For M ore Information:
Mike Hausmann
NHSRA M edia Coordinator
1-800-466-4772, ext. 213
mike@nhsra .org
www.nhsra .org
March 5, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHSRA Welcomes "US Rodeo Supply" As New Sponsor
Denver, Colorado - The National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) is pleased to welcome "US Rodeo Supply" as a new sponsor of the organization. Founded in April of 2001, US Rodeo Supply is based in Des Moines, Iowa and is proud to be the complete equipment vendor for rodeo athletes of every event. Per the company's new sponsorship, it will become known as the "Official Roughstock Rodeo Gear of the National High School Rodeo Association and the NHSRA Wrangler Division."
Traditionally, the vast majority of the company's business has been through its website and specialty catalog. However, the firm recently opened up a new store measuring approximately 7,000 square feet that serves as a combined distribution center and retail space. A new mobile unit will also help to expand the business as well.
Matt Owen, who founded the company and also serves as Chairman / CEO, says that it was time for the business to further progress onto the national scene after its history of working with state and regional rodeo associations. "Working with the NHSRA just seemed like a perfect fit for us," Owen says. "It's a great match demographically, since we are interested in youth and greatly appreciate the NHSRA's focus on morals and good family values. A lot of our clientele are already involved in high school rodeo. So this was an easy decision for us.
Traditionally, the vast majority of our business is with bull riding. But over time, we've expanded our line gradually to focus on the other events as well." "Rodeo, for the most part, overlays with my core beliefs," Owen continued. " It was amazing to see how dedicated these rodeo families were, traveling around the country going from event to event and from one national finals to another. On another level, I also really like the idea that the NHSRA focuses so much on scholarships and education."
Owen also says that he is confident that this will be a very long- term partnership with the Association, adding that his overall goal is to provide the best customer service possible to all rodeo athletes and clientele. "Ultimately, we want to build more relationships with the families who are involved in rodeo," he explains. "Our name is gaining a great reputation and we want to further that goal. I view us more as a technology company than a rodeo company, because we are pushing the edge on how we run our business. We do our business, which focuses on 'e-commerce' right now, in a very non- traditional manner. There are not many typical western stores that stock the items that we do. Quite simply, we don't do apparel or boots. We specialize in rodeo equipment for all events. We also have some ranch and lifestyle products as well. But our overall focus right now is to build the very best product line that fully supports all rodeo events. And we also encourage feedback and hope to get as much as possible from athletes, parents, and rodeo supporters ."
NHSRA Executive Director, Kent L. Sturman, notes that the addition of the company to the Association's sponsor roster is a welcome sight. "We are so proud to announce this new partnership with US Rodeo Supply," Sturman says. "In just seven short years, the company has created a wonderful reputation for "top of the line" quality and overall excellence. Having a new partnership with U S Rodeo Supply is a terrific addition to the NHSRA that will undoubtedly be a great relationship for years to come."
For more information on US Rodeo Supply, please call toll free 1- 877- 728- 4766 or visit their comprehensive website which is located at www.usrodeosupply.com.
The NHSRA is one of the fastest growing youth organizations in the nation, with an annual membership of over 10,500 students from forty-one U .S. states, five Canadian provinces, and Australia. The Association sanctions over 1,100 rodeos on an annual basis. The NHSRA is governed by a national Board of Directors, which consists of one member from each state or province. A staff at the national headquarters in Denver, Colorado handles the day- to-day operations. For more information on the NHSRA, visit the Association's official website located at www.nhsra.org.
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