Fleet Feet Introduces FITlanthropy Grants

Fleet Feet, Inc., the nation’s leading franchisor of running specialty stores, honored the outstanding contributions and accomplishments of its franchisees and store employees during its annual National Franchise Conference, hosted in Huntington Beach, CA, June 23-28.

Franchise owners and employees from across the 105 store system and representatives of more than 70 industry vendors gathered for a week focused on education, networking, business planning and a trade show designed exclusively for Fleet Feet Sports franchisees.

“During this summer’s conference we connected with our franchisees and operators on a different level by focusing on life balance, staff empowerment and driving long-term relationships with our customers,” said Fleet Feet, Incorporated President and CEO Jeff Phillips.  “Our conference theme, Magnetic, represents the magnetic connection we must create and the opportunity we have to strengthen the customer’s relationship with Fleet Feet Sports every time we engage them.  It’s what we do best, and it’s the fuel for our locally owned and operated business model.”

As part of the event, Fleet Feet honored its franchise owners and store employees during its annual Brand Banquet.
 
FITlanthropy Grants

The company awarded grants to six stores on behalf of its major vendor partners. FITlanthropy Grants support the stores’ charitable contributions at the local level.  Grants were awarded as follows:
 
Brooks Sports awarded Fleet Feet Sports Mt. Pleasant a grant for Meeting Street Academy. This grant will help support the school’s running program which provides under-resourced children the opportunity to learn goal-setting skills and discipline, while teaching the importance of living healthfully.
 
Saucony awarded Fleet Feet Sports Brentwood a grant for their initiative supporting Amputee Blade Runners. The grant will allow Fleet Feet Sports Brentwood to continue to provide footwear, socks and race entry fees to amputees who have extremely high medical costs and may not otherwise be able to afford their favorite sport of running.
 
New Balance awarded Fleet Feet Sports Sacramento a grant for Project Fit, a free after school running program for children in low socio-economic communities. This program serves more than 1,000 students in 12 schools in northern California. This is the third consecutive year Fleet Feet Sports Sacramento has been awarded this grant for their goodwill.
 
Balega International awarded a grant to Fleet Feet Sports Winston-Salem for Mission: Feet First. This mission distributes properly fitted footwear to homeless and under-privileged children and families. Since 2010, Mission: Feet First has provided shoes to more than 1,000 individuals.
 
Superfeet awarded Fleet Feet Sports Syracuse a grant for their 6 legged 5K race. This race, founded in 2009, has raised more than $45,000 and saved the lives of countless dogs and cats. Fleet Feet Sports Syracuse donates 100% of the event’s proceeds to the Central New York SPCA every year.
 
Nike awarded Fleet Feet Sports Tulsa a grant for Zoomerangs, their youth running program in north Tulsa. For the past two years they have provided a structured youth running program for children without access to such activities. This program motivates and builds self-confidence and will expand to additional area schools with the aid of this grant.
 
Anniversaries

The following stores were recognized for reaching milestones of 10 and 20 years in business: