NEWS

Broadhead + Co and Drake & Company Form Strategic Alliance
June 2010

Broadhead + Co and DRAKE & COMPANY jointly announced today the formation of a "strategic alliance," effective July 1, between the two firms to expand available services and expertise to their respective association clientele, and to be best positioned for new association business opportunities.

"The expertise and experience each of our companies brings to this alliance complement each other perfectly," explained Dean Broadhead, president/CEO of Broadhead + Co. "DRAKECO has a long history of managing and growing associations in the agricultural sector, and we can provide additional marketing communications support to further that growth."

"We look at this strategic business alliance as a great benefit for our current clients and a smart way that DRAKECO can grow strategically as a company," said Steve Drake, president/CEO of DRAKECO. "Broadhead can bring its traditionally high level of customer service, marketing and public relations and expertise and creative talents to the table in a way that benefits both companies."

Both Broadhead and Drake noted the alliance is not a merger or acquisition, nor a step in that direction. "It is a mutual agreement to do business with one another, plain and simple," said Broadhead.

One of the benefits of the strategic alliance will be the sharing of personnel resources, particularly those of industry communications veteran Hugh Whaley, Broadhead + Co's current director of Industry & Association Relations.

"Since both DRAKECO and Hugh are based in St. Louis, it made perfect sense for Hugh to work from the DRAKECO office in serving current and future clients of both companies," Drake said. "Hugh has over 30 years of experience working with associations and volunteer-governed organizations that he can bring to DRAKECO clients. And he has the marketing communications expertise to continue assisting Broadhead's non-profit agricultural organization clients while serving as DRAKECO's Executive Director of Strategic Alliances."

Broadhead + Co is a Minneapolis-based marketing agency focused on connecting the interests of urban + rural America. Their client list includes organizations such as AGCO Corporation, The Almond Board of California, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, The Mosaic Company, United Phosphorus, Inc. and the United Sorghum Checkoff Program. For additional company information, visit www.broadheadco.com or call 612.623.8000.

DRAKECO is an accredited association management company that makes dreams fly by passionately providing vision, leadership and professional services to trade associations, membership organizations, foundations and companies. In the food and ag sector, DRAKECO currently serves as the staff and headquarters for the International Fruit Tree Association, National Christmas Tree Association, Country Living Association, Alpha Zeta Organizations and Dairy Calf & Heifer Association and provides financial management and staff services for the Agricultural Media Summit. For more information about DRAKECO, go to www.drakeco.com, become a fan on Facebook or follow @DRAKECO on Twitter.