The National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) recently announced the opening of the nomination period for the Third Annual NSGA All-Star Awards. The program was created in 2011, and for the last two years, awards have been given to deserving companies who have shown exceptional attention to their community and the sporting goods industry.

The 2013 awards, presented earlier this year, recognized innovative programs and business models that enhanced the community and the industry.

“Our award-winning companies in 2012 and 2013 have each done impressive things, and we’re looking forward to recognizing the sporting goods industry’s best during the third annual All-Star Awards,” said Ken Meehan, chairman of NSGA’s Board of Directors. “For 2014, we’re focusing the awards on community collaboration and innovation, which are two important aspects of running a business today. I’m anticipating another year of outstanding nominations and some very worthy winners.”
 
Descriptions of the two All-Star Award categories to be presented at the 2014 NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit next May are as follows:

  • Community Collaboration: The Community Collaboration All-Star Award recognizes businesses that go above and beyond in their support of community activities, organizations and/or events.

The winning retailers/team dealers will have a strong record of financially supporting local causes and events, and/or organizing and participating in activities meant to support a cause that builds community in their area. The company’s involvement should have a measureable impact on the organizations or events it has supported.
 

  • Industry Catalyst: The Industry Catalyst All-Star Award recognizes companies that implement measures to advance and spark innovation in the sporting goods industry. The recipient of the Industry Catalyst All-Star Award will have a dramatic impact on the industry, raising the standards of excellence through innovation.

The winning company can display innovation through its products, use of technology, culture, or dedication to encouraging sports participation in new ways.
 
Nominations must be made by an NSGA member company before November 1, 2013, but winners need not be members.
 
To learn more about the NSGA All-Star Awards, visit www.nsga.org/allstarawards.
 
For questions about this program, please contact NSGA’s Special Projects Coordinator, Erin Goodchild, by email at egoodchild@nsga.org, or by calling (847) 296-6742, ext. 1320.