Sponsor Spotlight - Dow Undeterred; Acer Taps PR Agency; BP Stresses Olympics

Bhopal Controversy Won't Deter Dow, Says Olympics VP

The recent Bhopal controversy will not keep Dow Chemical from continuing to support the London Olympics, insists the company's officer in charge of the sponsorship.

Reuters reports that George Hamilton, VP of Olympic Operations for Dow, says the company is committed to providing technology for the Games.

Dow, which is providing a giant fabric wrap for the Olympic Stadium, has been linked to a disaster in 1984 in Bhopal, India where a pesticide plant leaked toxic gas, killing thousands in the following days and years.

In 2001, Dow bought the Union Carbide Corporation, a majority stake holder in the responsible company at the time of the incident.

Dow has continuously argued that they are not liable for the disaster, and Hamilton says organizations often use the Olympics to promote an agenda.

"It would be great to be controversy-free, but as I talk to other sponsors and other parts of the Olympic organization you realize that over the years the Olympics has been a free platform for organizations and individuals to make their points," Hamilton told Reuters.

"It's a free country and people are allowed to state their case and then take actions. They are allowed to do that.

"I can't speak for what people's motivations are, but it is what it is....this is not going to deter us, we are committed to our Olympic partnership, both in London and future Games and we are committed to delivering technology that makes it the most successful Games in the history of the Olympics."

He added that the company anticipated that people would link Dow with "legacy issues."

"We recognized when we became a sponsor that organizations and individuals would try and associate Dow with legacy issues.

"We were prepared for that. It's gone on longer than I would have anticipated, but it doesn't change our resolve."

Acer Teams Up with PR Agency

Honcho PR will assist with Acer’s public relations for the London Olympics.

According to trade publications, Acer tapped Honcho to manage its communications activities for the entire United Kingdom and increase the computer company’s brand awareness in the region.

The agency’s co-founders Amanda Slayton-Joslin and Charlotte Priest will lead the team with independent consultant Shaun Wootton.

"We’re absolutely thrilled to be working with Acer and partnering with the team to take the brand to the next level,"said Priest in the HolmesReport.

Acer is the IOC's official worldwide partner in the computing equipment category.

BP Marketing Plan Includes Olympic Sponsorship

BP will invest $500 million in marketing its brand in the U.S. over the next two years.

In an effort to revitalize its retail brand, the oil and gas giant's new marketing plan will focus on customer service and loyalty rewards. Its sponsorship of the USOC and Team USA is also included in the plans.

"In 2012 and beyond, BP’s commitment to its branded marketers will be second to none in our industry," said Doug Sparkman, president of BP’s East of Rockies Fuels Value Chain.

"Our top-quality fuel offer, improved consumer rewards programs and exclusive energy sponsorship of the U.S. OlympicCommittee and Team USA all point to this year’s convention theme of ‘winning together’ through teamwork and collaboration with our branded customers."

BP is the official energy sponsor of the USOC and Team USA through 2016.

Dow Declares Quarterly Dividend

Olympic sponsor Dow Chemical has declared a quarterly dividend of 25 cents per share.

The dividend is payable April 30, 2012 to shareholders of record on March 30, 2012. Dow has paid its shareholders cash dividends every quarter since 1912.

National Bank Supports Jamaican Team

The National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCB) will support the country’s Olympic team for the next four years.

The Jamaica Observer reports that the bank has committed nearly $140,000 to prepare athletes for regional and international games, including this year’s London Olympics and the Winter Games in Sochi in 2014.

"The 2012 Summer Olympics in London is expected to be special for Jamaicans for a number of reasons, not least of which is the anticipation of great success from our athletes during a year when Jamaica is celebrating its 50th anniversary as an independent nation and NCB is 175 years old," said Julian Patrick, sponsorship and promotions manager for NCB.

"So, we at NCB saw it fitting to deepen our support for the Jamaican sporting infrastructure, of which the (Jamaica Olympic Association) is the fulcrum."

Written by Ann Cantrell.

20 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is AroundTheRings.com, for subscribers only.