Winona Souvenir Company Prepares For Super Bowl
WINONA, Minn. (WCCO) - Super Bowl Sunday is big business at the Winona-based company WinCraft. President John Killen says his sports souvenir company just had a strong sales year.
"Actually grew our employment base to about 550 people, up from about 500," Killen said. "There's been sales jobs, accounting jobs, engineering jobs. So it's a wide variety - it hasn't been just one area."
Business this weekend sets the tone for the rest of the year, says Killen. And he likes what he sees.
The company has an advantage - they make products here in the USA. According to CEO Dick Pope, they can get their products to retailers much quicker than overseas companies.
"Our business model is 'Made in USA,' so that's very helpful to us in the quick turns that we can do as opposed to the importers who have to bring things in," Pope said.
Although most of the merchandise will go to California or Maryland, WinCraft has orders in 38 states if the 49ers win; 36 states if the Ravens win.
WinCraft was founded in 1961. Today, the company employs 475 workers in Winona and its sales exceed $80 million.
