Business news : Easton-Bell Plans to Consolidate Rantoul Operations

Easton-Bell Sports, Inc. plans to build a modern new distribution, assembly and shared services center in Rantoul, IL. The new center would be home to the company’s current 300 team members and serve as one of the company’s primary North American sites for assembling, distributing and servicing products from its market-leading sports brand portfolio.

Easton-Bell Sports currently operates multiple manufacturing and distribution facilities in Rantoul. The new center would consolidate these facilities into a single, 800,000-square-foot structure with advanced technology and design capable of producing shorter lead times for customer orders, the highest quality order shipments, and long-term cost savings that can be re-invested in the business. “Easton-Bell Sports has enjoyed a long and productive history in Champaign County with a loyal, dedicated workforce and highly supportive local community,” said Donna Flood, chief operations officer and president of Giro / Easton Cycling. “Creating a more efficient, fully-modernized facility provides a number of important benefits for our business while strengthening our commitment to this area and our people.”

Easton-Bell Sports’ history in Champaign County dates back to 1983, when Bell Sports acquired a motorcycle accessories manufacturing facility in Rantoul. The company has expanded its local presence over the last three decades, shipping more than 13 million units annually and serving as one of the area’s largest employers.

Site selection for the proposed facility was made with support from the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, the Village of Rantoul and the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

“We have a well-trained workforce in the area and when state and local government work together with our economic development agencies, we see opportunities for successes like this,” said Illinois State Senator Mike Frerichs. “I want to thank Easton-Bell Sports for continuing to believe in northern Champaign County.”
John Dimit, president and CEO of the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, added, “Easton-Bell Sports’ new center would have a significant year-over-year impact on our local community. This includes $53 million direct economic impact of wages in the East Central Illinois Region, $10 million indirect economic impact of secondary wage spending in the East Central Illinois Region and $11 million induced impact of tertiary wages spent in the East Central Illinois Region.”

The new center, which is subject to final approval of economic incentives by various governmental agencies, would handle products under the company’s Bell, Easton Cycling, Giro and Riddell brands. The planned site location is Rantoul’s Village Industrial Park (at the NW intersection of Highway 136 and Interstate 57), with scheduled completion in late 2013. A mix of internal/private and public investment is expected to fund the project. The specific cost is not being disclosed at this time.

 Easton-Bell markets and licenses products under such well-known brands as Easton, Bell, Giro, Riddell and Blackburn. Headquartered in Van Nuys, California, the company has 32 facilities worldwide.

Business news: Visteon Launches Instrument Cluster on Honda’s New Scooter in Indonesia

Robust mechanical and electrical design distinguishes two-wheeler in growing market

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – June 2012 Global automotive supplier Visteon Corporation (NYSE: VC) recently launched an electronic instrument cluster on Honda’s new scooter model, the VarioTechno 125 PGM-FI, in Indonesia.

The entry-level instrument cluster is the first product manufactured at PT Astra Visteon Indonesia, a joint venture of Visteon and PT Astra Otoparts, Tbk, based in Citeureup, Bogor. The instrument cluster was designed to meet the rigorous demands of the Indonesian landscape, while providing manufacturers a content-rich product that can be customized for different models.
“We are proud to be a part of Honda’s two-wheeler expansion in the Indonesian market,” said Hiroaki Kishita, president director of PT Astra Visteon Indonesia. “With the successful launch of the instrument cluster on the Honda Vario Techno 125 PGM-FI, PT Astra Visteon Indonesia is poised to bring quality products to the world’s third largest motorcycle market, while also meeting growing demand in the passenger vehicle market.”

To address the challenging requirements of two-wheeler mobility in Indonesia, Visteon developed an instrument cluster with robust mechanical and electrical design features to withstand various demands. By incorporating a single, easy-to-read analog speedometer, drivers receive important information quickly from the 2.5-inch digital LCD display, which is considered unique in this economic two-wheeler class. The use of high-impact lighting technology enables the motorist to read instrument indicators easily in all light conditions. These features are further enhanced by the 3-D chaplets and silver painted mask that give the cluster an overall dynamic and sporty appearance.
As an integral part of a series of two-wheeler instrument clusters, Visteon engineering teams in Japan and India customized the product to meet Honda’s requirements for state-of-the-art functionality and styling. Leveraging the flexibility of a common platform, experienced engineers and localized components, Visteon achieved cost efficiencies that resulted in a quality product at a competitive price.
“With the launch of the instrument cluster on the Honda new scooter, Visteon has expanded its manufacturing footprint for electronics products in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets,” said Steve Meszaros, Visteon product group president.
Visteon is a leading global automotive supplier that designs, engineers and manufactures innovative climate, electronic, interior and lighting products for vehicle manufacturers. With corporate offices in Van Buren Township, Mich. (U.S.); Shanghai, China; and Chelmsford, UK; the company has facilities in 27 countries and employs approximately 25,000 people. Learn more at www.visteon.com.

(SOURCE: Visteon Corporation through Motor Sports Newswire )

Environment news : Marine Biologist Urges Fashion, Sports Brands to Develop Less Polluting Dye Technology

A leading marine biologist said a recently released report on the devastating impact that the textile industry is having on China’s waterways shows the fashion and sporting goods industry urgently need to find less polluting technologies for dyeing cotton apparel.

The cotton dyeing industry consumes large quantities of water and toxic chemicals that are often returned to rivers in such a highly polluted state that they make waterways unsafe, said Dr. Stephen M. Coan, president and CEO of Sea Research Foundation. The Mystic, CT-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization operates Mystic Aquarium, Institute for Exploration, Immersion Learning and, in partnership with National Geographic Society, The JASON Project. The foundation conducts pioneering research that expands the knowledge base of aquarists and marine biologists, advances important deep-sea discoveries, and inspires new generations to care for the environment and pursue careers in science.

The world produces 30 million tons of cotton fiber annually, and the amount of water needed to dye each year’s supply is the equivalent of the drinking water for every person on the planet for 141 days.

Coan based his remarks on the findings in "Cleaning Up the Fashion Industry," a study of the Chinese textile industry released in April by five environmental groups. Among other things, the study found that the textile industry in China discharged 2.5 million metric tons of sewage in 2010, making it the nation’s third largest water polluter. The study goes on to single out scores of internationally known brand names in the fashion and sporting goods world -- mostly multinational apparel retailers -- that now purchase textile products from Chinese waterway polluters.

That’s bad news in a country where two-thirds of its cities lack an adequate water supply and 300 million rural residents have no access to safe drinking water. China is hardly alone in suffering such damage, Coan said. In India, three years ago a high court shut down the textile industry in Tirupur, the city known as the nation’s Knitwear Capital, because dyes and other chemical discharges had virtually destroyed the local water supply. Some 100,000 people were put out of work.
“The textile industry urgently needs to introduce different methods for dyeing cotton,” Coan said. “That’s a serious challenge, in large part because the damage that the dyeing process inflicts on the environment is not widely known. But the ultimate issue here is protecting the world’s waterways and oceans as well as making a life-or-death difference for hundreds of millions of people.”

(SportsOneSource Media)

Business news : Harley CEO on ‘HOG Heaven’

NEW YORK, NY – June 26, 2012 –  Harley-Davidson, is one of america’s most america’s most iconic brands and its stock is up more than 20% so far this year. Keith Wendell is the company’s chairman and CEO. Watch Video



(SOURCE: CNBC through Motor Sports Newswire)

New Product :Ped Products Offers the ActionCam to Cyclists to Capture Evidence for Accidents Involving Motor Vehicles and Bicycles

Orwell's 1984 has come and gone, but capturing everything and anything on video is here to stay. Small wearable video cameras are being used to capture the evidence needed to track down hit and run motorists. 

Rochester, NY  June 28, 2012 

Now that cycling season is in full swing, more and more serious riders are looking for a small, lite weight video camera to capture events that might occur during their rides. The ActionCam meets that need. PED Products intends to make it even more affordable as they announce a 20% price reduction on the ActionCam for the remainder of the summer.

Small Sport Action Video Cameras are finding their way into all parts of our lives and society. The upside of these small versatile cameras was documented this past April, when a cyclist was riding with a friend in the streets of Berkeley, California and was struck by a car and the driver fled the scene. The video from the friend's bike was reviewed and analyzed and they were able to make out a license plate number and track down the motorist.

These very small cameras, like the ActionCam, which is not much larger than the size of a cigarette lighter, are capable of capturing HD quality video and audio. All this in a self-contained package, and cost around $120 ready to use. Based on the video mentioned above and the damage that was done to a bike that could cost in the $5-10K range, cameras like the ActionCam can be "Priceless". The ActionCam also has a user configurable setting, which allows the video to be set up in "loop" recording mode. In this mode, when the memory becomes full with video, it will start to overwrite previous recorded video. Based on the size of the memory card used, i.e. 4g = approx. 1:10 minutes of video, the user would always have the last 1:10 minutes of video saved. The ActionCam can also be externally powered via Extender Battery etc. A generator package is also being developed for indefinite recording.
For more information on small Sport Cameras like the ActionCam, contact PED Products or visit their website

(PRWEB)

Legal News : U.S. and EU to harmonize air safety rules

A big step for the movement of goods across the "big pond": On 1 July 2012 shall enter an agreement between the European Union and the United States in force, in which they recognize their respective aviation security initiatives against each other. The European certification as an "Authorized Economic Operator" (AEO) and the U.S. Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism "(C-TPAT) then apply equally on both sides of the Atlantic.

Companies in the EU AEO - in Germany "AEO" (AEO) - are recognized, can look forward to benefits from the export to the U.S. market. In return, apply for C-TPAT certified members of the facilitation of imports into the EU.

The TNT Express GmbH is the German customs authorities since 2010 been recognized as an AEO. This will benefit all customers of the transport service of the perks that TNT Express enjoys a "reliable partner" in the international supply chain - faster customs clearance, priority in security checks, "leaner" records in the electronic pre-registration, etc.

The new agreement between the EU and the U.S. all these benefits are now automatically available for all companies that send by TNT Express to North America. Another positive effect is that the European and U.S. authorities hope to gain additional profit from a further security and exports, as the customs authorities can now concentrate on the actual risk areas.

Other non-EU countries such as Switzerland, Norway and Japan, the AEO certification have also been recognized each other, with China is currently negotiating a similar agreement.

( Source TNT Express DE )

Business news :Record football sales for Nike

Another figure that emerged from Nike’s results, published just after Italy defeated Germany in the second semi-final of the European championships, is a record turnover for Nike-branded football products in the fiscal year until the end of  May. It reached just over $2 billion, which was an increase of 14 percent in reported terms and 12 percent in constant currencies. Nike’s figure compares with the record sales of more than €1.6 billion predicted by Adidas for its football category this year.

( source : SGI Europe on Jun 29, 2012 through Ispo newsblog )

New concept : BelowFour Bike Case Concept

Case for my Bike Butt

There can never ever be too large an amount of inventions to work with the greatest of these – the bicycle. Today’s design is a very simple case that attaches to the pole underneath your seat. This design is called BelowFour and can contain any number of different things, coming in a variety of colors, too! Perfect for you hipsters and hipsters at heart, as well as the rest of the working world.
Not only is it stylish and perfect to carry in your hand as well as on your bike, it’s refrigerated too! That black bit you see wrapping around the middle is a strap holding the box together, and the bit you hold in your hand can be clipped and unclipped with ease so you don’t have to take your seat off each time you want to transfer the case. Lovely!

Designer: Ilya Fridman
( source : yankodesign.com)

Product and business news : Polartec Wins Top 100 R&D Award for Neoshell

Polartec, LLC, the developer, manufacturer and marketer of Polartec performance fabrics, has been selected by an independent judging panel and the editors of R&D Magazine as a winner of the 50th Annual R&D 100 Awards. The Awards recognize the 100 most technologically significant products introduced into the marketplace over the past year.
The R&D 100 Awards have long been a benchmark of excellence for industry sectors as diverse as telecommunications, high-energy physics, software, manufacturing, and biotechnology. Polartec NeoShell, the most breathable waterproof fabric on the market, has earned several industry awards and acclaim from journalists, professional athletes, and consumers alike.

"The development of Polartec NeoShell represented our largest investment in research and development ever when we brought it to market," says Allon Cohne, Polartec global director of marketing. "We've always believed that Polartec NeoShell will help change the way people think about waterproof fabric, and we're honored by this recognition."
Polartec NeoShell is available in outerwear and accessories from brands including 66º North, Alpinus, Eider, EMS, Flylow, Lafuma, Malachowski, Mammut, Marmot, Montura, NFM, Nonetheless, Rab, The North Face, Under Armour, Vaude, and Westcomb.

Business news: Sequential Brands Acquires DVS Brand

Sequential Brands Group, Inc. announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire all assets including the intellectual property of the DVS brand from DVS Shoe Company, Inc. for approximately $8.55 million in cash. The purchase price will be less than the total guaranteed royalties that Sequential Brands has secured. The company intends to dispose certain non-core assets which will further reduce the purchase price. This acquisition will mark the company's first entry into the action sports consumer sector.

As reported, Sequential Brands Group, Inc., the parent of William Rast and People’s Liberation brands, put in the highest bid at the bankruptcy court action for DVS, the action sports footwear company. The bid reportedly beat out a competing offer from La Jolla Group.

DVS is a leading international brand in the action sports industry with significant brand recognition, and is best known for its great style, technical features and the input of some of the best action sports athletes in the world. The company has secured a world-class partner and licensee in Elan Polo International to manage the core footwear business and continue its current distribution strategies.

"DVS is a powerful brand and has tremendous potential to find new heights in the action sport genre," states Joe Russell, Chairman of Elan Polo International. "We are committed to maintaining the brand's direction and leadership while strengthening the operational systems necessary in building a global brand." Sequential has also licensed the apparel category to RSA & Associates. Both licensees plan to maintain the existing distribution and to base the primary operations in Orange County.

The DVS brand will extend Sequential Brands’ licensing platform into the footwear category, and additional product categories are currently in negotiation under the brand. DVS-branded products are sold worldwide at specialty actions sports retailers.

"This is the first of many acquisitions for Sequential," commented William Sweedler, Co-Founder of Tengram Capital Partners and Chairman of Sequential Brands Group. "With the addition of the DVS brand, we enter a new consumer sector that diversifies our business model and strengthens our Company." Colin Dyne, CEO of Sequential, added, "We believe that the newly converted licensing platform will be leveraged across numerous consumer sectors and industries, and this acquisition reinforces our plan."

The company plan to close on this transaction later this week. The deal team that represented Sequential during the acquisition was led by Tengram Capital Partners. Matthew Eby, Co-Founder of Tengram, stated, "We are very excited about the future prospects for the growth of Sequential. Tengram looks forward to continuing to contribute to the growth of our intellectual property licensing platform."

Sequential Brands Group, Inc. owns, promotes, markets, and licenses a portfolio of consumer brands that presently include William Rast® and People's Liberation®. The Company ensures that its brands continue to thrive and grow by employing strong brand management, design, and marketing teams. The Company has licensed and intends to license its brands in a variety of categories to retailers, wholesalers and distributors in the United States and in certain international territories.

Tengram Capital Partners, LLC is a private equity firm that focuses exclusively on leading middle-market consumer and retail companies that own strong recognizable brands. The team has a diverse background of consumer investing and operating expertise that assists and guides company management to unlock the true potential of their brand. Tengram invests or acquires both public and private consumer companies. Previous and current investments for Tengram and its predecessor fund, Windsong Brands, LLC include Sequential Brands Group, Robert Graham, Ellen Tracy, Joe Boxer, Joe’s Jeans, Sharper Image, Field & Stream, Carlos Falchi, Caribbean Joe, Design Within Reach, and Cloudveil.

(SportsOneSource Media)

Related previous posts:
- Bankrupt DVS Shoe preparing auction

Business news: Widening loss for Umbro and Cole Haan

While discussing its quarterly performance, the Nike group pointed to the contrasted performances of Cole Haan and Umbro, the two brands that it wants to divest. They jointly reached sales of $797 million for the fiscal year until the end of May, which was an increase of 7 percent, with $535 million generated by Cole Haan and $262 million by Umbro. However, the two brands jointly suffered a loss of $43 million before interest and tax, compared with a loss of $18 million for the previous fiscal year.

(by SGI Europe on Jun 29, 2012 • 09:36 through ispo newsblog)

Related  previous posts:  
-Nike Starts Umbro/Cole Haan Sales Process  
-British Media Report Sports Direct Interested in Umbro Bid  
-NIKE, Inc. to Divest of Cole Haan and Umbro to Focus on Accelerating Growth 

Business news: Nike's Net Slips Despite Double-Digit Top-Line Gains

Nike Inc. revenues rose 12 percent in the fourth quarter ended May 31, or 14 percent on a currency neutral basis, to $6.5 billion, the largest revenue quarter in Nike, Inc.'s history. Growth was seen across every Nike Brand geography, key category and product type as well as across all Other Businesses. However, diluted EPS for the quarter was down 6 percent as a result of a lower gross margin, higher SG&A spending, an increase in the effective tax rate and a charge related to restructuring Nike Brand Western Europe's operations to better realign resources against growth opportunities and drive efficiencies.

Key statistics include:
 Fourth quarter diluted earnings per share down 6 percent to $1.17 a share;
 Fiscal 2012 revenues of $24.1 billion, up 16 percent, up 14 percent excluding currency changes
 Fiscal year diluted earnings per share up 8 percent to $4.73
 Nike Brand futures orders up 7 percent, up 12 percent excluding currency changes
 Inventories as of May 31, 2012 were up 23 percent versus the prior year

For the quarter, EPS fell short of Wall Street analysts calling for the company to earn $1.37 a share on revenue growth of 12.9 percent to $6.51 billion.

Revenues for fiscal 2012 were up 16 percent, or 14 percent excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency, to $24.1 billion. Diluted EPS for the year increased 8 percent to $4.73 as a result of strong revenue growth, leverage of SG&A, and a lower average share count, which more than offset the impact of a lower gross margin and higher effective tax rate.

"Fiscal year 2012 demonstrated Nike, Inc.'s greatest strength -- innovation. We delivered an amazing number of game-changing products and services that drove record revenue growth," said Mark Parker, president and CEO, Nike, Inc. "We also delivered solid profit growth for the year despite some headwinds in a challenging global economy, which will continue into the next year. That said, Nike is well positioned and will remain aggressive, flexible and laser-focused on the high-growth opportunities. That's how we continue to deliver long-term profitable growth for our shareholders."*

As part of its long term growth strategy, the company continually evaluates its existing portfolio of businesses to ensure it is investing in those businesses with the largest growth potential and highest returns. On May 31, the company announced its intention to divest the Cole Haan and Umbro businesses, which will allow it to focus its resources on driving growth in the NIKE, Jordan, Converse and Hurley brands. For fiscal 2012, Cole Haan and Umbro together contributed $797 million in revenues and a combined loss before interest and taxes of $43 million. This compares to fiscal 2011 combined revenues of $745 million and a loss before interest and taxes of $18 million.

Fourth Quarter Income Statement Review

Revenues for Nike, Inc. increased 12 percent to $6.5 billion, or up 14 percent on a currency neutral basis. Excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency, Nike Brand revenues rose 14 percent driven by growth in all geographies, key categories and product types. Revenues for Other Businesses grew 16 percent, with no significant impact from changes in currency exchange rates, as all businesses increased revenues during the quarter.

Gross margin declined 150 basis points to 42.8 percent due primarily to higher product costs, increased investments in our digital business and an unanticipated customs assessment in an Emerging Markets territory related to imports that occurred during four previous fiscal years. These factors more than offset the positive effects of price increases, lower air freight due to improved factory deliveries, as well as ongoing product cost reduction initiatives.

Selling and administrative expenses grew at the same rate as revenue, up 12 percent to $2 billion. Demand creation expenses increased 23 percent to $760 million driven by marketing support for key product launches, the European Football Championships and the Summer Olympics. Operating overhead expenses increased 6 percent to $1.2 billion due to additional investments in our Direct to Consumer and wholesale businesses.

Other expense, net was $38 million, primarily comprised of a $24 million charge related to Nike Brand's Western Europe restructuring. The remaining $14 million was primarily comprised of foreign currency exchange losses. For the quarter, we estimate the year-over-year change in foreign currency related losses included in other expense, net combined with the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on the translation of foreign currency-denominated profits decreased pretax income by approximately $16 million.

The effective tax rate was 26.1 percent compared to 23.2 percent for the same period last year primarily due to year-on-year changes in tax reserves, partially offset by a reduction in the effective tax rate on operations outside the United States.

Net Income decreased 8 percent to $549 million and Diluted earnings per share decreased 6 percent to $1.17, reflecting a 2 percent decline in the number of weighted average diluted common shares outstanding.

Fiscal 2012 Income Statement Review

Revenues for Nike, Inc. were up 16 percent to $24.1 billion, up 14 percent on a currency neutral basis. -- Nike Brand revenues rose 15 percent excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency, driven by growth in all geographies, key categories and product types. NIKE Brand wholesale revenues increased to $17.4 billion, 14 percent higher than the same period last year on a currency neutral basis. NIKE Brand Direct to Consumer revenues grew 21 percent to $3.5 billion due to 13 percent growth in same store sales and new door expansion. As of May 31, 2012 the NIKE Brand had 557 stores in operation as compared to 487 a year ago.

Revenues for Other Businesses grew 11 percent with no significant impact from changes in currency exchange rates, driven by growth across most businesses.

Gross margin declined 220 basis points to 43.4 percent, primarily driven by higher product costs, as well as investments in our digital business, an unanticipated customs assessment in an Emerging Markets territory related to imports that occurred during four previous fiscal years, and higher discounts on close-out sales. These factors more than offset the positive effects of price increases, lower air freight costs, growing sales in our Direct to Consumer operations and ongoing product cost reduction initiatives.

Selling and administrative expenses grew at a slower rate than revenue, up 11 percent to $7.4 billion. Demand creation expenses were up 11 percent to $2.7 billion due to an increase in sports marketing expense, marketing support for key product initiatives, investments in retail product presentation for wholesale accounts and marketing support for the European Football Championships and Summer Olympics. Operating overhead expenses increased 11 percent to $4.7 billion due to additional investments made in our wholesale and Direct to Consumer businesses.

Other expense, net was $54 million for the fiscal year, primarily comprised of net foreign currency exchange losses and a $24 million charge related to NIKE Brand's Western Europe restructuring, partially offset by certain non-operating items. For the year, we estimate the year-over-year change in currency related gains and losses included in other expense, net, combined with the impact of changes in currency exchange rates on the translation of foreign currency-denominated profits, did not have a significant impact on pretax income.

The effective tax rate was 25.5 percent compared to 25 percent for the same period last year. The increase was due to changes in tax reserves, partially offset by a reduction in the effective tax rate on operations outside of the United States.

Net Income increased 4 percent to $2.2 billion and Diluted earnings per share increased 8 percent to $4.73, reflecting higher net income and a 3 percent decline in the number of weighted average diluted common shares outstanding.

May 31, 2012 Balance Sheet Review

Inventories for Nike, Inc. were $3.4 billion, up 23 percent from May 31, 2011. Nike Brand inventories increased 19 percent; 17 percentage points of growth were due to higher product cost per unit, as input cost inflation and a higher proportion of Footwear versus Apparel more than offset the favorable impact of changes in currency exchange rates. NIKE Brand unit inventories grew 10 percent.

Cash and short-term investments at period-end were $3.8 billion, $781 million lower than last year due to higher working capital investments, long-term debt repayments and dividend payments compared to the prior year.

Share Repurchases

During the fourth quarter, Nike, Inc. repurchased a total of 2.3 million shares for approximately $245 million as part of its four-year, $5 billion share repurchase program, approved by the Board of Directors in September 2008. As of the end of the fourth quarter, the company has purchased a total of 50.3 million shares for approximately $4.1 billion under this program.

(SportsOneSource Media)

Related previous posts: 
NIKE, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2012 Earnings and Conference Call  

New product :Nike+ Running App for Android Allows Runners to Track, Share and Compare their Runs

The world’s largest running club introduces the redesigned Nike+ Running App for iPhone, Nike+ Running App for Android, Facebook friend tagging and more.

Nike+ Running is evolving to empower more runners than ever before to track, measure, compare and share their runs across the globe. The new Nike+ Running experience motivates runners with insightful and inspirational new features, and broadened access to the NIKE+ community, which has grown to approximately 7 million members since its launch in 2006.

Runners globally now can enjoy access through the redesigned Nike+ Running App for iPhone, brand new Nike+ Running App for Android, faster performance and smarter motivational features through the reengineered nikeplus.com, and enhanced social sharing through Facebook Friend tagging – all within the evolving ecosystem of Nike+ Running products.

“The Nike+ Running experience is one of the most personalized and motivational ways we serve the runner,” said Jayme Martin, Vice President, Global Category Running. “We’re introducing a new chapter that will take the running experience to a new level in terms of connectivity, community, social sharing and data-driven insights.”


Mobile Expansion 

The culmination of the Nike+ Running evolution is the launch of the redesigned Nike+ Running App (formerly called the Nike+ GPS App). In addition to major upgrades to the version for iPhone, Nike has released the Nike+ Running App for Android. Both apps are free and allow runners to track, share and compare their runs – all within a seamless, intuitive user experience.

“The expansion of NIKE+ onto multiple mobile platforms will allow us to serve more runners than ever before. This opportunity will give even more athletes the chance to experience NIKE+, which makes this an incredibly exciting time for the Running community,” said Stefan Olander, Vice President, Digital Sport.

The Nike+ Running App features a smooth new user interface – tailored and optimized for each operating system – that hosts a number of new features for runners. The in-run navigation is seamless and simple, allowing runners to easily check key run stats, see their in-progress GPS map, change songs or get audio feedback without missing a stride.

The key focus in both apps’ designs is motivating runners. A new “Next Moves” feature on the home screen allows runners to easily flip through suggested challenges: for example, to run their fastest 5k or go their farthest distance. In the iOS version, the "Next Moves" feature shows how your last run stacked up against your average and other recommendations for your next run. In addition, a dynamic goal progress bar helps runners stay motivated and tracking on goals they’ve set up through their nikeplus.com profile.

The apps make social sharing more fun with added run summary features. Now runners can choose from a wider variety of terrains and emotions, as well as tag which shoe they ran in to track shoe total mileage.  Runners no longer have to input weather if they want to record it – the app automatically knows the weather based on GPS location.

The Nike+ Running App for iPhone is available for free from the App Store on iPhone or at www.itunes.com/appstore. The Nike+ Running App for Android is available for free beginning today on Google Play.

Enhanced Social Sharing

Nike and Facebook have partnered to make sharing runs to Facebook easier and more fun with a dynamic and social integration from the Nike+ Running App. By posting Nike+ Running App runs to Facebook, runners will see their total distance logged, which cities they’ve run in, and a map of their longest run. The app is one of the first to use friend tagging so runners can see their most frequent running buddies and who has cheered them on.

For the first time, runners can tag their Facebook Friends to runs via the Nike+ Running App. The route will then be shared to their Timeline – making it even easier to get the word out on a great run.

The new experience makes it easier and more fun to post runs to Twitter and, exclusively in the iOS version, to Path. With Path, runners now have the option to share running routes and duration with the app’s easy to use “Share This Run” feature.

Nikeplus.com Reinvented

The Nike+ Running Apps link seamlessly into nikeplus.com. Nike rebuilt the site from the ground up in HTML5 for a better infrastructure, faster performance and smarter capabilities. The homepage features a new dashboard designed to give runners their key stats and activity summary at a glance.  From there, runners can access any of the enhanced features including:

    NikeFuel: Runners now earn NikeFuel points for their runs, which means they’re able to compare their activity level across the entire NIKE+ community.
    Enhanced Social Sharing: Runners can share their runs, goals, achievements and maps with a single click.
    Goals: Now front and center on the dashboard, easier and more personalized to keep runners on track and motivated.
    Next Moves: A personalized content engine that serves up training tips, helps with goal setting and suggests activities based on runners’ data.
    Nike+ Places: The revamped Nike+ Maps now offers enhanced social sharing and easier ways to find runs in runners’ cities – in addition to the heat maps, Nike+ Top Route leaderboards and ability to draw and create maps that runners have enjoyed.
    Levels: Added milestones within levels, and an elite level of Volt for 15,000+ kilometer runners.

Beyond just running, the new NIKE+ profile is an all-inclusive, permanent home for all NIKE+ records, recent activity, and milestones – for any NIKE+ sport or device.

NIKE+ Ecosystem

Initially launched for Running in 2006, NIKE+ has expanded into a multi-sport ecosystem that includes Nike+ Basketball, Nike+ Training and the recently launched Nike+ Kinect Training. Athletes of every level can find a variety of devices including a new range of colors in the Nike+ SportWatch GPS Powered by TomTom, and the Nike+ FuelBand, Nike+ Sportband, Nike+ Running Apps and iPod nano with NIKE+. Multi-sport users can visit the single-destination nikeplus.com to access all their data – including lifetime NikeFuel points accumulated from all NIKE+ devices – creating a globally connected community of sport.

News web : MotorcycleIndustryJobs.com Launches New Site

CARLSBAD, CA – June 28, 2012

 MotorcycleIndustryJobs.com is proud to launch a superior job board and upgraded website. Already the leader in the field, the new site incorporates state-of-the-art computer software to cater specifically to the powersports industry. More features, enhanced listings and direct links to social media channels are just some of the upgrades.
“We are confident that employers and job seekers alike will love the increased resume exposure, time-saving features and the updated look of the site,” says MIJ founder, Alex Baylon. “In addition to the facelift, employers and job seekers will enjoy some great new features.” According to Baylon, the job seeker accounts have had the biggest upgrades.

Foremost among these upgrades is the ability to build resumes online by filling out a simple web form. Add photos, upload videos and attach files… all with a click. Job seekers can also upload their resume straight from LinkedIn, as well as now having the ability to control who can view his or her resume.
Further enhancing the experience are the instant job notifications via e-mail immediately when a job is posted that matches the desired category and location. The “Priority Resume” feature places a job seekers’ resume above all others. However, the upgrades are not limited to job applicants.
Employers can now enjoy several new features, including:
Resume alerts: The MIJ system will alert employers anytime new resumes matching the employer’s criteria are entered into the system.
Screening Questionnaires: Employers now have the ability to create questionnaires that require a passing score before a job seekers can apply for their position, pre-screening any non-qualified applicants.
Employer Sub-Accounts: Employers with multiple dealerships can now create accounts for all of their locations.

“We encourage everyone from the powersports industry to create a free account and upload their resume to MotorcycleIndustryJobs.com,” says Baylon. “MIJ helps create opportunities for everyone… Even if you are currently not looking for a new career, a new career could be looking for you!”
MotorcycleIndustryJobs.com is the #1 job board serving the powersports industry. MotorcycleIndustryJobs.com has proven to be the premiere service for connecting the best companies with the most qualified job seekers for the past five years. Visit www.MotorcycleIndustryJobs.com  to see first-hand how MIJ can benefit you or your organization!

(Motor Sports Newswire) 

New Product :New 17” Pirelli Diablo Superbike Tires First Test at Aragon with the Superbike World Championship Riders

ARAGON, SPAIN – June 27, 2012  – Pirelli confirms the test day for Monday 2 July at the Aragòn circuit when all Superbike World Championship riders and their respective teams will be able to try for the first time the development solutions in the Diablo Superbike tires (currently produced in 16.5”) in the 17-inch size – the size that the Superbike World Championship will run on starting next year.

The day’s program has the riders try the 16.5” tires for a few laps, the same tire that they have available during the racing weekend, before moving on to the17″ tires of which Pirelli will take 4 front-wheel and 4 rear-wheel solutions. However, precisely not to falsify the test results and to prevent the riders from focusing on the difference between the two sizes, both the 16.5” tires and the 17” solutions will have the same compound, SC1. In this way, given the same compound, the riders will be able to correctly assess the differences between the tires they are currently using in races and those that they will use from the next season.
The radical decision to move to 17-inch tires was promoted and strongly desired by Pirelli and immediately accepted enthusiastically both by Infront and by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (the International Motorcycling Federation). Pirelli has already proposed solutions that have since been widely appreciated not only in the racing field but also in normal production and above all in the last three years has very much accelerated development to respond to the technical needs of users and of the new increasingly powerful bikes. In 1999, for example, Pirelli was the first tire manufacturer to introduce the 190/55 – R17 size in competitions and for about 5 years this size was adopted also in normal production for mounting on very powerful superbikes, in 2010 a new high-modulus carcass (a Pirelli Patent) was introduced and the compounds were improved and in 2011 the new 200/60 – R17 size was introduced.
Today, in various national championships (French, German, Australian, Canadian, etc.) 17” tires are already used for reasons of savings linked above all to the use of normal production wheels and Pirelli believes that this is the right moment to introduce it to the Superbike field because the motorcycle manufacturers and the market are ready for the change, some superbikes on sale already use larger tires and the market is ready to use high-performing 17” tires.
The 16.5″ tires, currently used in the World Superbike Championship and also in endurance, BSB and CIV, were the reference size up until now. In fact, until 2004, the World Superbike Championship did not have a sole tire supplier and Pirelli adapted to the sizes which the other suppliers provided. Now, to remain faithful both to the basic Superbike philosophy which envisages that whatever is proposed for racing can also be sold on the market, and to its own philosophy, that is to bring sporting competitions and solutions developed in the racing field closer to the daily lives of all motorcyclists, Pirelli has decided to replace the current 16.5” tires with the 17” tires which have already won many national Superbike Championships.

Thanks to this decision, even more than before, Pirelli will be able to make available to every motorcyclist, road products with technology and development closely derived from the most important World Championship for production bikes, where Pirelli is the sole supplier. The World Superbike Championship will be a precious training and testing ground which will allow Pirelli to study and better develop 17″ tires which are more and more in demand, thereby remaining faithful to its motto “We sell what we race, we race what we sell”and continuing to provide bikers with extremely high quality products, developed and fine-tuned with the assistance of the great Superbike champions.
Pirelli Tire North America designs, develops, manufactures and markets tires for passenger vehicles in both the original equipment and replacement markets as well as markets and distributes tires for motorcycles and motorsports. Located in Rome, Georgia, Pirelli’s Modular Integrated Robotized System (MIRS) employs state-of-the-art technology to manufacture tires for both export and domestic markets.  For more information please visit www.us.pirelli.com.

 (Motor Sports Newswire)

Business news : Polaris Schedules Second Quarter Earnings Release and Conference Call

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – June 27, 2012

Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) announced today that it will release its second quarter 2012 financial results on Tuesday, July 24, 2012, and will hold a conference call and webcast at 9:00 am Central Time on the same day to discuss the release.

The call will be hosted by Scott Wine, CEO, Bennett Morgan, President and COO and Mike Malone, Vice President Finance and CFO.

A slide presentation and link to the webcast will be posted on the Polaris Investor Relations web site at www.polarisindustries.com/irhome. To listen to the conference call by phone, dial 877-706-7543 in the U.S. and Canada, or 973-200-3967 Internationally. The Conference ID is #65257762.

A replay of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the call for a one-week period by accessing the same link on our website, or by dialing 855-859-2056 in the U.S. and Canada, or 404-537-3406 Internationally.

About Polaris
Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2011 sales of $2.7 billion. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER® side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles and on-road electric/hybrid powered vehicles.

Polaris is among the global sales leaders for both snowmobiles and off-road vehicles and has established a presence in the heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle market with the Victory and Indian motorcycle brands. Additionally, Polaris continues to invest in the global on-road small electric/hybrid vehicle industry with Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) and Goupil Industrie SA, and internally developed vehicles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Pure Polaris apparel, accessories and parts, available at Polaris dealerships.

Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PII”, and the Company is included in the S&P Mid-Cap 400 stock price index.

Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicles accessories are available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime at www.polarisindustries.com.

Source: Polaris Industries Inc.

Polaris Industries Inc.
Richard Edwards, 763-513-3477

New Product : Rokbed v3 Golf Shooter

Rokbed v3 Golf Shooter

The Rokform® Golf Shooter™ gives pros and amateurs alike the ability to view their golf swings without expensive equipment, the Golf Shooter for the iPhone 4/4s lets you instantly mount your iPhone 4/4s for steady swing recordings on and off the course. The Golf Shooter simply sticks into the turf while the iPhone is securely mounted using the award winning Rokbed™ v3 protective iPhone 4/4s case that is included. “I use the Rokform Golf Shooter as part of my regular teaching program and my students can use it out on the course. I can see what is going on with their swings in real world settings. As a golf game improvement tool, I have not found anything better, or easier to use in my 20 years of teaching.” -Bob Townsend of San Diego Golf Institute.

The Rokform Golf Shooter not only eliminates the need for a second person it allows the player to get a precise, consistent, down the line view of their swing. With all the free and or low cost golf swing Aps available you can have what used to cost thousands of dollars in your bag at all times for under $130!

Kit Includes:

• Rokbed v3 Protective iPhone 4/4S case

• Machined from Billet 6061 T-6 aluminum mount

• Golf Shooter shaft

• Golf Shooter soft cover

• Designed, engineered and made in the USA

Business news :Ducati President Announces Record Sales Figures

MISANO ADRIATICO, ITALY – June  2012

During a press conference held at the World Ducati Week 2012, the President of Ducati Motor Holding, Gabriele Del Torchio, has highlighted Ducati’s constant growth and record-breaking sales (+12%) and revenues (+20% YTD) achieved by Ducati in May 2012.
Ducati’s massive gathering of passionate fans and owners from all over the world – World Ducati Week,  running from 21-24 June at the Misano World Circuit in Misano Adriatico – provided Gabriele Del Torchio anideal platform from which to deliver the latest figures from Ducati’sinternational market and the excellent sales results that the Bologna-based premium motorcycle manufacturer achieved during the opening months of 2012. Despite a difficult market and a slowing global economy, Ducati continues to grow and improve in terms of market share, output volumes and sales, clearly highlighting the security of a company that is now well structured, strategically organised and ready to move into the future with a change of ownership.

“This is my third WDW and a key moment for everyone who works at Ducati,” said Mr. Del Torchio at the Press Conference. “Throughthis event, we have the opportunity to share our passion and pride in beingpart of a prestigious, long-standing brand such as Ducati with the thousands of Ducatisti who have ridden to the Riviera Romagnola from all over the world. We are on the brink of a new era, one that the company begins inthe knowledge that all the goals set together with Investindustrial have been achieved brilliantly.

“Since 2006 we have doubled our market share and sales and there has also been a net improvement in our financial position. Today, Ducati isa rock-solid company that has aroused the interest of Europe’s largest car maker with whom we’re now ready to begin a new and equally exciting adventure.

“The hard work done by everyone at Ducati has paid off and the results confirm the soundness of the strategies implemented from 2006-2011.Thanks to policies focussed on product development, ever-higher investment levels, careful marketing aimed at making the Ducati brand ever-more admired and respected worldwide and the development of emerging markets, Ducati sawrevenues grow from €305 million in 2006 to €480 million in 2011 while EBITDA rose from €27 million in 2006 to €94 million in 2011. The number of employees has also increased, from 1043 in 2006 to 1193, the number working at Ducati today.

“Over these years we have developed the most exciting and innovative product range in our long history, launching no less than 17 newmodels. These include the Multistrada 1200 in 2010, the Diavel in 2011 and the most recent, the 1199 Panigale. These successes contributed enormously to the increase in sales, which rose significantly from 35,300 bikes in 2006 to 42,200 at the end of 2011.

“Despite the shrinking international market (over-500cc = -4% YTD) and after 2011 proved to be the best in Ducati’s history, we understandably felt optimistic going into 2012, which promises equally significant levels of satisfaction and achievement. In fact, during May 2012 we achieved an absolute record with motorcycle sales of over 6,500, a 12% growth compared to May 2011. In the US market, sales increased 48% and on Asian markets a staggering 238%. Positive signs have also been seen in Europe, where in France, for example, sales increased by 13%. Altogether, Ducati saw sales increase by 12% but, even more significantly, revenues increased by 20% (May YTD), highlighting both the increased volumes and theimproved product mix. These are achievements that we want to share with ourcommunity, with our public, with the Ducatisti who have come here to Misanofrom all over the world for the seventh edition of World Ducati Week.

“Sadly, we will all be aware of the devastation caused by the recent earthquake on the Po Valley plain north of Bologna and its impact interms of extensive material damage and loss of life. The people, institutions and businesses of Emilia are fighting back bravely, demonstrating admirable strength of spirit and social solidarity. Nevertheless, despite everyone’s best efforts, some slowing of outputwill be inevitable. Yet thanks also to results such as these, we can look to the future with the strength and optimism that are vital to achieving even greater growth.”

About Ducati:
Founded in 1926, Ducati has been producing sport-inspired motorcycles since 1946. Their motorcycles are characterised by “Desmodromic” performance engines, innovative design and avant-garde technology. Covering several market segments, Ducati’s range of motorcycles are divided into model families which include: Diavel, Hypermotard, Monster, Multistrada, Streetfighter and Superbike.

These authentic icons of “made in Italy” are sold in over 80 countries around the world, with concentration on the European, North-American and Asia Pacific markets. Ducati competes in both the World Superbike Championship and, with an official team, the World MotoGP Championship. In Superbike Ducati has won 17 Manufacturers’ titles and 14 Riders’ titles and in 2011 passed the historic milestone of 300 race victories. Ducati have participated in MotoGP since 2003, and took both the Manufacturers’ and Riders’ titles in 2007.

(Motor Sports Newswire)

New product : Recon Instruments, Active Networks Partner on Heads-up Display Goggles

Recon Instruments and Active Network, Inc. demonstrated a pair if ski goggles at the Google I/O tech conference Wednesday that enable skiers to see weather, wait times at lift lines, their speed and other data on a heads-up display (HUD). The goggles will be available this fall at more than 100 ski resorts.

Recon Instruments’ MOD Live HUD for ski goggles will be the first to run Active Network’s new RTP LiveView Android lifestyle app capable of delivering a highly differentiated experience where skiers and snowboarders can view direct-to-eye navigational information and personalized data within their goggles. The leading-edge, hands-free mobile technology represents a breakthrough application combining real-time content and adapted augmented reality technology in ski goggles—bringing immediacy and convenience to users right on the slopes.

Recon’s HUD Software Development Kit (SDK) integrates RTP LiveView technology adapted from two of Active Network’s proven mobile platforms—RTP LivePass and RTP REALX. The LivePass platform offers information about snow and weather conditions for ski runs, GPS mapping and live destination information including lift availability, along with personalized touches such as social media integration, photo galleries, and up-to-the-second personal statistics. In addition, RTP REALX was used to create REALSKI, the first augmented reality application designed to help guests navigate ski resorts. Currently available for over 100 North American ski resorts, Active Network’s patent-pending technology is being adapted to a new form factor to provide a unique navigation experience for users of MOD Live.

“Adapting Active’s proprietary software to this exciting new consumer platform underscores our commitment to delivering innovative and compelling solutions to our customers, while also exploring the outer limits of technology,” said Darko Dejanovic, chief product, technology and innovation officer at Active Network. “Working with leading-edge technology partners like Recon is part of our on-going strategy to continuously strive for the best and most promising applications that have the potential to significantly enhance how people participate in activities they are passionate about.”

“We are proud to be one of the 100 innovators selected to demonstrate our new Heads-up Display within the Google I/O Sandbox,” said Tyson Miller, director of online at Recon Instruments. “Recon is the first company in the world to bring a HUD to market successfully, and this collaboration with Active Network illustrates our continued innovation at the forefront of HUD technology. We believe skiers and riders will love these new apps and we look forward to non-snow sports enthusiasts being able to enjoy this technology soon.”

Recon Instruments’ MOD Live HUD for ski goggles with integrated RTP LiveView functionality is expected to be available in time for the ski season this fall. To experience these new goggles like you’re right there on the slopes, check out this demo video or get a hands-on demo at Recon Instruments’ display area within the Developers Sandbox at Google I/O, June 27-29, 2012 in San Francisco.

Serving over 50,000 global business customers and driving over 80 million transactions annually, Active Network help organizations get participants, manage their events and build communities online Active Network is headquartered in San Diego, California and has over 30 offices worldwide.

(SportsOneSource Media)

Business and retail news : Zeal Headquarters Grand Opening

On Wednesday, June 20, Zeal Optics opened the doors of its new headquarters and flagship store in downtown Boulder, Colorado for an exclusive party. Local and national media, athletes, and the entire Zeal sales team were on hand for the most recent step in Zeal’s evolution as a brand.

Since being acquired by Maui Jim in 2010, the brand has hired a new executive and sales team, overhauled its product line, and refocused on a younger, broader, and more action-sports focused demographic. The new store and offices offer a physical emblem of the brand’s message, as well as its focus on sustainability, community, and progression.
From the well laid out flagship store, to the offices in back, the design features high ceilings, locally-sourced beetle-kill pine wood, an open work space, and cohesive brand messaging throughout. “Offices should be inspirational,” says Director of Marketing Joe Prebich, and the Zeal team created the inspiration for the offices, helping design them from the ground up, adding personal elements to allow the staff to shape their environment.
“We really tried to bring in a local feel and provide good creative energy for our team,” says Director of Sales David Borbon. Chelsea Lawson who handles PR adds, “it’s really an incubator for telling our story.”

By Mike Lewis ( Transworld Business)

Business news: Under Armour Adds Two Directors

Under Armour, Inc. announced that Brenda Piper, chief marketing officer for the Animation, Young Adults & Kids Media Group of Turner Broadcasting System and Admiral Eric Olson, U.S. Navy (Retired), former head of the United States Special Operations Command, have joined the company's board of directors.

The appointments are effective July 1.

Brenda Piper is the chief marketing officer for the Animation, Young Adults & Kids Media Group of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., responsible for providing overall vision and leadership to all areas of marketing, on-air and trade creative services that support the cable television networks and the digital enterprises within this division of Turner. A veteran brand marketing and promotion executive, she previously served as Senior Vice President of Integrated Marketing and Promotions for Nickelodeon, MTVN Kids and Family Group, as Vice President of Consumer Marketing for VH1 and as Vice President of Affiliate Marketing, Entertainment Group for MTV Networks. Prior to joining MTV Networks, she held marketing management positions with ABC Radio Networks, Frito-Lay and Pepsi-Cola, both divisions of Pepsi-Co, and with Mobil Oil in its consumer retail and distribution businesses.

Admiral Olson is currently President and Managing Member of ETO Group, LLC, serving as an independent national security consultant. He retired from the United States Navy in 2011 as a full Admiral after 38 years of military service. He served in special operations units throughout his career and was awarded several decorations for leadership and valor including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal and the Silver Star. His career culminated as the head of the United States Special Operations Command, where he was responsible for the mission readiness of all Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps special operations forces.

"We are excited to have Brenda Piper and Admiral Olson joining our Board," said Kevin Plank, Under Armour's CEO and Chairman. "Brenda Piper is an impressive marketing executive who will bring significant marketing expertise and perspective to the UA Brand and our business," continued Mr. Plank. "Admiral Olson has a distinguished career of service to our country and has managed large and complex organizations within our armed services. His leadership and management experience will be a great asset to our business."

(SportsOneSource Media)

Web News : Skis.com Elevates Snowboarding Platform With Launch Of Snowboards.com

Bloomfield Hills, MI (June 2012) -- Skis.com, The Ultimate Online Ski Shop, continues its expansion as a pioneering force in the snowsports retail industry as it comes up on its eighth year in business. The company is proud to announce the re-launch of its snowboarding business sector under the Snowboards.com domain. The company’s former snowboarding-specific retail site, Snowboards.net, has re-emerged with an enhanced user experience under Snowboards.com, offering a content-rich and informed shopping experience for athletes of all ages and abilities. The new site, which is accessible independently as well as through Skis.com, is now live.
“We are thrilled to finally give our snowboarding business the attention it deserves with the launch of Snowboards.com,” said Founder Steven Kopitz. “With the support of our brand partners, we are now providing our customers with a superior shopping experience that helps to fully inform and educate snowboarders of all abilities before they come to a purchasing decision.”
Paralleling its sister site, Snowboards.com launches with the best selection, best experience and most replete resources. The site leads the snowboard retail industry in written and video content with its on-snow video reviews and “The Morning Shred” films which consist of unscripted conversations between the buyers and brand reps about featured product. Snowboards.com customers will now have access to more user-friendly search filters than any existing snowboard online retailer, allowing them to narrow down gear to find the perfect match. Kopitz has launched the new, specialized site alongside an authentic team that shares his expertise and fervor for the sport, allowing this collective passion to drive the business forward.
Kopitz, a brick and mortar pioneer, aims to democratize the snowsports shopping experience through the new site by providing a vast array of unbiased information that will help educate the snowboarding community, ultimately growing the sport on the whole. This principle is coupled with an unparalleled selection of featured brands, competitive pricing and customer service comparable to that of the founding family’s retail shops for a truly authentic shopping experience, regardless of one’s zip code.

About Skis.com
Skis.com, The Ultimate Online Ski Shop, was founded by Steven Kopitz in 2005 as a division of his leading sporting goods company Summit Sports. The site offers the best selection, experience and most replete resources in product education for the whole family, across every category of skiing. Skis.com is committed to providing an authentic and unbiased shopping experience for its customers, using rich content to inform and ultimately grow the sport of skiing. For more information, visit www.skis.com.

( Source:  Snowsports Industries America )

Business news : Bob Hall Joins MOUNT TEC Gloves Advisory Board

Reno, NV (June, 2012) -- Mount Tec Gloves is pleased to announce that Robert (Bob) E. Hall has joined their Advisory Board. Hall will be helping Mount Tec with sales and marketing strategies for North America.
Speaking from headquarters in Sweden, Mount Tec CEO, Trygve Marthinsen said, "Bob joins this team to help us transform how retailers do and source their accessories business. His exposure to many industries, combined with his true passion for the snow business, will create value for snow retailers and for Mount Tec."
Hall has served as CEO of several notable sports companies, including Salomon/North America, Allegra dba Vuarnet-France, Ride Snowboards and others. He has also served on several for profit boards, investing in several. Non-profit board service has included SnowSports Industries America ( SIA), American Ski Federation, OIA and others.
We welcome Bob back to the ski industry and look forward to be working with him.

(Source :Snowsports Industries America )

Business news :Adidas signs new credit facility

The Adidas Group has signed a revolving credit facility worth €500 million with a pool of banks, following an oversubscribed offer. The new five-year facility incorporates two options for a one-year extension which are to be excercised at the end of the first and the second year, respectively. With the new transaction, the group can keep itself flexible financially while securing more long-term and cost-effective financing.  As the company now has the financial muscle to reduce the size of its revolving credit, thanks to its strong cash flow generation, the new line is set to replace a bigger €2 billion credit facility, established in October 2005, that will expire at the end of this year.

by SGI Europe on Jun 27, 2012  (trough Ispo news blog) 

Business news: German competition authorities have an eye on sports brands

Der Spiegel, the German news magazine, reports that the country’s competition authorities are investigating the selective distribution policies of some sports brands that refuse to sell their products through generalist, discount-oriented retailers such as Amazon and eBay. Confirming that it has received complaints from certain retailers, the Bundeskartellamt has said that it has opened such an investigation against Asics, which wants to protect its image and its price levels. The German anti-trust body does not exclude that a similar procedure may be initiated against Adidas, which recently announced that will no longer supply those internet retailers. Reportedly, Nike is also planning to revise its policies toward these types of retailers.

by SGI Europe on Jun 27, 2012 • 17:00 ( through Ispo newsblog)

Sport events: Polar Bottle Named Official Bottle of USA Pro Cycling Challenge

 Posted by Kyle - June 2012 - Press Releases

Polar Bottle® and USA Pro Cycling Challenge have signed an agreement to make Polar Bottle®, which is manufactured in Colorado, the official water bottle of the race through 2013.  “We are thrilled to be on board with the USA Pro Cycling Challenge for the next two years,” said Judy Amabile, Polar Bottle’s President.  “It’s great to have world-class stage racing back in Colorado and last year’s race proved that our state is the perfect venue.  We’re extremely excited to help the event continue to grow.”

In its inaugural season, the USA Pro Cycling Challenge drew over 1 million spectators from around the world to the state of Colorado and contributed $83.5 million to the local economy.  More than 22% of spectators came from out of state and about 71% of those visitors came specifically for the race.  The race also received 25 hours of national television coverage and was televised in 161 countries and territories worldwide.  The Pro Challenge  expects similar numbers at a minimum for this year’s race (94% of polled attendees planned to return in 2012), which takes place August 20-26.

 Polar Bottle® has created a variety of custom bottles designed specifically for this year’s race.  The designs are inspired by each of the five Leader’s Jerseys – General Classification (overall leader), Best Young Rider, Best Sprinter, King of the Mountains, and Most Aggressive Rider – and a commemorative 2012 Stage Route bottle has also been created.  Polar Bottle will supplement its sponsorship with a presence at each stage of the race, including the penultimate Stage 6, which ends with an iconic climb up  Flagstaff Mountain in the company’s home town of Boulder.