The National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) announced the winners of the association’s inaugural All-Star Awards, which were presented at the NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit’s All-Star Awards Luncheon on Monday, May 7. The five winners included BSN Sports, Fleet Feet Sports, Buddy's All-Stars, Russell Athletic, and Rawlings Sporting Goods.
According to NSGA’s President & CEO Matt Carlson, “This year’s five winning companies each made significant contributions to the sporting goods industry, and are very deserving of the awards. Our hope is that these awards become a tradition within the industry, and that companies will strive to become an All-Star Award winner each year.”
The companies that were recognized this year are:
Community Collaboration BSN Sports for its efforts and leadership in creating its Victory Grant program, which is donating $1 million of free equipment and uniforms to school athletic programs and recreation leagues in need.
Retailer/Team Dealer Midsize/Large Fleet Feet Sports for its commitment to the sporting goods industry by providing a seamless exit strategy for current store owners and allowing current employees, without the financial recourses, the opportunity for ownership through the Specialty Retail Development Corporation.
Small/Midsize Buddy’s All-Stars for its “There is Always a Way” attitude that defines their commitment to their customers and the community, and for their continual willingness to partner with vendors and the industry.
Vendor Partner Russell Athletic for its commitment to, and active participation in, the sporting goods industry and for their encouragement of sports participation and giving back to the community with programs like the Fight Like Dylan Award.
Industry Catalyst Rawlings Sports Goods Co. for its efforts in co-founding the National Sports Concussion Cooperative, which iscommitted to helping protect athletes from concussions while charting a well-defined course to help reduce concussions in sports.
The award winners were chosen by a committee of NSGA members based upon nominations received in February 2012. Nominations for the 2013 All-Star Awards may be made beginning this August, and winners will be presented with their awards at next year’s NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit.
