Country Music Stars Receive John Deere Green Carpet Treatment at CCMA Awards

Codie Prevost arrives on John Deere Tractor to highlight company's sponsorship

GRIMSBY, Ontario, Sept. 10, 2012 /CNW/ - Viewers watching the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards last night (Sunday, September 9) didn't need to adjust their televisions. The stars were walking not on a red carpet but a green one.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120910/CG70944)

That's because John Deere was a corporate sponsor of the CCMA Awards, which were held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. John Deere has a good reason to celebrate along with the award winners as the company marks its 175^th anniversary this year.

"John Deere tractors and equipment have long set the standard for performance on farms, ranches and rural properties across Canada," said Sarah McIntosh, shows and events coordinator for John Deere Canada ULC. "We were excited to partner with the CCMA to recognize excellence in country music, which is popular with many of our customers. And we're thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase some of our most popular equipment as part of the awards program."

Country music fans attending the event didn't have far to look to see that green and yellow equipment. Although most performers traditionally arrive in vintage cars, one star, Codie Prevost from Saskatchewan, two-time SCMA Fans' Choice Entertainer of the Year winner, arrived in a new John Deere 9410R Tractor instead.

This tractor, which features a 410 horsepower engine and one of the most comfortable cabs on the market, delivered Prevost, who was nominated for CCMA's Rising Star award, right up to the John Deere green carpet for the ceremony. The John Deere 9410R Tractor, a new 6R Tractor and a popular 825i Gator utility vehicle also were displayed at the event.

"We know that at a major occasion such as the CCMA Awards, small touches can make a big impression with our fans," said Don Green, executive director of the CCMA. "The audience, viewers and the performers all had fun with the green carpet and the John Deere equipment as we salute both country music and Canada's agricultural industry. The CCMA is proud that John Deere chose to be a part of the awards program in such a novel way."

John Deere (NYSE: DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services and is committed to the success of customers whose work is linked to the land - those who cultivate, harvest, transform, enrich and build upon the land to meet the world's dramatically increasing need for food, fuel, shelter and infrastructure. Since 1837, John Deere has delivered innovative products of superior quality built on a tradition of integrity. For more information, visit John Deere at its worldwide website at www.JohnDeere.com.

Image with caption: "Country music artist Codie Prevost, who grew up on a farm near Archerwill, Saskatchewan, had the honor of arriving at the CCMA Awards green carpet in a big way -- a John Deere 9410R Tractor. John Deere, which is celebrating its 175th anniversary, was the green carpet sponsor of this year's awards program. Every Tuesday night at 9 p.m. EST, Codie Prevost hosts a Tweetchat with his fans online. To interact with Codie, visit www.tweetchat.com and enter #codieprevost to ask Codie questions. (CNW Group/John Deere)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120910_C5290_PHOTO_EN_17632.jpg

SOURCE: John Deere

Sarah McIntosh, Shows and Events Coordinator, John Deere Canada ULC, [phone], [email protected], or Editorial Contact, Kelly Schwalbe, BCS Communications, [phone], ext. 31, [email protected]

http://www.JohnDeere.com

http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120910/CG70944

PRN Photo Desk, [email protected]