Autographs Changing 'Single-Handedly' After 40 Years
July 23 2004 - 2:36PM
PR Newswire (US)
Autographs Changing 'Single-Handedly' After 40 Years New Sharpie(R)
Retractable Markers Unveiled at the National Sports Collectors
Convention; Event Marks Kick-Off of 2004 Sharpie Retractable
'Autographs for Education' Program CLEVELAND, July 21 /PRNewswire/
-- Sharpie, the popular brand of permanent markers widely known as
the autograph pen of choice for celebrities, professional athletes
and their fans, today announced at the 25th Annual National Sports
Collectors Convention (NSCC) in Cleveland that it's single-
handedly changing bold and expressive writing -- and people are
taking their caps off to the idea. Sharpie, celebrating its 40th
anniversary this year, is launching the Sharpie Retractable marker
family, an eight-color fine point permanent marker series that
require no caps and can be operated by simply using one hand --
just click and write. Sharpie Retractable markers will be in "hand"
when the 100-plus athletes attending the United States largest
sports memorabilia convention, sign autographs for fans July 21 -
25. "When getting an in-person autograph, every second counts for
the fan and the athlete," said Thomas Owens, author of Collecting
Sports Autographs, Collecting Baseball Cards and a collector for 35
years. "Fumbling with a uncapped marker and writing on yourself or
forcing a star to juggle a marker cap are worries of the past.
You're in charge of when and where the Sharpie Retractable writes."
The new marker's tip is protected from drying out using a leading
edge Safety Seal Valve(TM) system that closes tight when the marker
tip is retracted. Sharpie Retractable is the first retractable
marker for the brand widely used in collecting autographs, in
addition to an almost limitless variety of uses. The markers are
nontoxic and approved by the Arts and Crafts Materials Institute.
"There is a standard individuals expect from their Sharpie marker
-- it has quick drying Sharpie ink that marks on almost any
surface," said Rory Leyden, chief marketing officer for Sanford,
makers of Sharpie. "And now, sports heroes and their fans will
never need to worry about losing marker caps again." To coincide
with the launch of Sharpie Retractable markers at the NSCC in
Cleveland, Sharpie is also introducing the second year of its
"Autographs for Education" program. Cleveland Browns wide receiver
Andre Davis is kicking off the program by delivering school
supplies and raising funds for the Boys and Girls Clubs of
Cleveland. Davis, along with other professional athletes and
celebrities, are asking for the autographs of area teachers,
parents, children and the media this summer and fall in exchange
for Sharpie donating much- needed school supplies and funds.
Labeled Sharpie Retractable "Autographs for Education," the program
will also visit Milwaukee, Tampa and Seattle, benefiting select
community-based education organizations and schools for a total of
up to $30,000 in cash and school supplies. Sharpie Retractable
markers are available in 8-colors: black, red, blue, green, orange,
berry, lime and turquoise. The suggested retail price for 2-, 3-,
4-, and 8-packs are $4.89, $7.33, $9.78, and $19.56, respectively.
Available at office supply stores and other retailers nationwide,
Sharpie Retractable joins significant innovations in 2004 that
target a wide range of enthusiasts from the hobbyist to the
do-it-yourselfer. About Sanford(R), Makers of Sharpie(R)
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Sharpie is the popular
brand of permanent markers. Sanford, maker of Sharpie permanent
markers, is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and marketing
of writing instruments, art products and office organization,
including such well known brands as Paper Mate(R), Sharpie(R),
Parker(R), Waterman(R), EXPO(R), Foohy(R), uni-ball(R), and
Rolodex(R), among others. Sanford makes more than 6,000 products,
ranging from markers, pens and pencils to professional art
products, fine writing instruments and office organization
products. Visit sharpie.com or sanfordcorp.com for more
information. For more information, contact: Mike Finn, Sharpie Ph:
708.649.3431/Cell: 708.539-5301 DATASOURCE: Sharpie CONTACT: Mike
Finn of Sharpie, +1-708-649-3431, or Cell, +1-708-539-5301, Web
site: http://www.sharpie.com/
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