MEDIA RELEASE

Charlotte 49ers Athletics Utilizing Text Message Marketing to Reach Fans

49ers Capture Mobile Numbers of 10% of Audience at Kick-Off Event

Raleigh – Dec 15, 2010 –A mobile marketing program launched by the Charlotte 49ers Athletics Department to connect with and mobilize fans returned 10 percent opt-in rate during its first use. The mobile marketing program was launched at the first event of the year called the 49er Student New Year. By using a creative promotion where students had to text in to enter to win prizes, coupled with the director of athletics addressing the crowd to encourage them to try the new texting campaign, the Charlotte 49ers have gotten a great start on developing a mobile phone database for future text messaging engagement with its student body.

"While everyone in the audience was exposed to the message, a staggering 10 percent of the audience was engaged and elected to join the 49ers mobile list to receive future messaging,” said Troy Hartmann – Managing Director of the j. simms Raleigh-Durham office, “This is a high rate of return for any marketing program and just goes to show that people are willing and ready to buy into such mobile programs."

The athletic department plans to use the text platform to further engage students and fans as well as to run unique in-game and marketplace promotions. A big focus will be student engagement and providing a direct, targeted way of letting those who opted-in to receive messages know about future game times, events and premium giveaway items.

About j. simms agency
Founded in 1995 in San Diego, j. simms agency recently expanded and has an office in Cleveland, Ohio, and Raleigh-Durham, NC. J. simms serves a host of clients in the hospitality, quick serve restaurant, automotive, sports, real estate, non-profit and government sectors.

The firm provides complete integrated marketing services, establishing brand recognition and market position for its clients through campaigns in new and traditional media. More information can be reached by visiting www.jsimmsagency.com and specifically on the mobile platform at www.mobiliquemobile.com.

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