Los Angeles-based American Apparel, whose advertising campaigns often garner media and social scrutiny, has now found itself in the middle of another lawsuit. Woody Allen is suing the frequently scandal-embroiled T-shirt and clothing company for $10 million in damages. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, involves the clothing companies use of his likeness on prominent New York and Los Angeles billboards, as well as in Internet advertising. The award-winning writer and director says he did not consent to the companies use of his likeness from the 1972 film “Annie Hall.” According to the associated press, Allen appears on
Read MoreK & R Precision Appoints McMaster VP Sales and Marketing
K & R Precision, based in Orlando, Fla., announced the appointment of Scott McMaster as vice president, sales and marketing. Company owner, Merrick Falkenstein noted, “Scott’s years of experience and leadership will guide our existing team of sales, marketing and customer-service professionals to exceed customer and corporate expectations.” Further, the company announced that Todd Peppler will remain vice president of sales, working on special corporate assignments for the organization, including exclusively representing K & R in Mich., Ohio, Ind. and Ky. Falkenstein added, “Todd’s skills will take sales in this territory to an unprecedented level and his continued corporate involvement will assist
Read MoreBroder Reports 4th Quarter Loss
Trevose, Pennsylvania-based Broder Bros. announced its fourth quarter earnings for the fiscal year ending December 29, 2007. The company reported sales totaling $232.7 million, amounting to a $90 million fourth quarter loss—a downturn compared to the $240.9 million in sales and $300,000 profit reported for the same period for the 2006 fiscal year. Annually, the company had sales totaling $929.1 million, down just over $30 million from the prior year, amounting to a $124.1 million dollar loss. Earnings reported include the companies three operating segments, the Broder, Alpha and NES divisions. While both the Broder and NES divisions had lower fourth-quarter
Read MoreLeed’s Hires New Business Development Representative
Pittsburgh-based Leed’s, a member of Polyconcept North America and the second-largest supplier within the promotional products industry, hired Frank Weissert as the business development representative handling Texas, Okla. and Ark. Weissert has more than five years experience in direct consultation sales and more than 10 years in general sales. Previously an inside sales representative with Davison, a Pittsburgh-based design house for corporate and individual’s product ideas, he is familiar with new product development efforts and has worked extensively with corporate clients. Weissert looks forward to applying his sales knowledge to the promotional products industry and is excited to work with Leed’s midwest customers. As
Read MoreInternational Marketing Advantages Opens European Office
International Marketing Advantages, a consulting company specializing in marketing as well as mergers and acquisitions based in Providence, R.I., has opened an office in Lausanne, Switzerland. Company president, Michael Woody, announced Bjorn Härenstam—formerly director of international sales for Switcher, a European apparel company—will lead the affiliate. “Given the strength in the Euro, and increasing interest in trans-Atlantic marketing partnerships and acquisitions, now is the perfect time to have a more immediate presence in Europe.” Woody commented. “Bjorn, with his extensive network of European contacts, wealth of experience and expertise in European compliance issues, is the perfect person to increase our visibility with European
Read MoreVote For Promo Marketing Excellence Awards Finalists
Philadelphia-based Promo Marketing magazine, the source of product and marketing information for distributor sales professionals, announced the finalists for the 2008 Supplier Excellence Awards. The Excellence Awards are the industry’s objective standard for supplier achievement and will honor winners in more than 30 categories, spanning the range of promotional products. “The entire Promo Marketing staff is very excited to have the Excellence Awards underway,” said Matthew Barnes, publisher of Promo Marketing. “We’re pleased to offer distributors an objective platform to recognize their best supplier partners.” Nearly 200 finalists have been chosen. Voting is currently taking place and will continue through May 30 to determine
Read MoreStarline USA Delivers Carbon-Free Shipping Program
Grand Island, New York-based Starline USA has joined the fight against global climate change. The company announced it is offsetting its carbon emissions with Carbonfund.org, one of the country’s leading carbon-offset organizations. With the purchase of carbon offsets to counterbalance the carbon dioxide produced as a byproduct of North American deliveries, the company estimates its Carbon-Free Shipping program will offset more than 1,000 metric tons of carbon. Starline offers a selection of more than 75 green products and knows purchasing carbon offsets provides an immediate positive effect through investment not only in reforestation but also in clean energy development and energy efficiencies. Carbon-free offsets
Read MoreMagnetic Attractions Hires National Accounts Manager
Magnetic Attractions, of Durham, N.C., added Jim Lane as its national accounts manager specializing in selling promotional magnetic product solutions to consumer goods companies. He will work closely with outside agencies, design professionals and corporate creative teams. Helping companies gain attention and remain memorable, Magnetic Attractions delivers customized, creative magnetic promotions. Lane explained, “Magnets have a perceived, intrinsic value that make people want to hang onto them. This keeps a company’s message and offer in the front of consumers’ minds, longer. Magnets also engage two senses—sight and touch—helping to more deeply influence brand preference and purchasing behavior.” Lane’s 12 years of sales and
Read MoreTRG Employees Stuck On Charity
St. Louis-based TRG Group employees joined together for the first in a series of events to help raise money for the March of Dimes campaign. The official kick off began with a TRG sponsored event, “The Fly on the Wall” which culminated in the literal taping of two TRG employees to the lunchroom wall (all in the name of good fun and charity, of course). “The Fly on the Wall” fundraiser began with the generous participation of six employees (contestants), including Becky Pessin, vice president/controller; Ed Travis, executive vice president—leisure brands; Laurie Gilner, president—travel gear division; Jason Morris, vice president of brand operations;
Read MoreEnnis Develops National Sales Team
Ennis Inc., based in Midlothian, Texas, announced the establishment of the Ennis National Sales Team. The sales team brings together experienced sales managers whom are each directly responsible for all Ennis capabilities and plants within a geographic region. In addition to geographic responsibilities, the team will provide distributors an opportunity to leverage the national manufacturing footprint of Ennis. Ennis area sales managers will serve as a single source for distributors to work with all manufacturing facilities. Pat Cook, vice president of sales and marketing, said, “Implementing the National Sales Team will enable Ennis to more effectively meet the constantly changing needs of
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