Jeff Fisk of Cowles Nissan/Chrysler-Plymouth; Debbie Dever of Money Mailer and Jay Richardson of the Potomac Nationals pose with the 2005 PT Cruiser that is the center of their collaborative marketing campaign. The car will be given away in a drawing on August 19 at a Nationals game. |
If two heads are better than one, then the partnership among three Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce members is a grand slam. When Money Mailer of Northern Virginia wanted to do a regional advertising campaign, Debbie Dever, owner of Money Mailer of Eastern Prince William, turned to her fellow Chamber members, Jay Richardson of the Potomac Nationals and Kevin Runey of Cowles Nissan/Chrysler-Plymouth.
Money Mailer provides a targeted system for businesses to reach local consumers through their well-recognized direct mailings that come in an over-sized red, white and blue envelope filled with money saving coupons. Debbie and
the Money Mailer franchise owners were looking for a way to encourage even more people to open the Money Mailer envelope, while building excitement in the community.
Working with Jay Richardson of the Potomac Nationals, who was interested in a campaign that would give something to baseball fans, the two developed an idea for a car give-away, bringing Kevin Runey of Cowles Nissan/Chrysler-Plymouth on board. The contest will engage the community in a variety of ways, creating exposure for all three businesses, in what is sure to be a win-win-win arrangement.
Throughout the baseball season, a 2005 PT Cruiser courtesy of Cowles Nissan/Chrysler-Plymouth will be displayed at Pfitzner Stadium, home of the Nationals. The final drawing for the Money Mailer PT Cruiser Giveaway will take place at the August 19 game. One of the 15 final qualifiers will win the car, although the actually car provided may vary.
The Potomac Nationals, formerly known as the Cannons, have been a presence in Prince William since their local debut in 1984. The franchise is a supporter of having major league baseball in the area, and has a development deal with the Washington Nationals. The Potomac Nationals looks for ways to engage and give back to the community, running promotions such as $1 game night and Neighborhood Champions Day, which honors local heroes.
“I love that we will be giving away a new car at the August 19 game. It doesn’t happen every day. It’s exciting that I was able to work with other Regional Chamber members to offer this to the fans,” said Jay.
All three businesses have increased exposure during the promotional period during the promotional period because there are three ways to qualify for the final drawing: finding an instant qualifier in Money Mailer envelopes, being selected from program entry forms turned in at Nationals games or being chosen from test drive entries turned in at Cowles Nissan/Chrysler-Plymouth. Additionally, the contest will be advertised on billboards and radio and in Nationals programs and newspapers.
Cowles Nissan/Chrysler-Plymouth strives to fill the automobile needs of the community, including the sale of new and used vehicles and vehicle servicing. The incentive that the car give-away provides for people to visit the showroom is what made this campaign a winning proposition for Cowles, giving its dealers an opportunity to demonstrate all that they have to offer.
Said Debbie, “Doing business with Chamber members makes good business sense, because we promote each other.”
Jay agrees, adding “It takes the connections we make at Chamber events to the next level,” and then he suggests, “Take a look at who you have met through the Chamber, who has common interests. There is sure to be a beneficial business partnership waiting to happen.”
