SSL (Sports Specialists, Ltd.) announced the recipients of the buying group’s first-ever Supplier of the Year awards, The Tec Group, featuring Blizzard, Tecnica and Nordica brands for hardgoods and Outdoor Gear for softgoods.

The awards were presented during the opening meeting of the WSM specialty buying group show that immediately preceded Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show.

Presenting the softgoods awards to Adam Garry, president of Outdoor Gear, was committee chair Kelli Pilla of the Ski Haus in Salem, NH and Cathy Walker, softgoods merchandise manager for SSL. Garry commented “It is an honor to be recognized by SSL and their premier specialty retailers. We are committed to supporting their success in the industry and sincerely value our relationships with the SSL retailers.”

Sam Cook, president of The Tec Group, accepted the hardgoods award as it was presented by chair Parker Rice from Equipe Sports in Rawsonville, VT and vice-chair Michael Strachan from Cole Sports, Park City, UT along with Tyler Lockard, hardgoods merchandise manager for SSL.

Cook shared his feelings about the recognition “We are honored and thrilled to have received SSL’s first ever Supplier of the Year award. We are committed to be the most trusted and reliable partner to the specialty ski retail community and this recognition by the SSL membership is a wonderful affirmation that we are on the right track.”

Since 1971, SSL has been the leading marketing, purchasing and merchandising group in the specialty ski, snowboard, outdoor lifestyle and casual furniture industries. SSL is owned and directed by specialty sports retailers for specialty sports.