Baltimore, Maryland – American Cheer & Dance Academy (ACDA) and Spirit Unlimited (SU) are pleased to announce their merger to create EPIC Brands (Epic), effective June 1, 2011. In addition to ACDA and SU, “Reach the Beach Nationals” will branch off to become its own brand of national competitions. Epic will also encompass a series of camps, dance exclusive events, recreation and school exclusive events, and Epic Gear – a retail entity. Over 75 cheerleading and dance events will be offered annually throughout North America.
Epic Rewards, a new membership concept, will also be launched. Epic Rewards will entitle coaches to VIP coaches lounge and seating at competitions, express registration with a card swipe, discounts on Epic Gear apparel, earlier access to performance schedules, text messages for schedule changes and updates, camp discounts, free competitions, payment plans, discounts and rewards for each Epic event attended, and a toll free hotline after hours and prior to events to assist with any event related questions.
ACDA and SU are founding members of notable industry organizations including SITA, IEP, The U.S. Finals and The Final Destination. Both have gained industry recognition for their premier national events – “Reach the Beach Nationals” and “Battle at the Boardwalk”. As members of USASF, both companies award Full Paid and Partial Paid World bids along with awarding bids to all US Finals. The companies have been recognized by their peers at the prestigious SITA Awards, and have collectively brought home “Best Ad”, “Spirit Collaboration”, and “Best Competition Broadcast”.
In order to maintain a competitive edge in the Spirit Industry, creating innovative competition concepts has become key. ACDA has remained distinguished for their creation of the original beach themed nationals competition concept, better known as “Reach the Beach”. The company has also gained popularity with its twice-annual car giveaway at “Reach the Beach Nationals” in Ocean City, Maryland. “Reach the Beach” will continue to offer innovative giveaways and a concert series.
SU is helping to pave the way for the evolution of cheerleading by creating “Let’s Meet”. Let’s Meet is a new round of skill-based competition for levels 1-6,consisting of team partner stunt and team pyramid competition.
“Collectively, we have decades of experience in the industry among us. We know what’s currently available and have listened to what the market wants. We’re excited to shake the cheerleading world up and look forward to unveiling all of our new concepts,” said Lura Fleece, Spirit Unlimited President.
ACDA and SU were founded in 1991 and 1999, respectively. Both companies remain committed to producing events that are among the best in the industry, while continuing to value and maintain superior customer service.
Please visit www.theepicbrands.com or call 877.322.2310 or 888-737-2221 for additional information on this exciting new development.
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