Strategic Partnerships: How Tires Plus and UCF Benefit Each Other and the Community
Strategic partnerships between businesses and universities can create mutually beneficial relationships that extend beyond simple transactions. The Tires Plus partnership with the University of Central Florida (UCF) exemplifies this concept, offering advantages to both entities and the wider community. This article explores the various facets of this collaboration, highlighting the benefits for students, the university, and the business itself.
Enhancing the Game Day Experience: A Focus on Students
UCF Athletics actively seeks to enhance the student experience at sporting events, and partnerships with businesses like Tires Plus play a crucial role. The "Party on the Plaza" initiative, held before football games, demonstrates this commitment.
Party on the Plaza and Fan Engagement
The "Party on the Plaza" is a pre-game event held on the north lawn of IOA Plaza, in front of Bright House Networks Stadium. This event is designed to create a festive atmosphere and encourage student attendance at UCF football games. As part of this student initiative, all UCF students are eligible to attend the game for free. In addition, current registered students from UCF's Direct-Connect to UCF college partners, as well as other Central Florida area colleges, are invited to attend the game for free.
The Fan Faire includes tents from corporate partners distributing UCF-themed promotional items. Fan Faire participants include game sponsors McDonald's, 740 The Game, Fifth Third Bank, Bright House Networks, Carl Black of Orlando, Farm Bureau, E Tour & Travel, Blue Man Group, Publix, Smokey Bones, Tropical Smoothie Café, Chick-fil-A, Tires Plus, Chevy Dealers, Hooters, Asset Campus Housing and Buffalo Wild Wings.
Community Involvement and Free Tickets
The Tires Plus partnership extends beyond just UCF students. UCF Athletics actively encourages participation from regional campuses and neighboring institutions, including Rollins College, Valencia College, Seminole State College of Florida, Full Sail University, Strayer University, the University of Phoenix, Daytona State College, Lake Sumter Community College and Brevard Community College. All area college students are admitted free to the game with a printed ticket for entry into Bright House Networks Stadium.
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Addressing Student Needs: Parking and Transportation
Recognizing the challenges students face with parking and transportation, UCF has implemented several initiatives. Lot H4-A, south of the Fraternity and Sorority Life offices at the intersection of Greek Park Drive and Aquarius Agora Road, is being transformed into a 275-space student parking lot. Four electric-car charging stations have been added to campus, bringing the total number of charging stations to 15. Users can fully charge their cars for free. Students with valid parking permits can park near the softball field on North Orion Boulevard and pick up a Park and Ride shuttle to campus. Shuttles pick up every 15 minutes and drop students off near the College of Health & Public Affairs next to Memory Mall. UCF shuttles also pick up at nearby student apartment complexes and drop off passengers at various spots on campus.
Parking Services personnel are available to assist with flat tires, battery jumps, if keys are locked in a car, if a vehicle runs out of gas and more.
Strategic Benefits for Tires Plus
The partnership with UCF provides Tires Plus with several strategic benefits.
Brand Visibility and Marketing Opportunities
The partnership provides Tires Plus with significant brand visibility among the UCF student population and the broader Central Florida community.
Community Engagement
By supporting UCF Athletics and student initiatives, Tires Plus demonstrates its commitment to the local community. This can enhance the company's reputation and foster positive relationships with potential customers.
Read also: Is the Best Western Plus Orlando East UCF Area right for you? Find out here.
Supporting Local Businesses: A Model for Growth
The story of 3D Tire Company, a family-owned business in Central Florida, provides a valuable example of how local businesses can thrive with the right support.
The 3D Tire Company Story
Founded by Ernest Williams, 3D Tire Company has offered quality tires, preventative maintenance, and repair services to the Central Florida area for almost 35 years. The company has built its reputation and large customer base on family values, faith, and the founding principles for which it has become known: quality, dedication, and a commitment to service.
Partnership with FSBDC
Recognizing the need to adapt to changing times and transition to a second generation of leadership, 3D Tire Company approached the Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC). The FSBDC analyzed the company’s operations, finances and marketing efforts. The input and guidance they afforded our company, the direction that they offered, the consulting and different suggestions they made have been instrumental in turning this company around, in reshaping our direction and re-channeling our focus.
Growth and Expansion
Since our involvement with the FSBDC, certainly from our end as a company, we’ve seen tremendous growth and expansion on various fronts.
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