Hall of Fame Beverages, Inc (HFBG)

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More froth..

http://www.r8ny.com/node/15561

posted by gov_wire
Thu, 02/07/2008 - 4:57pm
FROM THE OFFICE OFHON. LEROY COMRIECouncil Member– 27th District, Queens, NYDeputy Majority Leader of The NYC CouncilChair, Committee on Consumer Affairs

For Immediate Release:

February 7, 2008

Contact:
Rance E. Huff
Office: [phone]
Cell [phone]

Comrie Applauds Beverage Company Name Change

NEW YORK, NY- Council Member Leroy Comrie (D-Queens) today applauded the decision by an Arizona-based energy drink company to change its corporate name from “O.G. Nation” to “Hall Of Fame Beverages Inc.” According to the company’s most recent press release announcing distribution of their products in Los Angeles, they indicate the upcoming change in their brand name. Additionally, the company has re-formatted their website as
http://www.halloffamebeverages.com.

Last December, Council Member Comrie discovered the company- which is headed by NFL legend Jim Brown and supported by former New York Knick Larry Johnson –had announced they were selling a line of products under the moniker “O.G. Nation”, which included ‘gangster beer’ and ‘thug chips. At that time, he publicly urged them to consider changing the name of the brand and refrain from selling unhealthy products. According to the new website, the company is only distributing energy and fruit drinks.

“In response to your recent actions, I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations,” stated Council Member Comrie in a letter addressed to the company. “Your recent decision has indicated to me that yours is a company willing to listen and serve urban consumers, as well as one that is open to change.

“I believe our nation is currently undergoing a period of transformation where words like “hope” and “change” ring out with resounding clarity. I also believe that we have reached a point where we must stand up and end the marketing of gangster culture that brings communities down. It is why I have waged a campaign to end the use of the n-word in my community and have spoken out against the sale of gang-related caps and clothing.”

Council Member Comrie recently held hearings on the sale of gang wear by New Era Cap Company and AKA Stash House clothing line, which resulted in both companies vowing to insure that their gang-related products would no longer be available for sale. Additionally, Council Member Comrie recently launched his second annual Abolish The N-Word essay contest for New York City middle school students.

*****

February 7, 2008

Hall of Fame Beverages Inc.
Attn: Jim Brown, President
Attn: Calvin Ross, COO
Attn: Giovanni Luciano, CEO
Gilbert, Arizona 85296


Dear Gentlemen,

It has come to my attention that you have undertaken the changing of your company name from “O.G. Nation” to “Hall of Fame Beverages Inc.” In response to your recent actions, I wanted to offer my heartfelt congratulations.

While I strongly disagreed with your previous choice of brand name, I am a supporter of entrepreneurship, especially when it provides employment and business opportunities for urban communities. Your recent decision has indicated to me that yours is a company willing to listen and serve urban consumers, as well as one that is open to change.

Mr. Brown is a personal hero of mine and I am delighted that, according to your website, Hall of Fame Beverages Inc. will endeavor “to create a socially responsive and responsible corporate entity that achieves success both through the fiscally profitable operations of its business, and also through the creation of opportunities for entry into the corporate world for those who may otherwise have been excluded.”

I believe our nation is currently undergoing a period of transformation where words like “hope” and “change” ring out with resounding clarity. I also believe that we have reached a point where we must stand up and end the marketing of gangster culture that brings communities down. It is why I have waged a campaign to end the use of the n-word in my community and have spoken out against the sale of gang-related caps and clothing.

With the proliferation of this negative culture in various mediums, it is time for our children to hear positive messages that will inspire them to reach their full potential. That we begin to offer them positive role models to emulate, as Mr. Brown was for me in my formative years.

Once again, I want to applaud your decision and wish you well in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Leroy Comrie
Deputy Majority Leader
New York City Council