Cookeville, Tenn. (Aug. 12, 2009) – Purple and gold will look great on green lawns, in busy parking lots and on marquees for the next two weeks as Putnam County businesses and residents get ready for TTU Pride Days.

Running from Aug. 17 to 28, the event encourages community members to welcome new and returning students to Tennessee Tech University while offering local businesses opportunities for special promotions.

"Pride Days give us an opportunity to celebrate the relationship the university and community share, and they give businesses a chance to meet new customers and thank current customers who are a part of the TTU community,” said Bobbie Maynard, TTU’s Marketing Director. “This year, Pride Days are expanding into six surrounding counties thanks to cooperation by area Chambers of Commerce.”

Tech promotes TTU Pride Days with “TTU Pride” yard signs, buttons and stickers that are again available this year. Distribution locations include on-campus – Roaden University Center information desk and bookstore, Alumni Relations Office and Hooper Eblen Center – and off-campus – Cookeville/Putnam County Chamber at Leslie Town Centre, Student Book and Supply, Kroger, Sav-a-Lot, First National Bank (Jefferson Avenue branch), First Tennessee Bank (Jefferson Avenue branch) and Regions Bank (downtown and Broad Street branches).

As TTU Pride Partners, businesses reap the benefits of reaching the campus community with promotions, and the university enjoys the visible show of support. Any business can become a TTU Pride Partner by planning a special promotion or discount or by contacting the university about any TTU specials already offered. Partner promotions and discounts can be listed on the TTU Pride web site.

Businesses are also asked to show support by putting messages on marquees and decorating with a TTU Pride theme. Photos may be submitted at the Pride web site to be eligible for publicity and prizes.

TTU residence halls open Aug. 27; the first day of classes is Aug. 31.

The excitement of TTU Pride Days offers a great segue for athletic supporters. The football team kicks off its season Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. against Pikeville College and the defending OVC Champion volleyball team plays its first home match Sept. 18 against conference rival Southeast Missouri. Season ticket holders exclusively will receive purple and white “Purple Pride” yard signs.

For more information about TTU Pride Days of becoming a Pride Partner, visit www.tntech.edu/pridedays or contact Maynard at 372-3214 or bfmaynard@tntech.edu.

--Karen Lykins
This information posted 12 August 2009