Recent Releases
January 28, 2008 The Principal Charity Classic is 'Most Improved Event'
in First Year with New Title and Presenting Sponsor
(West Des Moines, Iowa) – The Principal Charity Classic, sponsored by the Principal Financial Group®, has been named one of the top five events of the PGA Champions Tour, ranking fourth out of 26 events in 2007. Presented by Wells Fargo and hosted by the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation, The Principal Charity Classic was also recognized by the Champions Tour as the "Most Improved Event". The Principal® became the title sponsor of the tournament in 2007, formerly known as The Allianz Championship. The Allianz Championship ranked 20 out of 27 events in 2006.
"This latest recognition simply adds to the overwhelming success The Principal Charity Classic has experienced. More than 60,000 people attended last year's event, helping to raise $575,000 'FORE Our Kids'" said J. Barry Griswell, chairman and CEO of The Principal. "We are proud to be recognized by the Champions Tour, and look forward to meeting — and exceeding — our success this summer."
The Principal Financial Group and Wells Fargo have committed to title and presenting sponsor (respectively) of The Principal Charity Classic through 2010.
The Champions Tour annually awards its events for outstanding performances based on the following criteria:
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Attendance
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Previous year's revenue generation
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Community integration
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Generated charity dollars
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Title sponsor integration
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Pro-Am experience
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Fan experience
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On-site presentation
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Co-branding
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Honorary observer integration
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Host organization structure
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Marketing plan integration
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Financial reserves/assets
A panel of judges consisting of 12 Champions Tour officials, including President Rick George, decides the winner of each category.
"This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, board, volunteers, sponsors and fans who together orchestrated a first-class Champions Tour event in Central Iowa," said Mark Oman, senior executive vice president of Wells Fargo. "It's an honor to be recognized as a top Champions Tour event among others throughout the United States."
The Principal Charity Classic also received four "Brassie Awards," for advertising and marketing — first place for ticket brochure; runner-up for television advertisement; runner up for radio advertisement; and runner up for outdoor advertisement.
"The impact of The Principal Charity Classic is felt far beyond the event itself. Funds raised 'FORE Our Kids' benefit thousands of our community youth through the five chosen charities," noted Johnny Danos, president of the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation. "We thank the Champions Tour, the tournament's corporate sponsors, and all involved in making it such a successful event."
About The Principal Charity Classic presented by Wells Fargo
The Principal Charity Classic, presented by Wells Fargo, is an annual Champions Tour event at Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines. The 2008 tournament will be held May 26-June 1. The Greater Des Moines Community Foundation plays host to the event, which is focused on philanthropic giving for designated "FORE Our Kids" charities: Blank Children's Hospital, Bravo Greater Des Moines, Greater Des Moines Community Foundation, United Way of Central Iowa and Variety-The Children's Charity.
About the Principal Financial Group
The Principal Financial Group® (The Principal®)1 is a leader in offering businesses, individuals and institutional clients a wide range of financial products and services, including retirement and investment services, life and health insurance, and banking through its diverse family of financial services companies. A member of the Fortune 500, the Principal Financial Group has $306 billion in assets under management2 and serves some 18.3 million customers worldwide from offices in Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America and the United States. Principal Financial Group, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol PFG. For more information, visit www.principal.com.
1) "The Principal Financial Group" and "The Principal" are registered trademarks of Principal Financial Services, Inc., a member of the Principal Financial Group.
2) As of September 30, 2007.
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