The Soft Pitch

Community pride…This is the 2nd time the Cardinal’s have been featured on our home page…for once it’s about their ability…let’s see what happend tonite vs Panthers.

Because Sports Illustrated put Larry Fitzgerald on the cover I would say our chances have diminished. That jynx is real.

The first time is what i want to write about…when we invested in a suite with them approx 8 years ago…it was our first time our company ever committed to a suite contract with a sports team for entertainment. The goal was simple to enhance and build our realtionships with customers and suppliers. Emails dont always do the trick. Being able to gab and interface with people without having to sit down was key and staying out of the hot sun of AZ was the best reason until they built a beautiful stadium. 

The NFL games are nice but the thing that swayed us all was the Cardinals support behind the scenes as a partner…let me describe the real key element; our Community Relations VP Teri Radosevich worked with the Cards on a program they consistently do. In this case Teri asked for over 60 7-8th graders from a school that was focused on kids who were homeless and living in shelters or even in cars, arrived after school to the Cardinal’s practice facility in Tempe. They got a Subway sandwich snack*, tour, saw the cheerleaders practice (of course I helped the kids get to them to that area on time) and learned different skill football lessons…they had quite a few helpers, but the leader of all this was their star quarterback Jake Plummer who also gave them a short speech on staying in school, teamwork etc.  He was terriffic and never jsut showed up and left…he really played with the kids. That was one of my best days in my career…the smiles were priceless.   

 * many took home for supper

The story and photos graced our site and started us on a path of a great partnership with the team and how to impact the community even more than just sending a check to an agency.  Our brand has been enhanced due to many community programs…well this is just one that kick started us here w sports teams. Locally the D Backs, Suns and Coyotes also have been there with us too.  Community involvement and partnerships can payoff in so many ways.

I do not know the on field players, but I do know or have met all the front office players…Mr Bidwill, Michael, Ron, Adam, Cari and many others….now they are all-stars….and have been those many years. Customer service and support is foremost to them. Thanks

You folks deserve a WIN in my book.   Go Cards

I must say something about our Arizona Cardinals winning their first playoff game at home in 60 years…correct 60 years versus Atlanta. I had a great time…fans were awesome…noise had to make a difference…

The best sign was “it must be freezing in hell” referencing the fact the Cardinals would ever win. I have had the opportunity to meet the Bidwills (owners) and know their front office folks…could not be happier for them.

I did notice quite a few seats not filled, because Atlanta folks did not travel to the game and ticket costs were almost doubled by NFL, so some season ticket holders just said no mas, and watched on TV. Had to laugh the NFL now is not going to raise their Super Bowl prices from $800 to $1000. Gee thanks….I’m sure kids will now be able to go.  FYI, I went to Super Bowl in 1985 (da bears) tickets cost a whopping $75.

My big concern; have u noticed lack of attendance at bowl games? The economy is hurting fans from traveling and spending $…AGAIN the ncaa IS dumb and dumber…there are like 750 (ok 3 dozen) bowl games, so enthusiasm is not always there…which is killing the travel and hotel industry, local merchants and resturants (I have spoken to a couple of these owners here) that count on the revenue. Like the automotive, banking, retail, consumer products and technology just another area of our economy which is being affected in USA.

Last comment: if any bank or finance industry executives are getting rumored bonuses after this bail out by tax payers…they should be exposed and arrested…along with the stupid politicans who put no strings on the money.

My list:

10) To make sure everyone knows America’s team is NOT the Dallas Cowboys

9) Lose 25 lbs

Have a great 60th birthday party month (not day)

7) Raise more money than ‘08 even in a down economy for the Maag Toy Foundation…

6) Avoid heart attack watching Cubs this season and….win a world series

5) Build 1st stage of Chicago 16″ Softball Hall of Fame and continue to market the great sport

4) Enjoy Arizona Cardinals in 1st of many playoff games

3) Challenge, workand enjoy my staff even more to accomplish more with tighter budgets and have more fun

2) Help educate our employees so Avnet can be more green, have fun, use social media and help in the assocaitions and communities we serve to make a difference and enhance our brand.

1) Make sure our journalist community is well aware of our talented people, interesting and innovative things we are doing to make Avnet the leading technology distributor and marketer…and give examples of our corporate culture and personality that accelerate the success of our business partners.