Regions Financial Corp. renews sponsorship

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Regions Financial Corporation announced today that it has renewed its commitment as title sponsor of the Regions Charity Classic through 2011. The Regions Charity Classic is a premier Champions Tour event that fields well-known PGA TOUR players age 50 and older. Rated as the number one golf event on the Champions Tour by Sports Illustrated in both 2001 and 2004, the Regions Charity Classic provides significant economic impact to the Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan community and has generated almost $10 million in donations to local charities over the life of the tournament.

"As title sponsor of the Regions Charity Classic, we help support local charities while providing a significant economic impact on this region and making life better in our home community," said Dowd Ritter, chairman, president and CEO of Regions Financial Corporation. "We are part of a proud tradition that allows us to thank our customers, associates and community with a premier golfing event right in our own backyard. We believe people can expect more from Regions, and our continued support of this tournament demonstrates this belief."

In 1991, Angelo Bruno and his son, Ronald, combined their business skills and their love for golf to bring a major Champions Tour event to the Birmingham area. This event was to provide first-class golf entertainment while raising money for Alabama charities. In 2005, Regions Financial Corporation signed on as the title sponsor of the Charity Classic, and Bruno's Supermarkets continued its tournament support as the presenting sponsor. Over the past 17 years, the tournament has contributed almost $10 million in donations to local charities and provided significant economic impact to the area.

"We are extremely gratified that Regions has renewed its commitment to the Charity Classic for another three years," said Rick George, president, Champions Tour, and executive vice president, Championship Management. "Their associate volunteers' dedication to the tournament, along with their stature in Birmingham and the financial services industry, make them an ideal title sponsor. This tournament is revered by Champions Tour players, which is a true testament to Regions' leadership."

"Regions is a class act and supports the Charity Classic well beyond its financial commitment," said Gene Hallman, executive director of the Bruno Event Team, manager of the Regions Charity Classic. "There is a strong correlation between the strength of a Tour event and its title sponsor. Regions will continue to bring tremendous vitality to this Champions Tour event."