![ADVANTAGE-ssForPressRelease[1]](http://fasterskier.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/11/ADVANTAGE-ssForPressRelease1.jpg")
HAYWARD, Wisconsin (November 11, 2014) – The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) is proud to announce its new relationship with Advantage Emblem as official merchandiser of Birkie apparel, gifts, gear, posters, and more, starting with its launch of the new online Birkie Store on November 11 at www.BirkieStore.com. The same great Birkie apparel and much more will then be available at the 2015 Birkie Expo and in downtown Hayward during Birkie Week, February 19-22. The company has also come on board as a Gold Level sponsor of the ABSF, to develop and produce new signage for the Birkie race course and finish-line festival areas, host to 13,000 cross country skiers and more than 25,000 spectators at this year’s 42nd annual event.
“This is a fantastic move for the Birkie,” says Susan Kendrick, Sponsorship Director of the ABSF. “Advantage Emblem, headquartered in Duluth, MN, is creating our whole line of recreational Birkie apparel and also working closely with Swix, Title Sponsor of the American Birkebeiner ski race and official Birkie ski tech-apparel provider, to bring the Nordic ski community a one-of-a-kind collection. It’s been a great partnership right from the start—Advantage Emblem is quickly becoming a resource not only for us but also for our other sponsors, partners, and vendors as well.”
Advantage Emblem has a national customer base for event apparel, signage of all kinds, and as the official provider of all badges for the Girl Scouts of America. One of its event accounts is the prestigious Grandma’s Marathon.
According to Amy Rowley, Development Director of the ABSF, ”With the launch of Birkie-branded Swix ski apparel last year, Birkie Enterprises experienced a consumer demand that goes beyond the level of expertise and resources we have here at the ABSF. The team at Advantage Emblem has the capability and experience to expand our offering, handle online orders, and take the February Expo experience to the next level for our customers. We are excited to kick off our partnership with the launch of the all-new Birkie online store – www.BirkieStore.com.”
For Nathan Bentley, National Sales Manager for Advantage Emblem, working with the Birkie and its partners fits well with its strong shift to partnering with more national events and name-brand apparel manufacturers.
“This is something that is increasingly important to the events we work with, and the major brands are approaching us as well. Working with the Birkie is a tremendous opportunity to bring it all together and reach a uniquely active, outdoor, and year-round market.” says Bentley. “The start-up phase with the Birkie has been first-rate. We have a bright future together!”
The new Birkie collection will be sold at the Birkie Expo on February 19-20 and, for the first time, right on Main Street, Hayward, at the Birkie Cabin every day of Birkie Week, from Thursday through Sunday, February 19-22. To shop online, go to www.BirkieStore.com.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to work with Advantage Emblem and look forward to a long-term relationship,” said Ben Popp, Executive Director of the ABSF.
![AdvantageEmblem[1][1]](http://fasterskier.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/11/AdvantageEmblem11.jpg")
For more information about year-round Birkie events, training, lifestyle, and more, visit www.birkie.com, email birkie@birkie.com, or call 715-634-5025. Visit Advantage Emblem at www.advantageemblem.com or call 1-800-626-4948.
Birkie Sponsors include SWIX, Title Sponsor of the Swix American Birkebeiner and Birkie ski events, Feb. 19-22, 2015, as well as Marshfield Clinic – Hayward Center, FITS, New Moon Ski & Bike, Madshus, Advantage Emblem, Gu Energy, Nuun Hydration, Cabin Stop, and dozens of other businesses, organizations, and professional services.
