ok, I e-mailed the Chamber of Commerce director of Fort Payne, AL . Don't worry, I didn't jump ahead. I just referred her to the current Web site. I told her I thought she ought to know about it, since Fort Payne is largest sock making city in US. I told her I was not making a formal request, since it is too soon. But I asked her if she had any ideas of how Fort Payne Chamber, city or area businesses might be involved.
I got a response saying she read the Web site. She asked if this is the same illness as fibromyalgia. So I educated her on the difference. She thanked me and said she would be alert to news about the illness from now on. Also, she suggested a local company that might be interested in helping, possibly with sponsorship. She suggested possibly Cooper Hosiery might be interested. Problem is, seems they don't have a Web site. I think it is likely a wholesale company, likely manufacturing for many brand names. I did see they own private jets. (Surely they can give some money for our little campaign.) A lot of times, brand companies will use more than one manufacturers. They make socks, tights, stockings, pantyhose, fabrics, leather production, fivers and textiles, thread and yarn processing, slacks and trousers and shorts, shirts and blouses, sweaters, coats and jackets, suits dresses and skirts and saris and kimonos and overalls and coveralls.
Maybe we need to get the brand name company and not the manufacturer. The manufacturer likely won't care if they get public exposure. But Jockey, and Haynes might. But this company might be able to get us inside contacts at these other companies.
I hope y'all don't mind since I was not speaking for this effort. I just passed on what is already on the Web site, publicly available already. And it gave me a chance to educate at least one person about our illness.
When you get a list of benefits and requests for sponsors, and if you want me to contact these companies in Fort Payne or the city, I will be glad to do so, if I am up to it. Today I am. But who knows about tomorrow or next week. (side note, I saw the Dekalb County newspaper, Times-Journal, covering Fort Payne, reporting on youth basketball games. The names of the teams were: F.P. Foortworks, Western Sizzlin, Cooper Hosiery, Times-Journal, D.M. Construction, Edward Jones. LCR Real Estate, First Federal Bank, Burger King and Crossroads Hosiery. I have heard of sports facilities named after companies, but not little league basketball teams. But I guess it is all about branding and name recognition. "Here comes Johnny Smith for Burger King dribbling down the court. Oh look, Brad Jones, number 6 for Cooper Hosiery, steals the ball.")
Anyone thought of trying to get Dr. Donnica to help us. We might have to pay her. Medical PR is what she does for a living. But she has connections and might get us more national media exposure.
Also, folks, can we print up a flier or something to put in doctor's offices to get patients who don't spend hours every day on these message boards? Maybe put them in offices of many CFs specialists, of course the ones we love. (And why not include the ones we don't?) I don't want to end up with only 50 socks.
Tina
