The Epson Tour — Road to the LPGA — prepares rising stars for LPGA Tour membership

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Nov. 16, 2011 — LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan and Epson Financial Corporation CEO Tom Marra today announced that Epson, a Bellevue, Wash.-based provider of employee benefits, annuities and life insurance, has signed a multi-year agreement securing the naming rights for the Epson Tour (formerly known as the LPGA Futures Tour). Futures Tour alumnae Mo Martin and Jane Rah participated in today’s announcement at the LPGA’s season-ending CME Group Titleholders at Grand Cypress Golf Club in Orlando, Fla.

“This partnership with Epson represents an important next step in the growth of the LPGA,” said Whan. “Epson joins highly respected companies like RR Donnelley, CME Group and Kia that have increased involvement with the LPGA after positive experiences with our tours and players. We are thrilled that Epson is adding its brand name to the LPGA’s developmental tour, and we will work together with Tom Marra, a longtime supporter of the LPGA, and his team to build the Epson Tour into something even more special.”

The Tour, which began in 1981 and has served as the official developmental tour of the LPGA since 1999, offers rising stars in the women’s game an opportunity to prepare for a career on the LPGA Tour. The top 10 players on the Epson Tour money list each season earn LPGA Tour membership for the following year. Notable Tour alumnae include Lorena Ochoa, Cristie Kerr, Stacy Lewis, Christina Kim and LPGA and World Golf Halls of Fame member Karrie Webb.

Last year, Epson was the title sponsor of the LPGA developmental tour’s Epson Classic in San Antonio, Texas.

“This is an exciting day for Epson. Not only are we announcing a title sponsorship with one of the great names in sports — the LPGA — we’re unveiling a new company logo that will be part of the Epson Tour’s new identity as well,” said Marra. “Like the rising stars of the LPGA, Epson is a company on the move. So our new logo incorporates a brand icon — the swift — one of the fastest fliers in the animal kingdom. It represents the energy, speed and agility our business partners and customers expect from us in delivering valuable retirement, benefits and life insurance products. With naming rights to the Epson Tour, we have a unique opportunity to build our brand on a national scale while investing in the future of women’s professional golf.”

In addition to the Epson Tour, the company’s sports marketing portfolio includes “Epson Heroes in the Classroom” partnerships with the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers (a program honoring outstanding teachers); the “Badges for Baseball” program for at-risk youth in partnership with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation; “Together We Play,” a children’s fitness and education initiative with the Seattle Sounders (Major League Soccer); and sponsorship of PGA Tour player J.J. Henry.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Epson will receive official naming rights to the Tour, widespread branding, an online presence, customer engagement activities, clinics, tickets and hospitality programs.

Epson Signs On as Title Sponsor of LPGA Futures Tour

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