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Kal Tire Place official

Kal Tire Place official

By Richard Rolke – Vernon Morning Star

 Published: May 31, 2013

The name change is almost reality.

It was announced in April that Kal Tire was taking over sponsorship rights of Greater Vernon’s multi-use facility, and the 43rd Avenue facility will officially be known as Kal Tire Place starting Saturday.

“It’s very exciting,”  said Tannis Nelson, the Regional District of North Okanagan’s community development co-ordinator.

“We’ve been hearing very positive feedback from the community.”

All indications of the former name — Wesbild Centre — have been removed but new Kal Tire Place signs won’t likely be installed until July.

However, the new name is being promoted in other forms.

“The website will be redirected to www.kaltireplace.ca as of Saturday,” said Nelson.

“Letterhead and promotional material is also all being updated.”

Kal Tire will pay $40,000 annually, over four years, to RDNO for the naming rights, but it has been given a $15,000 reduction in the first-year payment to help with the costs of signs for the building.

The agreement includes an option for Kal Tire to renew after four years.

With a new name in place, RDNO staff are also reviewing marketing and special event opportunities for the facility.

“We are looking at what’s working and where we can make improvements,” said Nelson.