Channel Partners Swap Sponsorship

On a day that Procter & Gamble and Walmart were both named best performers in the eyes of their trading partners, according to the 2010 "PoweRanking" study from Kantar Retail, the channel partners announced they'd be swapping positions on a major sponsorship deal.

WalMart has agreed to take over as title sponsor for the annual LPGA event in Northwest Arkansas, taking over for channel partner, P&G, which will now become presenting sponsor of the same event. The $2 million tournament, previously named the P&G NW Arkansas Championship presented by Walmart, will now become known as the Walmart Northwest Arkansas Championship presented by Procter & Gamble.

“We give back locally in the communities where we operate, including Northwest Arkansas. We are proud to host the tournament and expand our support of it because the event showcases the beauty of Northwest Arkansas, one of the country’s best-kept secrets,” said Susan Chambers, executive vice president of Global People at Walmart. “We are committed to doing our part to help make our community one of the premier destinations to live and work.”

Added Jay Allen, Tournament Chairman, “We’re pleased with our progress in four years and the outstanding support we’re receiving from sponsors, volunteers and fans from throughout the region. We are well positioned for future success in Northwest Arkansas, and on behalf of all those involved we will continue to grow the event and make it better in all aspects.”

Said Jeff Schomburger, President, Customer Business Development for P&G, “We are proud of the tournament and the impact it has had on the quality of life in Northwest Arkansas. We’re also thrilled, and believe it is in the best interests of the tournament, for Walmart to become the title sponsor with P&G moving to presenting sponsor. P&G remains fully committed to the event and looks forward to working closely with Walmart to take the tournament to the next level.”