Johnsonville Sausage Launches 'Share Your Ville' Online Video Contest

SHEBOYGAN FALLS, Wis., June 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnsonville Sausage today announced the launch of a new online video contest, "Share Your Ville," through which consumers have the chance to win thousands of dollars in cash and prizes.  The "Share Your Ville" contest is an opportunity for consumers to upload videos showing how they enjoy Johnsonville Sausage – whether that's in a specific location, with special family and friends or at a particular event.

The "Share Your Ville" contest is part of an evolution of Johnsonville's "Blank-Ville" marketing campaign, which was first launched in spring 2009.  During the first year of the campaign, consumers had the chance to compete in an online photo contest, "Create Your Own Ville."

"We were thrilled to see consumers' enthusiasm around sharing their experiences and moments with Johnsonville through our 'Create Your Own Ville' photo contest last summer," said Tony Rammer, Johnsonville creative director.  "We're excited to see where consumers take this new opportunity to truly show and tell us how Johnsonville fits into their memorable experiences."

To participate in the contest, people can take up to two minutes of video in any format – from a camera, Web cam, cell phone, or other video device – and upload it to www.ShareYourVille.com.  There are four categories for people to enter their videos in the contest, and a winner will be chosen in each category.

"Share Your Ville" Categories

• FRIENDSVILLE – Who is part of your VILLE?  How do you hang out and use the great taste of Johnsonville Sausage to make these moments even better?
• FAMILYVILLE – These are your folks.  Share with us how you spend times together with the great taste of Johnsonville Sausage.
• EVENTVILLE – Share with us what takes you to your special place.  A day on the lake?  Tailgating before the game?  How does the great taste of Johnsonville Sausage make this a more memorable event?
• LOCATIONVILLE – Where do you live?  Invite us into your backyard and share your Johnsonville Sausage grilling recipes & tips.  Happen to live in a "VILLE" of your own (Jacksonville, Bentonville, Libertyville)?  Share your "VILLE" experience with us!

Creators of the first 50 videos submitted in the contest will receive coupons for free Johnsonville products.  At the end of the contest, winners in each category will each receive about $3,000 in great summer items, including grilling and camping gear from Coleman®, gift cards from Gander Mountain®, a collection of products from Hefty® and coupons for free Johnsonville® products.  More experienced "professional" videographers will be able to enter a category of their own, and they'll be vying for a $10,000 cash prize.

In addition to the video contest, Johnsonville has created an online game and sweepstakes, "GRILLVILLE," where consumers can win $5,000 in cash and prizes just for playing!  Bonus entries in the sweepstakes are earned for playing each day, entering Johnsonville UPC codes, "liking" Johnsonville on www.facebook.com/johnsonville, following on www.twitter.com/JVilleSausage or even finding secret words Johnsonville will be hiding around the internet on tailgating, grilling, camping and adventure Web sites.   Consumers can earn hundreds of bonus entries, giving them extra chances to win.

The "Share Your Ville" video contest and "GRILLVILLE" run now, through July 20, 2010.  For all details and official rules on the video contest and sweepstakes game, visit www.ShareYourVille.com.  For more information on Johnsonville, its products and recipes, visit www.johnsonville.com.

About Johnsonville Sausage, LLC

Wisconsin-based Johnsonville Sausage is the No. 1 national brand of brats, Italian sausage, smoked-cooked links and fresh breakfast sausage links.  Johnsonville employs approximately 1,300 members.  Each member takes ownership of product quality to ensure the excellence and "Big Flavor" of Johnsonville Sausage.  Founded in 1945 by Ralph F. and Alice Stayer, the company remains privately owned today.

SOURCE Johnsonville Sausage