As I sit at home today watching 20 inches of snow fall outside my window, it seems appropriate that I write a short item about a place where 20 inches of snow is only a minor inconvenience – Alaska.
Why Alaska? Well, it’s because I received this bit of information about J.J. Keller & Associates and thought it was something I should share.
For the fifth consecutive year, J.J. Keller & Associates will be sponsoring a race team in the Iditarod. The Iditarod, as many know, usually only gets mentioned nationally at the conclusion of the race, which can last up to 13 days.
“The Iditarod is a world-class event that definitely takes transportation to the extreme," said James J. Keller president & COO. “J. J. Keller has been partnering with transporters since 1953. We know they work in challenging, often extreme conditions and we admire their commitment to a job well done.”
Keller will sponsor Dallas Seavey, who became the youngest musher ever to finish the iconic sled-dog competition in 2005. Seavey finished eighth last year. Keller will also be a major sponsor for Dallas’ father Mitch, who won in 2004.
More than 60 mushers have signed up for the 2011 Iditarod, which begins in Anchorage,
Alaska, on March 5 and will end in Nome some 9 to 13 days later.
But the sponsorship for Keller isn’t just a donation of money, it goes a little deeper. James J. Keller said he has been following the teams and remains in frequent contact with Dallas.
“Dallas has a very strong veteran team and is training for a championship in 2011,” Keller said.
There are also high hopes for Mitch’s team, which the musher reports is in good shape entering the race.
“My team is in great shape and ahead of their training schedule,” Mitch said. “I’m planning on my second Iditarod Championship in March. I want to thank James and Rosanne Keller for their support again and look forward to an Iditarod Championship celebration in Neenah, Wis. in April.”
James Keller and his wife Rosanne plan to be in Nome for the conclusion of the race.
To learn more about J. J. Keller’s sponsorship of Dallas and Mitch Seavey, to view weekly training videos and photos sent from Dallas, and to follow the 2011 race, go to jjkeller.com/iditarod.