Irvine-based Kia Motors America Inc. renewed its sponsorship of the Ladies Professional Golf Association in a multiyear deal that enables it to continue as Official Automotive Partner and to have a presence at seven tournaments, including the ANA Inspiration and the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.
Kia will also continue as title sponsor of the Kia Classic, which returns this week to the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa in Carlsbad. Players vie for a share a $1.8 million purse, while the tournament winner will drive away in a 2017 Cadenza premium sedan.
“Both Kia and the LPGA have experienced tremendous growth in visibility and awareness as a result of our partnership, and we are proud to extend the relationship and look forward to several more years of successful collaboration,” Kia Director of Marketing Communications Kimberley Gardiner said in a statement.
Aston Martin + Daniel Craig
British luxury automaker Aston Martin, which keeps its Americas region headquarters in Irvine, has put up its Vantage GT Roadster and a trip to meet actor Daniel Craig as a prize in a fundraiser supporting the United Nations Mine Action Service “to reduce the threat and impact of landmines and other explosive hazards.”
The fundraiser is hosted online by Culver City-based Omaze Inc., which “offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences that benefit charitable causes.” To participate, go to: omaze.com/astonmartin.
The automaker also named the “revolutionary hypercar” it’s co-developing with Red Bull Advanced Technologies. The Valkyrie, formerly known as AM-RB 001, is a “blend of cutting edge Formula One technology” and Aston Martin’s “signature sports car design.” The vehicle, which has a V12 engine and an electric motor, debuted this month at the Geneva Auto Show and will have a very limited run of 150—perhaps no surprise, as the price tag will be in the “multimillion-dollar range,” according to news reports.
Great Expectations
Great Wolf Lodge Southern California in Garden Grove celebrated its one-year anniversary with yellow cupcakes and a 10-foot origami cake set up in its lobby.
Its first year was “excellent,” said Phillip Cunningham, general manager of the indoor waterpark and hotel. The strategy for this year includes learning “what guests like, and adjusting accordingly.”
The venue recently kicked off its first Spring-a-Palooza, and plans to continue its Howl-O-Ween and Snowland events.
“We try to look at all the seasons and celebrate and grow with our guests,” Cunningham said, adding that its inaugural marketing effort helped Great Wolf Lodge align itself with “families that enjoy great recreation together,” and will be expanded to include all regions of the state.
Bits & Pieces
The Irvine Marriott hosted Studio: Culture, which showcased its recent propertywide redesign, including outdoor Cannery Row shipping container space, the FLOE Restaurant and Patio, YNK Lounge and M Club. About 150 guests attended the open-house-style event, which featured a pop-up art gallery and live performances by musicians and performance artists. … Brea-based Evangelical Christian Credit Union promoted Valerie Blaze to director of marketing and product management. Blaze is responsible for “developing ECCU’s marketing and new product development strategies impacting all consumer and commercial banking.”
