09/18/12 ks

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Fort Hays State University, located in western Kansas, is displaying a highly visible marketing message throughout the Kansas City metro area.

Beginning Sept. 10 and continuing through Thanksgiving, a fleet of semi-trailers wrapped with eye-catching graphics is penetrating Kansas City's 318 square miles. The 12-week campaign is designed to boost awareness and drive interest in the educational institution that serves more than 13,000 students on its campus in Hays, across the United States through its Virtual College and in the Far East at partner universities in China.

"We launched this innovative campaign to grab attention of high school students in the Kansas City area as they begin to think seriously about which college to attend next fall," said Dr. Edward H. Hammond, FHSU president.

FHSU worked with alumnus Tracy Metzger, vice president and chief technology officer for the Lowen Corporation in Hutchinson, Kan., to create the five "mobile billboards." Lowen Corporation has formed a consortium with several trucking companies, called Transtech Media. The wrapped trailers were selected as a marketing medium on the strength of their ability to reach the population on major roads and surface streets throughout Kansas City.

"Our medium harnesses the nation's enormous fleet of semi-trailers to deliver marketing and advertising messages to consumers," said Chris Cockerill, vice president-sales for Transtech Media. "The trailer dimensions and mobility combine to supersize marketing messages, reaching thousands of consumers each day. Transtech Media is proud to partner with Fort Hays State University in this campaign."

A powerful mobile message is emblazoned on the sides of the five semi-trailers that are operating in the K.C. area. The message features the FHSU logo and the certification "Best Value," with a unique URL that enables consumers to learn more about the benefits of an FHSU education. The FHSU mascot, Victor E. Tiger, dominates the rear panel on each trailer.

President Hammond said he had heard from several FHSU alums in just the first week, who said they had noticed the trailers and also heard comments from neighbors and co-workers.

For more information, contact Jerry Boone, Transtech Media, by calling 620-665-2845 or at jerryb@transtechmedia.com.