Stars C Mike Modano "has signed" with Dallas-based The
Marketing Arm, according to Richard Alm of the DALLAS
MORNING NEWS, who writes that while Modano "has done well
with local and regional endorsements," he "hasn't had enough
clout to command national deals." But "industry sources"
say that The Marketing Arm "could increase his off-ice
income" to $2-3M a year. The Marketing Arm CEO Ray Clark,
on Modano: "We want to get him with several of our Fortune
500 clients, maybe some Internet companies" (DMN, 9/15).
VIRTUAL VINSANITY: BRANDWEEK's Terry Lefton reports
that Puma "breaks its first TV spot" featuring Raptors G
Vince Carter "later this month." The spot, from Gyro
Worldwide, features "no footwear," since Carter's
"Vinsanity" shoe "won't be launched until next year." The
ad will initially air regionally on Fox Sports, but "will
probably end up" on NBA broadcasts on TBS and TNT, as Puma
has picked up time on the nets as part of its "new NBA
agreement." A Puma print ad featuring Carter and Saints RB
Ricky Williams "also breaks later this month." Puma N.A.
CMO Amber Fredman, on the company's strategy: "It's
important we make the transition from classics to a real
player in athletic performance" (BRANDWEEK, 9/13 issue).
THE CEREAL BOWL? In N.Y., Rich Cimini reports that
Chrebet Crunch, the cereal around Jets WR Wayne Chrebet from
Pittsburgh-based PLB, "has sold over 200,000 boxes."
Cimini: "Too bad ... Chrebet is injured. Sunday night's
game against the Bills could have been billed 'The Cereal
Bowl'" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 9/15).
STRIKE A DEAL: Pro bowlers Rudy "Revs" Kasimakis and
Chris Barnes have inked exclusive marketing and endorsement
deals with IMS (IMS).
