Storm Creek: A Partner in the TCM Mission( November 10, 2020) –A great corporate partner is like that favorite pair of running shoes. The fit can be so comfortable, it’s like they're a part of you.
Twin Cities In Motion’s relationship with locally-based Storm Creek is an example of one of TCM’s most comfortable fits. The apparel brand provides participant gear for TCM’s Hot Dash and Women Run the Cities events and annually supports the Friends of TCM Community Fund via its annual warehouse sale.
TCM produces its events with the support of dozens of corporate partners who enhance the runner experience and help TCM limit costs of producing high-quality events. From participant shirts and gear transport to finish line food and the post-race beer – plus myriad essentials in between – TCM sponsors bring their products, resources, and enthusiasm to the organization’s mission.
“When I became co-owner of Storm Creek, a first priority was to partner with like-minded organizations – knowing that we were small but mighty and great partnerships can make all parties better,” Storm Creek CEO Teresa Fudenberg explained. “I’ve always loved that TCM was a very community-centric organization, wanting to remove any barriers so that people of all ages keep running, walking, just moving in general.”
Starting in 2016, Storm Creek began supplying participant shirts for select TCM events, and the partnership has grown and matured since. A runner herself, Teresa’s knowledge of and comfort with TCM came from a unique perspective: she’d previously served as TCM’s Marketing Director.
“When you’re inside TCM, it becomes very clear that the organization wants to do good – above all,” she said. “For example, I heard inspiring stories like a “non-runner” going from couch to 5K to 10 miles, with her newfound fitness passion actually removing her need for an insulin pump. I saw the whole team at TCM wanting to make the running industry better by never cutting corners on safety or runner experience. The TCM mission is magnetic and once you experience it, you want to stay part of it!”
As a company, Storm Creek shares the value of wanting to do good. Starting this spring, despite COVID-19’s heavy impact on the company, Teresa felt the need for Storm Creek to do something positive in the community, leading to the company’s Wear For Better initiative.
“For every Wear For Better pullover purchased, Storm Creek sent one for free to the buyer’s designated Front Line Hero, complete with personalized note from the giver,” Teresa explained. “I think my team thought I was crazy at first – but soon we were all feeling so good amidst the bad.”
To date, Storm Creek has provided tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of the quarter-zips to those working on the front lines of COVID-19. Warehouse Sale Supports TCM As the coronavirus pandemic continues, Storm Creek’s Annual Warehouse Sale – like the rest of the world – has undergone modifications.
Shoppers can participate in the ongoing sale online through December 20 (including with the help of a personal shopper) or at their Eagan warehouse in-person from Wednesday November 11 through Saturday November 14 (appointments recommended but walk-ins also welcome). The sale has a goal of raising $30,000 for local charities including the Friends of TCM Community Fund. Purchases using the code tcm10 will save 10%, plus donate 10% to TCM.
“Writing donation checks to charity partners and donating jackets to those in need is the most rewarding aspect of my job,” Teresa said. “I cry every time.”
