12/02/2008
When I was younger, I raced in the derby for three years. It was one of the best father/son experiances that I can remember. This makes me sad to see them having trouble. They may need to think of new ideas to revamp the derby. Make is new and exciting again.
Posted 09:53 AM, 12/02/2008
The DERBY is an American Tradition - and we need events like this more than ever. The values it teaches youth is rare in this world of video & digital. I would welcome the oppurtunity to work with the DERBY as a Sponsor. www.logohio.com
My Heart Is In K-Town, .
Posted 11:08 AM, 12/02/2008
Good suggestion about local Companies assisting with marketing of the Derby. Many already contribute financially, but others have the Marketing expertise. We need more positive ideas like this.
...for the not so good comments, and to those who can't constructively support this city, go blog on The Plain Dealer or find something else to do.
Posted 12:16 PM, 12/02/2008
another thought--how about LeBron contributing something to his hometown. It would sure set a cgood example how important his hometown is to him.
Akron, OH
Posted 02:42 PM, 12/02/2008
Then we all agree: Innovation, fiscal responsibility and accountability on the part of Derby management, coupled with corporate community support and individual endowments (step up for your hometown, LeBoob), equals keeping the Soap Box Derby on the map for Akron.
Posted 10:31 AM, 12/05/2008
Please know that the Derby has explored hundreds of options for help. The CEO, staff and Board are constantly searching for assistance in finding sponsors and developing marketing ideas.
