Statement from Chancellor Brady Deaton Regarding Anheuser-Busch Marketing Campaign

August 28th, 2009

August 28, 2009
Mr. Frank Z. Hellwig, Esq. Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc.
One Busch Place
St. Louis, MO 63118-1852
Frank.hellwig@anheuser-busch.com

Dear Mr. Hellwig:

I write in regard to the Anheuser-Busch campaign known as “Team Pride” that is marketing black and gold beer cans prior to the upcoming fall football season.

It has now come to our attention that the marketing displays of the black and gold beer cans in various retail establishments are being associated with official University of Missouri trademarked products and logos. This is completely unacceptable and conveys the impression to the consumer that the University of Missouri is somehow supportive of this marketing effort for black and gold cans that were, in fact, never approved by MU. I ask that Anheuser-Busch immediately take action to terminate this marketing practice, which is now infringing upon the university’s identity and reputation.

Given the fact that underage college students make up a significant portion of the audience for Mizzou football, we are deeply concerned about the potential impact of such a campaign on our students. At MU, we work hard to educate our students about making responsible choices, and I would call upon Anheuser-Busch as a leading Missouri corporation to assist us in that process rather than targeting this age group with team colors on beer cans.

At the University of Missouri, we put students first. We ask that Anheuser-Busch do the same and cease this “Team Pride” campaign.

Sincerely,

Brady J. Deaton
Chancellor