Big – and very exciting – news hitting the wire: We’ve been selected as Wolverine’s Agency of Record. We’re very happy to have Wolverine in our Active Lifestyle family and very excited about the great work in our future. An excellent start to the new decade.

From the official press release:
Wolverine, the authentic work and rugged outdoor footwear and apparel brand, announced today the company has selected Hanson Dodge Creative (HDC), the country’s leading active lifestyle agency based in Milwaukee, Wis., as its agency of record.

After completing a comprehensive review process, Wolverine selected Hanson Dodge based on the agency’s knowledge of the Wolverine brand and proven success in building robust, integrated branding programs that target the active lifestyle consumer.

“Wolverine is a strong, authentic brand with tremendous consumer loyalty. We are poised to take advantage of advances in digital communication technologies to build stronger relationships with our channels and customers,” said Todd Yates, Vice President of Marketing and General Manager of Apparel for Wolverine. “Hanson Dodge’s combined experience in the active lifestyle products category and digital marketing make them an ideal partner to help us build the Wolverine brand for the future.”

“Wolverine is an industry leader in the work and outdoor footwear category, and we’re excited about the opportunity to leverage that brand strength in new and exciting ways in today’s dynamic marketplace,” said Tim Dodge, President of Hanson Dodge Creative. HDC works with industry leaders across a range of product categories to develop and execute innovative, marketing and branding initiatives to support growth.

About Wolverine Brand
For 126 years, Wolverine continues to provide innovative footwear with superior comfort. Wolverine is a division of Wolverine World Wide Inc., one of the world’s leading marketers of branded casual, active lifestyle, work, outdoor sport and uniform footwear and apparel. For product information, visit www.wolverine.com.

RELATED LINKS
Wolverine web |  Wolverine 1000 Mile Boot Collection site |  Official Press Release

As a cycling enthusiast I’m always excited to see the pro team introductions each winter. Even more exciting is seeing what each team kit will look like, and what bikes they’ll be riding. 2010 looks to be a big year with quite a few new teams as well as big players changing squads—most notably Lance Armstrong moving to the new Radio Shack Cycling Team. But while Lance is undeniably the big story in American cycling there are many other names and teams making news. Here are a few teams that I’ve been watching as a sportsman and a designer:

Team Sky
This brand new British cycling team has snapped-up real contenders, including Brad Wiggins (4th in the 2009 Tour de France) and – along with help from sponsors Adidas and Pinarello – are looking like poster children for classic minimalist design.
(Photo by Scott Sunderland/via)

Astana
Led by reigning Tour winner Alberto Contador and completely made-over since 2009, Astana will be looking to repeat the success it’s had over the last couple years. They’ve moved away from the navy blue in their kits… a little too pastel for me, now.

BMC
Swiss team BMC looks to be a real force in 2010. This fall the team signed current US Pro, George Hincapie, Cadel Evans and former World Champion Alessandro Ballan. I’m pulling for Hincapie to finally win Parix Roubaix (the Hell of the North), this April. BMC is from Switzerland… what else do you need to say in terms of design?

Rock Racing
Created by Michael Ball of Rock and Republic, Rock Racing is considered a “black sheep” due to their roster including past doping offenders. While these past troubles continue to follow the team, their accolades on the road have begun to stack up— achieving great success from former Grand Tour riders Francisco Mancebo and Oscar Sevilla. As far as design goes, the team has recently launched their own bike line, and, although a fan of their past aesthetic, I’m not completely on board with new new look.
(Photo by Ken Conley/via)