Marketplace Roundup

Capitals Collecting 350 Paid Applications For Specialized License Plates

In DC, Tim Lemke reports the Capitals are "collecting 350 paid applications for specialized license plates" in Virginia, which would feature the team name and logo and "may appear on vehicles in the [state] as soon as next year." The latest push "comes after the Virginia Legislature failed to approve the Caps plate in March, insisting that the team have the paid applications in hand first." The application for Virginia license plates costs $25 a year, or $35 for "any fan who wants them personalized" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 5/7).

WHAT BROWN CAN DO FOR YOU: UPS named Padres P Heath Bell as its Delivery Man of the Month for April, and Bell, who worked for UPS while in college, "has a special place in his heart" for the company. Bell: "Brown did a lot for me. They wanted to promote me to sorter. I could unload one of those big trucks in 40 minutes while it took most guys about an hour and a half. It was a great job" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 5/7).

FOGGY LONDON: AROUND THE RINGS' Steven Downes reported the next sponsorship announced by LOCOG is "expected to be an official hotel partner." However, the organizing committee's "search for a retail partner remains in the balance due to opposition from global Olympic partners including Coca-Cola and McDonald's, who perceive a potential branding conflict" (AROUNDTHERINGS.com, 5/6).

ROUNDUP: Ski manufacturer Rossignol is "cutting base salaries" by 50% for World Cup skiers it has under contract. However, Rossignol's performance bonuses for top-10 finishes "won't be affected" (VANCOUVER SUN, 5/6)....Model Bar Rafaeli yesterday "helped launch the new Reebok Easy Tone shoes" at the Puerta de America Hotel in Madrid (CELEBRITY-GOSSIP.net, 5/6).