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4. How can our cooperatives use the Touchstone Energy balloons? ADVERTISING: The Touchstone Energy balloons provide a variety of advertising opportunities. More than 5 million spectators attend balloon events annually nationwide and several million more see our balloons in the air. Hot air balloons are universally fascinating with a broad audience appeal. Their unique size and dynamic colors, plus the peacefulness of their movement almost guarantee the attention of conventional media, such as TV, radio and newspapers, drawing even greater exposure. Some of the more popular balloon events in the U.S. draw between 40,000 - 1.1 million people. The Touchstone Energy Cooperatives logo on the balloon serves as a giant, colorful and dynamic billboard, whether flying overhead or tethered at a key location. Hot air balloon advertising makes a big impression on spectators. Balloon advertising is typically made without the appearance of overt commercialism. The retention level of a balloon is very strong, with respondents easily remembering balloons while often forgetting billboards or other forms of advertising. People seeing the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives balloon will remember it for a long time. PUBLIC RELATIONS: The Touchstone Energy balloons are a colorful and friendly medium for promoting the values of Touchstone Energy Cooperatives and its member-Cooperatives. It can be used in any number of promotional activities including, football games, annual community festivals, state or county fairs, parades and school demonstrations. The pilots and flight crew also provide unique public relations opportunities for Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. They are knowledgeable of Touchstone Energy Cooperatives and the sport of ballooning, and are available for special activities, including autograph sessions, presentations on Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, ballooning, and other topics, press conferences associated with balloon events, balloon rides, and giving out Touchstone Energy Cooperatives' mementos. FUNDRAISING: The Touchstone Energy balloons are a highly visible means of demonstrating good corporate citizenship at civic and philanthropic events. Everyday the balloons are flown, a monetary contribution is made on behalf of the sponsoring member-Cooperative(s) to a local charity. This fundraising purpose can be expanded to other fundraising events or activities coordinated with the use of the balloons. |
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