SFA acts to distinguish Timbers Springs from university
NACOGDOCHES, Texas (SFA) -- In an effort to clarify its relationship with a widely known retirement community project bearing its name, Stephen F. Austin State University today issued a notice of cease and desist to three entities associated with Timber Springs at SFA.
The notice was delivered to SFA Continuing Care Retirement Community Inc., SFA Senior Living LLC and SFA Senior Living Associates L.P. Each business was directed to stop using the SFA name, mark, logos and mascot. Additionally the university requested an immediate change to the three corporate names, each of which includes the "SFA" name.
"After seeing frequent references to being 'affiliated' with Stephen F. Austin State University, many people in our community have come to believe that the university and Timber Springs at SFA are integrally linked with each other," said university spokesman Andy Kesling.
"The reality is that the state-funded university has absolutely no involvement with the planning, management or operation of the private business project known as 'Timber Springs at SFA,'" he added.
Public statements made by Timber Springs representatives, as well as both printed and online marketing materials, claim an affiliation that never has been authorized in any formal agreement between the university and the Timber Springs business organizations.
In recent weeks the university has considered ways to address the public confusion regarding the affiliation and held discussions with Timber Springs representatives.
"Given the deeply engrained community perception of the SFA-Timber Springs affiliation, we felt the notice was the most effective way to communicate the independence of the organizations," Kesling said.
The university remains open to exploring programmatic associations with established businesses, including retirement communities, that may be attracted to the region as the city of Nacogdoches moves forward with its effort to be designated one of the state's first Certified Retirement Communities.
"SFA is ready to serve individuals who wish to retire here and enjoy all the benefits of a university town, including access to academic programs and athletic and fine arts performances," Kesling said.
Contact: Andy Kesling, (936) 468-2605