The Miss America Organization Announces DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse as the Lead Sponsor for the 2011 Miss America Pageant

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse and The Miss America Organization announced today they have entered into a new long-term partnership.  Under this agreement, DSW will be the lead sponsor for the broadcast of the 2011 Miss America Pageant on ABC in January.  DSW is the official provider of shoes for the Miss America pageant and a national sponsor for The Miss America Organization.  The two companies are currently working together to develop a unique brand of footwear, which will be a first for The Miss America Organization and will debut in January.  

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“We are truly excited to have DSW in the spotlight with us as we celebrate our 90th Anniversary in January,“ said Sam Haskell, III, Chairman of the Board of The Miss America Organization. “DSW’s style fits with our message that Miss America is contemporary, hip and a style icon, and we’re anxious to help promote a wonderful company on ABC that also showcases their designer footwear in some of our production numbers.”

“DSW is proud to be associated with The Miss America Organization,” said Mike MacDonald, President and CEO of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse.  “We look forward to sponsoring their important role as the world’s leading provider of scholarships for young women.”    

Miss America 2010 Caressa Cameron has been promoting DSW as she travels 20,000 miles every month on her national media tour.  Miss America 2011 will be crowned on Saturday, January 15, 2011, live on ABC. The pageant will feature an incredible opening with all 53 contestants stepping out in footwear provided by DSW.

In partnership with DSW, the 53 Miss America contestants will help support important social causes throughout the year, while strengthening the efforts of vibrant young women across America.

About DSW Inc.  

DSW Inc. is a leading branded footwear specialty retailer that offers a wide selection of brand name and designer dress, casual, and athletic footwear for women and men.  As of August 24, 2010, DSW operated 309 stores in 39 states and an e-commerce site, www.dsw.com.  DSW also supplied footwear to 353 leased locations in the United States.  For store locations and additional information about DSW, visit www.dswinc.com.

About Miss America

The Miss America Organization is one of the nation's leading achievement programs and the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women. Last year, The Miss America Organization and its state and local organizations made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance, helping young women all across the country to reach their dreams and goals. For more information, go to www.missamerica.org.

SOURCE DSW Inc.