SGB Magazine and The SportsOneSource Group has launched a new event recognizing the hard work and tireless efforts of sales professionals serving the specialty retailer market. The program, entitled SGB Specialty Rep of the Year awards, will honor nine individuals each year for exemplary efforts and service to these critical retail channels that serve as the backbone of the U.S. active lifestyle market.
“In today's retail environment it is critical to acknowledge the work and tenacity of these road warriors,” explained James Hartford, CEO of The SportsOneSource Group, which publishes SGB Magazine. “I know this business intimately. I started out in this industry as an independent rep over 30 years ago and those roots formed the framework for my career — and many others — in the active lifestyle market.”
To qualify, an independent sales representative must call on and service the needs of the following specialty retailers:
- Action Sports Specialty
- Bike Specialty
- Independent Footwear Specialty
- Outdoor Specialty
- Running Specialty
- Snow Sports Specialty
Nominations can be submitted at: Specialty Rep of the Year Awards pages in the Events section of the SportsOneSource.com website.
SGB is also accepting nominations at it Outdoor Retailer Summer Market booth #16041 (off Main Street behind LaSportiva and Kuhl).
After the nominations close, specialty retailers in each of the nine regions will be enrolled to rate the reps that service their business. Regional finalists for the following regions will be selected by early November.
- Northwest
- CAN States (CA, AZ, NV)
- Rockies
- North Central
- South Central
- Mideast
- New England
- Mid-Atlantic
- Southeast
The top-rated rep across all regions will also be named the SGB 2014 Specialty Rep of the Year for the U.S.
The SGB 2014 Specialty Rep of the Year award recipients will be honored in the December 2014 Winter Pre-Show issue and be feted at a special event on January 22, 2015 during the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in Salt Lake City, Utah.
For more information on the award nomination process or for sponsorship opportunities, contact James Hartford at The SportsOneSource Group at 303.997.7302 x7104 or email to: events@SportsOneSource.com
