Icom to be 2006 ARRL November Sweepstakes Principal Awards Sponsor

Icom Amateur Radio Products National Sales Manager Ray Novak, N9JA.

ARRL COO Harold Kramer, WJ1B.

NEWINGTON, CT, Aug 16, 2006--Icom has generously agreed to serve for a second year as principal awards sponsor for the ARRL November Sweepstakes. The Amateur Radio equipment manufacturer first took on that role for the 2005 events. This week, the company announced it would do the same this year. The 2006 CW Sweeps takes place November 4-5, while the phone Sweeps is November 18-19. Under its agreement with ARRL, Icom will be the principal sponsor for nearly 150 unsponsored contest plaques that recognize various levels of operating achievement in the popular annual competition.

"We are pleased to continue our role as principal awards sponsor for the 2006 November Sweepstakes," said Icom Amateur Radio Products National Sales Manager Ray Novak, N9JA. "It's a mutually beneficial arrangement and enhances the contesting experience for everyone."

ARRL Chief Operating Officer Harold Kramer, WJ1B, said the agreement with Icom will permit the League to recognize the accomplishments of many more of Sweepstakes participants, not just the very top scorers. Contest award plaques lacking club or individual sponsorship typically cost their winners $60 to $70 apiece.

The 2005 ARRL-Icom Sweepstakes pact marked the first-ever corporate awards sponsorship for ARRL November Sweepstakes awards. Kramer has assured members -- in particular, regular ARRL contest participants -- that Icom's sponsorship will not in any way affect the integrity of the League's overall program of operating events. Individuals and non-commercial organizations already sponsor many plaques, and ARRL and Icom encourage their continued participation in the awards program.

Previous: ARDF Update: A Salute to Mobile T-Hunting

Next: Amateur Satellite Pioneer Cliff Buttschardt, K7RR, SK