Richmond Teams Get a New Booster

A longtime Midlothian basketball coach is hoping to build a business as a middleman between athletic organizations and sponsorship dollars. 

Glenn Harper last week launched the first local franchise of Sports Image, a company that works as a fundraiser for high school teams and athletic programs.  “Facilities just don’t have the money,” Harper said.  “Uniforms and school boards are outdated, and there’s no money being given to them.”

http://www.richmondbizsense.com/2011/08/12/richmond-teams-get-a-new-booster/

Franchisee Point of View: Sports Image

Glenn Harper, VA., our newest franchisee, was recently interviewed by Franchise.com about his experience with the Sports Image® and his journey to becoming a business owner.  You can read all about it in the article below.  Welcome aboard Glenn!

http://www.franchise.com/franchise-news/Franchisee-Point-Of-View.cfm

A Need For Sports Marketing

Check out the below article regarding an increase in schools around the country now charging kids to play sports at schools.  This is why Sports Image® exists and what we aim to alleviate as more schools struggle to participate in sports programs for their students.

http://athleticbusiness.com/articles/lexisnexis.aspx?lnarticleid=1466509824&lntopicid=136030023

Sports Image® Welcomes 11th Franchise From Connecticut

Dayton, OH – Janauary 2011 – Sports Image® has just awarded their 11th Sports Marketing Franchise to Ms. Katie Klein of Fairfield, CT.  Sports Image®, a leader in the high school and youth sports marketing industry, has franchise locations in Connecticut, Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio, Maryland, Indiana, Florida and Georgia.

“Katie is going to be a great addition to our Sports Image® franchise network,” said Mr. Eric Horstman, President of Sports Image®.  “Her practical experience in fund raising and in supporting local schools and sports teams is going to greatly benefit youth organizations in Connecticut.”

Since 2002, Sports Image® has helped high schools and organizations obtain state-of-the-art equipment and much needed revenue for their athletic programs as budgets have dried up nationwide.  Through its’ unique, grassroots sports marketing approach and by levering existing relationships, Sports Image® has given over $600,000 in cash and over $7,500,000 in equipment to schools and organizations in the United States and in Canada.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be combining my passion for helping volunteer associations, our family’s commitment to youth sports, and my desire to partner sponsors and worthy organizations together through creative marketing programs, ” stated Ms. Klein.  “Youth team sports are exploding in Fairfield County and I’m excited at the thought of playing an active role in continuing to faciliate this growth through Sports Image®.”

“Sports Image® is the first national franchise to market through youth sports.  We’ve been helping schools, clubs, community Parks and Recs, churches, and other youth organizations offset Pay to Play for over 10 years.  In July 2009 we franchised our organization to put vested business owners in local markets across the country,” said Mr. Horstman.  “We are on pace to have over 30 franchises operating across the country by the end of 2011.”