Conway sponsors for Indy announced
As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, Hire Heroes USA's mission is to offer transition support, job-search assistance and job-placement services to those who have honorably served in all branches of the US military – and to their spouses – to reduce veteran unemployment. Hire Heroes tries to match career interests, qualifications and transferable skills of veterans with the needs of hiring companies partnering with Hire Heroes. Veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and/or those who are wounded or disabled, receive priority. Services are provided at no cost to the veteran.
The sponsorship program is part of a bigger marketing initiative that includes an in-store component at participating 7-Eleven stores. A portion from the sale of specially-marked products during April and May will be donated to Hire Heroes USA. Tags designating the donation amounts will be featured prominently throughout the store along with a special display of participating products.
7-Eleven, now in its ninth season with Andretti Autosport, is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry and was named one of the Top 100 Military Friendly Employers, according to G.I. Jobs magazine. 7-Eleven was the primary sponsor of the team's 2004 series championship-winning entry and remains an associate sponsor on the #7 GoDaddy.com entry of Danica Patrick.
Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. (NYSE: DPS) is the leading producer of flavored beverages in North America and the Caribbean, and will feature its Dr Pepper and 7-Up brands as part of this effort. The company is a current backer of Andretti Autosport, supporting the #26 car of Marco Andretti through its Venom Energy brand and the #28 car of Ryan Hunter-Reay with the Sun Drop Citrus Soda brand. Snapple, one of the company's flagship products, is an associate sponsor of both Andretti and Hunter-Reay.
Conway, who is fourth in the IZOD IndyCar Series point standings heading into this month's Indianapolis 500, claimed his first-career series victory at the Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 17.
Conway's car at Indianapolis will be known as the #27 Hire Heroes USA/7-Eleven/Dr Pepper car.
Practice for the 2011 Indianapolis 500 begins on May 14.
Mike Conway, Driver, #27 Hire Heroes USA/7-Eleven/Dr Pepper Car:
"I'm thrilled to be representing Hire Heroes USA, 7-Eleven and Dr Pepper as part of this historic running of the Indianapolis 500. Hire Heroes is a great organization and I welcome the opportunity to help them with their mission to find jobs for veterans, especially while competing in the biggest race in the world on Memorial Day weekend."
Brian Stann, President, Hire Heroes USA:
"Memorial Day weekend is a natural time for Americans to reflect on the sacrifices made by generations of military veterans. It is easy to forget that hundreds of thousands of those same veterans – who fought for the American Dream – are struggling in the nightmare of long term unemployment. Hire Heroes USA is dedicated to the mission of ending veteran unemployment and restoring pride to those that formerly wore their country's uniform. Together with 7-Eleven and Dr Pepper, we are pleased to support Mike Conway and the #27 Andretti Autosport team as they drive awareness of this incredibly important cause."
Jesus Delgado-Jenkins, Senior Vice President of Merchandising, Marketing and Logistics,
7-Eleven Inc.:
"Promoting Hire Heroes on Mike Conway's car running in the Indianapolis 500 dramatically increases the awareness of this organization's important work. 7-Eleven, its franchisees and several key suppliers also are supporting Hire Heroes though our in-store fundraising campaign."
Bruce Maples, National Chairman, National Coalition of Associations of 7-Eleven Franchisees:
"7-Eleven franchisees first got involved with the Hire Heroes organization last year and really believe in the importance of its mission. Many of our customers are race fans, and 7-Eleven offers them an opportunity to support this worthy organization."
David McMichael, Vice President National Accounts, Convenience and Gas,
Dr Pepper Snapple:
"We are proud to partner with winning organizations like Hire Heroes, 7-Eleven and Andretti Autosport. The work Hire Heroes is doing to find employment for returning veterans of the United States Armed Forces is both inspiring and patriotic. We are excited to showcase the Hire Heroes organization on Mike Conway's car during this year’s Indianapolis 500."