Autographs Changing 'Single-Handedly' After 40 Years

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, [phone], or Cell,

[phone],  



Web site:  http://www.sharpie.com/ 

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