Mizuno USA CEO and President, Bob Puccini, has been elected as the vice chairman of the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) for a one-year term.  This announcement was made at the conclusion of SGMA's annual business meeting in Chicago, Illinois, held on October 18th.

Puccini has served as the president and CEO of Mizuno USA since 1996, during which time the company has consistently seen growth in annual revenue and profit.  In fact, Mizuno USA is coming off a record year in 2010, in which the company achieved record revenue and profit since operations started in the U.S. in 1982.  Puccini has led the organization in spreading the Mizuno philosophy through his work, and the company’s support of non-profit charities such as the Rally Foundation and the Wounded Warrior Project.

“Bob is a well-respected and experienced industry executive”, said SGMA President and CEO Tom Cove.  “His leadership of SGMA's strategic planning process over the past 18 months has been tremendously valuable and makes him the ideal person to be SGMA Vice Chairman. We're thrilled.”

The SGMA Mission’s is to promote sports and fitness participation and industry vitality, with a belief that sports and physical activity enhances people’s lives.  This is reflected through a number of vehicles, most notably the National Health Through Fitness Day on Capitol Hill, where Mizuno and other SGMA member companies lobby to Congress for the Carol M. White PEP Grant.  The PEP Grant has provided over $700 million in funds for schools and community based organizations for training and equipment for quality physical education since it began in 2001.

“The SGMA’s mission and philosophy directly reflects that of Mizuno’s, which is contributing to society through the advancement of sporting goods and the promotion of sports,” said Puccini. “The sporting goods industry has achieved new heights in the past few years, due in large part to the thought leadership of the SGMA.  I am honored to be elected to the position of Vice Chairman.”

Mizuno USA, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mizuno Corporation, one of the largest specialty sporting goods manufacturers in the world. Mizuno USA, Inc. manufactures and distributes golf, baseball, softball, running, track & field, and volleyball equipment, apparel, and footwear for North America.  Mizuno USA, Inc. is based in Norcross, Georgia.