Recognizing a successful partnership and dedication to provide high quality equipment and apparel to outdoor enthusiasts throughout the Pacific Northwest, Norm Daniels, president and CEO of G.I. Joe's, named The North Face, Inc. of San Leandro, California as its 2005 Vendor of the Year.
The North Face makes expedition tents, packs, shoes, sleeping bags and apparel. It is a division of the VF Corporation. The North Face supports and underwrites expeditions around the world that inspire the human spirit and test the limits of human determination. In 2005 this included sponsoring the Khumbu Climbing School in Nepal, which teaches Sherpas technical climbing skills so that they can guide future expeditions, and the first all-woman ski and kite sail expedition to Baffin Island, Canada.
Daniels commented, “The North Face is a premium brand desired by our customers, and one that has earned an excellent reputation for quality and performance. The North Face gives our customers absolute quality for their
money, and differentiates our store, product, and brand selection apart from mass merchants that attempt to compete with us.”
Rebecca Locke, a merchandise manager at G.I. Joe's, added, ” The North Face goes out of their way year-around to work with us on inventory, in-store presentation, and the latest product. The result of their efforts is that G.I. Joe's is a true destination for The North Face in our customers' minds.”
Todd Spaletto for The North Face said in response, “It's always nice to be recognized for hard work, but to receive the Vendor of the Year Award from
G.I. Joe's is special, because we know there were many other top brands competing to win it.”
Norm Daniels, president and CEO of G.I. Joe's, also announced long-time manufacturer's representative Dick Bigoni of Bigoni-Stiner & Associates as the company's 2005 Manufacturer's Representative of the Year.
The award is given annually by G.I. Joe's to the manufacturer's representative who contributes to increasing profitable sales by providing outstanding service, attention to detail, and superior follow-through throughout an entire year.
“The manufacturer's rep is important to our success because they also represent G.I. Joe's to the manufacturer. A great rep like Dick can often make the difference between being an outlet for a product and being a preferred vendor,” Daniels said.
“The manufacturer's reps work hard to win this award, because it gives them 'bragging rights' among their peers and competitors for the entire year; including an assigned parking space close to the main entrance of our office,” said Ron Menconi, vice president and director of marketing and merchandising at G.I. Joe's.
Chad Farthing, automotive buyer at G.I. Joe's, cited Dick's integrity and capacity for hard work on several important brands, including Pilot Automotive, Master Lock and Larin. “For 32 years now he has contributed to our growth with in-store service, new store set-up, and keeping us informed of new items and trends.”
Norm Daniels went on to mention, “Dick is the latest in a group of independent business people who have contributed to the success of our company by professionally representing great brands and products that our customer want.” Dick Bigoni thanked G.I. Joe's for the award saying, “I'm really pleased to receive this award. I've worked with Joe's since 1973 and always enjoyed the people that work there. It's been great watching Joe's grow and I hope I'm around there for a long time to come.”
