HI-TECH CHUCKS? CONVERSE TO UNVEIL INNOVATION AT SUPER SHOW

          MA-based Converse "plans to launch its first running
     shoe in years," according to Tony Munroe of REUTERS. 
     Converse Chair & CEO Glenn Rupp said that the company "also
     plans to unveil a new shoe technology" at The Super Show
     next month in Atlanta.  Rupp "declined to give details" on
     the innovation, which will launch in November in a new model
     of basketball shoes, but said that it would "cut the weight
     of shoes 'without sacrificing stability or cushioning.'" 
     Rupp said that he "hopes" the technology becomes "something
     of an identifier" for Converse: "We have high hopes for it. 
     From the standpoint of setting the stage for 2000 and
     beyond, we feel it's terribly important" (REUTERS, 1/12).
          A GENERAL DEAL: Converse signed a multi-year global
     licensing agreement with the IN-based military truck company
     AM General Corp. to produce a line of Hummer footwear that
     will be available in June 2000 and is designed after the
     Humvee, an all-terrain sports utility vehicle (Converse).