Zurich renews title sponsorship through 2014

text size

NEW ORLEANS -- Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) CEO James J. Schiro announced today that the company is extending its title sponsorship of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans through 2014. The announcement was made during an Economic Summit held at TPC Louisiana to discuss the economic impact the tournament has on the area. Zurich first began sponsoring the tournament in 2005.

RELATED

Round 1 Tee Times
Inside the Course
Inside the Field
Player Spotlight: Kenny Perry
Former winners
Power Rankings

"Zurich remains committed to the children in the area who benefit through our partnership with the PGA TOUR and the Fore!Kids Foundation and to the city and the people of New Orleans," said Schiro. "Our sponsorship has allowed us to build relationships, both locally and with key business partners, while helping to enhance the Zurich brand in the U.S. market. I am confident it will continue to be just as rewarding over the next five years as well."

Zurich's most recent title sponsorship agreement was through 2010.

"Zurich has been a terrific partner of the PGA TOUR and the Fore!Kids Foundation, as well as the City of New Orleans since 2005, and we obviously are very pleased that it will continue as title sponsor of the tournament through 2014," PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem said. "Through Jim Schiro's leadership, Zurich has been very active in its support of New Orleans throughout its hurricane recovery, which includes utilizing the Zurich Classic of New Orleans as a platform to showcase the city and business opportunities it presents. We are proud that the tournament was the first major sporting event to commit to return to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, and it continues to be a tremendous benefit to the area through its economic and charitable impact."

At the Economic Forum, the discussion centered around the $30 million in economic stimulus the Zurich Classic infuses into the New Orleans economy each year. Also discussed was the charitable aspect of the tournament, which has raised more than $6 million for charities serving more than 200,000 children in southeastern Louisiana since Zurich became title sponsor. The Fore!Kids Foundation, the not-for-profit group that runs the Zurich Classic, serves more than 40 area charities, and, over its history, has raised more than $18 million through the tournament and other golf-related events to provide health care, education and hope for children in need.

"Zurich has been an outstanding title sponsor, partner, and friend that remains committed to our city and to the children's charities we serve. On behalf of the Fore!Kids Foundation and the thousands of area children who will continue to benefit from Zurich's generosity, I say thank you," said Tommy Fonseca, President of the Fore!Kids Foundation. "Since 2005, Zurich's commitment to our tournament and city has allowed us to showcase New Orleans and all its treasures to the world. Zurich is an amazing partner and we are so thankful for its strong dedication to New Orleans."

Last year marked 50th year of consecutive play of a PGA TOUR event in New Orleans. The defending champion is Andres Romero of Argentina.

The 2009 Zurich Classic of New Orleans is underway at TPC Louisiana April 20 -- April 26. For further information or to purchase tickets, please visit the tournament Web site at www.zurichgolfclassic.com or call 504-342-3000. For further information on the Fore!Kids Foundation and its mission, please visit www.forekidsfoundation.com.