http://www.usfirst.org/about/2004/annualreport2004.pdf
Nice to see who the sponsors of the teams are… among other things.
In case you were wondering if a potential sponsor for 2005 has sponsored a team or not in 2004.
Of note in the Annual Report is John Abele’s mention of an impending partnership with Radio Shack that will bring robotics to many more students than FIRST already reaches.
There has been discussion here in the past about a collaboration between Innovation FIRST and Radio Shack regarding the new Robovation kits, so I wonder if there was some truth in those rumors. If so, it’d be great to see, though I can’t imagine the $500-odd price tag will do a lot to attract buyers.
I too have heard some things are in the works, but I don’t think it deals with Robovation. From what I hear things will be formally announced at kick-off concerning Radio Shack.
Maybe Radio Shack will become a new preferred supplier, and thus offer us all discounts? <one can only hope>
No matter what anyone says about Radio Shack, they do usually have what you need and the customer service is above average… It’s just their prices are a bit high… But then again, it can be blamed on the sector they work in (electronics).
I just want to point something out…
Look at page seven, all the way to the left.
DAVID KELLY IS A SUPAHSTAH! 
(sorry, had to say it)
As is Ian Mackenzie on the same page.
Service?! RatShack: You’ve got questions, we’ve got blank stares!
Actually, I think that is Tom Schindler and Daver…
well, maybe it is me… i dont really know :eek:
Ken Krieger can be seen on Page 7 as well.
Maybe this is the reason behind the logo change as well. A fun fresh approach to FIRST when the marketing of Mini-FIRST do-it-yourself kits hit the stores next holiday season at Radio Shack??
Idk… let the conspiracy theorists have their fun on this one…
when i was refing at nationals i got approached by someone from radio shack (she was something high up) asking what i thought would be a good way for them to help FIRST i said a gift card in the kit for every team for “x” amount. i think this would be a reasonable and great donation for teams. I know i could use 100.00 at radio shack for conectors and random stuff…
You know you’ve been in FIRST too long when you go down the sponsors list in the annual report and can name the teams associated with them…oy.
Looks like a Greg Perkins on the left to me…
Wetzel
I can’t imagine Radio Shack selling them for more then $300, and that’s probably high as well. Thankfully, this is an economy of scale.
A gift card would be nice. With Radio Shacks across the country most teams have one nearby, and during the last few days of build last year I made several trips to Radio Shack for things we needed and didn’t have time to order and wait to be shipped.
YES!
The cover of the FIRT 2004 Annual Report is adorned by a great photo of NYC Team #713 Rice HS. Both students (which I know personally) have a “never give up” and “never give in" attitude.
Congrats to NYC Team #713 Rice HS. 