RICHMOND, BC (February 17, 2010): When Alexa Loo competes in the Olympic Games, she will have an extra cheering section from local accounting firm Entrust LLP. Entrust partner Scott Armstrong met Loo in October 2008 after hearing her speak about her 2006 Olympic experience and journey to the 2010 games. Her story inspired him to offer his support in all matters pertaining to the business of becoming an Olympic champion so that she could focus on what was important – training, rest and recuperation.
“When I first met with Alexa to discuss sponsorship opportunities, I realized that handling such matters on her own was a huge burden for an Olympic athlete,” said Armstrong. “It was paradoxical – she needed to raise funds so that she could devote her time to training, however, raising funds required a significant time commitment of its own. Since that time I have spent many hours working with her sponsors, media and fans. To me, this is time that we have been able to give back to Alexa”.
For Loo, Entrust’s assistance has allowed her to focus on her training. “I want to thank Scott for really helping me manage the business side of my snowboarding,”
“Scott’s enthusiasm has been contagious and a number of his clients have joined my 2010 Olympic journey by supporting me with services and funding”, said Alexa. Redesigning and updating Loo’s website was a top priority. Entrust client Epic Marketing Solutions developed a bold new website for Loo, prominently featuring studio photography contributed by Sherri Koop Photography. “Entrust really helped with getting my website up and running -www.alexaloo.com - looks great!”
“With the website project underway, our next goal was to try to raise additional funds to meet Alexa’s budget,” said Armstrong, “and we weren’t surprised by the response from our clients.” Island Carpet Sales, a leader in the Richmond market for close to 40 years, and Benkin Sheet Metal were quick to offer their support, while content to remain in the background. “The generous support from Benkin Sheet Metal and Island Carpet have allowed me to ensure that I am able to get the peace of mind that I need going into the Games” said Loo. “I am able to afford the little things that allow me to rest and stay focused, like my own room at our Olympic training camp, therapeutic massages and last minute equipment changes to help me be ready to perform at the Olympics!” Another local business leader, Henderson Livingston Stewart, Barristers & Solicitors, volunteered to provide the legal services required to prepare Loo’s sponsorship agreements.
Armstrong feels the journey has been rewarding. “Every time I spend an hour or two working with the designers, speaking to the sponsors, or providing information and photographs to the media and to fans, I am reminded of my thought from the early meetings with Alexa, ‘how does she find the time to do this while meeting an intense training schedule?’ It has been great to be able to remove this burden from Alexa”.
Entrust recently unveiled a large sign at their Bridgeport location proclaiming their support for Loo, Richmond’s only Olympian. “Our office is on a very busy thouroughfare. We hope everyone who sees the sign as they drive by remembers that one of their own is representing Canada this month, and that they cheer just a little bit louder for her”.
For further information contact:
Scott Armstrong, CA
604.821.0554
