MODA Swings in for Joe DiMaggio

MODA Swings in for Joe DiMaggio
Newly formed company – Joe DiMaggio LLC – to be responsible for all brand licensing and extensions. 

MODA Licensing has formed Joe DiMaggio LLC to handle all brand licensing and extensions of the baseball star worldwide.

There will be several sub brands – including Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio and Joe DiMaggio: The Yankee Clipper – plus his signature, which will add further support to the main brand.

The immediate licensing opportunity will be around the 70th anniversary of DiMaggio’s 56 game hitting streak for collectibles and apparel.

“MODA’s focus will be on creating sustainable branded Joe DiMaggio licensed businesses,” explained Michelle Alfandari, president and CEO of MODA Licensing. “We are developing a strategy that will leverage the strongest assets of DiMaggio’s legend, fame and celebrity to a select range of consumer products and service. In addition to packaged goods and services, we will leverage DiMaggio’s image for advertising, promotion and film.”


MODA Licensing Announces Launch of Bushnell Outdoor Performance Footwear

NEWS RELEASE
MODA Licensing Announces Launch of Bushnell Outdoor Performance Footwear
(New York, N.Y. – September 27, 2011) Bushnell, a legendary name in the outdoor industry, is turning a new leaf with a new line of performance footwear. Bushnell has teamed up with BBC International and Trimfoot Company to unleash a line of outdoor performance footwear. The line will be available in select stores across the country beginning November of 2011. The fall line is constructed with the performance driven hunter in mind. Every boot is designed to be lightweight and technically advanced to help hunters overcome any obstacles Mother Nature might throw at them while afield. Each hunting boot features an aggressive outsole without sacrificing the comfort and mobility achieved with a standard athletic shoe.

For spring 2012 expect to see hiking boots and trail shoes alongside the hunting boots to help complete the outdoor adventure. BBC and Trimfoot, two companies with a combined experience of more than 125 years in the shoe industry, have shown their combined abilities in product development and marketplace distribution skills, alongside their passion for the outdoors. Products have been developed with the comfort and performance of the hunter at the forefront. Outdoor footwear designed and produced by outdoor people. Expect the competitive nature of the team to be very visible in this competitively priced outdoor performance footwear program.

Tune in to see Bushnell Footwear on the following programs:
The Wild Outdoors on the Outdoor Channel with Jay and Tammi Gregory
Family Traditions with Haley Heath on the Sportsman Channel
The Canadian Tradition on Global TV and Wild TV with Taylor Wright

Bushnell Footwear will be present at the 2012 Shot Show in Las Vegas, Nev., and 2012 ATA show in Columbus, Ohio.

About Bushnell
Bushnell Outdoor Products is a global manufacturer and marketer of branded consumer products based in Overland Park, Kan. Bushnell Outdoor Products sells its products worldwide under the Bushnell®, Tasco®, Serengeti®, Bollé®, Uncle Mike’s Law Enforcement®, Stoney Point®, Hoppe’s®, Butler Creek®, Cébé®, Millett®, Uncle Mike’s®, Final Approach® and Simmons® brand names. For information about any of these brands or products, please visit www.bushnellperformanceoptics.com or contact Bushnell Public Relations at (913) 752-6105.

About Trimfoot Company
Trimfoot Company is centrally located in Missouri and is approaching their 100th year in the footwear industry. For ordering and more information call 800-325-6116.

About BBC
BBC International was founded 35 years ago and is based in Boca Raton Florida. For more information on BBC International please visit www.bbcint.com

About MODA Licensing, Inc.
A global business development/licensing agency established in 1988, MODA is a leader in using licensing to add value and build businesses from brands, trademarks and technology across diverse industries and retail channels. MODA works as a licensing agency for its clients or in partnership with IP owners. Headquartered in NYC with Global Associates worldwide, MODA offers a full range of services including consulting. Proven methodology has resulted in enduring and profitable brand extensions for clients (Fortune 500, non-profits, sports events, publishing, hospitality, celebrity) and equity partners, delivering incremental revenue, protecting intellectual property and enhancing core business.
BUILDING BUSINESSES FROM B®ANDS www.pixelelves.com/moda


Hear it from the Experts! LICENSING UNIVERSITY 2011

LICENSING UNIVERSITY – LICENSING INTERNATION AL EXPO
June 14 – 16, 2011 Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas

Hear it from the Expert! Michelle Alfandari, President/CEO of MODA Licensing, Inc. will be a featured panelist in the following seminar:
“Working with Licensing Agents and Consultants”
Tuesday, June 14
10:00am – 11:30am

Licensing agents and consultants can play a central role in the development of an effective licensing program. This seminar will aid participants in defining respective roles; key into the pertinent questions they should be asking if considering an agent or consultant and learn how the best relationships work. Panelists will include executives who work with corporate trademarks, entertainment and character properties, and literary and art properties.

SPEAKER BIOS:
MARTY BROCHSTEIN
Senior VP of Industry Relations and Information, LIMA
Mr. Brochstein joined the LIMA staff in 2008 after 12 years as Executive Editor of The Licensing Letter, a New York-based newsletter that covers the global licensing business. He also was Editorial Director of the parent publishing company, EPM Communications. In addition to writing and editing the twice-monthly newsletter, he also compiled the publication’s industry numbers and edited EPM’s other licensing-related publications, including International Licensing: A Status Report, and The Licensing Letter’s Sports Licensing Report. Brochstein was a business journalist for more than 20 years, primarily covering the consumer products and retail industries. Before joining The Licensing Letter, he spent five years as Senior Editor of Television Digest. He is a graduate of Boston University.

MICHELLE ALFANDARI
President/CEO, MODA Licensing, Inc
Michelle Alfandari is President/CEO of MODA Licensing, Inc. She has over 30 years of business development, licensing, strategic planning, marketing and sales experience.
Ms. Alfandari established MODA Licensing, Inc. (as MODA International Marketing, Inc.) in 1988 and has developed MODA into a globally recognized leader in brand licensing.
MODA Licensing has been in the forefront in recognizing the value of licensing as a business model to build businesses from corporate brands, non-profits, trademarks and technology. MODA has developed and executed licensed businesses globally across diverse industries and retail channels. MODA’s innovative methodology has delivered a track record of success for its clients including generating incremental revenue, protection of IP and enhancing core businesses.
Ms. Alfandari is a member of LIMA (Licensing Industry Merchandising Association) and LES (Licensing Executives Society). She has written articles for licensing and trade journals and was a contributor to Licensing for Dummies published by Wiley Publishing, Inc. Ms. Alfandari has been a speaker at licensing conferences including the Licensing International Expo (New York and Las Vegas), CLE (Continuing Law Education) conferences, Luxury Marketing Council and Cause Marketing Forum’s annual conference and is considered an authority on brand licensing for corporations and non-profits.


Farnsworth House™ joins the LEGO® Architecture Collection of Building Sets

Modernist architectural icon immortalised in LEGO® bricks

ENFIELD, Conn. (April 4, 2011) – Bauhaus director and modernist Mies van der Rohe is the latest architect to have his works immortalised in LEGO® bricks as his modernist masterpiece Farnsworth House™ joins the LEGO Architecture collection of building sets that celebrates the past, present and future of architecture through the LEGO brick.

The Farnsworth House, located in Plano, Illinois, just outside Chicago. It was designed and constructed between 1945 and 1951 as a one-room weekend retreat for Dr. Edith Farnsworth, a prominent Chicago medical specialist. Today, the house is a pilgrimage site for architects and designers world-wide, owned and operated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The house museum is open to the public.

“We are proud to introduce Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House, a new chapter in architectural history for LEGO Architecture,” said Paal Smith-Meyer, Head of New Business at the LEGO Group. “Our main job has been to capture the essence of this iconic design with our own celebrated icon, the LEGO Brick, and we hope the model and the story behind the building will be an inspiration to builders around the world”

“The Farnsworth House is one of the most celebrated and iconic symbols of Modern architecture and the National Trust is delighted to partner with the LEGO Group to offer this extraordinary home as part of the LEGO Architecture Series,” said Crista Gibbons, Associate Director of Marketing Programs at the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

LEGO Architecture is a collaboration between the LEGO Group and Chicago architect Adam Reed Tucker. It started as a pilot of 200 boxes in 2007. In 2010, international distribution started through LEGO online stores, brand retail stores and in a growing number of outlets around the world.

LEGO Architecture products come in two types: Landmark and Architect. The Landmark series features well-known buildings, while the Architect series focuses on the work of important architects. Mies van der Rohe is the second architect to be featured after Frank Lloyd Wright.

The LEGO Farnsworth House™ is available for purchase in LEGO brand retail stores, LEGOLAND® Stores and online at http://shop.lego.com/ for $59.99 USD. Toy stores, mass retail stores, bookstores, art galleries, museums, hotels, gifts souvenir shops, hobby shops and online will carry the item in June. The set is designed for ages 12 and up and includes a content-rich booklet with facts and history of Farnsworth House™.
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About the LEGO Group
The LEGO Group is a privately held, family-owned company, based in Billund, Denmark. It was founded in 1932 and today the group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of play materials for children, employing approximately 9,000 people globally. The LEGO Group is committed to the development of children’s creative and imaginative abilities. LEGO products can be purchased in more than 130 countries.

About National Trust for Historic Preservation
The National Trust for Historic Preservation www.PreservationNation.org is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history – and the important moments of everyday life – took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, eight regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America’s stories.

LEGO and the LEGO logo are trademarks of The LEGO Group. ©2011 The LEGO Group.


DiMaggio’s 56-Game Streak

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2011

After 70 years, DiMaggio’s 56-Game Streak Remains Untouchable
Joe DiMaggio Fans to Celebrate the Anniversary of this Remarkable Feat

Hollywood, Fla. (May 15, 2011) – It was 70 years ago that New York Yankee Joe DiMaggio began a legendary hitting streak that obliterated the previous record and has gone unchallenged to this day. In fact, no one has ever come close. To commemorate the anniversary of this historic achievement, Americans young and old are invited to participate in celebrations and remembrances hosted by JoeDiMaggio.com and the official Joe DiMaggio Facebook page.

On May 15, 1941, hoping to shake off a hitting slump, a young DiMaggio stepped up to the plate and got his wish. He hit in that game, and the next, and the next… After 45 games, he broke a hitting record that had stood for 44 years—and he kept on going. The American public, weary from economic depression and impending war, went absolutely wild. They breathlessly followed the Yankee Clipper as he continued the streak for an amazing 12 more games. By the time the streak ended, two months and two days after it began, “Joltin’ Joe” DiMaggio had captured the imagination of an entire nation and become a potent symbol of American perseverance.

To commemorate the 70th year anniversary of this historic athletic achievement, JoeDimaggio.com is launching an online retrospective and commentary on the streak as it was unfolding in a series called “Reliving Joe DiMaggio’s Streak.” The series will include sports writer and celebrity guest posts and never-before released insights on the 56 games from Joe DiMaggio himself. Readers will also be invited to write their own reflections on DiMaggio, with the top two submissions being included as guest posts. The blog series will also be featured on BleacherReport.com, the web’s leading publisher of original and entertaining sports editorial content.

Throughout the two-month celebration, fans will also find opportunities to join the conversation and win memorabilia on the official Joe DiMaggio Facebook fan page. Prizes will be announced on the anniversary of the end of the Streak—July 17, 2011—which has been declared Joe DiMaggio Day.

“In an era when America needed a hero, Joe DiMaggio inspired many through his graceful style and determination on and off the field,” says Elizabeth Kanna, a managing partner in Joe DiMaggio, LLC. “This celebration of his legacy offers fans a chance to rekindle that excitement and sense of human possibility.”

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About Joe DiMaggio, LLC.

Joe DiMaggio, LLC, manages and licenses the Joe DiMaggio brand, which celebrates this quintessential American hero and athlete whose legendary hitting streak has gone unchallenged to this day.

Both on and off the diamond, Joe DiMaggio embodied the American spirit of integrity, perseverance and the ability to win while raising the game of those around him – all while demonstrating artless grace and era-defining style.

The re-casting of this rich legacy into a lifestyle brand rekindles the excitement and sense of human potential Joe inspired. Today, with gracefully dignified power in shorter supply than ever, Joe DiMaggio can inspire Americans to recognize and tap their own personal greatness.

FOR LICENSING INFORMATION CONTACT:
michelle@joedimaggio.com
m.alfandari@pixelelves.com/moda
212 687 7640 ext 214
www.pixelelves.com/moda


MODA’s Client Tour de France and Licensee Cycle Force Group Nominated

MODA’s Client Tour de France and Licensee Cycle Force Group Nominated for 2011 Licensing Excellence Awards!

DIVERSE LINEUP OF NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2011 INTERNATIONAL LICENSING EXCELLENCE AWARDS

LIMA has announced a slate of 69 nominees from around the world for the annual LIMA International Licensing Excellence Awards. The awards, which recognize outstanding creativity and performance in trademark licensing, will be announced at LIMA’s Opening Night Awards Ceremony on June 14th during Licensing International Expo 2011 in Las Vegas.

Licensing Excellence Awards will be presented to licensors and licensees in the following seven categories:  Art or Design; Character or Toy; Corporate; Film, Television, Celebrity or Entertainment; Sports or Sports-themed Entertainment; Licensed Promotion; and Retailer of the Year.

MODA’s Client Tour de France and Licensee Cycle Force Group Nominated for Best Sports or Sports-themed Entertainment:

Best Sports or Sports-Themed Entertainment Licensee of the Year

Licensee                                    Property/Product

Cycle Force Group         Tour de France/Bicycles & Accessories

JAKKS Pacific, Inc.              Ultimate Fighting Championship/action figures, playsets & role play

K’NEX                                        NASCAR/building sets

PB Teen                                     NFL/bedding

Sportcraft                                 ESPN/indoor & outdoor recreation


“Cause Licensing Update” Web Conference — May 19, 2011

MODA’s President/CEO is the guest speaker on May 19, 2011 for the Cause Marketing Forum web conference!

The Cause Marketing Masters Series presents Michelle Alfandari of MODA Licensing

“Cause Licensing Update”

Thursday, May 19 from 1:30pm – 2:30pm EST

For some nonprofit organizations, pursuing brand licensing opportunities has proved a valuable source of funds while for others it has been a waste of time and money. Learn how to assess your group’s brand licensing prospects from Michelle Alfandari whose company has developed successful programs for America’s Vet Dogs, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, The Victoria & Albert Museum.

Speaker Profile: Michelle Alfandari is President/CEO of MODA Licensing, Inc. She has over 30 years of business development, licensing, strategic planning, marketing and sales experience.

Ms. Alfandari established MODA Licensing, Inc. (as MODA International Marketing, Inc.) in 1988 and has developed MODA into a globally recognized leader in brand licensing.

MODA Licensing has been in the forefront in recognizing the value of licensing as a business model to build businesses from corporate brands, non-profits, trademarks and technology. MODA has developed and executed licensed businesses globally across diverse industries and retail channels. MODA’s innovative methodology has delivered a track record of success for its clients including generating incremental revenue, protection of IP and enhancing core businesses.

Ms. Alfandari is a member of LIMA (Licensing Industry Merchandising Association) and LES (Licensing Executives Society). She has written articles for licensing and trade journals and was a contributor to Licensing for Dummies published by Wiley Publishing, Inc. Ms. Alfandari has been a speaker at licensing conferences including the Licensing International Expo (New York and Las Vegas), CLE (Continuing Law Education) conferences, Luxury Marketing Council and Cause Marketing Forum’s annual conference and is considered an authority on brand licensing for corporations and non-profits.

Client and Property Portfolio:
Clients (past & present*) include:
Taste of Home* (a Readers Digest company), UNICEF*, America’s VetDogs*, The New York Times, Audiovox Corporation* (including Audiovox, Advent, Acoustic Research, Jensen), Champion® Athleticwear (a Division of Sara Lee Corporation), LYCRA®* (an Invista brand now part of Koch Industries, formerly DuPont), Le Tour de France*, Trader Vic’s (Nubeco Corporation), The Henry Ford (including The Henry Ford, Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum), Ritz Hotel-Paris, National Trust for Historic Preservation*, Bushnell Outdoor Products* (including Bushnell, Bollé, and Tasco brands), Victoria & Albert Museum – London, National Aquarium in Baltimore, Nature Conservancy, ASE (National Institute for Automotive Services Excellence), Meredith Corporation – Better Homes & Gardens, Snap-on Tools, Mack Trucks, Inc., UNIPAL International Corporation*, Coty, Inc.

Brand Partnership:
MODA announced in January of 2011 that they are an equity partner in the newly formed Joe DiMaggio, LLC. MODA and its partners will promote and license the name, likeness and image of Joe DiMaggio by leveraging his legendary status on and off the baseball field.

Licensed brand extensions include:
Home Furnishings, Tableware and Decorative Accessories, Rugs and Carpets, Food, Bicycles and Accessories, Cardio Exercise Equipment, Cosmetics, Paints & Finishes, Decorative Moulding, Tools, Food, Dog Treats and Toys, Automotive Aftermarket products, Footwear, Apparel and Accessories, Electronics, Promotional and Incentive products, Stationery & Gift, Plush, Headwear, Juvenile, Die-cast, Toys, Wine Club, Books.

Distribution channels for licensed products include:
Mass market, Home Improvement Warehouses, Department and specialty retailers, catalog and direct mail, B2B and Online/e-commerce.

Prior to establishing MODA, Michelle’s background included sales, marketing and management positions in the garment and textiles industries for Burlington Industries and the health services arena.

For more information, please go to www.pixelelves.com/moda

Visit the website to register for the web conference.
http://www.causemarketingforum.com/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=bkLUKcOTLkK4E&b=6423029&ct=9309737


Global Pet Expo – Orlando FL March 16-18, 2011

On the Road with MODA: Global Pet Expo – Orlando, FL March 16-18, 2011

I was at the Global Pet Expo in Orlando this past week with our client America’s VetDogs® to help launch our new line of VetDogs® Dog Toys by Vo-Toys and continue our support of VetDogs® Dog Treats by Bil-Jac!

We put together a PR plan that attracted much attention having been featured in the Pet Expo Daily as a “Best in Show” brand! We were also covered by local media Fox News for their 5 o’clock Wednesday broadcast and many other planned pieces by pet trade journals and a possible segment on a nationally broadcast morning show…stay tuned!

The reception from retailers was beyond our expectations. We anticipate the America’s VetDogs® brand to secure strong placement across multiple channels of retail.

All in all the show proved to be a major success. MODA’s belief in the VetDogs® brand as a viable license is taking shape nicely.

Can’t wait to report on the next licensee to join the VetDogs® family!

Scott


Helping America’s Heroes, America’s VetDogs Expands Its Family of Licensed Products – Featured at Global Pet Expo March 16-18, 2011

Helping America’s Heroes, America’s VetDogs Expands Its Family of Licensed Products – Featured at Global Pet Expo March 16-18, 2011

Top Manufacturers Bil-Jac and Vo-Toys Create Superior Products for Dogs and also Support Disabled Veterans

SMITHTOWN, N.Y., March 8, 2011 —America’s VetDogs® is pleased to announce it will be representing its “America’s VetDogs” license brand March 16-18 at Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Florida. The license was initiated and finalized by MODA Licensing.

Representatives from America’s VetDogs® and MODA, along with William White, USMC, and his service dog Rudy will be at the Bil-Jac booth #1271 and the Vo-Toys booth #1167.

Businesses have licensed products for years, but today, America’s VetDogs a unique non-profit serving America’s wounded military have created an innovative licensing program that support its mission and provides value to their manufacturing and retailing partners.

The America’s VetDogs brand of products represents a unique revenue-generating opportunity for retailers and manufacturers of pet products to show their support for disabled veterans, at the same time highlighting the vital bond between people and their animals and creating brand loyalty for new and existing customers.

Jeff Bressler, executive vice president of America’s VetDogs says, “We are sure that these licensed products will resonate with traditional family pet owners and consumers who want to support the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country.”

Vo-Toys, VetDogs’ newest licensing partner, will introduce four new dog toy product lines at Global Pet Expo. For over 60 years, the company has produced quality pet toys and accessories for U.S. and international markets.

Bil-Jac, a manufacturer of high-quality dog food and dog treats, became America’s VetDogs’ first licensing partner and introduced “America’s VetDogs Dog Treats” in 2010. These premium dog treats are growing in popularity with consumers and distribution retailers. Since its founding after World War II, family-owned Bil-Jac has been guided by one principle: to make the very finest dog food and dog treats.

America’s VetDogs will be represented by VetDogs recipient William White, USMC, and his service dog Rudy. White trained with his VetDog in July 2010 and has made numerous appearances, helping raise awareness on behalf of the organization.

“I am honored to represent VetDogs at Global Pet Expo,” he says. “My service dog has been a true asset to me and has truly afforded me a quality of life I would not have without him. Be it working, playing, or just lounging, we are never apart. For that I am deeply grateful.”

America’s VetDogs products are distributed through pet specialty stores, mass retailers, supermarkets, farm stores, military PX’s, and through direct mail and e-commerce. VetDogs receives a portion of the proceeds from the sale of its licensed products.

For more information about America’s VetDogs license program, contact Scott Todd at MODA Licensing at s.todd@pixelelves.com/moda.

About America’s VetDogs – The Veteran’s K-9 Corps
America’s VetDogs provides guide and service dogs to disabled veterans and active duty personnel; physical and occupational therapy dogs for VA and military hospitals; and combat stress control dogs to be deployed overseas. It is the premier provider of assistance dogs for disabled veterans and the military.

America’s VetDogs began as a project of the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind to expand its programs and services for veterans, and became an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization in 2005. In 2009, the Guide Dog Foundation became the first assistance dog school in the United States to be accredited by both the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International, an accomplishment that benefits America’s VetDogs.

The VetDogs team includes certified instructors, veterinarians, and physical and occupational therapists who work with disabled veterans. Together, they develop innovative training methods that continue to evolve and deliver groundbreaking service to America’s wounded warriors.

America’s VetDogs’ mission is supported by the generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations, service organizations, and schools. Its branding and licensing program represents an exciting new facet to its fundraising efforts to help America’s disabled heroes regain the lives they once led.

Learn more by visiting www.vetdogs.org.


DiMaggio Dollars

JOLTIN’ JOE ESTATE SCORES LATEST PRODUCT BONANZA
(New York Post February 7, 2011) The Yankee Clipper is getting ready to step to the plate again – and take a few swings as a consumer product brand.

The estate of baseball legend Joe DiMaggio has cut a deal to put the fleet-footed center fielder’s name and likeness on a slew of new merchandise that’s planned to launch next year.

To commemorate the 70th anniversary of DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak – one of the most enduring records in sports – an assortment of trading cards, bats, T-shirts and jerseys are already in the works, Michelle Alfandari of MODA Licensing said.

But the bigger initiative is to develop a stable of enduring product lines inspired by Joltin’ Joe, from food to fragrances, she said. A new line of men’s clothing and accessories aimed at department stores will be a special focus.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE


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