Otter Tail Lakes Country Association Partners with Gophers Athletics
January 6, 2023– Fergus Falls, MN– In a continued effort to recruit visitors and residents to Otter Tail County, MN, Otter Tail Lakes Country Association (OTLCA) has partnered with the University of Minnesota Athletic Department for a multi-year marketing campaign beginning in 2023. The goal of this new relationship is to connect with Gopher fans, U of M alumni, and students while positioning Otter Tail County as a great place to visit, live and work.
“The Find Your Inner Otter brand has been very successful in creating top-of-mind awareness about all the things Otter Tail County has to offer,” said Rural Rebound Initiative Coordinator Erik Osberg. “The uniqueness of this new partnership presents us with a variety of ways to introduce our brand to a target audience and have a ton of fun along the way.”
Both OTLCA and Gopher Athletics are known for their mascots. The friendship between Goldy the Gopher and the Inner Otter should offer fans of both brands a new way to celebrate all things Minnesota.
As a Gopher sponsor, OTLCA will have radio ads during Gopher Football and Men’s Hockey games, signage inside Williams Arena and 3M Arena at Mariucci, digital ads, social media campaigns, and gameday experiences. In addition, name, image and likeness (NIL) agreements with Gopher student-athletes will be executed in collaboration with Dinkytown Athletes.
“The NIL portion of the campaign gives us a first-of-its-kind way to introduce Otter Tail County as a place to live the good life after graduating from college,” said Osberg. “Most of these student-athletes are going to be in the market for a job soon and we have plenty to offer here.” Basically, OTLCA will be extending the recruiting continuum for Gopher student-athletes by bringing them to Otter Tail County to experience lake life and discover career opportunities in the area.
“We are thrilled to team up with OTLCA, and welcome the opportunity to work with them on their objectives including raising visibility to our fans,” said Greg Gerlach, vice president and general manager for LEARFIELD’s Gopher Sports Properties, Minnesota’s athletics multimedia rightsholder that oversees the relationship.
You can learn more about the campaign by visiting ottertailcountry.com/gophers
About Otter Tail Lakes Country Association
Otter Tail Lakes Country Association is a non-profit 501c(6) whose funding comes from members. OTLCA has been promoting this region since 1976. Membership is comprised of a wide range of businesses, organizations, and communities. They rely on the collaboration and collective action of our members to promote this region as a premiere destination to Play, Stay, Dine, Live and Work. OTLCA believes a rising tide lifts all boats. By increasing regional brand awareness, all can benefit. This approach relies on the collaboration and collective action of area businesses.
