COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 22, 2004) — The once-a-year chance for area businesses to make an impression on large numbers of new and returning students to Tennessee Tech University begins today with the kickoff of the third annual TTU Pride Days.

To help businesses connect with these students, the Pride Partners program is once again underway. The Pride Partners program allows businesses to promote special offers to students, faculty, staff and the community during Pride Days, Aug. 22-Sept.4.

“Our community is one of the key selling points when we talk to prospective students,” said Monica Greppin, TTU’s Public Affairs director. “Students develop good feelings from being welcomed by the people who live here. As TTU Pride Partners, businesses reap the benefits of reaching the campus community with promotions, and the university enjoys the visible show of support.”

Any business can become a TTU Pride Partner by planning a special promotion or discount or by contacting the university about any TTU specials already offered. Partner promotions and discounts will be posted on the Pride Days web site, and campus-wide e-mail messages will encourage students, faculty and staff to support TTU Pride Partners.

Pride Partners also receive Partner decals to place on TTU Pride yard signs or on inside displays to identify their businesses to area customers. There is no charge for participating in the program.

Businesses are also encouraged to plan special TTU Pride Days events — such as “welcome back” parties with drawings, door prizes or other incentives — and those events will be posted on the TTU web site’s calendar of events too.
As a special way to commemorate Pride Days, this year TTU Athletics is also offering each Pride Partner four complimentary tickets to a 2004 football game of their choice.

Business owners or managers who wish to participate may download from the university’s Pride Days web site a registration form outlining the details of the discount they choose to offer. Completed forms can be faxed to the Public Affairs Office at 931/372-6138. A list of early TTU Pride Partners is already posted on the university web site.

Pride Partners aren’t the only businesses encouraged to show TTU pride. Every business is encouraged to put up yard signs, hang banners, create marquee messages, give employees Pride buttons and more. Yard signs, Pride buttons and stickers are available at the Roaden University Center information desk, the RUC bookstore, Hooper Eblen Center, Alumni Office, President’s Office or Leslie Town Centre Chamber of Commerce, or call Public Affairs at 931/372-3084 to ask for delivery of signs and supplies.

--Karen Lykins
This information posted 23 August 2004