AUBURN – Nintendo Corp. recently announced Republic Jewelry & Collectibles as a grand prize winner in their 2004 Pokemon merchandising promotion.

The promotion was open to retailers across North America who sell Pokemon merchandise. Stores were given the opportunity to come up with a creative way to promote the new Aqua vs Magma Pokemon merchandise. The stores then sent in pictures and video of their efforts.

Dan Cunliffe II, owner of Republic, designed a promotion which included a 7-foot volcano with smoke bellowing from the top, a 3-foot volcano made of concrete which had liquid lava oozing down the sides and a giant aquarium with fish and Pokemon characters in it. Cunliffe also created a special DVD movie of their efforts and sent it to Nintendo.

The DVD included an original song written and sung by local artist Ron Bergeron. Members of the staff of Republic who helped with the promotion include Chrissy Ames, Seth Marstaller, Doreen Ginchereau, Dan Cunliffe Sr., Dorothy Cunliffe and Derek Campbell. Cliff McNeil of Sumner assisted in the design and development of the volcanoes. The promotions staff at Nintendo was so pleased with Republic’s entry, they chose to show the DVD presentation to the president of Nintendo along with several top executives from Japan. As a grand prize winner, Cunliffe was awarded a trip for two to Hawaii and several Nintendo products.