JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2005

National Christmas Tree Association Joins New Holland In The Polar Express Promotion

 

Recognizing the link between families with strong holiday traditions and the preference for using a fresh, real Christmas Tree, New Holland joined in a promotional program with the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) and Warner Bros. Pictures to cross-promote fresh Christmas Trees and the movie, The Polar Express, in two national contests. The movie, which features the voice of Tom Hanks for several characters, is based on the popular children's book of the same name. It opened in theaters during the holiday season, and promises to become a Christmas classic.

"New Holland joined the NCTA in encouraging children and parents to slow down and spend family time together by seeing the movie and selecting and decorating a fresh Christmas Tree for the holiday season," said Robert Crain, vice president of New Holland North American Agricultural Business. "Nowhere is the 'I Believe' spirit of this movie more prevalent than in the rural and agricultural communities."

The Polar Express Snowplow/Mower

One of New Holland's most prominent associations with the movie was the designation of a New Holland Boomer™ sub-compact tractor as the official Limited Edition The Polar Express Snowplow/Mower. This TZ18 tractor was the top prize in an online The Polar Express contest. The tractor was specially decorated with custom designed The Polar Express artwork on its 60-inch snow blade, hood, fenders and ballasting box.

The Polar Express Snowplow/ Mower is a New Holland TZ18 sub-compact tractor equipped with a 60” blade and mower and specially decorated with artwork from the movie. It was the top prize in an online The Polar Express contest.

 

Finding the perfect tree

Gary Crawford of USDA Radio interviews New Holland Regional Sales Director Mark Good about New Holland's involvement in The Polar Express promotion at the National Association of Farm Broadcasters annual convention in Kansas City, MO.

 

New Holland's association with the NCTA involves another national contest, called "Help Santa Find the Perfect Real Tree." Jointly sponsored by the NCTA and New Holland, the contest asked children (in various age categories ranging from 6 to 16 years old) to take a picture of their family in front of their fresh, real Christmas Tree, write a story about why the tree is special or "perfect" to them, and send it to the NCTA.

Prizes for the most compelling stories included $5,000 scholarships, a trip for four to Orlando, FL, and a trip for four to Pigeon Forge, TN. Tickets to the Dollywood amusement park and "The Louise Mandrell Theater" featuring Louise Mandrell, are part of the Pigeon Forge package. Ms. Mandrell, who has worked with New Holland on several projects over the years, was one of the contest judges.