2007 UNIVATOR Award Winner - January 2007

Effective Public Relations Campaign – VF Corporation

The Force®, a leading public safety uniform brand from VF, is committed to serving and honoring America ’s law enforcement heroes. The company achieves this goal by designing apparel to meet the precise needs of police officers and by founding and supporting programs that recognize everyday heroes. Through its sponsorship of two public relations campaigns – The Positive Force Award and Cops on Top – VF has demonstrated its steadfast commitment to the law enforcement community and its dedication to programs that produce positive corporate and social results. It is indeed worthy of a UNIVATOR for its efforts.

Created by The Force, the Positive Force award is given annually to a law enforcement officer who has distinguished him or herself by exemplary service that goes above and beyond the call of duty. The mission of this award is to provide a focus on stories of bravery and character by today’s law enforcement heroes. The winner is chosen by a group of his or her peers within the law enforcement community. The recipient is given a $5,000 cash award and another $5,000 gift for the charity of his choice. “The Force is proud to sponsor the Positive Force Award to ensure the great stories of bravery and valor are told more often,” explains Janet Rives, senior marketing manager for VF Imagewear.

Last year’s winner, Timothy Greene of the Rock Hill, South Carolina Police Department, was honored at the 113th annual International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) conference in Boston, Massachusetts last October 15. Officer Greene worked as a support professional for Microsoft for four years until September 11, 2001 , when the events of the day inspired him to commit his life to serving and protecting others. “Law enforcement officers put their lives in danger every time they put on their uniforms. The sacrifices they make enable us to live better lives,” adds Rives.

The Force is also the primary corporate sponsor of Cops on Top—a program that provides financial support for law enforcement officers who climb the world’s highest peaks in honor of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The purpose of these expeditions is to bring attention to the dangers facing the everyday police officer.

Each summit serves as a fallen officer’s memorial and provides closure for the families and departments that have experienced a loss.