News

Howler iPhone App Helps Track Down Stolen Bikes, Skis and Snowboards Through the Power of Technology, Community and Social Media

Team Marketing Systems — 2012-04-26T15:39:03-07:00

FARMINGTON, CT, April 5, 2012 � Bike, ski and snowboard theft is a problem. A big problem. It happens everyday, at college campuses and major ski resorts, in big cities and small towns. And spreading the word about just-stolen gear to as many people as possible can make all of the difference between getting your bike, skis or snowboard back, or having to scrape together the cash to buy a new ride.

The Howler� App from Get Out Technologies helps protect your bikes, skis, snowboards and other recreational gear by providing the necessary tools to easily document key information and alert a local, like-minded community to be on the lookout for just-stolen gear. The Howler App is perfect for city dwellers who rely on their bike for transportation, and active sports enthusiasts who are passionate about skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, kayaking and other activities where their gear is their connection to the outdoors.

Through the Howler App and gear registry tools available at GetOutt.com, users can register all of the pertinent information for their recreational gear � serial numbers, photos, descriptions & distinguishing marks, receipts � in a secure, personal �gear locker.� Everything documented through the Howler App automatically syncs with a web-based account at GetOutt.com.

In the event an item is stolen, a Howler Alert instantly notifies other members in the same geographical area through the iPhone�s Push Notifications, email, SMS and social media, what the item is, what it looks like and where it was last seen, creating a virtual search party for the just-stolen gear. The more eyes out there looking for missing gear, the better chances are for recovery and return.

Every Howler Alert is instantly broadcast to local law enforcement, ski resort security, campus security, local retailers and repair shops via RSS feeds and social media channels. And just as important in the event of any theft, all of the necessary information to file a police report or insurance claim is easily accessible.

Howler App: Document Your Gear � Howl if Stolen!

Now Available in the iTunes App Store:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/howler/id466726711?ls=1&mt=8

About Get Out Technologies
Like you, we live and love to ride. Whether shreddin� fresh pow, tearing through single track, or charging the pipe on the weekends, our gear is lubed, waxed and ready at all times. Unfortunately, so are the sketch-balls who want to snatch it from us. That�s where we come in. Our mission is to create opportunities and new communication channels for recreational gear registration, tracking and recovery, to support community efforts in gear theft prevention through education and sharing of best practices, and to protect the stuff you use to Get Outt!
http://www.getoutt.com

For more information, please contact:
Howard Brodwin
howard@getoutt.com
1-323-841-2267

Bauerfeind Performance Center profiled in Santa Monica Mirror

Team Marketing Systems — 2011-10-06T11:54:16-07:00

We picked-up some local coverage for the Bauerfeind Performance Center from the folks at the Santa Monica Mirror; they ran a great piece in their newspaper and here's the online version...
http://smmirror.com/#mode=single&view=33091

Stuntmen�s Association partners with Blind Judo Foundation to Support Martial Arts Programs for Visually Impaired Children and Wounded Warriors

Team Marketing Systems — 2011-09-26T17:08:29-07:00

The Stuntmen�s Association of Motion Pictures, one of Hollywood�s oldest and most prestigious organizations, announced a partnership to help the blind and visually impaired participate in a life changing sport. At their 50^th Anniversary Gala this past Saturday in Universal City, CA, the Stuntmen�s Association formally introduced the Blind Judo Foundation as a partner organization, with a goal to support the foundation�s efforts in teaching the sport of Judo to the blind and visually impaired.

�As stunt professionals, Judo and Martial Arts fundamentals are a big part of the work we do on-set every day,� said Mark Donaldson, President of the Stuntmen�s Association. �The opportunity to work with the Blind Judo Foundation, to bring the sport of Judo to blind children and our military�s Wounded Warriors is a perfect fit with the spirit of our organization and we look forward to participating in upcoming events, clinics and activities.�

The Blind Judo Foundation provides financial support, training and coaching to facilities around the country that teach martial arts to blind and visually impaired children and adults. The foundation also runs programs for US Military �Wounded Warriors� who can benefit greatly from the physical and mental rehabilitation the sport of Judo provides.

�Over 70% of blind and visually impaired kids do not participate in any physical activity. Simply put, they are afraid of falling,� said Ron Peck, Executive Director and co-founder of the Blind Judo Foundation. �The sport of Judo teaches balance, strength and falling correctly. For a blind individual, these can be the keys to building confidence and independence, which carryover into their work, their relationships and their self-esteem. And for some of our athletes, participating in our programs can lead to representing their country at the Paralympics.�

These Paralympic dreams are very real. Blind Judo Foundation co-founder Willy Cahill has served as Head Coach of the US Paralympic Judo team for the past 3 Paralympic Games, and 75% of all US Judo medals won at the Olympics & Paralympics have been achieved under his direction.

�Having the support of the Stuntmen�s Association of Motion Pictures is a tremendous boost for our athletes,� said Coach Cahill. �I�ve seen first-hand how this sport changes the lives of blind children and young adults. These are people that some in our society have cast-off as �defective.� What I�ve seen are athletes, competitors, and amazingly strong men and women who have accomplished so much through their dedication to the sport of Judo.�

Representatives of the Blind Judo Foundation with Honored Guest Harrison Ford

Blind Judo Foundation with Stuntmen's Association of Motion Pictures President Mark Donaldson and his family.

For more information on the Blind Judo Foundation, visit

http://www.BlindJudoFoundation.org/

For more information on the Stuntmen�s Association of Motion Pictures, visit

http://www.stuntmen.com/

Bauerfeind Performance Center featured on KABC-TV

Team Marketing Systems — 2011-08-01T11:47:06-07:00

KABC-TV fitness reporter Lori Corbin profiled the Bauerfeind Performance Center this week, with the story airing on both the morning and midday KABC news. Check out the full story and video clip here...

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/food_coach&id=8281688

Bauerfeind Performance Center Opens in Santa Monica, CA, Offering a Holistic Approach to Sports Performance and Injury Prevention

Team Marketing Systems — 2011-06-27T11:17:05-07:00

Saturday June 25th marked the official �grand opening� of the first Bauerfeind Performance Center in Santa Monica, CA. Many of Southern California�s leading Orthopedists and Sports Medicine professionals joined veteran LA Lakers� Athletic Trainer Gary Vitti and US Olympian Jay Mortenson to celebrate the opening of this innovative facility and experience the latest sports performance and injury prevention/recovery technologies and services.

The Bauerfeind Performance Center offers a unique combination of sports performance assessment technology and custom products in one convenient walk-in location, including:

� Sports biomechanics analysis
� Orthopedic and sports injury evaluation
� Custom-fitted orthotic products
� Physical therapy services
� Cardiovascular fitness evaluation
� Custom sports equipment
� Specialist partner referral program
� Sports-specific clinical and educational zones

The Bauerfeind Performance Center offers a unique holistic approach to sports injury, rehabilitation and active wellness to help athletes regain their full potential. A multi-faceted approach ensures that individuals receive the right package of recommendations, services and products needed to remain in the game or return to full fitness. Bauerfeind employs innovative diagnostic technologies which help individuals understand their body�s biomechanics & performance barriers, and provide tailored solutions and the most advanced and effective sports injury support products to help prevent and promote recovery from sports injuries.

The Bauerfeind Performance Center staff includes experienced sports medicine and physical therapy professionals who can help identify the physical limitations that are holding someone back from reaching their full potential, advise on ways to improve technique, and recommend the optimum equipment for individual needs, with specific expertise in Golf, Tennis, Running and Endurance Sports.

Bauerfeind Performance Center
1540 2nd Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401

About Bauerfeind AG
Motion is Life

Established in Germany in 1929, Bauerfeind AG is one of the world�s leading manufacturers of sports injury and orthopedic supports, compression stockings and foot orthotics. Bauerfeind products are specifically designed to increase mobility, provide stability and reduce pain, and have been proven to alleviate strain, accelerate rehabilitation and provide increased levels of injury protection.

The first choice of international athletes competing at the highest level, Bauerfeind has been has been an official supplier to the German Olympic teams since 2001 and will continue through the 2012 Olympic Games in London. A valued partner of many international athletes and sports teams for decades, Bauerfeind was an official partner of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, providing its products and services for the athletes of all participating nations.

Bauerfeind USA http://www.bauerfeindusa.com
Bauerfeind AG http://www.bauerfeind.com

Special Olympics Southern California - 2011 Summer Games

Team Marketing Systems — 2011-06-06T15:56:01-07:00

Join Special Olympics Southern California and our athletes for one of the largest competitions of the year: Summer Games.

June 11-12 , 2011
California State University, Long Beach (map)

Watch our athletes pour their hearts out and showcase their talents as they compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals. More than 1,000 athletes from across Southern California will compete in aquatics, athletics (track and field), basketball, bocce, golf, and gymnastics.

We'll be there to hand out medals, cheer and support these amazing athletes - please join us!

Click here for full details and daily schedule

2011 Major League Baseball Opening Day...

Team Marketing Systems — 2011-03-31T19:40:03-07:00

Fox Sports South broadcaster Fred Hickman, was on hand at the Braves vs. Nationals, Opening Day festivities today in Washington, DC.

Fred Hickman (L), Host of Braves Live on Fox Sports South, with former Braves OF and Braves Live co-host Ron Gant (R).

BTW, the Braves won 2-0, as some veterans came through, including starting pitcher Derek Lowe and the ageless Chipper Jones, who's back after major knee surgery. They brought new manager Fredi Gonzalez a win in his debut.

Good luck to Fred and Braves for another great season!

Athletes no longer rely on �We�re taking it one game at a time� and �I�m just happy to be here� in interviews

Team Marketing Systems — 2011-02-14T21:42:10-08:00

Many professional athletes today are faced with a continuous flood of media attention and can easily become a magnet for scrutiny. Social media channels broadcast every status update, �tweet� and image - good or bad - to millions in a matter of minutes, and any misstep becomes instant news. Having the skills and confidence to effectively communicate with the media and fans is proving to be as valuable as a good jump shot or a 100 mph fastball.

Veteran sports broadcaster Fred Hickman started Fred Hickman Communications to provide athletes, coaches and front office personnel with the skills to tackle a variety of challenging media situations, including:

� How to conduct yourself in a radio or television interview
� Dealing with high-pressure situations - such as the run up to a championship game, trade talks and rumors - or off-the-field conflicts
� Delivering an effective public speech
� Appropriately maximizing social networking outlets (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.)
� Representing yourself in connection with nonprofit initiatives
� How to handle success with class and humility

Fred Hickman Communications provides extensive training on the fundamentals of interviewing, speaking & public appearances, giving anyone the confidence to become an effective communicator and help shape their public persona, connect with fans, increase their marketability and enhance their value to the franchise.

With over 30 years of on-camera experience and numerous awards to his credit, Fred Hickman has worked as a lead anchor for prominent sports networks including TBS, TNT, ESPN, Fox Sports and the YES Network. Fred is a highly skilled, versatile broadcaster, having led coverage for major sports properties & events including the Super Bowl, Winter Olympics, NFL, NBA, MLB and NCAA telecasts, pre-game & post-game shows.

�While the tools we use to communicate may have changed, what�s important to communicate has not,� said Fred Hickman. �Every athlete or coach should have the basic skills to handle themselves on camera, in an interview, at public events, and present themselves in the best possible light.�

Media training sessions with Fred Hickman Communications utilize mock on-camera interviews, video/audio analysis, real-world examples and resolution techniques to sharpen speaking skills, along with evaluating body language and posture, proper enunciation, eye contact, avoiding one-word answers and many other subtle but effective details to ensure success in front of the mic and camera.

In the future, when asked how they became so comfortable in front of the media, players will simply reply� �Fred Said It�

http://www.FredHickman.net

For more information, please contact:
Fred Hickman Communications
626-390-3935
mediatraining@fredhickman.net

Fred Hickman Joins Atlanta Braves players and Negro League Legends on the �Braves Caravan,� bringing today's stars, Negro Leagues pioneers together at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Team Marketing Systems — 2011-01-28T19:33:52-08:00

Sports broadcasting veteran and Team Marketing Systems client, Fred Hickman had the unique opportunity this week to participate in the 2011 Braves Caravan, joining current Brave's players & coaches, and Negro League legends, for a visit to the Birmingham AL Civil Rights Institute and a panel discussion covering the contribution of the Negro Leagues and race in baseball.

Read the full story on Alabama Live...
http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/01/braves_caravan_brings_todays_s.html

New Client � Red Star Hockey

Team Marketing Systems — 2011-01-04T19:21:42-08:00

We�re very excited to work with the team at Red Star Hockey, a leader in the inline hockey category. Red Star manufacturers inline hockey wheels and accessories, and has contracted with Team Marketing Systems to develop a �key influencer� marketing program to raise awareness and drive sales at the grassroots level.

A little bit about Red Star Hockey�.

Who are we? That's simple.

We are passion. We are determination. We are dedication. We are experienced.

Our staff has a combined sixty-five plus years in the market of inline skating and roller hockey. We were selling roller hockey products before people were calling it roller hockey. And we've been playing even longer. With our roots from Minnesota, we were born with skates on our feet. Now we've grown up, and produce products that we were born to be part of.

We have spent countless hours developing our top secret additives. Our wheels are second to none! If passion and desire are the main part of your game and you demand the best then you should be on Red Star.

Whether you skate outdoors or indoors, we have the best products for you. Don't be one of those players who follows! Be one of the few who makes a difference! Lead your team to Red Star. If you're not part of the Red Star Nation you're not part of anything!

Look for news and updates in the coming months on the Red Star Hockey campaign, coming to a rink near you�

New Client � LA AAA / 3on3 LA

Team Marketing Systems — 2010-12-28T19:18:42-08:00

When you think of sports to watch and play in Los Angeles, a lot of options come to mind. The city has a rich history in baseball, college football, golf, surfing and skateboarding, among many other sports. But if you ask most Angelenos what sport really carries the city, most would say it is basketball. From the Lakers� championship banners, to Wooden�s magic at Pauley Pavillion, to the pick-up games on Venice Beach, basketball connects the heart and soul to the city of angels.

The Los Angeles Arts and Athletics Alliance (LA AAA) is taking that message to the masses, with a unique 3on3 basketball experience this spring, as part of the inaugural LA Basketball Week. 3on3 LA will be an opportunity for players and fans alike, to compete and enjoy the game in a unique space � the streets of downtown Los Angeles.

Team Marketing Systems is managing public relations for 3on3 LA and will be working with the team at LA AAA to support the entire LA Basketball Week efforts. Stay tuned for news and announcements about the upcoming 3on3 LA events this spring.

New Client � FIX: The Ministry Movie

Team Marketing Systems — 2010-12-12T19:10:35-08:00

We�re really fired up about working with the folks at Gigantic Pictures on their upcoming release of FIX: THE MINISTRY MOVIE, a feature documentary that takes an inside look at one of music�s most intelligent, creative and violently independent bands.

FIX: THE MINISTRY MOVIE shoves your @ss way, way backstage with the scariest band EVER. Headlined by goth showman extraordinaire, Alien Jourgenson, Ministry was both an inspiration and a cautionary tale � of ego and excess on the dark side, but also of integrity and artistic freedom on the other. A band that defined the genre and influenced much of today�s alternative rock scene, Ministry raged a two decade long purist, take-no-prisoners war on the music establishment, ironically ending their run with a Grammy nod in 2010.

Team Marketing Systems is working with Gigantic Pictures on sponsorship development for the film�s theatrical, DVD and Video-on-Demand release in the spring of 2011.

You can watch the trailer at http://fixtheministrymovie.com/ (definitely NSFW ;-)

Fred Hickman Talks Braves/Phillies and Michael Vick with 610WIP's Eskin & Reese

Team Marketing Systems — 2010-09-22T16:35:37-07:00

Team Marketing Systems client Fred Hickman was a guest on 610WIP Sports Radio in Philadelphia today, prior to the Braves/Phillies series.

Here's the clip of Fred, talking about the series and the Braves chances of making the playoffs, as well as his take on Michael Vick being named the starter for the Eagles.

Team Marketing Systems Now Working With Sports Broadcasting Veteran Fred Hickman

Team Marketing Systems — 2010-09-15T03:09:42-07:00

Team Marketing Systems is proud to announce we are now working with broadcasting veteran Fred Hickman.

Through an affiliation with our good friends at Dorsett Sports Marketing, TMS is handling public relations and marketing opportunities for Mr. Hickman, as well securing speaking engagements and opportunities for him as an event host, master of ceremonies, voice-over artist, interviewer, spokesperson, narrator and media consultant.

Over his 30-year career in broadcasting, Fred Hickman has anchored programming ranging from the TBS Evening News fledgling sportscast, TNT�s initial foray into Sunday night NFL football, the Olympic Winter Games from Lillehammer, Norway and Albertville, France and the Goodwill Games from St. Petersburg, Russia - all firsts for the networks involved - to the Millennium Celebration in Times Square, NY. In addition, he has served as a voice-over artist for various projects, ranging from the ACC Men�s Basketball Tournament wrap-up show in 2010 to National Geographic specials on Bob Bafford�s recovery of the Titanic.

Fred Hickman is currently the pre/post game host for Atlanta Braves baseball on Fox Sports South in Atlanta, GA.

Fred Hickman (Left), Ron Gant (Center), Henry Aaron (Right)

Can Landon Donovan Become America's Most Marketable Soccer Player?

Team Marketing Systems — 2010-07-09T13:45:13-07:00

We were quoted today on NYSportsJournalism.com in a piece on Landon Donovan's marketability.

"Could Donovan become the most marketable American-born soccer player ever? Definitely," said Howard Brodwin, managing director for Team Marketing Systems, a leading marketing strategy and brand development consulting firm based in Los Angeles. "He�s got the talent, the presence, the visibility and he will most likely be the face of U.S. soccer going into the 2014 World Cup."

"The opportunity to expand his stable of sponsorship and endorsement deals is solid," said Brodwin. "I could easily see several CPG, food/beverage and telecom brands taking a long look at Landon. Automotive might be a good opportunity as well: We all know how the 'soccer mom' is coveted by the auto world, and he would certainly be a great centerpiece for a mom-centric mini-van or SUV campaign."

Read the entire piece here:
http://nysportsjournalism.squarespace.com/donovans-net-gains-7910/

Barry Janoff does a great job covering the business of sports. If you haven't already, make sure to bookmark www.NYSportsJournalism.com and follow him on Twitter.

Sports Related Cause Marketing event in Los Angeles 5/12/10

Team Marketing Systems — 2010-05-03T18:19:30-07:00

For those of you in the greater Los Angeles area, we'll be speaking as part of a great event next week:

Sports Related Cause Marketing: How to Get in the Game
Wednesday, May 12th
8:30am - 10:00am

The event is being organized by PIRATES (Print, Interactive, Radio & Television Educational Society) and will feature an overview and discussion on many aspects of cause related marketing programs within the sports industry. We'll be joined by some amazing colleagues in the industry, including Janet Clayton (President, ThinkCure, The official charity of the Los Angeles Dodgers) and Jeri Ramos (Manager of Strategic Partnerships, WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks).

Location:

ESPN Zone @ L.A. Live, right next to Staples Center
1011 S. Figueroa Street, Suite B101
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Tel. 213.765.7079

RSVP by Mon 5/10 to secure your spot!

For more details and registration info, visit:
http://www.piratesla.org

Hope to see you there!

Harnessing the Power of Sports for the Greater Good

Team Marketing Systems — 2010-02-21T16:03:06-08:00

Isn't Sports "Cause" Marketing Still Sports Marketing?

by Howard K. Brodwin

Founder, SportsandSocialChange.org

Marketing ROI is certainly a key metric these days. As we move out of the great recession and start to rebuild the global economic infrastructure, everyone in Sports Marketing is keeping close tabs on where dollars are spent and what tangible returns are gained from every marketing campaign.

Sports Marketing can be defined as �the specific application of marketing principles and processes to sport products (e.g. - teams, leagues, events, footwear, equipment, etc.), and the marketing of non-sports products (e.g. - food & beverage, autos, telecom services, etc.), through associations with sports.� It�s been part of the foundation for global brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, Ford and Budweiser for decades.

On the other side of the marketing table, there�s Cause Marketing, where brands team up with relevant charities or social causes to raise awareness and dollars to make a difference in the community. Cause Marketing can be an effective image-building tool for a brand while helping a charitable cause gain greater visibility and possibly new sources of funding.

So, here�s a crazy idea � what would happen if we combined the two? To put it into true marketing speak, it�s like the old Reese�s slogan: "Two great tastes that taste great together."

Thanks to the efforts of some very passionate sports fans, there are now Soccer programs that teach HIV/Aids awareness and prevention, Skiing & Snowboarding coalitions raising awareness for climate change, and Golf programs that help Native American kids build self-esteem and lead a healthier life. And there are hundreds of professional athletes who dedicate their free time to building skate parks in depressed urban areas, helping senior citizens enjoy their final years, and assisting veterans' transition back into society, while also raising funds to fight everything from cancer and autism, to poverty and homelessness.

Supporting these programs does more for the collective good than simply buying signage at an event or paying an athlete to wear your logo. It supports the same people who buy your products, watch your programs and attend your games and events.

A recent Harvard Business Review article said, �So little is spent on advertising and marketing by charities that the IRS form 990 they are required to file each year doesn't even have a line item for reporting it. Yet it would be considered malfeasance to launch a product or service in the for-profit sector without an adequate advertising budget to build demand for it.�

Not so in the world of Sports. In fact, it�s safe to say the entire industry is driven by marketing spend � from sporting goods and services, teams and events, to the marketing of consumer goods and services via those same sports events and athletes. Last year�s Super Bowl - the marketing Mecca of US sporting events - generated over $420 million alone in media, sponsorship, tickets and licensing revenue, according to Forbes.com.

Now, I�m not saying this is a bad thing - not at all. It�s an opportunity. An opportunity to step up the plate and make a difference.

What I am saying is those marketing dollars can do more good if they�re channeled into Sports Cause Marketing. It�s that rare �win-win-win� in the business world: The brand wins, the consumer wins and the cause wins. No one leaves the field hanging their head after the final whistle sounds.

Think of it this way � if just 1% of the $11 billion spent annually on sports sponsorship was channeled into Sports Cause Marketing, that would be $110 million going to do some serious good in the world.

The HBR article goes on to say, �Charitable giving has remained constant in the U.S. at about 2% of GDP ever since we've measured it. Charity is not taking market share from the for-profit sector. No wonder. It's hardly allowed to market. If enough additional demand were built to raise that figure to 3% we could achieve a transformation in our ability to combat social problems.�

So I challenge all of you � my peers, colleagues and fellow sports marketers: Sports Cause Marketing is a better way to approach Sports Marketing. The causes are out there, ready, willing and able to help you market your brands. Just imagine what we can do if everyone pulls on the same rope.

$110 million to allow Special Spectators to give terminally ill kids a college football experience to remember.
$110 million to help Team Ultimate fight obesity and get kids active & healthy.
$110 million to provide SkiDUCK with the tools so the disabled have a chance to participate in winter sports.

That sounds like positive ROI to me.

Scotts swings for the fences & US Speedskating is no laughing matter

Team Marketing Systems — 2010-01-21T11:11:02-08:00

Two interesting marketing/sponsorship stories are in the news this week; one is straight out of right field and the other, definitely way out in left�

Scotts Miracle-Gro Seeds Major League Baseball

Scotts Miracle-Gro has a deal with Major League Baseball to sell seed blends and fertilizers akin to those used on the fields at iconic venues such as Fenway Park and Wrigley Field. The arrangement is part of a broader link that pitches Scotts as an "official lawn care company" of MLB.

Available at retailers this spring, the lawn-care products are a similar variety to those used at the respective parks. The blends are concocted by Scotts in consultation with the head groundskeepers at the stadiums. Packaging carries team logos and a "Groundskeeper's Select" moniker, along with a stadium photo and reprinted signature from the groundskeeper.

If you follow logic (which some marketers actually do!), then this one is a no-brainer. Scotts is a leader in the lawn care business, and co-branding with MLB teams like the Red Sox, Cubs, Cards, Phillies and Reds is a great way to connect with their target audience. Plus, they get the added advantage of marketing their product during a key time of year in their sales cycle � spring.

How do you maximize a relationship like this? How about a contest/sweepstakes where the winners get to visit the stadium before a game and meet and/or work with the groundskeeper? Or maybe a �Groundskeeper for a Day� promotions for frequent buyers? There are some really fun and unique opportunities there that I hope the folks at Scotts take advantage of.

Now on the other side of the coin�

U.S. Speedskating Finds Savior In Stephen Colbert

The funniest and least likely sponsorship in Olympic sports has U.S. Speedskating paired with comic Stephen Colbert. And the resulting mix of comedy and competition have raised eyebrows � and money.

The host of Comedy Central's The Colbert Report stepped in as a U.S. Speedskating sponsor in November after the speedskaters lost a major corporate backer � a bank that went bankrupt.

Now, this one has been in the media for a few months, so no major scoop here. But I think this is absolutely brilliant on so many levels. A fringe sport like speed skating needs all the marketing and PR help it can muster, and the Colbert Nation is a powerful force when channeled -- just ask the folks at Doritos.

I can understand somewhat the reluctance from a few of the US Olympic athletes, not wanting their passion to be turned into farce or a marketing gimmick. But if you understand Colbert�s humor and satire, you�ll know that while he may poke fun, he�s got good intentions behind him. In my opinion, this is one marketing idea that�s got legs (ok, maybe I should leave the humor to Colbert� ;-).

MaxXcel Sports to introduce the FP360 Lacrosse Strength Trainer at the 2010 US Lacrosse National Convention

Team Marketing Systems — 2010-01-14T14:21:15-08:00

MaxXcel Sports, LLC, a sports specific training products company, will introduce the FP360 Lacrosse Strength Trainer to the lacrosse community at the 2010 US Lacrosse National Convention, in Baltimore, MD, January 15-17, 2010, with a variety of events and promotions.

The MaxXcel FP360 is a strength training aid that secures directly to the shaft of a Lacrosse stick to develop core muscles in the hand, wrist and forearm. Using the principles of continuous resistance, the FP360 forces players to work harder to maintain a grip on the stick during drills and scrimmages, playing wall ball or taking shots at the cage. By isolating the muscles in the hand, wrist and forearm players can effectively increase strength and minimize the risk of injury, without changing their practice regimen.

The MaxXcel FP360 is lightweight, inexpensive, fits on any shaft, and will help lacrosse players at every level add more FIREPOWER to their game.

�The US Lacrosse National Convention provides us a great opportunity to meet coaches and players from across the country and demonstrate our FP360 strength trainer,� said Bill Brandt, MaxXcel Sports Managing Partner. �Forearm, hand and grip strength development are the next critical wave in helping athletes gain a competitive advantage. We�re excited about launching our new product this week and to be associated with quality individuals and organizations like Max Seibald, the Denver Outlaws and US Lacrosse.�

At the upcoming 2010 US Lacrosse National Convention, MaxXcel endorser, Denver Outlaws & US Lacrosse Team midfielder Max Seibald will be signing autographs at the MaxXcel booth (#512), talking with players and coaches, and demonstrating how to use the FP360 for drills and at practice. There will also be product giveaways and contests, and the opportunity to purchase the FP360 Lacrosse Strength Trainer at a substantial discount.

�Having strong forearms and a solid grip adds so much to controlling the stick handle � better accuracy, more shot speed, stronger on face-offs and ground balls,� said Seibald. �Using the MaxXcel FP360 has definitely strengthened my grip, improved my shooting and passing, and helped me develop endurance in my muscles to last the whole game.�

Max Seibald was an accomplished player at the collegiate level, winning the 2009 Tewaarton Trophy, awarded to the "Most Outstanding" collegiate lacrosse player in the United States, and was named a four-time All-American at Cornell. He is the only men�s lacrosse player in the history of the Ivy League to be named a four-time, first-team All-Ivy selection. Seibald is currently playing in the MLL with the Denver Outlaws, where he was named to the �Young Guns� All-star team in 2009. He also set a new MLL record in the �Hardest Shot� competition, hitting 110mph.

Visit booth #512 at the 2010 US Lacrosse National Convention and let MaxXcel show you how to increase your FIREPOWER with the FP360!

About MaxXcel Sports, LLC (http://www.MaxXcel.com)

Elite athletes are driven by a desire to be the best at what they do. It�s this relentless drive to be stronger, faster, smarter and better prepared than their opponents that makes them successful.

MaxXcel Sports, Inc. was founded on these same principles � to be an innovator in the sports performance industry, offering products for athletes who strive to be the best at their sport. Our mission is to design and build products for athletes to get the maximum out of every practice and accelerate their development to sports excellence.

The MaxXcel FP360 Strength Trainer is available for a wide range of sports including lacrosse, baseball, softball, golf, tennis, ice/roller hockey and field hockey.

For purchasing information, please contact:

973-200-5525

info@MaxXcel.com

http://www.MaxXcel.com/lacrosse.asp

Press Contact:

Howard Brodwin

hbrodwin@MaxXcel.com

323-841-2267 (Direct)

MaxXcel Sports, LLC

http://www.MaxXcel.com

New Year's Message

Team Marketing Systems — 2009-12-31T10:31:24-08:00

We will open the book.
Its pages are blank.
We are going to put words on them ourselves.
The book is called "Opportunity" and its first chapter is New Year's Day.

Health, Happiness & Opportunity to everyone in 2010!