SGB Update Sports & Fitness

Les Otten to Run for Governor of Maine

Les Otten, the former CEO of American Skiing Co., announced plans to run for governor of the state of Maine as a Republican. According to his website, Otten's campaign will focus on renewable energy, job creation, efficient government and leadership

VF Corp. Unveils New Licensed Sports Group

VF Imagewear has officially renamed the VF Activewear group as the VF Licensed Sports Group, a division focused on the development of both on-field and licensed sports apparel. Sources inside the company told SEW there were no changes in staff or office

Acushnet to Cut 77 Positions

Acushnet Co., the maker of Titleist golf balls, will reduce its workforce at its distribution center and two ball plants by 77 positions, company officials told the Standard Times of New Bedford…

SEW Goes One-On-One with… Foot Locker’s MATT SERRA

Last week, Foot Locker, Inc. announced that Ken Hicks, president and chief merchant of J.C. Penney Co., would become its new president & CEO, effective August 17. Hicks will succeed Matt Serra, who has been CEO of Foot Locker since March 2001 and chairman

The Finish Line Closes on Man Alive Deal

The Finish Line, Inc.has closed its transaction with Man Alive Acquisitions, LLC, an entity controlled by Jimmy Khezrie, the owner and operator of Jimmy Jazz stores…

OIA Celebrates 20 Years of Industry Leadership

While roaming the halls at any Outdoor Retailer trade show, it would be hard to imagine a time when the industry wasn’t represented by the dedicated folks at the core of Outdoor Industry Association. Outdoor Retailer Summer Market this year will be the si

Ortovox USA Opens New Western DC

Avalanche safety equipment company Ortovox USA has opened a new western U.S. sales and distribution center in West Valley, UT to support its growth. The Ortovox’s West Valley facility, located in a suburb of Salt Lake City, will handle all shipping and re

GunBroker.com Partners With POMA

Over $100,000 in hunting and fishing adventures, firearms, outdoor gear, advertising packages and public relations services packages are up for grabs in the Professional Outdoor Media Association’s (POMA) Annual Live Auction hosted by GunBroker.com. The a

FWS: Overall Duck Numbers Up in 2009

The preliminary estimate of total ducks from the 2009 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey was 42 million, which is 13 percent greater than last year’s estimate and 25% greater than the 1955-2008 average, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ann

K-Swiss Launches Skate Program

K-Swiss announced plans to launch a new skateboarding category for Spring 2010. As part of the effort, K-Swiss has partnered with a team of design and creative experts including Skate Legend Greg Lutzka, who has signed an extended agreement to serve as th

MasterPiece Arms Chooses Blue August

Blue August, a marketing, advertising, and public relations firm based out of Jackson, TN, will be assisting Phil Cashin, co-owner of MasterPiece Arms (MPA), in all public relations and editorial needs. Primary responsibilities of Blue August will be to i

NASGW President Smith Leaving Due to Health Issues

The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) Board of Directors has announced that Wayne Smith, President for the past five and half years, will be leaving the association…

NICS Now Requires Place Of Birth

Beginning earlier this week, the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) section is requiring that place of birth be provided for all FBI-initiated transactions…

UNC, Nike reach 10-year deal

Nike Inc. has signed a 10-year contract to supply athletic footwear, apparel and accessory products to the North Carolina Tar Heels. The contract was signed in late May and was made retroactive to July 1, 2008…

Nike Inks 10-Year Deal with Tar Heels

According to UNC officials last Wednesday, the University of North Carolina Tar Heels have signed a 10-year deal with Nike to supply athletic equipment and apparel for its sports teams…