3/18/08 -

Sports Belle Owner Narrows Search for Building

Putting employees back to work is top priority

Knoxville, TN—Sports Belle owner Jesse Lee and his administrative staff spent the first day after a devastating fire notifying employees, sales reps and dealers that Sports Belle Inc., was still in operation, and that all football and basketball orders would be met. Solicitation of baseball orders has been suspended due to time constraints.He has narrowed his search for a new building in which to resume operations and return as many people as possible back to work. A temporary base has been set up next door, in space provided by Powell Auction and Realty.

“We are working as quickly as we can to find a new location and get back to the business of making uniforms, and in the process putting as many of our employees as possible back to work,” said Lee.Lee expressed his gratitude to the numerous people and businesses that have reached out to him during this time. “You really do find out who your friends are in times like these.”The cause of the fire remains under investigation and Lee won’t speculate, preferring to allow those who are qualified to make those determinations.No further statements will be made at this time.

Peyton Manning, Brett Farve, Shaquille O’Neal, and Todd Helton are a few of the sports stars who have worn Sports Belle at some point in their careers. UT men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl has also outfitted previous teams in th e company’s uniforms, and Carson-Newman College has worn Sports Belle for over 20 years.

Sports Belle, Inc. has been in business since 1974, and manufactures athletic uniforms. Sports Belle currently has 50 employees at its Knoxville plant as well as numerous sales reps throughout the country.

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Sports Belle, Inc. has been manufacturing quality game and practice uniforms for 30 years. Since our beginning in 1974, Sports Belle has been an innovator in the sporting goods industry. From the development of new fabrics to the design of new styles, we at Sports Belle are committed to being an industry leader in the future.