Little League® Baseball and Softball announced the promotion of three employees within the Marketing Department, focusing on licensing and merchandising. Dustin Solomon has been named Director of Retail Licensing and Merchandise Operations, Stefanie Steele has been named Retail Customer Service and Marketing Manager, and Matt Balliet has been named Merchandise Inventory Specialist.
“Driven by our strong brand equity, there are millions of people around the world who feel a strong, personal connection to Little League,” said Liz DiLullo Brown, Little League Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships. “From assisting our leagues with finding the right operational supplies each season to creating a unique fan engagement through the offerings in our gift shops and e-commerce site, the licensing and merchandise team plays an integral role in our program. Through the Little League Store and our licensing partnerships, Dustin, Stefanie, and Matt have been integral in the advancement of Little League’s licensing and merchandising efforts.”
Mr. Solomon, a graduate of Lycoming College, and Ms. Steele, a graduate of Bloomsburg University, both joined Little League in 2011, as the Director of Merchandising and Merchandising Specialist, respectively. Mr. Balliet, a graduate of Penn State University, joined Little League in 2013 as a Sales Representative. With Mr. Solomon’s new role, he will oversee Little League’s retail licensing; including the relationship with Fermata Partners, Little League’s designated licensing agency. Ms. Steele and Mr. Balliet will now have elevated roles in Little League’s retail initiatives, with Ms. Steele managing all retail aspects of Little League, and Mr. Balliet focusing on the management of the products sold by Little League International.
Little League currently operates two year-round retail stores on the Little League International Complex in South Williamsport, Pa., and an online store, ShopLittleLeague.org A new online store is expected to launch in late spring/early summer 2015.