NSGA Welcomes Michigan State Coach Tom Izzo to Management Conference
Tom Izzo, Michigan State University (MSU) head men’s basketball coach, will kick off the 2018 NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit on Monday, May 21.
FuelBelt Welcomes Marketing Specialist
FuelBelt, a leader in hydration belts and accessories, hired Kenzie Hunnings as marketing specialist to support the brand in the run specialty market.
Hornwood Appoints VP of Operations
Hornwood Inc.,the customer-focused manufacturer of American-made knit performance textiles for the apparel, military, automotive and medical market, announced that industry veteran Phillip Murrell has joined the company as vice president of operations.
Balega Hires Brand Manager
Balega, a leading performance sock brand in the run specialty market, welcomes Mary Hannah Andrews as Balega brand manager. Hannah will oversee Balega’s brand’s promotional programs as well as support the expansion of Balega’s parent company, Implus, and its Implus Run Specialty Group division.

Asics to Appoint Yasuhito Hirota President
Motoi Oyama, chairman and CEO, said, “Approaching my eleventh year in the role, the decision to appoint a new president was taken in order to ensure that the group can advance as one towards the next stage of our medium-term strategy, the Asics Growth Plan (AGP) 2020.”

Famous Footwear’s President to Retire
Caleres announced Rick Ausick, president of Famous Footwear, will retire in 2018 as part of a planned succession. Ausick joined Caleres in 2002 as Famous Footwear’s SVP and chief merchandise officer and eventually became division president in 2010.

North Face Adds Alpine Climber David Lama to Global Athlete Team
Beginning as a competition climber, Lama was the youngest person ever to win a climbing World Cup in both Lead and Bouldering.
Craft Sportswear Bolsters North American Sales Team
Craft, the maker of functional sportswear, has significantly bolstered its North American sales and marketing departments with the addition of Amber Nero and Scott Parr as national sales team managers.

Pro-Tec Returns To San Diego
Pro-Tec, celebrating 45 years as the original action sports protection brand, marked by a return to San Diego with a new headquarters, an expanded helmet line, a new range of snow helmets, and a collaboration with Volcom.

The Northwest Company Reaches Five-Year Licensing Deal with MLB
The Northwest Company, a leader in the home textile industry and the No. 1 throw and blanket manufacturer in the U.S., announced a five-year extension of its licensing agreement with Major League Baseball (MLB).
NSSF, ATF Jointly Launch Operation Secure Store
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms and ammunition industry, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced the launch of Operation Secure Store (OSS), a comprehensive joint initiative to help Federal Firearms Licensees (FFL) make well-informed security-related decisions to deter and prevent thefts.
Otis Technology Recognizes Agency of the Year
For the second consecutive year, Otis Technology recognized Sokol Associates Inc. as the leading agency for 2017.
Seirus Appoints Production Operations Manager
Seirus Innovation, specialists in cold weather accessories, hired Colin Murray as production operations manager. Prior to joining Seirus, Murray served as the supply chain director at Bridgemore Tech.
K2 Sports Signs On With Locally
K2 Sports signed a contract to incorporate Locally as the store and product locator for its K2 Skis, K2 Snowboarding, Ride Snowboards, Line Ski, and Full Tilt Ski Boots brands.
Lowa Announces New Southeast Sales Team
Lowa Boots welcomed The Summit Group as the company’s new Southeast sales team.