Award :BioLogic PostPump 2.0 Wins Taiwan Excellence Award

Taipei, Taiwan – BioLogic, a specialist in urban cycling gear, today announced that its PostPump 2.0 Seatpost, a powerful, highcapacity floor pump integrated inside a seatpost, received a 2013 Taiwan Excellence Award.

“We’re very honored to received this award,” stated Kevin Chan, BioLogic product manager. “There are many stringent criteria needed to even submit for it and the fact that we were part of a very small number of bicycle-related companies to get one is a testament to the quality of the design and engineering of the product.”

The ergonomic design of the PostPump 2.0 Seatpost features a foot stand and use of the saddle as a handle so a user can stand comfortably while pumping up a tire, just like using a regular floor pump. With the pump integrated inside the seatpost, cyclists can be assured that their pump will always be ready when they need it.

The 2.0 design is new and improved with a precision-machined aluminum adapter that fits both Presta and Schrader valves. The PostPump 2.0 Seatpost was also awarded a prestigious Red Dot Design Award in 2012. The PostPump 2.0 is built for Tern bicycles and is available in silver or black. It has an MSRP of US$50/€50 and is available through BioLogic distributors worldwide as well as online.
The Taiwan Excellence Award is given to only products made in Taiwan that score highly in the areas of research and development, design, quality, and marketing. Over 1,200 entries were submitted for 2013, with 541 receiving awards.
BioLogic will be showing its full product lineup at the Taipei Cycle Show (March 20-23) in booth M1019a.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.thinkbiologic.com/products/postpump-20-seatpost
Download high-resolution photos here:
http://photos.ternbicycles.com/f589336548

About BioLogic
BioLogic designs and manufactures gear for cycling and urban mobility. BioLogic gear is distinguished by technical innovation and its most recent products transform an Apple iPhone into a powerful cycling computer. BioLogic is committed to sustainable systems, and donates at least 1% of net profits every year to various social and environmental causes.
http://www.thinkbiologic.com

Written By: Lauren Fallert
 

Meida Contact:
Lauren Fallert / Verde PR & Consulting / lfallert@verdepr.com

Business news :Piaggio Reports 2012 Sales Results

The Piaggio Group reported a 7.3% decrease in net sales and a 9.0% decrease in net profit for 2012, thanks in large part to a sharp decline in demand in Europe including an all-time low for motorcycle sales in Italy.

Piaggio reported net sales of 1.406 billion euros (US$1.842 billion) in 2012, down from 1.516 billion euros in 2011. Motorcycles and scooters accounted for net sales of 993.3 million euros  (US$1.301 billion), a 3.1% decrease from 1.025 billion euros reported for 2011. Overall net profit decreased to 42.1 million euros (US$55.2 million) on the year, down from 46.3 million euros.

The Italian company, which owns the brands Aprilia, Derbi, Gilera, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio and Vespa, sold 406,100 motorcycles and scooters in 2012, a 2.1% decrease from the reported sales of 415,000 units in 2011. Piaggio attributes much of the decline to the weak European market.
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By: Dennis Chung

Business news :Nike to Invest $50MM to Get Kids Active

Over the next five years, Nike, Inc. will invest $50 million in the U.S. to increase the physical activity of kids in schools and communities as well as target advocacy efforts to inspire kids and draw additional resources to the effort.  As part of this strategy and first step in the U.S., Nike, Inc. President & CEO Mark Parker joined First Lady Michelle Obama and U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan in Chicago to announce Nike’s commitment to get kids moving.

“Today’s announcement is part of Nike’s long-term commitment to help our nation’s youth lead more active and healthy lives,” said NIKE, Inc. President and CEO Mark Parker. “All kids deserve a chance to realize their full potential and we believe creating active schools will help kids do better in school and most importantly in life.”

Nike athletes Serena Williams, Bo Jackson, Allyson Felix, Gabby Douglas, Paul Rodriguez, Ashton Eaton, Colin Kaepernick and Sarah Reinertsen jumped, kicked, spun and danced with nearly 6,000 local Chicago school kids to help deliver the announcement.

The First Lady has championed physical activity since the 2010 launch of Let’s Move!, an initiative dedicated to improving child and family health. Let’s Move! Active Schools is a concept designed to align and leverage collective resources to significantly boost the quality and quantity of physical activity in America’s schools. This is collective partnership effort and includes organizations such as The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition; American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.

Part of Nike's commitment will focus on Let's Move! Active Schools – a collaboration to bring physical activity back to America’s schools. The program provides simple steps and tools to help schools create active environments to get students moving.

Let’s Move! Active Schools will provide free resources to teachers, parents and administrators to enable communities to incorporate physical activity experiences before, during and after the school day. There will also be opportunities for schools to apply for grants that support Active Schools efforts, which will be funded by Childhood Obesity 180, GenYouth and others. Schools can learn more and apply for grants at Let's Move Active Schools.

( Source SportsOneSource )

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Business news :Crested Butte takes leading role with uphill skiing policy

BOULDER, Colo.  – Uphill skiing – climbing uphill on specialized alpine-touring ski gear for both fitness and as a way to hone skills for backcountry skiing – is a growing trend at many North American ski areas. This month, Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Crested Butte, Colo., took a leading role by establishing a formal uphill-skiing program, paired with a demo center in partnership with SCARPA and Ski Trab, leading brands that build equipment for the growing sport.

The result is a comprehensive program that offers access to uphill skiing for both experienced skiers and people new to the sport, and also adds a new dimension to the recreational offerings for visitors to Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

Much the same way people hike or mountain bike up resort trails in the summer time for recreation and 
fitness, more and more people are climbing in winter to the summits of ski areas under their own power, followed by a ski descent, to stay in shape and simply experience the outdoors on skis in a more aerobic way. 

“Crested Butte is a pretty passionate community as far as uphill and backcountry skiing goes. So having both a formal uphill policy that allows a program to co-exist safely with downhill skiing, as well as availability of demo equipment, allows us to support this trend.  We are on the forefront of one of the growth spots in the ski industry while offering a new recreational amenity for resort guests,” said Ethan Mueller, Vice President and General Manager of Crested Butte Mountain Resort. 

According to Mueller, more than 75 people a day climb up an established route at Crested Butte, then ski down. So far this year, the resort has issued 662 individual Uphill Use passes.

The goal with the Crested Butte program was to establish the most forward-looking, comprehensive program for uphill skiing at a ski area in North America. The program establishes specific uphill routes for skiers and some where skiers can travel with dogs, provides access to SCARPA and Ski Trab rental gear so people who don’t own the equipment can try the sport, and also hosts events geared toward getting people to try the sport. Crested Butte is hosting skills clinics with Team Crested Butte, the locally based ski mountaineering/uphill ski racing team, along with group uphill outings with resort staff, such as Mueller. The demo center is located at the Elevation Station, which is in the Elevation Hotel at the base of the resort.

“There’s a groundswell to this trend, for sure, and uphill policies and passes are models of innovation among snowsports resorts,” said Kim Miller, CEO of SCARPA North America, which makes and distributes equipment for uphill and backcountry skiing. “Much the way bike parks and trails have been adopted by resorts in the last decade, uphill skiing helps diversify the recreational options for people at a ski area. Crested Butte’s approach to this made it a natural to work with the resort on a demo center to help more people experience the sport. They’re really on the leading edge of this.”

SCARPA North America, which makes specialized alpine-touring boots for uphill skiing, and also distributes Ski Trab, a European-based brand that makes lightweight skis for the sport, has seen sales of the kind of gear people use for this style of skiing double over the last two years, according to Miller.

At Crested Butte, an uphill pass costs $10 a day, $100 for the season, and $40 for the remainder of the current season, since approval of the Crested Butte program by the U.S. Forest Service in mid-February, while skiers who already have a downhill mountain pass may ski uphill for free.

Media Contacts
Erica Reiter, Crested Butte, ereiter@cbmr.com, 970-349-2205
Dave Simpson, Verde PR & Consulting/SCARPA, dave@verdepr.com, (970) 259-3555 x 2

About Crested Butte
Nestled in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Crested Butte is committed to preserving the pristine landscape and mountain lifestyle. With vibrant Victorian store fronts and expressive local characters, the small historic town remains true to its heritage and radiates an unparalleled welcoming and inviting spirit that celebrates a simpler life and time. Thanks to a widely diverse landscape, outdoor enthusiasts of all levels will find a new challenge with each visit. From world-class mountain biking, to legendary skiing and snowboarding, to a secluded fly-fishing experience, Crested Butte is one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets. For more information, visit www.skicb.com.

About SCARPA and SCARPA North America

Founded in 1938, SCARPA builds performance footwear for climbing, hiking, skiing, mountaineering, trail running and other outdoor pursuits from its headquarters in Asolo, Italy. SCARPA has been owned and operated by the Parisotto family since 1956. In 2005, SCARPA opened its North American headquarters in Boulder, Colorado., staffed and directed by veterans of the North American outdoor industry, to oversee sales, marketing and distribution in the U.S. and Canada. For more information about SCARPA footwear, visit www.scarpa.com.

Written By: Dave Simpson - Verde PR

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Award :SKORA Wins Awards at Outdoor Retailer and ISPO 2013

SKORA, Inc, the innovative maker of premium, lightweight performance running footwear is celebrating their successful trade show season by bringing home two awards, including Gear Junkie’s ‘Best in Show’ at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, and a coveted position as Finalist in the BRANDNEW Sportswear category at ISPO 2013.

Standing out from thousands of new products at ORWM 13 in Salt Lake City, the PHASE-X was chosen by established product maven at the Gear Junkie for it’s low-profile performance look, with ‘hidden’ 360º reflectivity that appears when headlights shine.

From a pool of over 350 brands competing for an ISPO BRANDNEW award, SKORA was selected by the distinguished jury as one of only six finalists in the popular Sportswear category. The coveted BRANDNEW award establishes the brand with ISPO audiences and creates further visibility to support their burgeoning European presence.

“These awards speak for themselves,” said David Sypniewski, Founder and CEO of SKORA. “Our hard work and uncompromising attention to detail in creating shoes that runners truly deserve is resonating with editors and retailers alike, creating tremendous acceleration for our brand.”

Links:
SKORA: http://www.skorarunning.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RunReal
Twitter: @skorarunning
SKORA on the Gear Junkie: http://gearjunkie.com/best-in-show-outdoor-retailer-winter-2013
SKORA on ISPO BRAND NEW: http://issuu.com/pascherheinz/docs/ispo_brandnew_magazine_2013/82

About SKORA: 
 Based in Portland, Oregon, SKORA builds premium, lightweight performance running footwear that encourages a more bio-mechanically correct, natural stride. The distinctive look and feel of SKORA footwear is based on the function and benefit of a minimalist design philosophy we call Run Real. For more information on SKORA visit www.skorarunning.com.

Media Contact:
Alli Noland / Terra PR / 307-733-8777 / allin@terrapublicrelations.com

Business news :Zoot Sports Aligns with Boulder Coaching

VISTA, Calif. (Feb., 2013) -- Zoot Sports, a global leader in endurance sports performance wear and footwear, signs on to a two-year partnership as the official apparel and running shoe sponsor for Boulder Coaching. The Colorado-based company works to develop individualized training programs with each client and serves as a resource for runners and triathletes offering the extensive knowledge of its coaches to help athletes reach a higher level of performance.

“Zoot Sports is excited to work with such an inspiring team of accomplished coaches,” said Molly Kline, marketing director, Zoot Sports. “Both organizations strive to support and help athletes perform at their highest level, which makes this partnership so ideal.”

Boulder Coaching Owner Simon Lessing, a five-time Triathlon World Champion and his business partner, Darren De Reuck, an Olympic running coach, relay their vast experience to help others train smarter and faster.

“The magnitude of this partnership exceeds shoes and apparel and resonates with support,” said Simon Lessing, owner, Boulder Coaching. “Zoot Sports is just as passionate about athletes as our group of coaches, which makes our work with them immensely rewarding.”

The first annual Boulder Coaching/Zoot Camp will take place June 13-15, 2013 concluding with the Boulder Sprint Tri on June 16th. For more information on Boulder Coaching and its staff of coaches, visit: www.bouldercoaching.com.

About Zoot Sports
Zoot Sports, a global leader in endurance sports, is 100% focused on providing the athlete with the ultimate in performance apparel, wetzoots, footwear and accessories. For over 25 years, we have been pioneering innovative product solutions that cover the athlete from start to finish and head to toe. Zoot continues to draw on its history in the sport and its athletes to deliver the most comprehensive, technologically advanced and complete multisport product line in the world. www.zootsports.com

Written By: Lisa Mullen, Verde PR & Consulting, lisa@verdepr.com, 970.259.3555

Business news :India Raises Import Duty on Motorcycles to 75%

The government of India has laid out its budget for 2013-2014, increasing the import duty for large motorcycles. The news will impact several major manufacturers hoping to gain a stake in the world’s second largest motorcycle market.

India has become the hotspot for manufacturers but one of the biggest obstacles they face is the duty India levies on luxury goods. Under the new budget, those fees are even higher. Motorcycles with engines 800cc and larger face a 75% duty, up from the previous rate of 60%. Cars face an even larger duty with the new budget increasing the rate to 100% from 75%. The increased levy will result in significantly increased prices for Indian consumers.

The government hopes the increased levies will entice manufacturers to assemble their products in India. The levy impacts products imported as Completely Built Units (CBU) but not products imported as Complete Knock-Down (CKD) kits for final assembly in India.

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By: Dennis Chung

Business news :Crocs Under Investigation by U.S. and Mexican Tax Authorities

 Crocs Inc. disclosed in its latest 10K filing that it is being investigated by federal authorities in the United States and Mexico for possibly underpaying taxes by as much as $36.3 million.

“We are currently subject to an audit by U.S. Customs & Border Protection (“CBP”) in respect of the period from 2006 to 2010,” reads the company’s filing.

“CBP has provided us with preliminary projections and a draft audit report that reflect unpaid duties totaling approximately $14.3 million during the period under review. We have responded that these projections are erroneous and provided arguments that demonstrate the amount due in connection with this matter is considerably less than the preliminary projection. CBP is currently reviewing this response.”

Crocs has filed comments and objections to the initial audit with CBP, which it expects will issue its final report (and notice of a formal claim) sometime in mid-2013. “It is not possible at this time to predict whether our arguments will be successful in eliminating or reducing the amount in dispute,” according to the company’s 10K. “Likewise, it is not possible to predict whether CBP may seek to assert a claim for penalties in addition to any loss of revenue claim.”

In Mexico, Crocs is currently subject to an audit by the Federal Tax Authority (“SAT”) for the period from January 2006 to July 2011. There are two phases to the audit, the first for capital equipment and finished goods and the second for raw materials. The first phase is complete and no major discrepancies were noted by the SAT. On Jan. 9, 2013, Crocs received a notice for the second phase in which the SAT proposed a tax assessment (taxes and penalties) of roughly 280 million pesos (approximately $22.0 million) based on the value of all of Crocs’ imported raw materials during the audit period.

“We believe that the proposed penalty amount is unfounded and without merit,” the company states in its filing. Crocs said that local counsel it retained to handle the matter will argue that the amount due, if any, is substantially less than that proposed by the SAT. It said it could take between two and three years to resolve the dispute in the Mexican courts.

( Source SportsOnSource )
 
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Retail news :Golfsmith ( US ) Opens Largest Golf Store in Oklahoma

Golfsmith International, the world’s largest golf retailer, has opened its first Oklahoma location. The new store in the Quail Springs area of Oklahoma City, OK is the largest golf store in the state, with an emphasis on a retail experience that encourages customers to try product before they buy in a hi-tech environment.

Golfsmith’s 33,000 square foot store is located at 2120 W. Memorial Road, in the former Ultimate Electronics location. Golfsmith will give away more than $7,500 in free prizes including a $1,000 shopping spree during the grand opening celebration on March 1, 2, and 3, 2013.

The new location makes it easy for golfers to try out the latest new clubs with four high-tech, computerized club fitting studios, and a huge five bay, indoor driving range right inside the store. It also features an expansive indoor putting green so golfers can work on their short game with the latest putters. The new store also features GolfTEC, a state-of-the-art in-store improvement center, with PGA teaching professionals and certified coaches to help golfers improve their game.

“Golfsmith is a golfer’s paradise. Whether you are a scratch golfer or someone looking to get into the game for the first time, we offer the best selection of the biggest brands in a truly unique environment”, said Golfsmith International’s President and CEO Sue Gove. “Today’s clubs can be overwhelming with hi-tech features like adjustable loft and shot shape options. Our store associates are experts in helping customers sort through the myriad of options to find exactly what they need to play better and enjoy this great game even more. In fact, we have trained our associates as “Adjustability Experts” for the kickoff of the season. Our people are the best and combine their passion for the game with their expertise to help all our customers find the right gear.”

In addition to clubs, balls, shoes, tees and other golf essentials from brands like Titleist, PING, Callaway, TaylorMade, Cobra, PUMA, Nike Golf, Mizuno and more, Golfsmith offers a wide selection of authentic golf apparel brands and fashions not found in a typical department or discount store. Golfers will also find the latest hi-tech accessories such as GPS units, swing analyzers and rangefinders. 

The new store is part of a continued growth strategy by Golfsmith that is bucking an industry trend of golf store closures. According to the National Golf Foundation,  almost half of all golf stores in America closed in the last decade. The Texas-based golf retailer will continue its expansion in 2013 with 10 planned stores throughout the U.S.
                          .        
Golfsmith’s Oklahoma City Grand Opening celebration occurs March 1, 2, and 3. More than $7,500 in freebies will be given away during the celebration. When the store opens at 8:00 AM on Friday, the first 200 people in line will receive a free two-pack of premium golf balls and all customers will have a chance to register to win a $1,000 shopping spree which will be given away at 9:15am. On Saturday, the first 100 customers will receive a goody bag valued at more than $100, including a round of golf at a local course. All weekend long, customers can participate in contests and register for a chance to win prizes such as drivers, iron sets, GPS units and rangefinders. GolfTEC will also be hosting a group clinic on Saturday.

( source SportsOneSource )

Organization news :Updated 2013 SIA Snow Sports Directory Now Available

Washington, DC (February 2013) -- SnowSports Industries America (SIA) has released the print and interactive PDF editions of the 2013 SIA Snow Sports Directory, with new sections listing business-to-business products and services, Canadian contact information for members with separate offices in Canada and social media URLs for Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

he SIA Snow Sports Directory is complemented by the Online Directory, the SIA Association App’s Member List and Business-to-Business Services listings of SIA’s supporting members. These directories all feed live from SIA’s membership database, reflect the directory updates throughout the year and are searchable by product type and company name.

“The Directory is your snow sports industry resource,” David Ingemie, SIA president. “It is vital for keeping all of the companies and brands in the industry connected.” 
Frequently called “the snow sports database,” the SIA Snow Sports Directory as been the most widely used industry resource for retailers, media, suppliers, resorts and industry groups for more than 50 years.

Produced annually by SIA, the Directory includes contact information for SIA members, manufacturers, wholesale distributors, service providers, raw material suppliers, retail and rep members and resorts as well as listings for North American resorts and industry non-profit organizations. The Directory sections based on brands, products and personnel make researching and cross-referencing a breeze.

Retailers use the Directory all year long for contact information and product references. Manufacturers use the Directory to find service and raw material suppliers, while media use it to track down leads and research product categories. The entire industry uses the SIA Directory to find phone numbers, email addresses and websites.

Obtain a copy of the SIA Snow Sports Directory by downloading the interactive PDF to a computer or requesting a hard copy by contacting SIAdirectory@snowsports.org.

Stay connected to all SIA news with the SIA Social Dashboard, with feeds from the SIA Facebook page, SIA’s Latest and @siasnowsports on Twitter.

- SIA -

SnowSports Industries America (SIA) is the national not-for-profit, North American member-owned, trade association representing suppliers and service providers of snow sports products with constituents in the retailer, rep and resort communities. Annually producing the SIA Snow Show, the largest snow sports industry trade show, on-snow demo and networking environment globally, SIA delivers invaluable data/research reports including the Snow Sports Market Intelligence Reports, SnowSports RetailTRAKTM and Executive Market Summary. SIA also produces the Supplier Show, Sourcing Snow, at the SIA Snow Show; learn more at siasnowshow.com/sourcing. SIA is dedicated to growing the industry through consumer initiatives and websites, snowlink.com and wintertrails.org, marketing resources, services and collaborative programs to increase participation and move product. For more information, visit snowsports.org. SnowSports Industries America, 8377-B Greensboro Drive, McLean, VA 22102-3587 (Washington, DC Area). Phone: 703-556-9020, Fax: 703-821-8276, Email: SIAmail@snowsports.org.

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