INDIANAPOLIS, 2016-Mar-11 — /Travel PR News/ — Lt. Governor Eric J. Holcomb, Bart Anderson, vice president of marketing with Indiana Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, and Mark Newman, executive director of the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD), announced today that Indiana Farmers Mutual Insurance is a new official partner and apparel sponsor of the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay. Indiana Farmers Mutual Insurance will sponsor the uniforms worn by staff, volunteers and 1,900 torchbearers during the 6-week relay later this fall.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have Indiana Farmers Mutual Insurance join the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay,” Holcomb said. “This partnership is yet another demonstration of Indiana Farmers Mutual Insurance’s commitment to Indiana. 1,900 Hoosiers will be honored by having the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a torchbearer and we’re thrilled Indiana Farmers Mutual Insurance will be with us every step of the way.”
Indiana Farmers Mutual Insurance will provide durable, high quality uniforms for the torch relay. Their logo will be displayed on the shirts and hats. The torch relay is expected to continue as scheduled during inclement weather (excepting for severe conditions), necessitating the use of durable, “sports tech” materials. The uniforms will be distributed to 1,900 torchbearers, 2,300 volunteers and 920 committee members throughout the state. Indiana Farmers Mutual Insurance will also be featured on the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay website and will have the opportunity to distribute promotional materials along the torch route.
“This is a great opportunity for Indiana Farmers Mutual Insurance to contribute to Indiana’s bicentennial celebration,” said Anderson. “The torch relay will be a unifying and inspirational event and we’re thrilled to participate in such a meaningful way.”
Torchbearers were nominated by the public and nominations are currently being vetted at the local level by county torch relay coordinating committees. Over 4,000 torchbearer nominations were received. Torchbearers will be Hoosiers who demonstrate exceptional public service, excellence in their profession, acts of heroism or volunteer service to their neighborhood, community, region or state. The torch will be primarily transported by people, passing the flame from torch bearer to torch bearer. The relay will also employ other modes of conveyance that are symbolic of the history and heritage of Indiana.
“Indiana Farmers Mutual Insurance is a terrific partner for this historic celebration of Indiana,” said Newman. “We are grateful to all of our Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay partners and sponsors for collaborating on this effort and ensuring a truly memorable and impactful event to honor Indiana’s first 200 years.”
Indiana Farmers Mutual Insurance joins a growing list of Bicentennial Torch Relay partners. Last year Subaru of Indiana Automotive became the official vehicle provider of the torch relay caravan, supplying 10 Subaru Legacys and Outbacks to escort the torch and transport personnel during the relay. Additionally, Indy Racing Experience is supporting the relay by providing design and construction expertise for the mobile visitors’ experience that will accompany the torch caravan throughout the relay. The torches to be used throughout the relay are designed and constructed by an interdisciplinary team of engineering faculty and students from Purdue University.
The Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay will touch each of Indiana’s 92 counties during the 2,300 mile journey across the state. Developed by IOTD, the relay is patterned after the Olympic Torch Relay and is designed to connect Hoosiers across the state and nation with their home state during the bicentennial year. The relay begins in Corydon on September 9, 2016.
To follow the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay on social media, visit INTorchRelay on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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About Indiana Farmers Mutual Insurance Company:
Protecting Hoosiers has been our mission since 1877. At Indiana Farmers, our focus is on providing auto, home, farm, and business insurance exclusively in Indiana. It’s where our company is based. It’s where our customers are. And, we wouldn’t have it any other way. We are a mutual company with no stockholders or investors. We exist only to serve our policyholders.
About Indiana Office of Tourism Development
Lt. Governor Eric J. Holcomb oversees the Indiana Office of Tourism Development. Mark Newman serves as the agency’s executive director.IOTD is dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality of Indiana through leadership and resource support to the Indiana travel industry. The tourism and hospitality industry is the sixth largest industry in the state, is directly responsible for 144,200 jobs, generates over $2.25 billion in tax receipts and contributes $10.7 billion in revenue to Indiana businesses.
Jake Oakman, Director of Communications & Media Relations
317.232.8897 joakman@visitindiana.com