LAKE PLACID, N.Y. -- Stewart's Shops has committed to again team with the Empire State Winter Games (ESWG) in 2012, making the convenience store chain the first sponsor to do so. Stewart's Shops is confirmed as an Official Bronze Level Sponsor of the 2012 Empire State Winter Games, scheduled for February 2-5 in Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Wilmington, N.Y.
A regional coalition came together one year ago to continue the legacy of the ESWG when New York State's budget crunch eliminated the competitions. Stewart's Shops saw the value of ESWG, a tradition that began in 1980 just weeks after the Lake Placid Olympic Winter Games, and partnered with organizers for the 2011 edition.
"Community involvement is an important part of Stewart's culture, of what makes Stewart's work," said Gary Dake, president of Stewart's Shops. "We are an employee and family-owned company, and we believe that giving back to the communities we serve is the right thing to do."
The Bronze Level Sponsor designation allows Stewart's the use of the ESWG logo in its promotional material, placement in ESWG promotional and informational materials, venue signage, opportunity for product samplings, ski passes to Whiteface, VIP passes for bobsled rides, sponsorship of one sport and other benefits.
As it did a year ago, Stewart's Shops will offer assistance for the ESWG Torch Run leading into the Opening Ceremony on February 2 in the Lake Placid Olympic Center. Stewart's will provide hot chocolate and cookies at its various locations along the route.
"It's terrific to have the renewed commitment and support from Stewart's Shops," said James McKenna, CEO of the Lake Placid Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), whose organization is leading the joint local effort. "As a successful, home-grown company, they exemplify the state's athletes for whom we continue the tradition of the Games."
Saratoga Springs, N.Y.-based Stewart's Shops is an employee and family-owned convenience store chain known for milk, ice cream, coffee, food to go, gasoline and more. There are about 330 Stewart's Shops located in more than 30 counties across upstate New York and southern Vermont.
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