Drake University, which has as an enrollment of more than 5,600 students, competes athletically in the Missouri Valley Conference, the Pioneer Football League, and the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference for crew. Known for its outstanding academic and athletic tradition (including the internationally recognized Drake Relays), Drake is regarded as one of the top private universities in the United States.
LRG has been hired to help maximize exposure opportunities for the Drake University and Drake Bulldogs brand at retail, and will manage the account from its Iowa City, Iowa office. Through partnerships with manufacturers and retailers, LRG will expand Drake’s current base into more sales throughout the state of Iowa, the Missouri Valley region and beyond.
LRG will also work with manufacturers to help increase the presence of merchandise available online. Known for its merchandising and brand development strategies, LRG will create compelling programs that will create excitement for the Drake brand at external retail locations as well as the university’s bookstore.
“Drake is a dynamic university with a great tradition, and we are extremely excited about our partnership,” said Lewis Hardy, president and CEO of LRG. “We are confident that our brand philosophies and strategies will help Drake realize its full merchandising potential.”
LRG was founded in May of 1991, and currently represents more than 180 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, Mich.; Winston-Salem, N.C.; Iowa City, Iowa; and Bristol, R.I.