NSGA Promotes Jenny Shaffer to CFO
Shaffer worked as a summer intern for the Association in 2011 and returned to join the company full-time in 2019 as comptroller. Before that, Shaffer worked for the accounting firm of Plante Moran in Chicago from 2012 to 2019.
Amazon to End Plastic Use In Shipping
Amazon will eliminate “almost 15 billion plastic air pillows annually to reduce its environmental footprint.” The company will use 100 percent recycled paper filler, which is recyclable and “offers the same, if not better, protection.”
Birkenstock’s Debt Ratings Upgraded By S&P
S&P Global Ratings revised up its full-year guidance to expected annual sales growth of 20 percent in 2024, from 17 percent to 18 percent previously.
Paka Introduces New General Manager and Advisory Board
Paka, the sustainable clothing brand, hired former Prana executive Brian Thompson as general manager while introducing a new advisory board.
Trending: 2024 Midyear Per Race Participation Increases
RunSignup reported a mid-year update on race trends, showing that pre-race registrations have continued to increase after nearly matching 2019 numbers in 2023. On average, registrations grew 8 percent compared to 2023.
Winnebago’s Quarterly Sales Sink 13 Percent
Winnebago Industries, Inc. reported profits fell 50.9 percent in its fiscal third quarter ended May 25 as sales declined 12.7 percent. The company indicated profitability improved sequentially in both its Towable RV and Marine Segments.
PickUp USA Expands into Boston
The new Hanover, MA location is a franchised outlet owned by James Medeiros, a long-time community resident, with a target opening date of early July.
FootBalance Appoints New CEO
Most recently, Atul Midha, was the global retail director at Eton Shirts. He also held senior leadership roles at Giorgio Armani, and other fashion retail and tech startups.
Intercollegiate Tennis Association Appoints New CEO
David Mullins will spend the next six months as the CEO designate, continuing his work with the ITA’s current CEO, Dr. Timothy Russell. Mullins officially takes over as the Association’s CEO on January 1, 2025.
Blain’s Farm & Fleet Names New CEO, Exec Chair, and Chief Stores Officer
Mark Hasting was promoted to president and CEO and Kim Treece to chief stores officer. Jane Blain Gilbertson will assume the executive chair of the company’s Board and remain the sole owner of Blain’s Farm & Fleet and Blain Supply, Inc.
Report: Solo Camping Continues Upward Trend
The surge in solo camping is closely tied to the availability of free camping sites. In 2023, a significant 65.8 percent of campers chose to camp for free, an increase from 47.5 percent in 2021.
F45 Training Names Master Franchisee for South Africa Region
Karen Loader, CEO of Functional Fitness South Africa Pty, Ltd., is reportedly an existing multi-unit F45 Training franchisee in Bryanston and Fourways, headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Authentic Inks Deal to Manage Sportswear and Activewear for Tapout Brand
Wholesale apparel company One World Brands will design, manufacture and distribute activewear and swimwear for men, women and kids.
Finisterre Opens First North American Retail Location
The retail storefront, in partnership with Maine Surfers Union in Portland, ME, is expected to spearhead the brand’s global retail expansion into North America.
