Sept. 27, 2007
QUEENS, N.Y. - St. John's Director of Athletics Chris Monasch announced a new licensing partner for the Red Storm, which became effective at the start of the 2007-08 academic year. The Licensing Resource Group (LRG), a trademark management company specializing in collegiate licensing and branding, now represents the St. John's Athletics in its domestic licensing program.
"We are excited to begin a partnership with LRG. A year ago we introduced a new athletics mark that was very well received. Our partnership with LRG will increase our visibility and enhance the program's image," said Monasch.
LRG will aid the Red Storm Athletics in maximizing exposure opportunities for the St. John's brand at retail. Through partnerships with manufacturers and retailers, LRG will expand St. John's current base into more sales outlets throughout the New York City area, the BIG EAST Conference region, and nationwide. LRG will also work with manufacturers to help increase the presence of merchandise available on-line. Known for its merchandising and brand development strategies, LRG will create compelling programs that will create excitement for the Red Storm brand at retail locations city-wide, as well as on-campus at the university's bookstore.
"St. John's is a unique and vibrant university with a great tradition, and we are extremely excited about our partnership," said Lewis Hardy, President of LRG. "We will work with the University, its licensees, and retailers to expand the Red Storm brand in the retail marketplace, and know that our brand philosophies and strategies will help St. John's to realize its full merchandising potential."
The Licensing Resource Group was founded in May of 1991, and currently represents more than 180 universities, athletic conferences and special properties nationwide, including the BIG EAST Conference and several of its member institutions. LRG provides trademark management services that include contract management, merchandising, brand development, information technology, and royalty management from offices in Holland, Michigan; Winston-Salem, North Carolina; and Iowa City, Iowa.
