WA-based Foamheads, a manufacturer of collectible headgear, key chains and other memorabilia, has signed agreements with the NFL and the Collegiate Licensing Company, allowing Foamheads to make and sell products for all member teams and institutions (Foamheads). In Seattle, Christine Frey writes Foamheads currently produces more the 40 different Foamheads, which are sold at about 150 retail locations nationwide and on www.foamheads.com. Foamheads Founder Ken Saunders "expects the company to do about" $1-2M in sales this year (SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER, 10/24).
CHIPS & PUTTS: In FL, Sarah Talalay reports with Ford signing on to title sponsor the PGA Tour's Doral stop, the event's purse will rise from $4.7M to $5M. Ford Division Regional Operations Manager Steve Woessner said that Ford execs "hope to use the event to market their products and local and regional dealerships." Woessner: "South Florida is a huge market for us. ... It's a very nice marketing fit for us" (SUN-SENTINEL, 10/24)....CA-based Pro Tour Memorabilia has signed a new licensing deal with John Daly Enterprises (Pro Tour Memorabilia).
HOME DEPOT NAILING DOWN DEALS: The San Diego Super Bowl XXXVII Host Committee has reached a sponsorship deal with The Home Depot, which becomes the official sponsor of the Host Committee's local volunteer program. The deal calls for The Home Depot to help recruit volunteers, as well as hold volunteer meetings at Home Depot locations and provide volunteer uniforms. About 10,000 local volunteers will be needed to participate in various events leading up to the January 26 Super Bowl XXXVII at Qualcomm Stadium (San Diego Host Committee)....In Akron, Paula Schleis cites sources as saying that The Home Depot is joining Goodyear and NASCAR as national sponsors of the annual All-American Soap Box Derby, held in Akron. The Derby also signed the Akron Beacon Journal as sponsor (BEACON JOURNAL, 10/24).
