NEWS RELEASE
June 15, 2019 Contact Information: Emma Springer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Phone: 540 – 742 – 8615
Email: sprin2er@dukes.jmu.edu
Memphis, It’s Time to #RiseAndShine
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Suns organization will be launching a new public relations campaign June 21, 2019, known as #RiseAndShine. This campaign is aimed at lessening the poverty for those living in Memphis, Tennessee.
According to a study done by the Department of social work at the University of Memphis, 26.9% of city residents are living in poverty. A statistic even more startling is the fact that 44.7% of children who live in Memphis experience poverty on a daily basis.
While unemployment rates contribute to high poverty levels, the issue of transportation is also a contributing factor. City residents have told multiple members of the Suns organization that they are unable to get a better, higher paying job because they are unable to get to work. Many residents don’t have personal vehicles so they rely solely on public transportation. However, the buses don’t travel out far enough to get residents to areas with better jobs.
This campaign intends to reduce the amount of city residents living in poverty through partnership with the city transportation system. Through the partnership the Suns plan on adding additional routes and extended lines to the bus systems.
“The Suns will make every effort to not only help city residents as a franchise, but to also inform and connect other publics with ways to help better the city,” said Anna Sanders, Director of Community Relations.
“We plan to increase the number of public transportation users who fall below a household income of $30,000 by 45% by the start of the 2020 season,” said Sanders.
In addition to partnering with city transportation, the Suns will be joining AutoZone in the fight to better the city. This association is a strength for the Suns as tight end Greg Olsen is a spokesperson for the company.
“When I heard that the Suns would be teaming up with AutoZone I was thrilled. Both entities are close to my heart, along with the city of Memphis and those in it. I am really excited about this campaign and seeing the positive impact it will have on this great city,” said Olsen.
The Suns believe this campaign will be beneficial for all publics involved. It will improve the lives of city residents, in addition to promoting the brand and strengthening the reputation of the Suns organization and their various sponsors.
About Memphis Suns
The Memphis Suns is a professional football team located in the heart of Memphis, Tenn. The team has been established for a year, with intentions of growing their prominence in the city. The organization intends on bringing fans the best football accompanied by strong community engagement.
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