BEREA, Ohio — EDITOR'S NOTE: The video in the player above is from a previous, unrelated story.
The Browns and local company Cross Country Mortgage, LLC, have announced a long-term partnership, including naming rights for the team's facility in Berea.
The two unveiled the "CrossCountry Mortgage Campus" training and administrative complex in Berea. The agreement between the two entities also establishes CrossCountry Mortgage as the "Official Mortgage Partner of the Cleveland Browns."
“As family organizations dedicated to Northeast Ohio, the Browns and CrossCountry Mortgage are aligned in our mission, values and goals to serve our fans and customers in the region and beyond as we build this partnership and establish the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus,” said Haslam Sports Group Chief Operating Officer Dave Jenkins. “We share a commitment to training and developing all of our team members and creating strong internal cultures, which are the foundation for our partnership while investing resources in our campuses and community.
“The story of CrossCountry’s rise in the mortgage industry as a Northeast Ohio-born company to across the nation has been second to none and serves as another great source of pride for our region. We are pleased that they will become the first Berea naming-rights partner in our 75-year history," said Jenkins.
The deal also has CrossCountry as the partner of "Browns Live: Training Camp," a digital streaming show. It returns this year and allows fans across the world to take part in training camp. That includes two joint practices with the New York Giants on Aug. 19 and 20.
This partnership also gets CrossCountry involed in the team's community initiatives, which includes youth football and many other programs.
“I am convinced our roots in Cleveland and the unique advantages that come with living and working in Northeast Ohio have helped fuel our growth across the U.S.,” said CrossCountry Mortgage Founder and CEO Ron Leonhardt, Jr. “Because the Browns have always embodied what it means to be a Clevelander, this partnership is a natural next step for our company as we become one of the region’s premier employers. We are proud to add our name to the Browns’ ‘house’ as we head into training camp next week.”
In the past few years, the Haslam Sports Group has made major improvements to the Browns Training and Administrative Complex and has also extended the lease with the City of Berea. The Group has also recently acquired a number of properties near the fields and main building.
"Plans are currently being developed to align with the team’s strategic vision and ultimate expansion of its home at the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus," according to a press release. "The primary goal is to ensure the Browns continue to provide the organization, players and Browns fans with first-class resources in all aspects of football and business operations, as well as enhanced opportunities to host additional events in the Northeast Ohio community."
CrossCountry Mortgage was founded in Cleveland in 2003. Since then, it has expanded to 500 offices in all 50 states. Earlier this year, CrossCountry Mortgage started construction on a $46 million corporate campus in the heart of Cleveland's historic Superior Arts District. The new campus will be 168,000 square feet, and will bring more than 600 full-time jobs to downtown Cleveland.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video in the player below is from a previous, unrelated story.