Spruce Meadows celebrates sponsors
One of the first things you notice about Spruce Meadows is the level of corporate support enjoyed by this sprawling equestrian facility on the southern outskirts of Calgary.
Signage is everywhere, promoting some of the most recognized companies in the world. Boeing. Rolex. Chrysler. Pepsi. MercedesBenz. They’re among a star- studded cast of more than 100 large companies that have thrown their support behind the vision of the Southern family.
And 40 years later, as Spruce Meadows on Wednesday celebrated its anniversary, the corporate support is stronger than ever.
“Spruce Meadows wouldn’t have been possible without the corporate supporters,” said Linda Southern- Heathcott, president and chief executive of Spruce Meadows. “When we started Spruce Meadows, we were in the middle of nowhere. Nobody knew where Calgary was at that time. So there had to be that enticement, that interest, to come to Calgary and it was all because of the corporate support.”
Victor Royce, president and chief executive of Rolex Canada, said Spruce Meadows has evolved, matured and gained international stature as “being truly the pinnacle of international show jumping.”
BMO Financial Group is one of the founding sponsors at Spruce Meadows and has had a high- profile presence at the equestrian facility for the past 40 years.
Mike Suzuki, BMO’s vice- president and head of divisional operations for the Alberta and Northwest Territories, said the 40- year sponsorship begins with a relationship with the Southern family, who had a vision to provide a world- class venue for the community.
“Spruce Meadows has defined itself as best in class. For BMO Financial Group to be associated with a facility of that class and with people who have such great integrity and values, that’s a key component of why we continue to partner with Spruce Meadows,” said Suzuki.
Ian Allison, senior vice- president of Spruce Meadows, said in 1976, there were 25 sponsors between two tournaments with total prize money of $ 174,000. This year, total prize money for six tournaments will be more than $ 6 million — a record amount.