February 20, 2008, New Bedford, MA – AlphaGraphics, Inc.,  a leading print, graphics and marketing communications provider, recently announced that the company has signed a multi-year partnership agreement with US SAILING - national governing body for the sport - to be the first-ever title sponsor of the US Sailing Team. The new partnership takes immediate effect and runs through 2012. The US Sailing Team, which annually recognizes the top three athletes in the classes selected for the next Olympic and Paralympic Games, will now be known as "US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics."

“All of us are very enthusiastic about the opportunity to support the US Sailing Team, especially as the top team members head to China this year,” said Joe Vasta, owner of the New Bedford Alphagraphics. “We see strong parallels in the US Sailing Team and our team at AlphaGraphics, where both the individual and the team are striving to reach their fullest potential.”  AlphaGraphics of New Bedford, now in its 21st year of operation, offers a complete range of print and visual communications products and solutions, including full-service digital, offset and large format printing; design services; mailing and one-to-one marketing services; promotional products and digital archiving.

"We are thrilled that our new title sponsor, AlphaGraphics, is a company built on entrepreneurial spirit, the same spirit that drives so many of our team athletes,” said Olympic Sailing Committee Chairman Dean Brenner.  “This is a big day for the team, and we are excited about having a partner with us for the long-haul."

US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics member Zach Railey said, "I'm very excited about this new level of support. The more support we receive, the more opportunities we have to work with the world's best coaches and to compete in as many events as possible. This has all the markings of a very rewarding relationship."  In addition to AlphaGraphics, sponsors of the US Sailing Team include Rolex Watch U.S.A., Vanguard Sailboats, Nautica, Gill, Sperry Top-Sider, RIBCRAFT, Harken, New England Ropes, Extrasport, Nikon and Team McLube.

AlphaGraphics plans, produces and manages visual communications for businesses at more than 260 owner-operated, locally based business centers worldwide.  Backed by state-of-the-art technology, the world’s highest quality standards and a global network, the company’s trained and experienced team members are committed to delivering creative solutions that allow customers to communicate more confidently and effectively.

The US Sailing Team Alphagraphics is managed by US SAILING, national governing body of the sport. Headquartered in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, the organization provides leadership for the sport of sailing in the United States. US SAILING offers training and education programs for instructors and race officials, supports a wide range of sailing organizations and communities, issues offshore rating certificates, and provides administration and oversight of competitive sailing across the country, including National Championships and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Sailing Teams. For more information, please visit www.ussailing.org.