Newsworthy
Synergy Licensing gains exposure for its properties, clients and business by utilizing its wealth of press contacts.
Dorel Juvenile Group Names Synergy Licensing, LLC as licensing agency of record.
Media Contact: Amy Bagner, Duffy & Shanley, Inc., abagner@duffyshanley.com, 401.274.0001 x437
Dorel Juvenile Group USA Media Line: 508.216.1944
Columbus, Ind. and Foxboro, Mass. (June 15, 2009) — Dorel Juvenile Group, Inc. (“DJG USA”), a division of Dorel Industries (TSX: DII.B, DII.A) and the nation’s largest juvenile products manufacturer, has named Synergy Licensing, LLC, a New York-based firm specializing in licensing brand opportunities, as its new licensing agency of record.
The relationship will expand Dorel Juvenile Group’s brand portfolio by applying licensing opportunities to appropriate product offerings in the marketplace in addition to the juvenile sector. Synergy will work to license related trademarks Baby on Board!™ and Nature Next™ which fall under the Safety 1st® brand umbrella, as well as Cosco®, a brand synonymous with exceptional quality at a great value. The whimsy of the Baby on Board! icon and the timeliness of Nature Next eco-conscious product lines lend themselves to more niche approaches to product extensions, while Safety 1st and Cosco licensed products will reinforce brand equity within the industry. The strength of Dorel Juvenile Group’s brands combined with Synergy’s deep experience in family oriented brands make for a natural fit.
“DJG USA is thrilled to join forces with Synergy on such an exciting venture to expand our Safety 1st and Cosco brand names, both leaders in the juvenile industry,” said Vinnie D’Alleva, EVP Business Development at Dorel Juvenile Group, Inc. “Our approach to the Dorel Juvenile Group licensing program is to keep the brands pure, focusing on creating product that is emotionally relevant and contemporary within the brand family. Synergy’s passion and true understanding of Dorel Juvenile Groups’ brands and related trademarks was clearly evident during the review process and we are confident their passion for DJG’s brands will translate proficiently to other product offerings.”
“Collaborating with Dorel Juvenile Group is an exciting opportunity for our agency,” said Karen Diamond, principal of Synergy Licensing. “More than ever, we recognize our client’s need to stand apart from their competition and we are equipped with the industry experience, knowledge and drive to set Safety 1st and Cosco apart from the rest.” Randi Goodman, principal of Synergy Licensing adds, “Retailers are looking for meaningful brand extensions to broaden assortments, and we plan to maximize those opportunities and relationships with the powerful brands Dorel Juvenile Group has to offer.”
Dorel Industries Inc. (TSX: DII.B, DII.A) is a world class juvenile products and bicycle company. Established in 1962, Dorel creates style and excitement in equal measure to safety, quality and value. The Company’s lifestyle leadership position is pronounced in both its Juvenile and Bicycle categories with an array of trend-setting products. Dorel’s powerfully branded products include Safety 1st, Quinny, Cosco, Maxi-Cosi and Bébé Confort in Juvenile, as well as Cannondale, Schwinn, GT, Mongoose and SUGOI in Recreational/Leisure. Dorel’s Home Furnishings segment markets a wide assortment of furniture products, both domestically produced and imported. Dorel is a US$2.2 billion company with 4700 employees, facilities in eighteen countries, and sales worldwide.
Synergy Licensing tapped to “Save the Earth”
The Save the Earth Foundation is now represented by Synergy Licensing.
For press information, please call Save The Earth Enterprises, Neal Pargman (760)360-1805
Palm Desert, CA (March 11, 2009) – The Save the Earth Foundation has signed an exclusive agreement with Synergy Licensing, LLC to represent the Save the Earth logo and trademarks across all product categories and retail sectors.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of the Save the Earth team.” says Karen Diamond, Principal of Synergy Licensing. “We see limitless opportunity in this cause-related property because the Save the Earth logo has personified the eco-friendly movement since 1972. Save the Earth, she continued, has laid the groundwork for today’s consciousness by supporting the most respected scientists at leading universities and educational programs throughout the country.”
Randi Goodman, Principal of Synergy Licensing adds, “When retailers and consumers purchase Save the Earth licensed merchandise, they know that profits will be recycled back into research, and will enjoy the goodwill of doing their part in protecting our world. While we build the licensing program, we’ll be raising awareness and funding through various product categories, retail partnerships and corporate endorsements.”
“Our first sponsorship, back in 1989, according to Edward J. Scott, CEO, Save the Earth Enterprises, was to the late Dr. Roger Revelle, of UC San Diego, for the Climate Change conference held at UC Davis. It is Dr. Revelle’s research that is credited for the basis of Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth: The Planetary Emergency of Global Warming and What We Can Do.” A comprehensive list of the research projects supported by Save the Earth Foundation can be seen at www.savetheearth.org
“We’re very pleased to be working with Synergy Licensing; they see the big picture. This partnership is long overdue and we’re looking forward to a long and meaningful relationship.” says Neal Pargman, Founder of The Save the Earth Foundation and one of the earliest advocates of the green movement.
Synergy Licensing, LLC is a new company created by licensing veterans Karen Diamond and Randi Goodman. From “Looney Tunes” to “Lord of the Rings,” and Pillsbury to Polaroids, Diamond and Goodman have created and executed some of the most memorable and impactful brand enhancing campaigns in the licensing world. Now reunited after 17 years, where they previously combined to drive the Warner Brothers licensing catalogue to unprecedented heights, both Diamond and Goodman boast hall of fame resumes of brand building excellence.
Founded in 1989, The Save the Earth Foundation functions as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to the expansion of environmental awareness in our society. Proceeds and donations to the Foundation are used to fund grants for environmental research and education.
Synergy Licensing, LLC, based out of New York City, offers the experience and expertise of larger established agencies, combined with the creativity and senior-level client support that is the trademark of smaller firms. With over 40 years of combined licensing, branding, retail and product development experience, Synergy offers clients a proven track record of building entertainment, character, corporate, fashion, celebrity, sports and cause-related brands into widely successful merchandise and retail franchises. The agency takes the unique position of being a generalist agency specializing in all arenas, offering expertise in a myriad of category sectors while building properties into viable, profitable, long-term licensing programs.
Giggles Baby™ Finds Synergy In Licensing
Rochester, NY (February 3, 2009) — Award-winning baby software maker Leveractive, LLC has signed an exclusive agreement with Synergy Licensing, LLC to represent its Giggles Baby™, Giggles Toddler™, Giggles Gang™ and other Giggles™ related properties to the infant and children’s market across all product categories.
“The Giggles™ brand is a perfect complement to our existing client base of celebrities, music, housewares brands and sports personalities.” says Karen Diamond, Principal of Synergy Licensing. “We see tremendous opportunity in this ‘edutainment’ brand/character based property because it specifically addresses the stability and growth of the infant/children’s market.” she continued. “The Giggles Baby™ and Giggles Toddler™ brands capitalize on parents who will stop at nothing to provide the very best for their children. The adorable Giggles Gang™ characters are full of personality making them irresistible to all young children as they teach important developmental skills. With current success at retail in the core product of computer software, retailers will be broadening their product assortments to include coordinating categories.”
Randi Goodman, Principal of Synergy Licensing adds, “The new launch of Leveractive’s 5th title, My Musical World, at Toy Fair this month will coincide with our initial marketing efforts to address all product categories including toys, games, plush, apparel, accessories, publishing and home furnishings. We are thrilled to be an integral part of this award-winning, critically acclaimed program.”
The Giggles Computer Funtime For Baby™ baby software series from Leveractive has been hailed as a ground-breaking approach to letting babies as young as 6 months of age interact with a computer by just pressing or tapping any key on thecomputer keyboard. The series has 4 available titles, with the 5th hitting store shelves in March/April. Each title features the adorable Giggles Gang™ characters and the product line has garnered more than 20 prestigious and coveted industry and parenting awards.
Giggles Computer Funtime For Baby™ has been sold in many larger retailers such as Target, The Apple Stores, Toys ‘R Us, Circuit City, Best Buy, and Amazon.com, as well as many smaller independent toy, baby and gift retailers. This multilingual series is also sold and distributed in more than 10 countries worldwide, with 15 more countries being added in the first half of 2009.
Synergy Licensing, LLC is a new company created by licensing veterans Karen Diamond and Randi Goodman. From “Looney Tunes” to “Lord of the Rings,” and Pillsbury to Polaroids, Diamond and Goodman have created and executed some of the most memorable and impactful brand enhancing campaigns in the licensing world. Now reunited after 17 years, where they previously combined to drive the Warner Brothers licensing catalogue to unprecedented heights, both Diamond and Goodman boast hall of fame resumes of brand building excellence.
“We’re very pleased to be working with Synergy and are excited by the depth of knowledge and experience that they bring to the table. The time is right, the partnership is right, and we’re looking forward to a long relationship.” says Tim Leverett, CEO and Founder of Leveractive, LLC.
Leveractive, LLC is a privately held consumer products company located in Rochester, NY and currently specializing in entertainment software titles for the baby and toddler markets. Brands include GigglesBaby™, Giggles Toddler™, Giggles Kids™, and The Giggles Gang™. Leveractive was founded in 2004 by Tim Leverett as vehicle for creating inspiring and enriching products for his own son. This dad-inspired journey continues today with a commitment to creating outstanding quality-of-play experiences for all children.
For more information on Leveractive, LLC, contact Tim Leverett, at Leveractive, LLC at 585-755-5579. You can e-mail him at tim.leverett@leveractive.com or visit his website at www.giggles.net.
Synergy Licensing, LLC, based out of New York City, offers the experience and expertise of larger established agencies, combined with the creativity and senior-level client support that is the trademark of smaller firms. With over 40 years of combined licensing, branding, retail and product development experience, Synergy offers clients a proven track record of building entertainment, character, corporate, fashion, celebrity and sports brands into widely successful merchandise and retail franchises. The agency takes the unique position of being a generalist agency specializing in all arenas, offering expertise in a myriad of category sectors while building properties into viable, profitable, long-term licensing programs.
It's a good time, it's an easy day, it's living life banner unfurled. We've got a green light, and a wide road into a...GREAT BIG WORLD.
Monty Lane Allen's debut record, Great Big World, brings to life the character of a small town boy with big city talent, who possesses a genuine love for good country music. The album is a personal reflection of a man whose inspiration and love for song has always been and always will be deeply rooted in faith and family.
Born and raised in rural South Carolina, Monty was not always aware of the great big talent that he possessed. His father, Dwayne “Buddy” Allen and younger sister Kellie would often practice duets together in their home but Monty would only sing by himself behind closed doors. On one occasion when his father was struggling with the harmonies, Monty left the safety of his bedroom to show him how it was done. To quote Monty on his father’s reaction “He was so excited my Daddy! I mean it was like Christmas. He hugged me and said boy ‘I didn’t know you could do that’ .”
Monty and Kellie began performing together locally, but he still didn’t see himself having a future in music. When he was a senior in high school he had reluctantly enrolled in a regional, Farm Bureau Talent Competition with his sister. At the last minute she fell ill and he was forced to perform on his own. Long story short; he won! Winning the regional meant that he was qualified to move on to the state competition in Myrtle Beach, SC. After placing first at the state finals, Monty decided that “maybe there was something to this whole singing thing after all.”
In the mid 90’s, he and his wife Stacey Lynn moved to Nashville. Monty worked full time at a boot shop on Music Valley Drive and eventually signed an artist development deal with EMI Music. Fifteen years and two beautiful daughters later (McKenzie Greer, age 12 and Grayson Lane, age 9), he has been privileged to work with a variety of country music greats including Loretta Lynn, Shania Twain, Dolly Parton, Porter Wagoner and Brad Paisley. Currently, Monty plays acoustic guitar and sings harmonies in The Strayhorns — the live touring band for the legendary Alan Jackson.
Monty’s time in Jackson’s band has been truly inspirational for him. Working for one of his idols, a man that he credits as the greatest singer/songwriter of his generation, has proven to him that dreams can come true, and to never let yourself be paralyzed by your own fear. Monty has stood on the great stage of Carnegie Hall with Jackson and is now ready to create a legend of his own. Presented with the opportunity to do his own album, he jumped at the chance and immersed himself in the writing, production and recording process.
The resulting debut reveals Monty Lane Allen’s vision of his own Great Big World. Whether it is breakfast with his babies, working in his backyard, wearing his daddy’s coveralls or a quiet evening with his wife, each song chronicles an important moment in time for Monty. It’s these memories that continuously breathe new life into his music.
His interpretation of Steve Winwood’s “Back In The Highlife” resonates the message of never giving up, no matter how rough it looks because there will always be a chance for you to make things right. What Monty appreciates most about country music is the integrity and honesty of the genre. His mission was to rebuild an already admired and classic song using these values.
In 2005 Monty did a tour of ten Military Bases throughout the Southern states showcasing his Christmas anthem “Soldier Coming Home” which he later re-recorded for Great Big World. The Tour kicked off at Quantico Marine Base, Virginia on November 19 and ended at Fort Jackson Army Base, South Carolina in late December. Astounded by the warm welcome he received, Monty was thrilled to be able to provide the men and women who defend his country with his own personal gift of song. “Soldier Coming Home” was originally featured on the record X-Mas Balls (Moon & Stars Studio / SDEG) that charted at #69 on Billboard Music’s Top Country Albums in 2005.
Monty Lane Allen is a talented, hard working artist who lives by his own mantra of “pressing your shoulder to the wheel and just keep moving forward.” He loves sports, is an avid baseball player and runs marathons in his spare time. He has been happily married for 17 years and cherishes every moment that he gets to spend with his family. He best describes his sound as “new country born from the old school ways with a touch of small town cool.”
Today, he is one of Nashville's leading vocalists and is known locally as one of the best-kept secrets on Music Row. He has been cited in People magazine as one of the nine “Nine New Stars Worth Listening To”. His “Great Big World” (the title track off the record) video is currently in rotation on Country Music Television and Great American Country TV. In July of 2008, Monty’s video for “Fallin’ Water” was the recipient of the 2008 TELLY Award for “Best Music Video.”
There's no slowing down for this multi-talented artist as his career continues to flourish. His debut record is the first stepping-stone in his path to success and he is most excited to share it with everyone in this Great Big World.
For Non-Licensing Inquiries Please Contact:
Melissa Farnsworth or Lemeul Muniz
Moon & Stars Studio
304.842.0736
melissa@moonandstarsstudio.com
lemeul@moonandstarsstudio.com
Pair of Licensing Luminaries Launch Unique New Company
Agency Inks Several New Clients Including An Extremely Hot Mixed Martial Arts Brand
New York, NY (November 24, 2008) — Licensing veterans Karen Diamond and Randi Goodman have joined forces to form Synergy Licensing, LLC. With over 40 years of licensing, branding, retail and product development experience, Synergy offers clients a proven track record of building entertainment, character, corporate, fashion, celebrity and sports brands into widely successful merchandise and retail franchises. The agency takes the unique position of being a generalist agency specializing in all arenas, offering expertise in a myriad of category sectors while building properties into viable, profitable, long-term licensing programs.
“Synergy Licensing was created with the goal of being a firm that draws upon a hybrid mix of large AND boutique agency approaches,” said Principal Randi Goodman. “In essence we offer the experience and expertise of larger established agencies, combined with the creativity and senior-level client support that is the trademark of smaller firms.”
With the paint barely dry, Synergy has already inked several high profile brands, highlighted by Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Light Heavyweight Champion, and New York Times best-selling author, Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell and his fast growing social network MMAJacked.com. Other clients include housewares giant Lifetime Brands, rising country music sensation Monty Lane Allen, and BackStage Pass, an intimate and candid collection of back stage Polaroid shots of top artists in Rock ‘N’ Roll.
“In an economy where many retailers and manufacturers are struggling to find a niche and differentiate their product assortments, the importance of finding the right licensing partners is critical,” said Karen Diamond of Synergy Licensing. “I credit much of our initial success to the reputation Randi and I have developed throughout the years, and the fact that we are innovative in our approach and implementation for our clients and licensees.”
From “Looney Tunes” to “Lord of the Rings,” and Pillsbury to Polaroids, the principals of Synergy Licensing have created and executed some of the most memorable and impactful brand enhancing campaigns in the licensing world. Reunited after 17 years, where they combined to drive the Warner Brothers licensing catalogue to unprecedented heights, both Diamond and Goodman boast a hall of fame resume of brand building excellence.
Diamond, who began her career in licensing at Liz Claiborne, boasts an extremely diverse background highlighted by extended stints at Time Warner, initially called Licensing Corporation of America (LCA), handling all aspects and categories of entertainment properties including Looney Tunes, DC Comics’ Batman and Superman, and Shari Lewis’ Lamb Chop. Under LCA Corporate Licensing, she was responsible for the launch of the character SPOT for 7UP, as well as licensing programs for Burger King, Pizza Hut, Pillsbury, Baskin Robbins, Radio City Music Hall, and Sports Illustrated for Kids. However, Diamond’s greatest triumph was the unparalleled growth of Pillsbury. Under Karen’s direction, the Pillsbury licensing program grew from four licensees in 1994, to over forty-five companies in 1999. With more than 500 licensed products in the marketplace, the licensing industry still considers the Pillsbury program a model for many corporate programs.
For over a decade as Senior Vice President of Licensing, Merchandising & Retail Development at New Line Cinema (a Time Warner company), Randi Goodman spearheaded licensing and retail programs for some of pop culture’s most memorable titles including the Austin Powers films, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Sex and the City, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Wedding Crashers, and Hairspray. Prior to New Line, Randi managed licensing programs at Warner Bros. Consumer Products for entertainment properties including Looney Tunes, DC Comics’ Batman and Superman, and Shari Lewis’ Lamb Chop.
