HOUSTON (August 31, 2022) – The Houston Local Organizing Committee (HLOC), designated to oversee city-level planning for the 2023 Men’s Final Four, is pleased to announce the following industry leaders as Host City Supporters: TDECU, Texas Children's Hospital, Rusty Hardin & Associates, Cotton Holdings, Inc., CareSource, Smart Financial and Calpine Corporation. The contributions made by these corporations will be used to support a variety of initiatives, including programs designed to leave a lasting impact on the Greater Houston area and thousands of members of the local community.

“We are grateful for these incredible Host City Supporters that are helping Houston and Harris County put on a world class event. 2023 will be the fourth time Houston has hosted this prestigious event and with the Host City Supporters on our team, the event is on track to be the best one yet, including a significant increase in engagement and local initiatives. It takes our entire network coming together, from local companies and non-profit organizations, to city, county and countless additional partners to ensure that we execute on an incredible 2023 NCAA Men’s Final Four. Through this collaboration, the seven participating organizations are showcasing their commitment to Houston and its residents. These companies are helping us bring impactful education, entertainment and local programs to life,” said Holly Kesterson, president of the Houston Local Organizing Committee.

Leading up to the National Championship, the HLOC Host City Supporters will bolster the HLOC’s impact related to educational programs, fan events and community projects. Moreover, company representatives will lend their time and talent toward volunteering at local program sites including the elementary literacy program with more than 33,000 participants across 11 area school districts; collegiate educational initiatives with the four university host institutions (Houston Baptist University, Rice University, Texas Southern University and the University of Houston), interactive pop-up fan experiences; and other grassroots initiatives taking place. Further, Host City Supporters will assist with community projects that will leave a lasting impact for Houston and Harris County residents.

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For more information, visit www.smartcu.org or engage with Smart Financial Credit Union on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

ABOUT SMART FINANCIAL

Smart Financial is one of the oldest and most well-established credit unions in the Houston region since opening its doors in 1934. With 13 locations in Greater Houston, Smart Financial is a state-chartered credit union that is locally owned and operated by its members and focuses on people, not profits. Smart Financial provides a full range of financial services to over 65,000 members with a passion and purpose for helping people reach their lifelong dreams. In 2016, Smart Financial became the naming rights sponsor of Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land, Texas, which has become one of the top mid-sized concert venues in the world. Smart Financial created a foundation in 2013 that has raised over $600,000 for scholarships to Houston area students as well as support for many local Houston charities. For more information, visit www.smartcu.org or engage with Smart Financial Credit Union on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Media Contact:
John Brannen
o: 713.320.1704 | john@scurfieldgroup.com

Smart Financial Media Contact:
Corbin Wilson
Smart Financial Credit Union
o: 713.407.1913 | corbinw@smartcu.org