The Board Retailers Association (BRA) appointed Duke Edukas of Surfside Sports in Costa Mesa, CA, and Deepak “D” Nachnani from Coastal Edge in Virginia Beach, VA, as its new Co-Chairs for the 2009-2011 term. Todd Roberts, co-owner of ZJ boarding House in Santa Monica, CA, ended his two-year term as chairman and will stay on as a member of the BRA Board of Directors.

“‘It was a pleasure and an experience to represent my fellow retailers as BRA Chairman,’ said Roberts. “I have no doubt that Duke and D. will continue to successfully lead the association through these tough economic times into the future.’

‘Todd was an exceptional Chairman and we are indebted to him for his service to the action sport specialty retail market,’ said Mike Duncan, President of BRA. ‘We are excited to welcome Duke and D. as co-chairs to better represent the diversity of our members geographically, as well as their size and product diversification.’

‘I am honored to serve as BRA Co-Chair with Duke,’ said D. Nachnani of Coastal Edge. ‘This is the first time in the history of the association that a Chairman has been from the East Coast. Being part of BRA, has helped me to grow personally, network with key industry leaders and grow my business. I look forward to sharing that experience with other retailers,’ continued Nachnani.

Over the next two years, BRA said it plans to continue to grow its retail certification program, educational offerings, industry research and charitable contributions. “The purpose of the association is to unite specialty retailers and serve as a voice in the industry,” said Duke Edukas of Surfside Sports. “I look forward to utilizing my industry connections, experiences and over 25 years in business to build on the strength of that voice.”