In the mid-1980’s, AMRESCO was looking for an innovative marketing idea to promote the company’s AMRESCO Brand Products. A mascot was determined as the best way to establish a memorable visual icon to compliment the company logo. The decision was made to create a mascot that demonstrated the company’s creativity and would also reflect the fun side of the company.

In 1987, a caricature of an alligator was chosen based upon the company founder’s love for Florida, the everglades and nature. In turn, the majestic alligator symbol also portayed the message of strength, fortitude, endurance, longevity and adaptation ability - all qualities inherent to AMRESCO. Additionally, the term “investigator”, often used to describe researchers in the laboratory, seemed to be a novel  fit when linked with the alligator.  The word “Investigator” in fact went on to become the name of AMRESCO’s quarterly newsletter.

The first version of the AMRESCO Investigator depicted a standing alligator complete with spectacles, lab coat, pocket writing utensils, pants and shoes.  Appropriately named Al LiGator, this character has been developed over the years to include a wide range of versions representing AMRESCO and all of its product lines around the world.