Official Launch of Aggie Energy Embraces College Colors Day with Unique Photo Contest Showcasing the "Power of the Aggie Spirit"

    SEAL BEACH, CA, September 02, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- As part of Texas A&M's participation in national College Colors Day on September 3, 2010, Aggie Energy is calling out to the Aggie faithful to enter an exclusive photo contest that demonstrates the "Power of the Aggie Spirit" in grand fashion. Texas A&M is the nation's seventh-largest university with nearly 49,000 students and boasts one of the nation's most passionate fan bases with 350,000 former students around the world.

From September 3 - 6, former students, fans, and current students are asked to submit a photo via text by sending your photo, email address and the word AGGIE to 21534 or by uploading a photo to www.AggieEnergyZone.com. The photos will appear as pins on an interactive map to show the power of the Aggie spirit throughout the state of Texas and the nation.

Beginning September 7 through September 11, following the photo entry period, fans can visit www.AggieEnergyZone.com and vote for the most powerful and energizing photo. One grand prize winner will be announced on September 18. The grand prize winner will receive an Aggie Power Pack, including tickets to a home football game, men's and women's basketball home games and merchandise autographed by head football coach Mike Sherman.

"Launching Aggie Energy with College Colors Day allows us to celebrate the power of the Aggie spirit in an innovative way," said Shane Hinckley, assistant vice president business development for Texas A&M University. "Texas A&M is already a leader in social media with an online 'community of spirit' of over 200,000 fans on our official Facebook page and almost 6,000 followers of our Twitter channel (TAMUtalk). We are a community of active social networkers and we are proud to offer this ground-breaking concept to Aggie fans in such a progressive way."

In addition to serving as the service hub for Aggie Energy customers, www.AggieEnergyZone.com is a place for passionate Aggie fans to support the University through exclusive contests and content, fan forums, University news and more.

Aggie Energy is the result of a new partnership between Aggie Athletics' multimedia rights holder Learfield Sports and the Collegiate Licensing Company, the exclusive licensing agency for Texas A&M, and Dallas-based Branded Retail Energy Company. Aggie Energy will offer 100-percent renewable energy powered by Houston-based Champion Energy Services. Each new customer that switches to Aggie Energy will help to generate funds for the Texas A&M Athletics Department, student scholarships and other University programs such as the Bonfire Memorial.

"In this inaugural year, Aggie Energy has committed more than a half million dollars to the University and its Athletics program," said Jason Helms, president and CEO of Branded Retail Energy. "With the support we anticipate from Aggie former students and fans, we are expecting to provide millions of dollars to the University."

Aggie Energy customers will benefit from competitive renewable electricity rates powered by Champion Energy Services' renewable energy program, generated by 100 percent Texas wind power. Aggie Energy customers will also have an exclusive opportunity to receive game tickets, special offers on Aggie gear, access to special promotions and more.

"As a former Corps of Cadet member, Texas A&M Aggie Energy represents the convergence of two passions in my life," said Champion Director of Operations, John Ballenger. "For all of us who love our university, knowing we can contribute to the university's success simply by choosing Texas A&M Aggie Energy is an exciting proposition."

Aggie Energy will have a significant presence at Aggie sporting events this fall as the company will serve as the Official Electricity Partner of Aggie Athletics. Aggie supporters are encouraged to visit www.AggieEnergyZone.com to learn how to switch.

Texas A&M former students and fans can display the "Power of the Aggie Spirit" and support their beloved Aggies with the simple click of a camera and flip of a switch. Starting September 3, 2010, Aggie fans in deregulated regions of Texas can sign up for Aggie Energy, a 100-percent renewable energy product, that makes a donation to athletic excellence, Corps of Cadets scholarships, and maintenance of the Bonfire Memorial every time a new customer makes the switch. Aggie fans and residents in deregulated regions of Texas are encouraged to visit www.AggieEnergyZone.com to learn how to make the switch today.

"Signing up for Aggie Energy is a simple way to support the University," said Texas A&M director of athletics Bill Byrne. "Our loyal Aggie fans and former students are among the first in the nation to have access to this innovative program that allows us to galvanize the passion and enthusiasm of our fans to support our University and Athletics program, while providing them premium 100-percent renewable energy that's better for our environment."

About Aggie Energy:
Aggie Energy is electricity that supports the Aggies. By choosing Aggie Energy for homes or businesses, consumers are not only supporting Texas A&M, but also helping the environment. Powered by Champion Energy Services, a Texas-based company, consumers are choosing 100% renewable power. Proceeds from this program support athletics and academic programs. For more information, www.AggieEnergyZone.com.

About Champion Energy Services:
Houston-based Champion Energy Services (championenergyservices.com) ranks among the top retail electricity providers in the United States. Champion Energy currently serves residential, commercial and industrial customers in deregulated electric energy markets in Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Ohio and is slated to enter the New Jersey and California markets later in 2010. The company serves 450,000 residential customer equivalents, with a peak load near 1,200 megawatts. Champion Energy is backed by the financial strength of Texas-based Crane Capital. PUCT No. 10098, PA, PUC license A-2009-2124113, Ohio PUC certificate 09-166E(1), Illinois (ICC) docket 10-0168.

About Branded Retail Energy Company:
Based in Dallas, Texas, Branded Retail Energy Company (BRECo) is in the business of marketing electricity through affinity partnerships. BRECo develops concepts, creative, implementation and customer acquisition platforms that focus on sports, cause and educational institutions. BRECo created the Aggie Energy program and manages the ongoing marketing and sponsorship elements.

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