University of Iowa Hosts Founding Member Merchant Launch Event for Unique Hawkeye Rewards Loyalty and Affinity Program

IOWA CITY, IA--(Marketwired - Jun 30, 2015) - The University of Iowa Department of Intercollegiate Athletics hosted a special launch event yesterday for select merchants to formally introduce Hawkeye Rewards -- the University's innovative new loyalty and affinity program. The event featured informative presentations on Hawkeye Rewards to highlight the benefits it offers both consumers and participating merchants while supporting the University of Iowa's 24 women's and men's sports programs. Prominent merchants from the greater Iowa area attending the event were greeted by university officials, Hawkeye cheerleaders and Herky -- the school's highly popular mascot.

"Not only are we excited to be launching Hawkeye Rewards, we are extremely pleased at the reception we received from merchants to become founding members of this new rewards and loyalty program," said Rick Klatt, the UI's associate athletics director for external relations. "There are many points-based loyalty and customer rewards programs on the market today, but none with the power and versatility of Hawkeye Rewards, or the strength of the Tigerhawk logo."

The Hawkeye Rewards loyalty and affinity platform is unique in several ways:

• It's completely mobile based -- no cards or codes are required
• Points can be earned and redeemed on the spot at any participating merchant
• It puts merchants directly in contact with Hawkeye fans and consumers
• Provides merchants with the ability to easily customize and post deals
• It's free to consumers without any credit or banking qualifications or affiliations 

Leading area merchants in attendance covered a wide range of business classifications including restaurants, hotels, and retailers, as well as various trades such as HVAC, auto repair, home improvements, hair salons, chiropractors and more. These merchants were offered special founding member status to join the Hawkeye Rewards program, which launches to the public on August 15. All members participating in the program will benefit from direct exposure to a tremendous base of new customers via the extensive reach of the Hawkeye Rewards mobile and web platforms. The mobile platform provides merchants with the ability to offer exclusive promotions associated with the powerful Tigerhawk logo.

Using the free Hawkeye Rewards mobile app, consumers can save money, get access to special events and take advantage of promotions while earning and redeeming points at participating merchants' locations. Points are accrued when consumers make purchases from participating merchants, and can be redeemed by any participating merchant regardless of where points were earned.

Hawkeye Rewards is easy to join. Beginning August 15, consumers can simply download the free Hawkeye Rewards mobile app onto their smartphones from the iTunes or Android app store and start shopping. Points will be earned and redeemed on-site at participating merchants with a scan of the in-app electronic membership card. The powerful Hawkeye Rewards mobile app also provides information on the proximity to and location of participating merchants, account status, access to special offers, and much more.

Participating merchants will also be provided with a variety of merchandising tools incorporating the University of Iowa's highly-recognized Tigerhawk logo designed to promote their partnership with the Iowa Hawkeyes, along with a useful and versatile mobile and social media marketing platform they can use to easily post daily specials, run promotions, boost holiday sales and more. Hawkeye Rewards account specialists will support participating merchants in establishing and maintaining their customized mobile and web presences so they can easily capitalize on the power of the platform's ability to drive traffic and increase sales. Merchants can get more information by emailing HawkeyeRewards@muv-u.com.

The innovative Hawkeye Rewards mobile-based loyalty platform was created and developed by Muv-U Corp.