Youth Sports Sponsorships: A Marketing Strategy for Local Businesses and Families with Mandy Holmes

Youth Sports Sponsorships: A Marketing Strategy for Local Businesses and Families with Mandy Holmes

Abbie Fink and Adrian McIntyre chat with Mandy Holmes, founder of Sponsor My Athlete [https://sponsormyathlete.com/], about how parents can turn their children's passion for sports into a lucrative opportunity through local business sponsorships. Mandy shares insights on building brand partnerships, legal and financial considerations, and how these strategies can extend to arts and other activities. Whether you're a parent, a small business owner, or interested in community engagement, this episode highlights a powerful grassroots marketing approach. Read the transcript and notes [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/youth-sports-sponsorships-mandy-holmes] for this episode on our website. Key Takeaways * Sponsorships can provide a sustainable way for families to support youth sports without bearing excessive financial burdens. * Local businesses benefit from these partnerships by gaining direct access to community-oriented marketing opportunities. * Clear contracts and understanding of the business relationship are crucial to ensure mutual benefit. * The approach used for youth sports sponsorships can be applied to other activities such as music, theater, and arts. * Starting early with branding and establishing professional relationships can pave the way for future successes in a child's sports or arts career. Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen [https://copperstateofmind.show/listen] Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/how-to-hire-public-relations-agency-phoenix-arizona]." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink [https://hmapr.com/team/abbie-s-fink/] and Dr. Adrian McIntyre [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianmcintyre], is brought to you by HMA Public Relations [https://hmapr.com/], a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story [https://speedofstory.com], a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm [https://phx.fm/], the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network [https://prgnpodcast.com/], featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

AI Safety for Kids and Families with Ilana Lowery of Common Sense Media

Ilana Lowery is Director of School Partnerships & Policies at Common Sense Media, a non-profit organization that puts kids' safety and well-being first in the digital era. Ilana joins us to talk about the new Youth AI Safety Institute [ https://institute.commonsensemedia.org/], an independent effort to research AI's impact, set safety standards, evaluate products, and share the findings with parents, educators and policymakers alike. Read the transcript and notes [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/ai-safety-kids-families-ilana-lowery-common-sense-media] for this episode on our website. Resources for Parents & Educators * Common Sense Media: AI [https://www.commonsense.org/ai] * AI Literacy Toolkit for Families [https://www.commonsense.org/education/families-ai-literacy-toolkit] * Videos and Tips for Families [https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ai/tips-and-videos] Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen [https://copperstateofmind.show/listen] Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/how-to-hire-public-relations-agency-phoenix-arizona]." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink [https://hmapr.com/team/abbie-s-fink/] and Dr. Adrian McIntyre [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianmcintyre], is brought to you by HMA Public Relations [https://hmapr.com/], a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story [https://speedofstory.com], a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm [https://phx.fm/], the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network [https://prgnpodcast.com/], featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

The Best Leaders Are Connectors

In this episode, Adrian McIntyre and Abbie Fink reflect on leadership, recognition, and the responsibilities that come with both. Prompted by Abbie’s recent induction into the Scottsdale Hall of Fame, the conversation moves beyond awards themselves to focus on what meaningful leadership actually requires: shared purpose, trust, connection, and the ability to bring others along. Abbie argues that the best leaders are connectors. They create enthusiasm around a mission, help people see themselves in it, and measure success not only by their own accomplishments but by the growth and achievements of the people around them. Together, she and Adrian explore the role of relationships in business and leadership, the importance of listening and curiosity, and why no meaningful success is ever truly achieved alone. The episode closes with a broader reflection on responsibility and community impact. Drawing on ideas from Arizona State University’s charter and Abbie’s own work in business and civic leadership, they frame leadership as something bigger than visibility or recognition. It is about inclusion, stewardship, consistency, and helping others find purpose and succeed. Read the transcript and notes [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/leadership-connection-relationships] for this episode on our website. Key Takeaways * Great leadership is rooted in connection and shared purpose. * Recognition matters most when it becomes a platform to elevate others and advance meaningful work. * Relationships, not transactions, are the foundation of lasting success in business and leadership. * Curiosity and listening are essential leadership skills because they build trust and improve judgment. * Leadership carries a responsibility to strengthen teams, organizations, and communities. Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen [https://copperstateofmind.show/listen] Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/how-to-hire-public-relations-agency-phoenix-arizona]." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink [https://hmapr.com/team/abbie-s-fink/] and Dr. Adrian McIntyre [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianmcintyre], is brought to you by HMA Public Relations [https://hmapr.com/], a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story [https://speedofstory.com], a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm [https://phx.fm/], the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network [https://prgnpodcast.com/], featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

WEBINAR: New Research on Brand Influence from the Public Relations Global Network

On May 13, 2026, the Public Relations Global Network will present the key findings of PRGN Influence Insights 2026 [https://prgn.com/news/prgn-second-influence-insights-survey/], the second edition of its global survey on brand influence. The 2026 PRGN Influence Insights Survey offers a closer look at how brands are managing trust, reputation, AI, audience behavior and the growing complexity of influence across channels, audiences and markets worldwide. Join Abbie Fink and other PRGN leaders for a live webinar presentation of the survey data, built on global findings from more than 1,800 professionals across 48 countries. Register for one of the webinar sessions: * May 13: EMEA and Americas [https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_o1K65iS6QXC3FuUB4zA-Bw#/registration] * May 13: Americas and APAC [https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3lnFNEp_Sti2YvF2-8gs6g#/registration] Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen [https://copperstateofmind.show/listen] Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/how-to-hire-public-relations-agency-phoenix-arizona]." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink [https://hmapr.com/team/abbie-s-fink/] and Dr. Adrian McIntyre [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianmcintyre], is brought to you by HMA Public Relations [https://hmapr.com/], a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story [https://speedofstory.com], a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm [https://phx.fm/], the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network [https://prgnpodcast.com/], featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

AI Can Write—But It Might Be Wrong

Generative AI can be fast, fluent, and incredibly useful. It can also produce false statements with great confidence. In this episode, Abbie and Adrian discuss why communicators cannot confuse polished output with trustworthy information. They explore fact-checking, source verification, media literacy, and what it means to create content that remains credible in an AI-centric communication environment. Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen [https://copperstateofmind.show/listen] Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/how-to-hire-public-relations-agency-phoenix-arizona]." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink [https://hmapr.com/team/abbie-s-fink/] and Dr. Adrian McIntyre [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianmcintyre], is brought to you by HMA Public Relations [https://hmapr.com/], a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story [https://speedofstory.com], a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm [https://phx.fm/], the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network [https://prgnpodcast.com/], featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”