Oct. 18, 2006
FAIRBANKS, AK - Director of Athletics Forrest Karr announced one of the largest corporate partnerships ever entered into by the UAF Department of Athletics in a press conference held at the Patty Center Wednesday afternoon.
Toyota Motor Sales-USA and Auto Service Company of Fairbanks have joined forces to provide the Alaska Nanooks with a five-year agreement valued at $321,000. Also included in the agreement is the use of one courtesy vehicle per year for Alaska's head volleyball coach.
"Toyota is very proud to partner with John Hill, owner of Auto Service Company Toyota, to be a corporate sponsor of the University of Alaska Fairbanks and a great opportunity to give back to a great community who has supported Toyota for over 40 years," said Clyde Dyson, General Manager-Portland Region for Toyota.
The partnership with Toyota and Auto Service Company will grant the Nanooks much needed funds to put towards athletic scholarships and Patty Center Gymnasium upgrades. Improvements to be made on the Nanooks' home court include the purchase and addition of a new courtside scorer's table and wall pads that incorporate the Alaska Nanooks new logos. Toyota will also have a new dasher board at the Carlson Center during hockey games.
UAF Chancellor Steve Jones was pleased with the agreement.
"We are proud to have wonderful supporters like Toyota and John Hill with Auto Service Company within our community," Jones said.
"John has always been a major supporter of UAF but this extended partnership takes it to a new level. Toyota's generosity will play a major role in improving our Patty Center facility but most importantly will provide direct financial support to student-athletes in the form of scholarships."
Karr echoed Jones' sentiments.
"We admire John's energy, leadership, friendship and support and we look forward to working alongside both Auto Service Company and Toyota," he said.
Auto Service Company also extended its agreement as title sponsor of the Auto Service Company Nanook Classic, UAF's annual volleyball tournament, three more years through 2009.
"Toyota and Auto Service Company are extremely thankful for the support the Fairbanks community has shown over the last 40 years," said Hill, Owner of Auto Service Co. Toyota. "We are excited to begin to give back by supporting UAF Athletics."
Additionally, a Toyota Player of the Game will be selected for each Alaska Nanooks home athletic event and away hockey games on behalf Toyota & Auto Service Company. The Toyota Player of the Game will be announced at the conclusion of each event and a certificate will be awarded to each designee.
"Thank you to Toyota and Auto Service Company for their continued support of the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Alaska Nanook Athletics," Jones added.
