ARRL and Icom combine forces to expand contest plaque program

A new cooperative arrangement between the ARRL and Icom will make it possible to expand the League's contest awards program at no cost to participants.

Icom has agreed to serve as the principal sponsor for nearly 150 currently unsponsored contest plaques recognizing various levels of operating achievement in the annual ARRL November Sweepstakes Phone and CW events.

"This ARRL-industry partnership enables us to do something for our members that we alone could not do previously under our present dues structure," said ARRL Chief Operating Officer Harold Kramer, WJ1B.

"No longer will those who qualify for unsponsored plaques have to pay for them out of their own pockets, but the generosity of Icom will let the League recognize the accomplishments of many more of our contest participants - not just the very top scorers."

Contest award plaques lacking club or individual sponsorship typically cost their winners $60 to $70 apiece.

Commented Icom Amateur Radio Products National Sales Manager Ray Novak, N9JA, "We are happy to take part in an arrangement that is mutually beneficial and enhances the contesting experience for everyone." In return for its sponsorship, Icom will receive promotional consideration in QST and on the ARRL Web site.

Kramer says the ARRL-Icom pact marks the first-ever corporate sponsorship for ARRL November Sweepstakes awards. He also assured members -in particular, regular ARRL contest participants - that the Icom sponsorship will not in any way affect the integrity of the League's overall program of operating events.

Individuals and non-commercial organizations already sponsor many plaques, he noted, and ARRL and Icom encourage their continued participation in the awards program.

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