Big Rapids, Mich. - A Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) Championship and NCAA Frozen Four appearance for the hockey team last April, combined with a renewed excitement surrounding Ferris State Athletics and a growing fan base, has resulted in record-breaking sales of trademarked merchandise in 2012.

"The increased visibility from our hockey run, coupled with convenient point of sale locations (on-line store, local vendors, and regional suppliers) helped us to achieve a record year,” said Jon Coles, associate athletic director at Ferris State. “This revenue supports scholarships within the Honors College and will help supplement the General Athletics budget."
   
Ferris State University saw gross royalties of licensed merchandise increase 38 percent over the 2011 calendar year earnings, the highest total in the history of the Ferris State licensing program.  The previous high was set in 2010.  

To sell merchandise bearing the likeness of Ferris State University, manufacturers agree to a code of conduct and pay a small royalty fee based on sales generated. The selection of licensed products bearing Ferris marks have grown to offer more than just your basic t-shirt and hat. Ferris State fans can now find fashionable apparel lines, mobile accessories, and home and office decorator items to show their Bulldog pride.
   
“It’s exciting to see the growth of the Ferris State brand, not only in Big Rapids, but in West Michigan and beyond,” said Tim Klaasen, university brand representative from Licensing Resource Group. “ FSU fans are able to find official licensed merchandise in more places than ever before, and the royalty revenues are supporting some great programs on campus.”

About Licensing Resource Group
The Licensing Resource Group was founded in May of 1991, and currently represents more than 190 universities, colleges, athletic conferences and special properties nationwide.  LRG provides trademark management services that include contract management, merchandising, brand development, information technology, and royalty management from offices in Holland, Michigan; Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Iowa City, Iowa, and Bristol, Rhode Island.