News from New York State Office of General Services

For more information contact: Brad Maione, 518-474-5987

OGS Announces Selection Of Hannaford

Supermarkets To Sponsor 2008 Kidz Expo

ALBANY, NY (02/01/2008; 0956)(readMedia)-- New York State Office of General Services Commissioner John C. Egan today announced the selection of Hannaford Supermarkets as the Excelsior Sponsor for the 3rd annual Kidz Expo to be held on March 1, 2008. The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“We are pleased that Hannaford Supermarkets has again decided to sponsor this wonderful event,” said Commissioner Egan. “These partnerships are important because they enable OGS and community partners to provide programming for the entire family.”

“We are thrilled to continue our outstanding partnership with the Office of General Services on the area’s premier Kidz Expo,” said Hannaford Supermarkets Albany District Manager Mike Merrow. “This is a great community event designed to provide a healthy outlet for thousands of families who are seeking creative solutions to overcome cabin fever.”

The company was selected under a new competitive process directed by Governor Eliot Spitzer to ensure openness and transparency in the process for the award and promotion of event sponsors for state-managed public events such as the Kidz Expo, the Holiday Tree Lighting and upcoming Summer Concert Series.

Hannaford’s selection followed its participation in an open process requiring potential event sponsors seeking the Excelsior designation to submit a proposal for evaluation to the OGS Special Events office. This is the first award as part of the new process. Among the benefits of Excelsior designation is the opportunity to be the “named” sponsor. With that comes the opportunity to be included in the event’s branding, promotional materials, signage and advertising.

OGS is proud to continue its partnership with Hannaford Supermarkets for the third consecutive year. The Hannaford Kidz Expo at the Empire State Plaza has become one of the Capital District’s premier family events, offering entertaining and educational activities for children, including:

• Live performances and audience interaction by the lovable and precocious Junie B. Jones

• Home Depot’s Designs for Kids

• Cartwheels for Kids and Tumbling Tykes

• Live Reptile Showcase

• Soccer Demonstrations

• Clowns and face-painters

• Storytelling, arts and crafts and more!

For more information about the Hannaford Kidz Expo or about new sponsorship procedures at the Empire State Plaza, call 518-473-0559 or visit www.empirestateplaza.org.

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