Rising Artist Shizuko Greenblatt Creates Unique Painting for the “Simply Perfect” Art Project

During the 2011 holiday season, emerging artists from across the country teamed up with ultra-premium tequila maker Patrón Spirits to create one-of-a-kind works of art in support of their local arts communities. The pieces created for the Patrón “Simply Perfect” Art Project were placed online for public auction, with the proceeds benefitting four art organizations. Following an enthusiastic bidding process, Patrón is pleased to announce Los Angeles based artist Shizuko Greenblatt as the winner of the Patrón “Simply Perfect” Art Project. Receiving the highest bid for her painting titled “Rejuvenation,” Greenblatt earned the opportunity to be featured in a national print advertisement for Patrón.

“Each participating artist enhanced the holiday season by creating beautiful works of art for their communities to enjoy, and we are thankful for their generosity of time and talent,” said Jennifer Long, Patrón’s brand director. “Shizuko’s painting is a reflection of her unique artistic perspective, and we look forward to sharing her talent with a national audience in our upcoming print advertisement.”

Born in Japan to an ancient samurai family, Greenblatt was raised in an environment that emphasized and honored the arts. After graduating from Aoyama Gakuin University in Tokyo, she came to the United States to continue her education at UCLA where she became a certified interior designer and worked in the field for more than 20 years.

Greenblatt studied art and the spirit of art for 10 years with the late artist, Vicki Dolnick, who was a student of acclaimed artist Richard Diebenkorn at Stanford University. Her unique artistic creations focus on Japanese Character Paintings, which she uses by combining multiple characters and artistically modified shapes. Her work also incorporates Fusion Ikebana, a combination of modernistic painting, formal sculptural explorations and Japanese Ikebana in a contemporary expressionistic style.

Recognized with multiple awards, Greenblatt’s art is held in both private and public collections around the world. Her work is continuously exhibited in solo exhibitions at venues throughout California, including the Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena, TAG Gallery in Santa Monica, and Gallery 825 and LA Artcore in Los Angeles. She is also an instructor of Japanese flower arrangement at Sogetsu School.

“The ‘Simply Perfect’ Art Project was an amazing art experience that allowed me to create a painting for auction in support of the Los Angeles Art Association — a charity that is so special to me,” said Greenblatt. “I appreciate being given the opportunity by Patrón to give back to my local art community, which has given so much to me.”

The Los Angeles Art Association serves as a dynamic force for the Los Angeles art community, providing opportunities, resources and services for emerging Los Angeles artists of all media. As one of the four art organizations that partnered with Patrón on the project, it will receive proceeds from the purchased pieces created by the participating artists. Additional participating art organizations included:

• Chicago Artists’ Coalition
• New York Foundation for the Arts
• The Artists Guild of San Francisco

Thirty emerging artists participated in the Patrón “Simply Perfect” Art Project located in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City and San Francisco. The “Simply Perfect” Art Project showcased live, working art studios that had been transformed from empty storefront windows. Given approximately one week each, artists created original paintings, sculptures or other works based on their personal interpretation of Patrón tequila’s “Simply Perfect” mantra.

Celebrated 200-Year-Old Boutique Distillery Ready to Shine with a Year of Promotions and Events

Casa Noble Tequila is looking to 2012 as a year of new beginnings. With a series of promotions and events, the organic tequila company has set its eyes on new markets and campaigns for 2012. Casa Noble will see changes to its social media platforms including regular updates on the company’s Facebook and website, as well as the addition of a newsletter, previously reserved for the beverage industry, which will soon be available to fans who sign up at www.casanoble.com. Alongside these changes, Casa Noble will release a new ad campaign featuring the newest edition to the Casa Noble family, Carlos Santana. The Casa Noble mobile app – available on iPhone with the Android platform coming soon – will also get a face lift with the inclusion of cocktail recipes and featured dishes that pair with the tequila in new and innovative ways. Soon to be announced promotions around the United States will bring new eyes and fans to the long celebrated brand.

Casa Noble CEO Jose Hermosillo said, “Casa Noble has been growing exponentially, even in such a competitive market with the large multi-national companies that invest millions in advertising, and so many non-industry newcomers with deep pockets who have found the tequila business so appealing. I believe our commitment to quality and the attention to every detail is key to Casa Noble, which has made tequila fans and high quality spirit aficionados take notice.”

2011 proved to be a milestone year for Casa Noble when BusinessWeek, who previously named Casa Noble as one of the “World’s Best-Tasting Tequilas,” gave the brand’s Reposado top marks – 5/5 stars – in their December 2011 issue, putting it above all others in the taste test. Another highlight of 2011 was the addition of music icon Carlos Santana who joined the board and came on as one of the owners of the company. This exciting change to the organization allows Santana to be involved in the continued development of the brand which is already recognized as one of the finest handcrafted spirits in the world.

Hermosillo, commenting on the shared long-term commitment to the continued growth of the brand, said, “With Carlos becoming a part of the family last year, we see 2012 as a chance to position Casa Noble as the ultra-premium tequila of choice, we are very excited to see what is ahead.”

A renowned boutique distillery, Casa Noble represents the pride, passion, and quality commitment of more than 200 years and over 7 generations of tequila production. The Casa Noble family of Single Estate Organic tequilas — Crystal, Reposado, and Anejo — has a rich history that has earned them a position as one of the finest ultra premium spirits portfolios in the world. Casa Noble’s handcrafted tequilas are exported to over 23 countries worldwide and currently available in premium retail outlets, exclusive restaurants, distinguished bars and lounges and destination hotels Nationwide in the U.S.

Casa Noble is produced on a family owned distillery that can trace its roots back to 1776 along the hillsides of Jalisco, Mexicosurrounded by citrus and mango trees, which are integral to the tequila’s unique taste profile. The tequila is harvested, distilled and bottled on the private family estate that boasts over 6,500 acres of land and more than one million blue agave plants.

Stay tuned for upcoming announcements of events and promotions over the next few months.

For more information, visit www.casanoble.com.

Source: Casa Noble

Azuñia Tequila names world class surfer Sunny Garcia as their newest brand ambassador.

“Tequila has been part of the surf culture since the beginning,” explained surf legend Sunny Garcia, “and I am stoked to be part of the Azuñia Tequila family.” Garcia first met Azuñia owner Jim Riley at a LOORRS short course race at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, CA. The two hit it off immediately, so it is no surprise that Sunny Garcia is the newest brand ambassador for Azuñia Tequila. “Sunny represents the Azuñia lifestyle perfectly,” Riley noted. “He is a world class surfer, world traveler, and connoisseur of fine food and drink. We welcome him to the Azuñia family.”

San Clemente-based Azuñia Tequila is available in Platinum, Resposado, and Anejo. All Azuñia Tequila starts with only perfectly aged Weber Blue Agave, which grows for 8 to 10 years in our sun-drenched fields surrounding the small Mexican town of Amatitan. The fertile volcanic soil of this territory was naturally deposited over 200,000 years ago by the once active Tequila Volcano.

Sunny Garcia holds six Triple Crown of Surfing titles and has more World Qualification Series wins than anyone in history. He enjoys the dirt as much as the ocean and first raced short course in a Super Lite last season. Riley is an off-road racer as well, piloting the first V8-powered Trophy Lite truck to success in SCORE International and Best In The Desert races. “Sunny already came up with his own version of the margarita called the “Island Margarita” that we will be releasing shortly,” Riley revealed. For more drink recipes visit Azuñia Tequila online at http://www.AzuniaTequila.com or facebook.com/AzuniaTequila.

About Intersect Beverage

Intersect Beverage, located in San Clemente, CA, imports premium tequilas. Executives, Jim Riley and Alex Baca, have more than twenty years experience in the spirits industry. Intersect Beverage is committed to delivering the highest quality brands and products to every client, employing the best management and sales team in the industry involving each individual in the success of the company and its partners. Dedicated to redefining the spirits industry, having fun while delivering only the finest quality products to the market.

Intersect Beverages’ products include:
Azuñia Tequila (ultra-premium tequila) produced from the finest quality hand-selected 100% Weber blue agave plants, grown and harvested by one of the oldest and most experienced growers in the Jalisco Region of Mexico. Azuñia’s Tequila portfolio includes: Platinum Blanco (perfect choice for a refreshing Azuñia margarita), Reposado (an authentic pleasure with a touch of smokiness) and Añejo (the most sophisticated with hints of vanilla and nuts). Azuñia Tequila is currently distributed in California, Texas, Florida, New York and 36 other states.

Regional Tequila (authentic premium tequila) produced from 100% Weber Blue Agave and double distilled. Regional’s portfolio includes: Regional Blanco, Reposado and Añejo.

Each brand delivering a distinct flavor for all to enjoy!

To learn more about Azuñia Ultra-Premium Tequilas and to download a list of Azuñia Tequila cocktails visithttp://www.azuniatequila.com.
http://www.facebook.com/AzuniaTequila or Twitter: @azuniajim

Please Drink Responsibly

Tequila Brand Expands Soccer Sponsorship to Enhance Consumer Experience

el Jimador, 100 percent blue agave tequila, announces the launch of its soccer-themed consumer contest, which will award 10 winners an opportunity to attend the MLS Cup in Los Angeles on Nov. 20, 2011, along with a guest.

To participate, consumers are invited to submit a rule aimed at improving the sport of soccer. These rules will be reviewed by a panel of judges and winners will be selected based on creativity and originality. The contest period concludes on Nov. 4, 2011, and winners will be notified on Nov.8, 2011, via email and/or phone.

Ten grand prize winners will be awarded two tickets to the MLS Cup, in addition to round-trip airfare, a two-night stay in a local hotel, and $200 in cash. Winners and guests must be 21 and older and be available to travel Nov. 19-21, 2011.*

As the official tequila sponsor of the MLS, U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams and the annual U.S. Tour of the Mexican National Team, el Jimador Tequila will be active in a variety of the teams’ activities through 2012.

For more information on el Jimador’s soccer sponsorship and consumer experience, please visit the brand’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/eljimador.

*No Purchase Necessary. Must be at least 21 years of age and a legal resident of the United States to enter. Contest void in California and Tennessee and wherever prohibited or restricted by law. See Official Rules for Details.

Mick Fleetwood and Nicole Atkins Come Together to Launch Cabo Wabo® Tequila’s Off The Record Conversation Series

Mick Fleetwood, founder of chart colossus Fleetwood Mac, and singer-songwriter ingénue, Nicole Atkins, have been tapped as the first acts to front the Off The Record music conversation series presented by Cabo Wabo® Tequila, founded by Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Sammy Hagar. The double-act came together in Mick’s hometown of Maui, at his new bar Fleetwood’s on Front Street (opening early 2012), to share tales of career beginnings, legendary nights on stage, song inspirations, tour secrets and rumored band romances. Their musical journey together was captured on video forOff The Record, and will launch through Cabo Wabo’s YouTube page on October 11^th at www.YouTube.com/CaboWabo

“a relationship that should’ve ended two years before it actually did.”

Cabo Wabo’s Off The Record series pairs rock royalty with buzzworthy emerging artists for an intimate one-on-one conversation, captured on film, giving the viewer a personal, behind-the-scenes view into a life in rock and roll. Off The Record allows music aficionados a chance to get the inside track on the untold stories of the musician’s experience.

Mick Fleetwood and Nicole Atkins make for a fascinating introduction to the Off The Record program as they both epitomize the grandeur of blues and rock. Riffing off comparisons with Fleetwood Mac front-woman, Stevie Nicks, and following her recent cover of the band’s hit, “Oh Well,” Nicole takes Mick to task on the greatness of Fleetwood Mac, amongst his other achievements. Taken en masse, Fleetwood Mac’s oeuvre can enchant purists, pop fans and stars alike. Nicole confesses: “Stevie Nicks has had a large influence on my own songwriting and made me comfortable with my singing voice. Fleetwood Mac is that band that is able to write timeless hits with a serious dark side. That’s what I strive for in my songs – a contrast between the light and dark.”

In the dimly lit bar setting that is Off The Record, Nicole finds out first-hand her unknown tie to Nicks, how a fateful night in New Orleans with the Grateful Dead almost got Mick barred from playing in the US before anyone knew his name, and how Fleetwood Mac’s many pronged and complicated relationships provided the backdrop that nearly tore the band apart, yet ultimately led to the band’s masterpiece, 1977’s Rumours.

Equally attuned to the experience of love gone bad, Mick turns the tables on New Jersey-born Nicole. Her new album, Mondo Amore, was hatched in a time of extreme turbulence, a period which saw her parting ways with her former music label while also dealing with the painful termination of “a relationship that should’ve ended two years before it actually did.” Nicole cites blues and classic 60s psychedelic rock as longtime influences, a sound which Fleetwood Mac dabbled in early on. Not only does Mick probe Nicole about the genesis of what New York Times calls her “surrealistic songs” and Rolling Stone her “forceful…melancholy,” he uncovers the driving force behind her music and her lifelong passion to perform.

Mick adds, “The series is something long overdue and highly invaluable to aspiring musicians and music fans alike. Bringing together musicians of varying ages and genres to discuss common experiences gives a one-of-a-kind insight into our craft and world. Not only will people get to see myself and Nicole improvise a little on stage, but there will also be enough rock ‘n roll capers to split a band! It’s only fitting that this should all be played out over a shot of Cabo Wabo, my tried-and-true companion when making music in my new bar, Fleetwood’s on Front Street.”

Founder of Cabo Wabo, Sammy Hagar, comments, “Cabo Wabo Tequila’s association with rock music is well known and we have always been strong supporters of new artists. Off The Record is another program like Cabo’s Your Shot To Rockcontest, aimed at finding the top unsigned rock bands in America, and aide in moving them forward to become rock stars. Having my friend and legend Mick Fleetwood in the mix, Cabo Wabo adds a new dimension to finding and spurring new artists to greater rock and roll heights.”

Founded nearly 15 years ago by rock legend Sammy Hagar, Cabo Wabo is the original Rock ‘n Roll Tequila. Cabo Wabo Tequila is handcrafted from 100-percent Blue Agave creating tequilas perfect for sipping, shooting or mixing. Cabo Wabo comes in three distinctly different core marques. Whether you like the smooth unadulterated agave flavor of our Blanco, the rich peppery taste of our Reposado or the vanilla and caramel nose in our Añejo, Cabo Wabo Tequila will have you screaming for an encore.

Editor’s Notes

The Off The Record music conversation video series featuring Mick and Nicole will be aired on the 11^th of October at www.YouTube.com/CaboWabo andwww.cabowabo.com. You can also rock with Mick Fleetwood and Nicole Atkins at Cabo Wabo at www.Facebook.com/CaboWabo

About Cabo Wabo Tequila

Cabo Wabo Tequila was originally created by Sammy Hagar to have a superior tequila to serve his friends and in his Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Cabo Wabo is made from 100-percent Weber Blue Agave and comes in three marques including Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo. It is acknowledged as one of the finest tequilas in the world and won a Double Gold Medal at the 2011 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

XO Cafe Music Project Gives Unsigned Bands a Chance to Jump Start Their Careers

Unsigned bands thirsty for their big break might just get one, thanks to ultra-premium tequila maker Patron. Now through July 21, 2011, Patron XO Cafe coffee liqueur is encouraging bands to submit their acts at apps.facebook.com/xocafemusicprojectto receive advice from industry experts, the opportunity to perform at one of Patron’s XO Noir music festival after parties and a chance to win their choice of a prize package (promoting, recording or touring support) to help them succeed in the music industry.

To enter, bands can visit the XO Cafe Music Project entry page located on the new Patron XO Cafe Facebook page, which has attracted more than 80 bands and 5,300 fans since the contest began. Bands must then type in their “Bandcamp” user profile name and submit required information, including a link to one of their original songs, affirmation that each band member is at least 21 years of age and 100-500 words about why they deserve to win the Patron XO Cafe Music Project.

“The Patron XO Cafe Music Project is a great way to engage consumers where they socialize,” says Jennifer Long, Patron’s brand director. “Patron XO Cafe is a brand that enjoys celebrating and supporting music and musicians by immersing itself into the music festival scene. We are thrilled to continue our support by giving deserving bands around the country a chance to showcase their talent and providing them with valuable resources to help them break into the music industry.”

To determine the grand prize options, Patron tapped into the underground band scene to understand what resources unsigned bands would value most. Based on musicians’ insights, the three grand prize winners will have a choice of the following packages valued at approximately $2,860 each:

• “On the Road” Touring Kit: Includes prepaid gas and food card, hotel vouchers, PA system, mixers and cables
• “In the Spotlight” Promotional Kit: Includes stickers, business cards, posters, banners and a radio spot
• “In the Studio” Recording Kit: Includes rehearsal and studio time, a mixing and mastering session and CD copies

A judging panel comprised of prestigious representatives from SPIN and RCRD LBL will select 100 semi-finalists based on overall creativity, musicianship as well as persuasiveness and appeal of their written submission. Beginning July 25 through August 19, 2011, the public will have a chance to act as “Record Executives” and rate bands through a series of head-to-head song match-ups and consideration of the bands’ background and desire to win. The eight bands with the highest scores will move onto the finals where three bands will be selected by the judging panel to win the prize package of their choice.

Winners will be announced in late August 2011.

For official rules, visit http://www.patrontequila.com/xocafebands.html.

About Patron XO Cafe

Patron XO Cafe is an extraordinary blend of ultra-premium Patron Silver tequila and the pure, natural essence of fine coffee. The taste is dry, not sweet as with most low-proof coffee liqueurs. Patron XO Cafe is excellent for sipping, as a premium cocktail ingredient, or as a unique and delicious dessert topping.

About Patron Spirits

Simply perfect in every way, Patron tequila is an ultra-premium luxury white spirit that’s delicious on the rocks, and mixes flawlessly into most any cocktail. From the highest-quality Weber Blue agave plants grown in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, to the centuries-old distillation process, to the signed, handcrafted glass bottles, Patron is produced with unparalleled attention to detail. Imported and marketed by The Patron Spirits Company, brands in the portfolio consist of Gran Patron Burdeos, Gran Patron Platinum, Patron Silver, Patron Reposado, Patron Anejo, Patron XO Cafe (coffee liqueur) and Patron Citronge (extra fine orange liqueur), as well as Pyrat Caribbean rums and Ultimat ultra-premium vodka.

For more information, please visit www.patronspirits.com.

Source: Patron Spirits

Night Agency, an award-winning digital creative shop based in New York City, has been given digital and social media responsibilities for Tequila Avion, the ultra-premium tequila brand founded by Ken Austin and Kenny Dichter.  Night Agency will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive digital and social strategy over the course of the next several months.

Initial responsibilities include a phased re-launch of TequilaAvion.com with phase one just released. The second phase is slated for this summer and will build on the current site by creating a more immersive, content-rich experience. Night Agency is also developing Facebook-specific platforms and tools for Tequila Avion that play into their current “Avion Loves” campaign. The Facebook work is scheduled to go live immediately and will initially include a “Share the Love” fan engagement program and a mixology and recipe application.

“In a short period of time Avion has catapulted onto shelves, been awarded Double Gold at the world’s most acclaimed spirits competition, and become an on-premise/bartender favorite, cracking the consumer code in the ultra premium tequila category,” said Evan Vogel, co-founder and Managing Partner of Night Agency. “This brand truly is best-in-class and we are thrilled to be working with Avion and eager to bring the authentic experience of Avion to life in the digital and social space.”

“Since its launch, Avion has become an ‘innovative, high quality lifestyle brand,’ and we’ve relied heavily on word of mouth,” explained Ken Austin, Founder and Chairman of Tequila Avion.  ”We’re now at a point where we can turn to the many thousands of fans out there to help spread the word, and that means creating a digital experience that embodies the brand and providing the tools to help fans celebrate, experience and share their love of Tequila Avion. We believe that Night Agency is an ideal partner to help us do this.”

Tequila Avion is in a unique position to disrupt the social and digital space and in under a year has already established itself among tequila heavyweights. While initial fame came through organic visibility on the HBO hit Entourage, Tequila Avion continues to exceed category expectations and anticipates a very successful year two.

About Tequila Avion

Tequila Avion is the ultra premium tequila that defines a new standard of quality and taste – “Taste Elevated.” Produced with fifth generation agave growers from the finest Blue Weber agave found in the highest regions of Jalisco, Mexico, Tequila Avion’s distinct flavors are achieved through a combination of slow-roasting at lower temperatures to protect the natural flavors of the agave and an ultra-slow filtration process which creates an unusually smooth taste profile. Tequila Avion is available in Silver, Reposado and Anejo varietals.  Recently, Tequila Avion was awarded three medals including Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.  To learn more please visit www.TequilaAvion.com our Facebook page: Tequila Avion and our Twitter account @TequilaAvion.

About Night Agency

Founded in 2004, Night Agency is an independently owned full service digital agency headquartered in New York. Night Agency specializes in interactive brand strategy and consumer engagement and has end-to-end capabilities from insight and ideation to execution and measurement. A roster of clients includes: Hanes, Keds, Buitoni, Champion Apparel, Happy Baby Food, Playtex, The Dial Corp, Pisco Porton and Michael Collin’s Irish Whiskey. For more information visit www.nightagency.com.

Media Contact:
Rachel Cone-Gorham
rachelcg@nightagency.com
646.723.2506

Source: Night Agency

International Management Group (IMG), USA Volleyball (USAV) and Jose Cuervo today announced the 2011 “Jose Cuervo Pro Beach Volleyball Series.”  The three-event series is USAV sanctioned and features a $500,000 cumulative prize purse, the richest in the U.S. this year.  The three-day, double elimination tournaments will be televised live on VERSUS.  More information is available at www.josecuervoprobeachvolleyballseries.com.

“IMG has a long history in pro beach volleyball and we’re thrilled to get back in the game here in the States,” Senior VP James Leitz said.  “With great partners like USAV and Jose Cuervo, and a tremendous field of very talented athletes, we envision consistent growth and success for the sport in the coming years.”

“Beach volleyball and Jose Cuervo are both known for intensity and lifestyle appeal, and the opportunity to help the sport return to prominence not only for the players but also for fans was one we’re excited about,” said Brian Radics, Brand Director, Jose Cuervo.  “Given the Jose Cuervo brand’s deep history in professional beach volleyball and as one of the sport’s first corporate sponsors, this just feels right for everyone involved.”

Jose Cuervo’s beach volleyball roots can be traced to 1978 when they became the sport’s first major sponsor.  Cuervo again played a significant role in the sport during the mid-80′s ultimately leading to the Cuervo Gold Crown in 1988, considered the Triple Crown of beach volleyball.  The Gold Crown events were among the first televised in the sport and helped pave the way for pro beach volleyball to become an Olympic sport.

The Cuervo Pro Beach Volleyball Series will debut on Aug. 26-28 at the $200,000 Manhattan Beach Open in California, a tournament with the longest history in the sport.  A field of 64 teams in both genders will battle for the largest domestic purse of 2011 and the winners will be enshrined with a permanent plaque on the Manhattan Beach Pier.  Known as the ‘Wimbledon of beach volleyball,’ winners will join the ranks of beach volleyball legends Karch Kiraly, Phil Dalhausser, Todd Rogers, Sinjin Smith, Randy Stoklos, Misty May-Treanor, Kerri Walsh and Holly McPeak.

The series then moves to Miami Beach on Sept. 16-18 for the $150,000 Miami Beach Pro followed by the $150,000 Jose Cuervo Pro Beach Volleyball Series National Championship on Sept. 23-25 in Hermosa Beach, California.  Prior to the official series launch in August, Jose Cuervo will stage a “pro shootout” in Bradford Beach, Wisconsin on July 23 and 24.  The Jose Cuervo Pro Beach Volleyball Shootout features top players, an amateur tournament, clinics and a festival village.

“I am pleased and excited to begin this relationship with Cuervo as the title sponsor of our Pro Beach Series,” USA Volleyball Chief Executive Director Doug Beal said.  “This is exactly the kind of partnership we have been looking for as we develop high-profile, quality beach events.  Cuervo has a rich history in our sport and to open up our Series in Manhattan Beach is only fitting.  USA Volleyball is committed to grow our beach involvement at all levels.”

The Jose Cuervo Pro Beach Volleyball Series provides both superstars and rising talent the opportunity to play in world-class, purpose-built stadiums in front of enthusiastic crowds in proven beach volleyball markets.  IMG, USAV and Jose Cuervo will turn up the fan energy through ancillary events, attractions, sponsor activations, hospitality programs and more in order to build a beach lifestyle festival as a backdrop for each tournament.  The inaugural Series is slated to expand in 2012 to include up to seven events hosted in the United States.

About Jose Cuervo: Jose Cuervo is the largest producer of tequila throughout Mexico and around the world. The Jose Cuervo portfolio of tequilas includes Jose Cuervo Especial Gold, the number one tequila worldwide, Jose Cuervo Especial Silver, Jose Cuervo Black Medallion, Jose Cuervo Tradicional 100% Agave Reposado and Silver, Jose Cuervo Platino, Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia, Jose Cuervo Golden Margaritas, Authentic Jose Cuervo Margaritas and Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix.  For more information, visit www.josecuervo.com.

About IMG: IMG Worldwide is a global sports, entertainment and media business, with nearly 3,000 employees operating in 30 countries around the globe. IMG’s areas of expertise are diverse and wide ranging: IMG College; IMG’s Joint Ventures in China, Brazil and India; IMG Media; IMG Events and Federations; IMG Fashion; IMG Models; IMG Art+Commerce; IMG Clients; IMG Academies; IMG Action Sports; IMG Consulting and IMG Licensing.  More information is available at www.imgworld.com/.

About USA Volleyball: Founded in 1928, USA Volleyball is a Colorado incorporated non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the Federation International de Volleyball (FIVB) as the National Governing Body for the sport of Volleyball in the United States. USA Volleyball is responsible for both the Olympic disciplines of indoor volleyball and beach volleyball. USA Volleyball has over 262,000 registered members, 12,000 teams and 5,300 clubs nationwide. With an annual budget in excess of $18 million dollars, USA Volleyball supports the USA men’s and women’s senior national team programs, youth and junior national teams, national championship events, coaching education and certification programs, grassroots development, and programs for the disabled and Paralympic Teams. USA Volleyball has a rich tradition of success as evidenced by winning an Olympic medal in every Olympic Games since 1984 and capturing numerous World Cup, World Championship and Continental Championship titles. USA Volleyball is committed to and works toward opportunity for all to participate. It is an advocate for all Americans endeavoring to assure universal access to opportunities at all levels of the game. For more information please visit www.usavolleyball.org.

Source: International Management Group

el Jimador, 100% blue agave tequila, announced today the launch of its soccer-themed consumer experience. The brand invites passionate and enthusiastic soccer fans to “Like” the el Jimador Facebook page and answer the question “What Makes You A 100% Real Soccer Fan” for a chance to win a VIP trip to the 2011 AT&T MLS All-Star Game on July 27, alongside three friends.

The person with the most creative story about being a true soccer fan will be selected on July 14 by a panel of judges. The winner will be treated like soccer royalty with VIP seating at the much anticipated match between the MLS All-Stars and Manchester United, as well as spend a night in Manhattan at a grand hotel. Winner and guests 21 and older must be available for travel on July 27-28, 2011.*

As the official tequila sponsor of the MLS, U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams and the annual U.S. Tour of the Mexican National Team, el Jimador Tequila will be active in a variety of the teams’ activities’ throughout the year, including an event on July 24, National Tequila Day, at MLS Headquarters which will be open to consumers and media alike.

For more information on el Jimador’s sponsorship and consumer experience, please visit the brand’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/eljimador.

*No Purchase Necessary. Must be at least 21 years old. Void in CA and where prohibited. See Official Rules for Details.

About el Jimador Tequila

From Casa Herradura, established in 1870, el Jimador is a premium, authentic 100 percent agave tequila that captures the spirit of real tequila. The name el Jimador honors the men who harvest the locally grown agave with great pride and care. Since its introduction in 1994, el Jimador has become the No. 1 selling tequila in Mexico. To learn more about el Jimador, visit www.eljimador.com.

Premium Silver Tequila Asserts Authenticity with new $18 MM campaign

1800® Tequila announced the launch of a new $18 million television advertising campaign this month airing across various cable networks.  The ads will feature Sopranos star, Michael Imperioli, and serve as an evolution of their highly successful previous advertising campaign, which identified 1800® Tequila as the fiercest competitor in the highly competitive tequila category.

A total of 8 different spots created by New York agency Dead As We Know It will launch simultaneously on ESPN in May.  Each spot will feature Imperioli brandishing his signature tough guy persona.

“The new campaign really sets 1800® Tequila apart from its competitors,” said a spokesperson at Proximo, the brand’s US importer. “In the last decade the premium tequila category has become pretentious and lost its bravado. 1800® Tequila is for a consumer that wants to drink the best without any of that conceit.”

The new advertising debuts at the end of an incredible year for 1800 Tequila®, which has seen record growth.

“We’ve just had our best year in the brand’s history, but we’re not stopping there – we’re out to own the tequila category,” said the Proximo spokesperson. “The new ads are just as edgy as our last round, but with a variety and humor you haven’t seen from us yet. They showcase the undeniably bold character of 1800® Tequila and its fans.”

To view these new commercials please visit:

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About 1800 Tequila:

1800® Tequila is the United States’ best selling super-premium tequila, renowned for being expertly aged and consistently smooth. Named after the year it was created, 1800® Tequila is pure, 100% blue agave tequila grown on family-owned ranches and bottled in Jalisco, Mexico. Each bottle of 1800® Tequila is double-distilled and matured in French and American oak barrels for superior drinkability. 1800® Tequila is recognized for its superior smoothness and iconic packaging which includes a stopper that doubles as a shot glass.

About Proximo:

Proximo is a privately owned, premium spirits importer based in New Jersey. With just over three years’ business, the company’s portfolio includes Three Olives® Vodka, The Kraken™ Black Spiced Rum, and Hangar One® Vodka.