Fleury Flakes is Back!
Pittsburgh Penguins fans couldn’t get enough of Fleury Flakes the first time it was released last hockey season. The frosted corn flake cereal featuring goalie Marc-Andre Fleury quickly sold out its initial run of 38,000 boxes. So we decided to release a 2nd edition of the popular cereal with new artwork and a charitable component attached to the product. This past November 22, Fleury introduced his cereal to the Pittsburgh media during a press event at the Giant Eagle Market District store in Robinson Township. Proceeds from the cereal will benefit Ballou Skies (www.ballouskies.com), a Pittsburgh-based charity that benefits boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation’s Project Power Play, which provides young athletes with newly constructed, outdoor multi-use athletic facilities. Fleury Flakes is available exclusively at all Western Pennsylvania Giant Eagle grocery stores, and online at www.plbsports.com.
“Bleier’s Brew” Released in Western Pennsylvania
Four-time Super Bowl Champion Rocky Bleier recently introduced his own craft beer, appropriately called Bleier’s Brew. in the Pittsburgh area and thru-out Western Pennsylvania. Bleier’s Brew is a light-colored, medium bodied lager beer brewed and bottled by the Pennsylvania Brewing Company on Pittsburgh’s North Side (www.pennbrew.com). The bottle features custom artwork of the former Steelers running back. The beer is currently available at Western Pennsylvania beer distributors, and is being distributed exclusively by Frank B. Fuhrer Wholesale Co.
Rocky Bleier is not only a beloved football icon; he is also a decorated Vietnam Veteran. Rocky’s service to his country has inspired him to support the construction of a World War II memorial on Pittsburgh’s North Shore. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Bleier’s Brew will aide in the construction of the Southwestern Pennsylvania World War II Memorial (www.swpawwii.org).
Bleier’s Brew is the latest athlete-branded product to be introduced by Pittsburgh-based sports marketing firm Koeberle & Associates (www.kasports.com), which also created and marketed Fleury Flakes last hockey season.
Brett Keisel Partners with Geronimo Salsa!
Negotiating endorsement agreements between athletes and companies is a big part of what I do. Recently I had the opportunity to structure an endorsement deal between Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel and Geronimo Salsa, a local Pittsburgh prodcut produced and marketed by Public Label Brands.
Keisel will be appearing on jars on Geronimo Salsa this football season, and will be easy to spot on store shelves as his famous “da beard” is prominently featured on the label. The 16 oz salsa comes in 3 flavors, Mild, Medium and Hot, and is available at Western Pennsylvania Giant Eagle stores.
Keisel recorded several radio spots in support of the promotion. In addition, a “Best of Da Beard” contest was held online for fans to show off their Keisel-like beards for the chance to win a Brett Keisel autographed football. The campaign’s slogan “Fear da beard, love the salsa“ is a clever way to pay homage to one of the best beards in the NFL.
Marshall Faulk Launches “Faulk Flakes” Cereal
Pittsburgh, PA – Former St. Louis Rams running back and newly elected member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Marshall Faulk recently released his very own cereal. Faulk Flakes is a frosted corn flakes cereal packaged in a 14 oz limited edition collector’s box commemorating Marshall’s Hall of Fame career. The box features artwork created by noted St. Louis artist Lisa Ober. Faulk Flakes is the latest athlete-branded product from Koeberle & Associates and PLB Sports.
Fans can purchase the cereal at St. Louis area Shop ‘n Save grocery stores, or they can order the highly collectible boxes online at www.plbsports.com. The sale of the cereal will benefit The Marshall Faulk Foundation. To date, The Marshall Faulk Foundation has provided more than a million dollars in financial assistance and hands-on involvement to youth programs in St. Louis, Indianapolis, New Orleans, and Southern California.
After a stellar collegiate career at San Diego State, Marshall began his Hall of Fame career with the Indianapolis Colts. He earned three trips to the Pro Bowl while with the Colts (1994, 1995, 1998). In 1999, Marshall joined the St. Louis Rams and made an immediate impact with the team. He was a big part of what became known as “The Greatest Show on Turf“. Marshall and his teammates earned that nickname by winning Super Bowl XXXIV against the Tennessee Titans. Marshall currently ranks 10th on the all-time rushing list with 12,279 yards, and 7th in rushing touchdowns with 100.
For more information on Faulk Flakes please contact Brian Koeberle at briank@kasports.com.
1st Annual Stargell Stars Wine-Tasting Event
(Pittsburgh, PA) — On Wednesday, June 22 from 6 – 9 pm, Koeberle & Associates will be hosting the Stargell Stars Wine-Tasting fundraiser at Engine House 25, located at 3339 Penn Avenue in Lawrenceville, to benefit The Willie Stargell Foundation (www.williestargellfoundation.org).
The Willie Stargell Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity founded by Willie’s widow Margaret Weller-Stargell. The Foundation’s mission is to provide funds to support kidney disease research and treatment for those individuals suffering with kidney disease.
Joining Margaret at the fundraiser will be members of the 1971 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates and other Pittsburgh sports stars. The wine-tasting event will be a celebration of Willie’s life and legacy while raising awareness and funds for this worthwhile cause.
The event will consist of sampling of the 2008 Willie Stargell Cabernet and other fine wines produced by Enginehouse 25 Wines, delicious appetizers from Giant Eagle Market District, musical entertainment by noted blues/jazz singer Jessica Lee, a silent and live auction, and a performance by actor Greg Kinney portraying the great Willie Stargell. We will also be recognizing several recipients of the Stargell Stars Award at the fundraiser.
Event management, marketing and production of the Stargell Stars Wine-Tasting fundraiser is being provided by Pittsburgh sports & entertainment marketing agency Koeberle & Associates, Inc. (www.kasports.com).
Pascal Dupuis Unveils Mustard/Set to Star in Cooking Demo!
Pittsburgh, PA – Pittsburgh Penguins winger Pascal Dupuis will introduce his very own mustard, Classic Dupuis Dijon, on Thursday, March 10 at the Giant Eagle Market District store in Robinson Township beginning at 4 pm. During the event, Pascal will participate in a cooking demo with Chef Luke highlighting recipes that use his mustard as an ingredient. The cooking demo runs from 4:00 – 4:30 pm. After the demo, Pascal will sign autographs for the first 200 lucky customers that sign up on Giant Eagle’s website.
Classic Dupuis Dijon is a creamy Dijon mustard packaged in a 12 oz. bottle and is currently available at all Pittsburgh-area Giant Eagle locations. Fans outside of Pittsburgh can order their mustard online at www.plbsports.com. Classic Dupuis Dijon is brought to you by PLB Sports and Koeberle & Associates, the same creative team that recently launched Fleury Flakes for Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury.
In addition to the mustard, Pascal is pleased to announce the release of his officially licensed t-shirt. The t-shirt called “Super Duper” features a custom photo of Pascal shot by noted Pittsburgh photographer Duane Rieder. The name of the t-shirt plays off of Pascal’s locker-room nickname of “Duper”. The t-shirts are currently avaialable to order online at www.plbsports.com.
Koeberle & Associates is a Pittsburgh-based sports and entertainment marketing agency that assists its clients in building and enhancing their brands thru strategic alliances with sports and entertainment marketing platforms. We also match high-profile athletes and celebrities with our clients for a variety of appearances, endorsements, events and promotions. Please visit us at www.kasports.com, or become a facebook fan at “KA Sports”.
“Fleury Flakes” hits store shelves today!
Pittsburgh, PA – Koeberle & Associates, in association with PLB Sports, is pleased to announce the release of Fleury Flakes, the official breakfast cereal endorsed by Pittsburgh Penguins All-Star goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. The cereal was officially unveiled today at a press event at the brand new Giant Eagle grocery store in Glenshaw, PA. Fleury was introduced at the event by Penguins television broadcaster Paul Steigerwald.
Fleury Flakes is a frosted corn flakes cereal packaged in a 14 oz. limited edition collector’s box. The cover photo was shot by Pittsburgh-based renowned photographer Duane Rieder. The cereal is available exclusively at Giant Eagle locations thru-out Western Pennsylvania. Fans outside of the Pittsburgh area can order their boxes online at www.plbsports.com.
In addition to the cereal, Marc-Andre has also come out with his own officially licensed t-shirt. A Winter’s Fleury t-shirts are featured on the back of the cereal box and are available for purchase at www.plbsports.com.
Attorney Brian Koeberle negotiated the endorsement deal with Marc-Andre Fleury.
Ryan Miller’s “KICK-SAVE KRUNCH” Cereal Released!
Pittsburgh, PA – Koeberle & Associates, in association with PLB Sports, is pleased to announce the release of Ryan Miller’s KICK-SAVE CRUNCH Cereal. The honey-nut toasted oat cereal was recently introduced by Ryan at a press conference at HSBC Arena in Buffalo, NY. Fans can grab a box or two of Miller’s cereal at Buffalo-area Tops, Wegmans and Wilson Farms stores. The product is also available on-line at www.plbsports.com.
A portion of the proceeds from each box sold will benefit The Steadfast Foundation (www.thesteadfastfoundation.com), which is a charity founded by Miller to support and provide resources to children battling cancer and their families. Additional information about the organization is featured on the back of the cereal box.
Ryan Miller is among the game’s elite, both on and off the ice. During the 2009 – 2010 season, Miller earned three prestigious honors: MVP of the 2010 Winter Olympics men’s hockey tournament as part of Team USA; the Vezina Trophy(NHL’s best goaltender); and the NHL Foundation Award.
The front of the box features a head shot of Ryan wearing his Olympic mask, while the side panel includes a custom cap offer from New Era inspired by the design of Miller’s mask. For additional information, please contact Brian Koeberle at 412-788-9550, briank@kasports.com, or visit us at www.kasports.com.
Official Marc-Andre Fleury T-Shirt Now Available!
Pittsburgh, PA – Koeberle & Associates, in association with Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, is pleased to announce the release of his officially licensed t-shirt called “A Winter’s Fleury”. The t-shirt features a custom photo of Marc-Andre shot by noted Pittsburgh photographer Duane Rieder.
Marc-Andre Fleury has established himself as one of the NHL’s premier goaltenders. At the age of 26, Fleury has already accomplished more than most goalies do in a career, including winning a Stanley Cup Championship. His play of late is the key reason the Penguins are favorites to win their 2nd Stanley Cup.
“A Winter’s Fleury” t-shirts are now available to order online at www.plbsports.com. Please allow 4 weeks for delivery.
About Koeberle & Associates – Koeberle & Associates is a Pittsburgh-based sports and entertainment marketing agency that assists its clients in building and enhancing their brands thru strategic alliances with sports and entertainment marketing platforms. For more information, please contact Brian Koeberle at 412-788-9550, briank@kasports.com, or visit us at www.kasports.com.
Fallout from the American Needle Case!
A landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling has turned the sports world upside down as it relates to future league licensing deals. In the case of American Needle v. National Football League, the Supreme Court held that the 32 NFL Clubs are not considered a single entity under Section 1 of the Sherman Antitrust Act, but rather each team is a separate, independently owned business engaged in a joint venture. In 2004 American Needle, a manufacturer of caps, sued the NFL, claiming it violated antitrust laws when it locked all 32 teams into an exclusive licensing agreement with Reebok back in the year 2000. The NFL argued that it was a “single entity” incapable of conspiring against itself to limit competition, and therefore immune from any antitrust scrutiny. American Needle’s victory doesn’t mean that leagues can no longer sign exclusive licensing agreements, or collectively negotiate media packages, or engage in any other collective practices. However, such arrangements will now come under a “Rule of Reason” analysis by an examining court to make sure that the league is not engaging in purely anti-competitive activities for the sake of monopolizing a particular market.