Launches blog to involve Parade fans in building of float
Celebrates participation with $10K grant to Junior Achievement of Southern California
RIVERWOODS, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) announced today its participation in the 2011 Tournament of Roses® Parade to be held on Jan. 1, 2011, in Pasadena, Calif. Discover’s involvement with the Tournament of Roses complements its commitment to college football and the company’s partnership with the Bowl Championship Series (BCS), which includes a four-year title sponsorship of the Orange Bowl and status as the Official Credit Card of the BCS.
“We're proud to be part of such a great American tradition”
In keeping with this year’s Rose Parade theme – Building Dreams, Friendships and Memories – Discover has selected Fiesta Parade Floats to design and construct a float entitled “A State Fair to Remember.”
“We're proud to be part of such a great American tradition,” said Julie Loeger, Senior Vice President of Brand and Product Management at Discover. “Since so many of our customers watch the Rose Parade each New Year’s Day, we’ve designed our float to celebrate one of the things they care about most: spending time with family and friends. And a state fair is the kind of experience where everyone can have fun and create lasting memories together.”
Discover also will feature six members of its customer service team on its float.
“We’re extremely proud of our award-winning customer service team—all of whom are based in the U.S.—and their dedication to helping our customers,” said Loeger. “Showcasing account managers on our float is another way we’re demonstrating Discover’s commitment to delivering the best service in our industry.”
“Discover’s float will be a great addition to the 122nd Rose Parade,” said Jeff Throop, president of the Tournament of Roses Association. “Our viewers constantly look forward to new entries that will delight them on New Year’s morning. With its moving Ferris wheel and many fun elements, ‘A State Fair to Remember’ will surely thrill audiences both in person and on television. We are thrilled to have Discover join us in the Rose Parade.”
“March to the Rose Parade®” Blog
To share its involvement in the Rose Parade with customers and parade fans, Discover has created a new blog featuring events and activities related to the construction of the company’s float. Visitors can learn about Rose Parade float making and judging criteria, see photos and video of Discover’s float under construction, and post comments on the blog. Visit Discover’s “March to the Rose Parade®” blog at http://www.discoveratroseparade.wordpress.com.
Donation to Junior Achievement
In conjunction with Discover’s parade participation, the company will donate $10,000 to Junior Achievement of Southern California to help develop tutoring programs in Pasadena Schools. The donation reflects Discover’s long-standing commitment to primary education and tradition of investing in the communities where it does business.
“Discover and Junior Achievement have a successful, long-standing relationship, and we’re extremely proud to partner with such a prominent and committed community partner,” said Gary W. Hickman, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Southern California. “Discover’s support has enabled us to continue to provide educational programming for millions of youth nationwide, and many local Pasadena students through in-class programs and participation in JA of Southern California’s Finance Park.”
About Discover
Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a direct banking and payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S. financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company operates the Discover card, America's cash rewards pioneer, and offers personal and student loans, online savings accounts, certificates of deposit and money market accounts through its Discover Bank subsidiary. Its payment businesses consist of Discover Network, with millions of merchant and cash access locations; PULSE, one of the nation's leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International, a global payments network with acceptance in more than 185 countries and territories. For more information, visit www.discoverfinancial.com.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6505835&lang=en
