Published: July 02, 2008 10:54 pm         

State Fair, Southern States sign contract

FAIRLEA — The State Fair of West Virginia and Southern States Inc. have signed a contract for a five-year facility sponsorship designed to reap benefits for both the annual exposition and the cooperative which has agriculture at its core.

According to a press release issued by the State Fair, the largest livestock building on the fairground has been renamed the Southern States Livestock Arena.

“It’s a landmark,” said Marlene Pierson-Jolliffe, manager of the State Fair, in describing the building which is the site of the livestock shows.

“We’re getting sponsorship and marketing support,” she added. “This deal also will provide financial support to the State Fair.”

Pierson-Jolliffe credits James Rising, manager of Southern States in Ronceverte, with the fair’s decision to link up with the farm-based cooperative.

“He was instrumental in the move,” said Pierson-Jolliffe. “He understands marketing and sponsorship,” she added.

“It’s exciting to have a sponsorship of that level in our market. They are common but in larger (fair) markets,” she explained.

According to Pierson-Jolliffe, enhancements already are planned for the arena while she and Rising are finalizing plans for State Fair promotions for Southern States customers.

Rising shares Pierson-Jolliffe’s enthusiasm for the Southern States’ title sponsorship with the State Fair.

“As a farmer-owned cooperative, the fair is a perfect venue for us to interact with so many of our current and future members,” said Rising.

He pointed out that because cattle, which are shown in the re-named arena, are an important part of the area’s economy, it makes the decision to partner with the State Fair even more sound.

According to Rising, the 20 Southern States stores closest to the State Fair will be involved in the promotions including Covington, Troutville and Bedford in the Old Dominion and Marlinton, Summersville, Oak Hill and Ronceverte in the Mountain State.

“There will be registration boxes at each store and we’ll have drawings for free tickets to the State Fair,” noted Rising. “We’re also going to distribute the seeds,” he said. The 2008 State Fair Garden Party giant zinnia seed packets are a promotional tool for the coming exposition slated for Aug. 8-16.

Rising is quick to point out that the primary goal of the partnership is to give back to the community.

“Through our partnership with the State Fair, we are supporting the youth in our area,” Rising explained.