Fleet Feet franchise owners and employees from more than 60 stores around the country and 30 running apparel, shoe, and accessory vendors gathered for the three-day Winter Franchise Conference in Phoenix, AZ. At the conference, company president, Jeff Phillips said that Fleet Feet celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2006 with more than $62 million in sales and a 17% comp store gain.
The conference culminated with Fleet Feets annual industry award ceremony where the company honored Brooks Sports as the Outstanding Apparel Vendor of 2006 for its growth in sales to Fleet Feet stores, as well as its customer service, product quality, shipping, and overall commitment to the Fleet Feet organization.
In addition, Champion Athleticwear introduced its Pink Ribbon Award for Retail Excellence and named Brett Lamb, owner of Fleet Feet San Francisco, as the first annual recipient. Balega Sports awarded its second Induna Award to Bobby Biles, owner of Fleet Feet Carrboro, NC. The Induna Award is presented annually to a member of the Fleet Feet community for charitable contributions.
Biles was recognized for multiple community service initiatives including hosting events with various charities as beneficiaries, facilitating the purchase of track equipment for disadvantaged youth, the donation of closeout products to benefit the local school system in the Carrboro area, and his support of the Leadville (Colo.) Legacy Project.
