BASS recently announced that Milwaukee, Wisc.,-based OPTIMA has joined BASS as a supporting sponsor of the organization and its prestigious tournament structure. 

The agreement includes supporting sponsorship of the Bassmaster Elite Series, the BASS Federation Nation, the Bassmaster Opens and the Women’s Bassmaster Tour presented by Academy Sports & Outdoors. 

Additionally, OPTIMA joins as a supporting sponsor of BASS’ youth initiatives: the Junior Bassmaster World Championship and the Bassmaster CastingKids program.

“OPTIMA Batteries is proud to align with such a prestigious partner,” said Josie Cline, Marine Brand Manager for OPTIMA Batteries. “As a proud sponsor of BASS and an avid supporter of the sport of bass fishing, OPTIMA Batteries encourages enthusiasts everywhere to stay out on the water longer.”

As part of the agreement, OPTIMA will receive booth space at the 2008 Bassmaster Classic and have a significant presence at all 2008 Bassmaster Elite Series tournaments. OPTIMA will also serve as the presenting sponsor of the 2008 Angler’s Alley program, which brings Elite Series anglers closer to fans in select Elite tournament cities. 

OPTIMA has roots in the bass fishing industry as it was a primary sponsor of Bassmaster Elite Series angler Edwin Evers of Talala, Okla., in 2007. Evers won an Elite event on New York’s Lake Erie in July and has amassed more than $1 million in career BASS earnings. 

“We recognize OPTIMA’s reputation in the industry and applaud their support of the sport of bass fishing,” said Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager of BASS. 

For more information on OPTIMA Batteries, visit www.optimabatteries.com

About OPTIMA Batteries
OPTIMA Batteries are manufactured by Johnson Controls, Inc. Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI - News) is the global leader that brings ingenuity to the places where people live, work and travel. By integrating technologies, products and services, we create smart environments that redefine the relationships between people and their surroundings. Our team of 140,000 employees creates a more comfortable, safe and sustainable world through our products and services for more than 200 million vehicles, 12 million homes and one million commercial buildings. Our commitment to sustainability drives our environmental stewardship, good corporate citizenship in our workplaces and communities, and the products and services we provide to customers. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.