The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) has created a new Leadership Development Council (LDC) to help develop a deeper understanding of market conditions while simultaneously building stronger relationships with key association members.
 
Though the new advisory council will not have official authority to govern the organization, their skills and knowledge will help augment the board of directors in an effort to more effectively guide the NASGW. The LDC will provide research assistance and feedback to the board of directors to be used in strategic business planning for the association and the industry.
 
Leadership Development Council members will serve one-year terms, with new nominations taking place each summer. Existing members may have their terms renewed depending on the current status of association projects. “I think this is an exciting step for NASGW,” said Kenyon Gleason, NASGW president. “This new council, comprised of emerging industry leaders, will help the association set its course for the future, and allows for even greater member participation in reaching decisions that impact our continued success and direction as an association.”
 
The LDC will play an important role in public relations and provide a fresh perspective on programmatic issues. The council creates an opportunity for future leaders to explore and focus on specific programs, creating the opportunity for leadership training and a stronger understanding of the inner workings of the industry as a whole.
 
“The industry continues to evolve and it's important that our association stays ahead of those changes,” said Mike Halleron, vice president of business development at Chattanooga Shooting Supplies, Inc. and a member of the board of directors for NASGW. “NASGW has enjoyed tremendous success in representing and encouraging two-step distribution for over 60 years. It's our mission to continue that track record of success and we believe this new advisory council will help the board with that goal by fostering and developing our next generation of leaders.”
 
The NASGW Board of Directors, at its board meeting in Nashville on April 9, nominated three individuals to serve on the Leadership Development Council for 2015-2016. Craig Ward, president of Parks and Son, Inc., Mark Emonet, vice president and chief financial officer at Lipsey's and Bill Sumner, director of purchasing at Chattanooga Shooting Supplies, Inc. will begin in their new roles over the summer months, with an eye toward presenting some initial recommendations to the board at the NASGW Annual Meeting in late October.
 
Craig Ward is the president of Parks and Son, Inc. of Advance, NC, a position he's held for the past 18 months. Ward has an extensive background in the financial and management consulting world. Prior to taking over the reins at Parks and Son, Inc., Craig was the CEO and managing member for T&C Investments/Town and Country Hardware Stores and served on the national board of directors for Ace Hardware. He has also been the top executive at a variety of construction related enterprises in Texas and the Washington, D.C. area and is known for his abilities in assisting companies to generate new sales, pioneer change and position firms for growth.Ward is a graduate of Texas Tech University, the Wharton School of Business executive education program and the Southern Methodist University advanced management program. Craig and his wife now make their home in North Carolina.
 
Mark Emonet is vice president and chief financial officer at Lipsey's, LLC in Baton Rouge, LA, a position he's held since 2008. Emonet has been with Lipsey's since 2000. Since joining Lipsey's, he has lead the company in many areas including technology initiatives, personnel development, distribution center expansion and capital improvements. Prior to Lipsey's, Mr. Emonet was an assistant vice president and controller with United Companies Financial Corporation. He is past chairman and member of the Board of Directors of the Better Business Bureau of South Central Louisiana and a member of the Association of Accountants and Financial Professionals.Emonet is also involved in many local Louisiana Organizations. He is a graduate of Louisiana State University with degrees in accounting and history. He lives in Baton Rouge with his wife and three children. He enjoys duck hunting, salt-water fishing and following LSU Athletics.
 
Bill Sumner is director of purchasing for Chattanooga Shooting Supplies, Inc. (CSSI) and has worked in the shooting industry for 17 years. Sumner began his career working at retailers such as Sports Authority and Bass Pro Shops before moving on to the wholesale side of the industry in 2004 when he went to work for RSR Group. At RSR, Sumner was a top salesman, buyer and eventually promoted to purchasing manager in 2012. Sumner's ability to effectively communicate and negotiate deals, while seeking new opportunities, lead him to pioneer RSR's transition into the tactical market in 2007. Today, Bill, his wife, and four children reside in Chattanooga, TN. He is currently involved in a newly developed Strategic Planning Committee within CSSI that will directly impact the future direction of the company. In addition, he sits on the planning committee of his local National Wild Turkey Federation Chapter and is an avid shooter, hunter and fisherman.