Benton, Ky. – As the opening round of the PAA Corporate Cup presented by OPTIMA® Batteries continues to draw nearer, one thing is becoming apparent, the event is drawing some “powerful” people to the shores of Pickwick Lake in Florence, Ala.
One obvious factor is the title partner for the event; OPTIMA® Batteries, a world class company that manufactures batteries that power the boats of many of the world’s best anglers. However, aside from the title sponsor, FLW Tour pro Brandon Coulter’s primary sponsor, National Coal will be competing, as will another company that deals in energy.
Special Event Service and Rental, a Bartlett, Tenn. company has provided the temporary power that has driven the Toyota Texas Bass Classic, and they also provide some of the power to PAA Tour Member Lance Vick of Mineola, Tex. Vick, who along with Dave Smith, David Walker and Team Captain Kelly Jordon are the reigning TTBC champions, has teamed with PAA Board Member Sean Hoernke, from Houston, Tex. and Special Event Rents Steve McGee, and Lenny Francoeur of Octagon; team High Voltage.
“We wanted a name that was powerful and fit the description of what Special Event is all about,” said Vick. “We are all excited about fishing in the Corporate Cup, and are looking forward to competing together.”
The pros said there are several reasons they are looking forward to the event, and one of them is a friendship developed while Vick and Hoernke ran guide services on Texas’ famed Lake Fork. Being that the pair of anglers hails from the grass factory fisheries of Texas would lead someone to think they would target the emergent grass at Pickwick; that however is not necessarily true.
“I will focus on the grass in practice, but Lance is an excellent structure fisherman, and he will work on locating deep water fish,” Hoernke said of their practice strategy. “I think that we will be able to find an effective game plan.”
Another factor that will contribute to High Voltage’s potential for a high finish at the PAA Corporate Cup presented by OPTIMA® Batteries is Hoernke’s history on the lake. “Sean’s put in a lot of time at Pickwick over the years, and has fared well,” said Vick. “His knowledge of the lake, coupled with our fishing strengths give us confidence that we can compete there. Besides, after winning at the TTBC, and placing 8th at the Choke Canyon Qualifier, I’m looking forward to keeping my string of high finishes at PAA events going,” he closed with a chuckle.”
Aside from the fishing, Hoernke said that they are proud to be a part of something they feel will be a stepping stone for the industry. “I think that the industry has needed something like this for a while, it’s a great way for the PAA to open our arms to the companies that help provide our partners opportunities to enjoy the sport.”
Vick echoed his partner’s sentiments, “this format is a great way for us to share the excitement of our sport with our corporate partners,” said Vick. “Every one of us is really excited to be a part of the Corporate Cup, and looking forward to heading to Florence.”
Special Event Service and Rental is a company that provides temporary power and facilities for events. They can provide everything from electricity to temporary shelter to climate control and on site restroom facilities. Reach them in the web at http://www.specialeventrent.com/
About the Corporate Cup presented by OPTIMA® Batteries
The PAA Corporate Cup presented by OPTIMA® Batteries will be held October 9 – 11, 2008 on Alabama’s Pickwick Lake in conjunction with Florence – Lauderdale Tourism. The event will feature a unique format utilizing PAA Tour level members paired with corporate partners sharing the thrill of professional competition. Presented in conjunction with Florence-Lauderdale Tourism, the PAA Corporate Cup will be unlike other Pro-am styled events in that all contestants will be competing for a share of a sizeable purse.
PAA Corporate Cup Sponsor Information:
The PAA Corporate Cup presented by OPTIMA® Batteries is sponsored by OPTIMA® Batteries, T-H Marine ATLAS jack plate, Alabama Mountain Lakes and Florence-Lauderdale Tourism Board.
OPTIMA® BlueTop™, YellowTop™ and RedTop™ batteries are now available through leading battery distributors throughout the globe. Consumers should look for the unique colored top and six-pack design that OPTIMA® is known for throughout the world. OPTIMA® has more than 10,000 dealers nationwide and global distribution; for the nearest retailer, consumers can also call 1-888-8-OPTIMA (1-888-867-8462) or visit www.optimabatteries.com.
T-H Marine Supplies, Inc. has been serving the marine industry since 1975. They are a family owned and operated marine supply manufacturer that takes pride in every product that leaves their factory. They are boaters and fishermen who design products for boaters and fishermen. Find them on the web at: www.thmarine.com
For more on visiting Florence – Lauderdale, Alabama, visit: www.visitflorenceal.com and for Alabama Mountain Lakes click: www.alabamamountainlakes.org.
For more information about the Professional anglers Association or The PAA Corporate Cup presented by OPTIMA® Batteries, visit: www.fishpaa.com.
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