Olympic medalist Shannon Miller named brand ambassador

HERSHEY, Pa. — The Hershey Co. has entered a two-year partnership as the exclusive confectionery sponsor of USA Gymnastics through 2017.

With the partnership, Hershey also has named Shannon Miller, the most decorated American gymnast in history, as a Hershey’s brand ambassador through the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The relationship with the Olympic sport’s U.S. national governing body and the gymnastics legend is effective immediately, the company said.

Shannon Miller is the most decorated American gymnast in history.

“Hershey’s is honored and proud to work with the legendary Shannon Miller and partner with USA Gymnastics and its all-star athletes to promote this beloved sport and connect with all the passionate fans across the country,” commented Stacie Stauffer, senior brand manager for Hershey’s.

Hershey’s will be the presenting sponsor of 2016 Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships and serve as a key sponsor of the 2016 Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions, conducted by USA Gymnastics after the 2016 Olympic Games.

“We are proud to welcome the iconic Hershey’s brand to the USA Gymnastics partner family,” stated Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “The Hershey Co. will play an integral role in helping us connect with fans and bring them closer to the U.S. Gymnastics National Team while our athletes compete during the Countdown to Rio and beyond.”

Hershey noted that through the USA Gymnastics partnership, the Hershey’s brand will be able to further its new campaign, “Hello Happy. Hello Hershey’s,” that made its debut in early February. The campaign will integrate Hershey’s partnerships with USA Gymnastics, Miller and the U.S. Olympic Committee through several special events, activities and media opportunities.

“Competing at the Olympic Games was a dream come true, and I am proud to have the opportunity to work with Hershey, a company that epitomizes the American dream,” Miller said in a statement. “Together, we can spread a passion for the sport and celebrate our patriotic pride with athletes, fans and consumers around the country.”

Miller won seven Olympic medals (two gold, two silver and three bronze) and is the only female athlete to be inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame twice (individual in 2006 and part of the team in 2008). She is now president of Shannon Miller Enterprises, which focuses on women’s health and fitness.

Hershey also recently said it has teamed up with the U.S. Olympic Committee and will support the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams through the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Through that partnership, Hershey will serve as an official sponsor of Team USA.