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BANI **must read** Jostens Forms Relationships to Celebrate School Achievement and Affiliation

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct 09, 2007 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/

-- Jostens, Inc. today announced relationships with several well-recognized brands to help schools and students celebrate high school accomplishments and encourage students to stay connected with their class through graduation and beyond. Beginning this fall, Jostens will offer a collection of unique products by Dereon, Baby Phat, Phat Farm and Banneker, Nike and Lacoste -- all customized to reflect a student's graduation year or school and activity affiliations.

"Jostens' mission is to help schools and students celebrate achievement and affiliation and we understand the importance of connecting with students in the way they want to be reached," said Jack Thornton, senior vice president and general manager, Jostens. "As a result, Jostens has formed relationships with strong brands that support a positive self image and encourage achievement.

For over 100 years, Jostens has worked with school administrators, students and parents to help create a positive school culture that encourages involvement, attendance and achievement, both academic and through participation in activities. Jostens has worked closely with brands that have similar values and desire to have a positive influence on youth.

"Our success to date has been based on making a difference in schools we serve," said Thornton. "Future success will be based on our ability to serve a broader group of students and schools. The brands we are working with have similar goals -- it makes good sense to work together."

Dereon, the leading teen brand created by Tina, Beyonce and Solange Knowles, has worked with Jostens to create an exclusive class ring that can be customized and personalized with a wide selection of stones and metal choices. In addition, Jostens will offer customized "Class Of" apparel for high school juniors and seniors, including the unique hoodie made famous in the music video "Irreplaceable" by Beyonce.

"Just like the many people that helped my children believe in their dreams, high school educators want their students to reach their potential and that starts with completing high school," said Tina Knowles, Founder, Creative Director and Designer, Dereon.

Baby Phat, founded by Kimora Lee Simmons, has become a leader in urban clothing based on the brand's ability to appeal to women looking for the combination of high fashion and style. Kimora Lee Simmons' success as a fashion model for the world's top designers, in conjunction with her accomplishments as an entrepreneur and businesswoman, make her an excellent role model for students.

Senior apparel will also be available from Phat Farm, established in 1992 by Russell Simmons and founded on the principles of innovative design and quality. Based on his leadership and commitment to deliver a brand designed to break stereotypes, the Phat Farm brand continues to grow worldwide.

"Graduating from school at any level is an extraordinary accomplishment. Baby Phat and Phat Farm by Kimora Lee Simmons are honored and pleased to celebrate these accomplishments with the class of 2008," said Kimora Lee Simmons, Chief Creative Director, Phat Fashions. "Our collaboration with Jostens is our way of applauding the efforts of the seniors by offering them original, fashionable and fun pieces, celebrating their current and future success!"

Customized "Class Of" apparel from both Baby Phat and Phat Farm will be offered by Jostens in select markets, beginning with the "Class of '08" this fall.

Banneker Jewelry and Jostens will offer a wide selection of watches and jewelry for men and women, all customized to acknowledge student's connection with their graduating class. The Banneker Jewelry brand namesake, Benjamin Banneker, made the first fully assembled clock in America, entirely out of wood.

"We at Banneker are very excited about our relationship with Jostens and making students aware of Benjamin Banneker's great story of accomplishment through our cutting-edge products," said Derrick M. Holmes CEO and Chief Designer of Banneker Inc. "Like Benjamin Banneker, we believe anything you put your mind to with proper action you can achieve."

Jostens will offer customized Nike sportswear to recognize high school juniors and seniors that combine class affiliation with one of the most recognizable brands in the world. Synonymous with athletic performance and a youthful spirit, the Nike brand offers encouragement to students that set high goals and never give up.

Rene Lacoste, tennis superstar in the 1920's, founded Lacoste in 1933 to produce the perfect shirt for tennis, revolutionizing clothing worn for tennis. Senior apparel from Lacoste will carry the "Class Of" designation.

All Jostens' customized apparel and jewelry through the new relationships will be sold exclusively by Jostens' Scholastic sales representatives in schools and some products will be available at http://www.Jostens.com. Certain products may only be available in selected markets.

About Jostens

Minneapolis-based Jostens is a provider of products, programs and services that help people inspire achievement and preserve memories. The Company's products include school yearbooks, scholastic products such as class rings and graduation products, and products for athletic champions and their fans. Jostens is a subsidiary of Visant Corporation, a marketing and publishing services enterprise servicing the school affinity, direct marketing, fragrance and cosmetics sampling and educational publishing market segments.

SOURCE Jostens, Inc.


http://www.jostens.com
http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/683914/