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A N N O U N
C E M E N T
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| BLUE RIDGE INTERNATIONAL PRODUCTS COMPANY | |
| Acquired with Management in April 1996 | |
| BUSINESS | |
| Blue Ridge is a leading designer and marketer of diversified product lines with primary emphasis on Men's Giftware, Automotive Accessories, Home Furnishings and Child Safety. The companyÕs primary customers are national and regional chains. | |
| INDUSTRY | |
| Blue RidgeÕs customer base boasts leading retailers in all segments of the industry and all four market niches represent combined industry retail sales in excess of 100 billion. Blue Ridge acquires proprietary rights for its product lines through patent and trademark licenses with independent inventors, as well as concept licensing with Warner Brothers and National Football Properties. | |
| MANAGEMENT | |
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The management team of Blue Ridge has extensive experience in the gift and housewares industry, and are dedicated to rapid growth and commensurate profitability. |
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| PRODUCTS | |
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Blue Ridge designs or acquires products that have a functional use. The company is known for its dynamic merchandising programs which encompass award-winning packaging. All of its product lines are manufactured by long standing vendors located in Asia. |
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| OPERATIONS | |
| Blue Ridge manages its operations with state of the art computer systems required by most major retailers. The system provides for all EDI, ASNÕs scanning, and other progressive functions. Just in time inventory management and shipping is now centralized in the CompanyÕs new 70,000 sq. ft. warehouse and office facility in Freeport, Florida. | |
| EMPLOYEES | |
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Blue Ridge has 30 full time employees, and sixty commissioned sales representatives. FINANCING Senior financing is provided by Regions Bank of Defuniak Springs, Florida. |
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Flintlock/Faroy |
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Changing Paradigms, Inc. |
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Fitz And Floyd, Inc. | ||
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