Precious Moments, Inc.
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| Type | Corporation |
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| Industry | Giftware |
| Headquarters | Rolling Meadows, Illinois; Carthage, Missouri |
| Key people | Jon Butcher (Chairman) |
| Website | www.preciousmoments.com |
Precious Moments, Inc. (aka PMI) is an American company that distributes giftware. The company was initially formed in 1989 by illustrator, Samuel J. Butcher as a licensing company.
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[edit] General
Illustrator Sam Butcher, together with his partner Bill Biel, sold greeting cards at Christian book fairs under the company name of Jonathan & David. They partnered with Enesco, Corp. to sell giftware.[1]
In 2004, PMI and Enesco decided to end the licensing contract. The early move was due to falling sales by Enesco.[2] In addition to its original licensing duties, PMI's functions became product design, marketing, warehousing, and distribution.[3]
In 2008, PMI launched its new line of "Precious Girls Club" products. Soon thereafter, the company was sued by country music singer Shannon Clemmons for copyright infringement and breach of contract.[4][5]
[edit] Chapel
The Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, Missouri is a theme park run by PMI. The "Chapel" itself is a structure within the park and was completed in 1989.[6]
The chapel features paintings by Sam Butcher, depicting children or childlike figures cast as Biblical prophets, angels, or figures from the parables of Jesus.[7]
In January 2007, PMI announced the discontinuation of many of its attractions including the "Fountain of Angels" due to "financial difficulties arising from diminished numbers in paid visitors due to higher gas prices and general decline of the brand". Other closures include the "Wedding Island", "The "RV Park", "The Gallery", and "Souper Sam’s". In Spring 2007, "The Gallery" was remodeled, renamed "The Samuel J. Butcher Museum" and reopened.[8] The chapel, gift shop, and visitors' center continue to be open to the public.
[edit] References
- ^ Precious Moments, Inc.. "Precious Moments History/Timeline". http://www.preciousmoments.com/content.cfm/precious_moments_history_timeline. Retrieved Dec. 12, 2006.
- ^ Jargon, Julie (May 30, 2005), Ending deal to sell Precious Moments; Fragile sales of figurines prompt firm to terminate distribution license early, Crain's Chicago Business
- ^ CIO Insight (Oct. 5, 2005). "Building a Company, and its IT, in 90 days". http://www.cioinsight.com/print_article2/0,1217,a=161677,00.asp. Retrieved Oct. 5, 2005.
- ^ United Press International, Inc. (Sept. 20, 2008). "Clemmons: 'Precious Moments' stole idea". http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2008/09/20/Clemmons_Precious_Moments_stole_idea/UPI-51011221945293/. Retrieved Feb. 3, 2009.
- ^ Courthouse News Service (Tuesday, August 26, 2008). "Christian Entertainment Promoters Will Fight It Out In Court". http://www.courthousenews.com/2008/08/26/Christian_Entertainment_Promoters_Will_Fight_It_Out_In_Court.htm. Retrieved Feb. 3, 2009.
- ^ Precious Moments, Inc.. "Samuel J. Butcher Story". http://www.preciousmoments.com/content.cfm/butcher_story. Retrieved 2007-01-18.
- ^ Frank Burch Brown, Good Taste, Bad Taste, and Christian Taste: Aesthetics in Religious Life (Oxford University Press, 2003; ISBN 0195158725), pp. 138-141, accessed Mar. 4, 2009
- ^ Precious Moments, inc.. "Precious Moments Park Changes". http://www.preciousmoments.com/content.cfm/news_story?storyID=1331. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
