All-American Soap Box Derby

ALL-AMERICAN SOAP BOX DERBY
NAMES RITA RUSSO MARKETING DIRECTOR

Akron (Jan. 23, 2012) The All-American Soap Box Derby organization has named Rita Russo
as its director of marketing, effective immediately.  In her new post, Russo is responsible for promoting the Soap Box Derby to potential participants, local race organizations and other constituents, as well as generating sponsorship support from corporations, foundations and other organizations.
  
Russo's ties to Akron institutions include public relations management posts at the former Carousel Dinner Theatre from 1992 to 1996, and at the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1996 and 1997.  She received a bachelor of arts degree in communications from the University of Akron in 1991.

From 1997 to 2010, Russo served in marketing posts at Magic Arts & Entertainment in Aurora, Ohio, where she developed and executed marketing and sponsorship campaigns for concert, theatrical and family entertainent tours such as Cher, David Copperfield, Barry Manilow, the Princess Diana Exhibition and A Chorus Line.

Most recently, Russo served as principal in Rumor Agency, focusing on entertainment publicity, sponsorship and marketing.

"Rita Russo brings an extensive and successful background in marketing and sponsorship development, which will benefit our youth racing program on a national and local level as we approach the 75th running of the All-American Soap Box Derby this summer," said Joe Mazur, president and chief executive officer of the All-American organization. 

There are more than 230 Soap Box Derby youth racing events held annually in local communities throughout the world, in which youngsters compete to qualify for the All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron.  More than 500 boys and girls from the United States, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and Germany, ages seven through 17 are expected to compete in their gravity-powered race cars in the championship finals here on Saturday, July 21, 2012

The All-American Soap Box Derby dates back to 1934, when the first event was held in Dayton, OH.  The race moved to Akron the following year where it has been run every year since, with the exception of a four -year hiatus during World War II.

Contact: Joe Mazur (330) 733-8723