There's a reason marketers at Arrow Exterminators serving Edmond, Okla., feel a sponsorship involving local high school sports didn't provide the desired return on investment. The high school claims it had nothing to do with it.
As reported by Fox affiliate KOKH, Arrow Exterminators director of business development Farrah Fulps paid $1,400 through a company called Sports Promotion Network to have merchandize bearing the Arrow logo sold at Edmond North High School athletic events, but Edmond School District athletic director Mike Nunley says it has no association with the company.
"We've never talked to the company, we don't know the company," Nunley said. "We don't pass out plastic cups. We don't throw the T-shirts in the stands."
Nunley said the merchandise does get delivered to the school, but then it never gets used. "We didn't have a relationship with them," Nunley said. "They thought they were paying us. We would've gladly have setup something else at the event to get their brand out."
Fulps said she was unaware of the disconnect when she agreed to deal with Sports Promotion Network, which contacted her again this year. She says a lesson has been learned, and she recommends companies work directly with school representatives and not third parties regarding sports sponsorships. "You really do have to do your homework," Fulps said. "I mean you can't just give these people money and expect that it's being put in the right place."
Nunley said the best way to advertise with the school's athletic teams is to call the district to discuss opportunities.
