Notes: B2B relationship spurs Brazil market

Macy’s is bringing a bit of Brazil to more than 300 of its North American retail outlets and online thanks in part to a business-to-business relationship between IZOD and APEX-Brasil.

The "Brasil: A Magical Journey" campaign officially kicked off May 16, and the retailer is rolling out the curated "O Mercado, The Market at Macy's" shops. The market, also available on www.macys.com, features products ranging from apparel and jewelry to home and beauty from a variety of Brazilian designers, Brazilian chocolate and coffee.

In total, more than 30 Brazilian products from multiple sectors are being promoted. Brazil tourism sweepstakes and in-store themed events also are rolling out.

“We’ve enlisted top Brazilian designers, procured brands new to the United States, and created authentic in-store experiences that truly capture the spirit of this rich and intriguing culture,” said Martine Reardon, Macy’s chief marketing officer.

PVH executive vice president of marketing Mike Kelly initially introduced APEX-Brasil  (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency) officials to Macy’s principals. IZOD, title sponsor of the IZOD IndyCar Series and a featured brand of PVH, have a long-time association with Macy’s.

The campaign is part of APEX-Brasil’s strategy to promote the country abroad, which in part is done through its IZOD IndyCar Series sponsorship. The INDYCAR Project generated export revenue of almost $1 billion in 2011.

"This event is important to reinforce with the American consumer the quality of the Brazilian product, which includes attributes such as a high degree of innovation, high technology and a differentiated design," said Mauricio Borges, president of APEX-Brasil.

IZOD IndyCar Series drivers Helio Castroneves and Tony Kanaan are featured in marketing collateral and videos.

Curb/Agajanian joins Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing as associate sponsor

Curb/Agajanian has sponsored cars entered in the Indianapolis 500 for the past 40 years, including being the co-owner of Dan Wheldon’s winning car in last year’s centennial Indianapolis 500.

This month, Curb/Agajanian has joined forces with Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing as an associate sponsor of Bryan Clauson's No. 39 Honda-powered car.

Curb/Agajanian was the co-owner and sponsor for Clauson in 2011 when he won the overall USAC National Championship, which included midget, sprint and Silver Crown cars. As a multi-time USAC national champion, Clauson has more than 50 victories.

Meira holding out hope for a ride

Vitor Meira has been at the Speedway the past two days in hopes of landing a ride in the 500 Mile Race.

Meira, a 10-time Indianapolis 500 starter, has finished second twice.

“I’m trying to get back into a car. A good car," he said. "I respect this place too much to come here and just drive around. We’re trying to put together a program, even as late as it seems, but it has to be the right car, so that it’s a bit less hectic. I’m waiting and we’ll see what happens.”

Kanaan can cheer on both Pacers, Heat

Kanaan lives in Miami and this month is working in Indianapolis.

So the 2004 IZOD IndyCar champion received a No. 11 "Heana" jersey -- combining a yellow Pacers jersey with a black Heat jersey -- along with tickets to tonight’s Game 3 of their NBA Eastern Conference semifinal at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

“We’re giving this to you as a Heat fan and a Pacer fan,” WRTV-TV sports anchor Dave Furst said as he presented Kanaan the jersey live on the air.

Kanaan is a fan of both the Heat and the Pacers. He said the jersey will help him stay neutral until one team advances.

“With the history between the both of our teams, I didn’t expect they’d be playing each other in the playoffs, especially with their records the past few years,” he said. “My heart is divided, but when you have your two teams playing each other, it’s a win-win situation for me.”

Of note

The Indianapolis 500 will be broadcast in 181 countries. ... IMS historian Donald Davidson waved the green flag for practice from the flag stand.  ... The car name for the No. 67 driven by Josef Newgarden is Sarah Fisher Hartman/Dollar General.