WASHINGTON, D.C., November 29, 2007 – The Nationals announced on Wednesday that GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company), a Maryland-based company, has become the first founding partner of the team as they enter their first season in Nationals Park in southeast Washington.
The Nationals are in the process of forming as many as eight founding partnerships for their first season in their new ballpark, with each of those owning branded real estate in Nationals Park or a featured promotion or fan activation element.
"We are proud to welcome GEICO as our initial Founding Partner," said Stan Kasten, president of the Nationals. "We have valued their strong support in the first three seasons since the Nationals came to Washington. Through its creative marketing and advertising, GEICO has long been recognized as a leader in its field and a company willing to think outside the box in their corporate partnerships. Their connection to our Racing Presidents, our signature in-game promotion, is a great example of that."
In the bottom of the fourth inning during every home game, the Nationals stage a mascot race featuring the four leaders of our country honored on Mount Rushmore – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt. The GEICO Gecko® has served as a finish line judge over the past year.
In addition to their sponsorship of the Presidents, GEICO's partnership with the Nationals will include a number of other assets, including signage in the new park.
Ted Ward, GEICO's vice president of marketing, said of the partnership, "We are truly excited about our expanded relationship with the Nationals and look forward to being one of their key partners in promoting the game of baseball in our Nation's Capital. Our first three years of involvement with the Nationals were tremendous and we are especially thrilled about the opportunity to be part of the opening of the new ballpark. It's going to be a fabulous facility. We look forward to participating in the excitement surrounding the opening of the park and being part of the success of the Nationals for years to come. Now if we can just get the Gecko to teach Teddy how to run a little faster."
GEICO was represented in the negotiation by Drew Mills, president of Mills Marketing and Communications, Inc., a Rockville Maryland Sports Marketing Agency.
GEICO is the fourth-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States. It provides auto insurance coverage for more than 8 million policyholders and insures more than 13 million vehicles. As a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies, GEICO is rated A++ for financial stability by A.M. Best Company and ranks at the top of several national customer satisfaction surveys. For more information, go to www.geico.com.
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the third-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States.* GEICO provides auto insurance coverage for 10 million policyholders and insures more than 16 million vehicles.
In addition to auto insurance, GEICO offers customers insurance products for their motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and mobile homes. Coverage for life, boats, homes and apartments is available through the GEICO Insurance Agency. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available.
As a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies, GEICO is rated A++ for financial strength by A.M. Best Company and ranks at the top of several national customer satisfaction surveys. For more information, go to http://www.geico.com.
*A.M. Best