JMU Athletics’ Annual Small Business Game Changer Campaign to Accept Entries Beginning November 1

HARRISONBURG, Va. – JMU Athletics is bringing back its "Small Business Game Changer" campaign for a fourth consecutive year, open to businesses within a two-hour drive of JMU's campus and up to 250 employees. Entry opens on November 1 and goes through January 27, 2025.

JMU Athletics and returning campaign sponsor Appeal Production will provide the winning small business with a valuable marketing package worth $30,000. The campaign is executed in collaboration with athletic multimedia rights holder JMU Sports Properties, the locally based team of LEARFIELD, the media and technology company powering college sports.

"In the world of small business, it isn't just about being good – it is about standing out," said Andy Vanhook, Appeal Production Co-Founder CEO and Imaginative Producer. "As a fellow small business, we understand how difficult cutting through the noise can be. Appeal Production is thrilled to help small businesses grow from invisible to irresistible. We can't wait to help one small business stand out, because they deserve it."

Beginning November 1, businesses are encouraged to visit JMUSports .com/GameChanger to review the rules and entry criteria and register for the opportunity to be awarded brand exposure to JMU's passionate fanbase and campus community. This year's winning business will receive a professional video created by Appeal Production; in-venue digital signage during the 2024-25 football and basketball season; video board logo inclusion with PA announcement during the volleyball and lacrosse season; a print-at-home Men's Basketball ticket advertisement, and more.

"After a record-setting year of submissions for Small Business Game Changer, we are excited by the continued growth of this program and interest from the Shenandoah Valley's small business community," said Mike Chatburn, General Manager of JMU Sports Properties. "This is an extraordinary initiative, and we appreciate the ongoing commitment of Appeal Production to making this opportunity possible for our local community members."

The 2023-2024 Small Business Game Changer campaign saw over three times as many submissions as the previous year. Appeal Production and JMU Sports Properties have worked with local organizations, including the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce, to spread awareness of the campaign and increase participation from the area's small businesses. For the second consecutive year, Appeal Production and JMU Sports Properties will co-host the chamber's "Business After Hours" as a pregame event on Thursday, January 23, 2025 before the JMU Women's Basketball game vs. Southern Miss. Collaboration will continue throughout the season as the campaign will receive visibility through various promotional and outreach elements tied to Appeal Production's partnership with JMU Sports Properties.

Submissions for the Small Business Game Changer campaign will be reviewed by a panel of judges who will select a winner based on creativity, originality, and values. A winner will be selected on or before February 5, 2025.

Small Business Game Changer Testimonial – Valley Automation, Inc.
Valley Automation, Inc. received the Small Business Game Changer from the 2022-23 season and utilized the awarded benefits during the 2023-24 JMU Athletics season. "Valley Automation, Inc. was honored to be the recipient of the Small Business Game Changer for the 2023-2024 season," said owners Patrick and Heather Embry. "The exposure for our company gained through the success of the athletic program was incredible. Everyone at JMU Sports Properties, Appeal Production, and JMU were great to work with and truly provided a customized experience for our advertising needs."

About Appeal Production
Appeal Production helps businesses grow from invisible to irresistible with video marketing that makes your business stand out. Whether you need to excite new customers or attract the next great employee, your business deserves to be more visible. Appeal believes cutting through the noise shouldn't be so hard. With their simple video marketing process, they design custom videos to create a fully engaging experience with your brand. For more about Appeal and its services, visit appealproduction.com.

About LEARFIELD
LEARFIELD is a diversified and influential media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, LEARFIELD owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 15,000 local and national brand partners, LEARFIELD's presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, LEARFIELD enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed LEARFIELD Directors' Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.

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