SmartWool Appoints Backbone Media for PR
SmartWool Corporation has retained Backbone Media to handle its public relations efforts. SmartWool will partner with Backbone to oversee media communications and promotion of its product lines and events…
CenterStone Releases Version 2.1 of iVendix
CenterStone Technologies, Inc. announced that Version 2.1 of iVendix is now “live.” The iVendix solution provides manufacturers of well-known consumer brands with a business-to-business (B2B) on-line ordering solution for their retail accounts and sales
Outdoor Companies Honored on Best Places to Work List
Deckers Outdoor, Mountain Hardwear, Clif Bar, Smartwool and several other companies recently announced their inclusion in Outside Magazine's 2009 list of “Best Places to Work.” Deckers was ranked No. 26 out of 30 selected companies, while Mountain Ha
Rawlings Debuts New S100 Safety Helmet
Rawlings Sporting Goods Co., Inc. introduced a new batter’s helmet that is promises increased protection at ball speeds up to 100 miles per hour. Rawlings S100 helmets will be available in April 2009 at select retailers and team dealer locations. All S100
Gwen Manto Exits Dick’s Sporting Goods
Gwendolyn Manto has left her role as EVP and chief merchandising officer of Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc., effective April 13, 2009. According to a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, the retailer does not expect to replace her in this po
Viridian Green Laser Sights Hires New Marketing Firms
Viridian Green Laser Sights, a subsidiary of Laser Aiming Systems Corporation, has the hired two new sales and marketing groups-H&G Marketing and ProActive Sales and Marketing. ProActive will have account responsibilities in the southeast while H&G will p
PA Game Commission Tabs Chief Counsel
Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe announced the promotion of Bradley Bechtel to the position of Chief Counsel. Bechtel has been with the agency since 1991, and most recently served as the agency's chief attorney for the Bure
JJB Sports Proposes New Deal with Landlords
JJB Sports PLC, the U.K. sporting goods chain, has finalized terms for company voluntary arrangements (CVA) as it looks to save its remaining stores. This CVA enables a company to reach an agreement with its unsecured creditors and restructure debts…
March Outdoor Sales Showing Positive Signs
While the specialty outdoor industry started the fiscal year slowly in February, sales seem to be picking up in March. Many retailers who spoke with The B.O.S.S. Report are seeing the retail environment slowly regain some health after one of the most diff
Michigan’s Frey Foundation Gives $160,000 Grant to DU
A major environmental effort in southwestern Michigan recently got a boost. The conservation organization Ducks Unlimited (DU) received a grant of $160,000 from the Frey Foundation. The grant will be used to protect and restore valuable habitat through DU
PE4life Teams with Two Advocacy Groups
PE4life, the nation's advocate for physical education programs, has partnered with two innovative programs — Action Based Learning (ABL) and Project Adventure (PA) — to improve the health and fitness of children across the country…
M.J. Soffe Names EVP of Sales
M. J. Soffe, LLC announced that Ron Wagenseil joined the company as executive vice president of sales. Wagenseil comes to Soffe with over 25 years of successful leadership in the branded and licensed apparel industry. His former branded apparel business a
R.G. Barry Names Zeng to Top Sourcing Post
R.G. Barry Corporation named global sourcing veteran Hong Zeng as its China-based vice president of sourcing. Zeng most recently was general manager for a Chinese footwear manufacturer in Fuzhou. He previously held executive management and sourcing positi
N8 Concepts Acquires EcoBlu Products
N8 Concepts, Inc., a maker of action sports and golf apparel based in Denver, has signed a binding letter of intent to acquire EcoBlu Products, Inc. EcoBlu manufactures proprietary wood products coated with a patented chemistry that protects against mold
Shock Doctor Sponsors MotoGP Race Team
Shock Doctor, Inc. has partnered with Rizla Suzuki MotoGP, supplying the crew and racers with its line of technologically-advanced luggage, backpacks and various Power Dry™ System products. The Power Dry System keeps racers protected from potentially harm
