8 minute read
ADVOCACY NOW
Emphasis on Corporate Social Responsibility, Community Involvement Figures to Increase in Sporting Goods Industry
By Lizz McCrindle NSGA Marketing Coordinator
In recent years, there has been an increased focus and demand among consumers for companies to demonstrate and value corporate social responsibility (CSR). Whether it be environmental sustainability, revitalizing local communities, raising awareness about medical conditions such as cancer and autism, recognizing local teams and organizations for their successes or simply encouraging employees to take time away from work to give back to their communities, the public has come to expect the businesses they choose to engage in some form of CSR. The benefits of promoting CSR are not simply for optics. As demonstrated by the National Hockey League, it is possible to “walk the walk” and “talk the talk.” The NHL has taken a stance on environmental sustainably and the impact of climate change. However, the NHL has also expanded that effort to impact the local level, by helping small ice rinks move forward with environmentally friendly alternatives and guiding them in the process of using what the NHL has learned on the matter to make informed decisions. Customers have demonstrated they are willing to pay a premium or change past purchase behaviors to consume goods that are sustainable or that are supporting causes important to them.
Additionally, potential employees place value on working for businesses that place an emphasis on CSR. In recent years, this has become a differentiator for businesses landing top level talent. Here is a look at a few examples of NSGA members in the sports industry who are involved in CSR and community involvement.
REI For five years in a row, REI has closed all its stores and has not processed any online payments on Black Friday. Instead, the company has encouraged all of its 13,000 employees to #optoutside with friends and family. However, this year under the leadership of new president & CEO Eric Artz, and with the increasing urgency for our global environmental crisis, REI asked its 13,000 employees and 18 million members to join the fight for life outdoors—and life on this planet. Employees and members were asked to “opt to act”—joining a nationwide cleanup effort this November to leave the outdoors better than they found it. REI also asked employees and members to sign up for an employee-sourced, 52-week action plan to take small steps throughout the year to reduce their environmental footprint. REI recently announced it will be expanding its rentals and used gear business. This serves two purposes, to give customers an alternative
to owning expensive equipment and also to lower the environmental footprint by maximizing the number of times an item can be used. For years, REI has been working toward a goal of operating with zerowaste by 2020. Although it has made significant progress, it does not appear they will be able to reach that goal. However, REI is now working toward a revised goal of operating as zero-waste — diverting 90% of waste from landfill — across its total operations by the end of 2020. REI is also trying to eliminate unnecessary packaging—for good. REI figures more than 20% of its current waste is made up of thinfilm, plastic-like polybags. REI has started to transition away from those bags, and by the end of 2020, REI employees and customers should see a dramatic reduction in polybags.
Strauss Skates & Bicycles Serving the community is one of the big reasons Strauss Skates & Bicycles have been a fixture in the Minneapolis-St. Paul hockey community for an incredible 132 years. Strauss employee Jack Carlson, known in the special needs community as “Jack the Bike Guy,” is renowned for giving everyone the opportunity to experience the thrill of riding a bicycle. Carlson also uses a lot of ingenuity to make adaptive bikes at a fraction of the cost of other products. Strauss has also been directly involved in an annual adapted bike day for public school students in Minneapolis. And the store is also a big supporter of special needs hockey programs in Minnesota.
autism and funds to support Autism Speaks resources and programs. Additionally, Wilson announced the launch of the new Triniti tennis ball, the first tennis ball designed with sustainability at its core. Wilson will be donating 5% of profits from the Triniti tennis ball to support Wilson’s global sustainability efforts.
Hauff Sports Hauff Sports, headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has been a fixture for 86 years in providing equipment and uniforms for athletes and teams in five states. That includes working directly with Special Olympics for more than 30 years and also being a generous donor to the organization.
GARED Sports GARED Sports places corporate social responsibility at the heart of its mission and has continued to advocate for play in its local communities. In September, GARED Sports partnered with the National Recreation & Park Association (NRPA) to transform an empty field into Lemann Park, a dynamic play environment for the city of New Orleans, which still suffers from the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
>> Jack "The Bike Guy" Carlson of Strauss Skates & Bicycles hard at work making an adaptive bicycle.
Wilson Sporting Goods
Wilson Sporting Goods has proudly supported The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) and has donated more than $2.5 million dollars over the course of their partnership. Wilson has also partnered with Autism Speaks to create a limited edition “Love the Moment™” collection of Wilson ® and Louisville Slugger ® baseball products to raise awareness of
Hibbett Sports Each April, Birmingham, Alabamabased Hibbett Sports uses its 1,000-plus retail locations and online platform to raise donations for the American Heart Association. Hibbett Sports and the American Heart Association share the same goal of promoting healthy and active lifestyles.
Mallard’s Source For Sports Mallard’s Source For Sports in Castlegar, British Columbia, works with a local newspaper to promote the Mallard’s Team of the Week. This initiative spotlights the accomplishments and success of area teams and organizations in all sports and for all ages. Do you have a corporate social responsibility or community involvement initiative you would like NSGA and the sporting goods industry to know about? Contact NSGA Director of Communications Marty Maciaszek at mmaciaszek@nsga.org.
DON’T MISS THIS!
The NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit is unlike any other event in the sporting goods industry with the mix of decision-making attendees, networking, education, social events, recognition and exposure to new products.
Your team can’t miss the 56 th Annual Management Conference & 22 nd Annual Team Dealer Summit on May 17–19 at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, Arizona. Invest in yourself and your business and make plans now to attend!
Networking: NSGA has you covered whether it’s an opening reception, a lunch or the popular Speed Networking session. There are numerous opportunities to meet with attendees and make valuable connections. Speed Networking is a fast-paced session of quick meetings between a manufacturer and a distributor and is a great way to maintain current business relationships and establish new ones.
Education: Information and inspiration you can bring back to your business is always important. NSGA will address key topics in the industry that will keep you ahead of the game.
Development: Reward valued employees and emerging leaders with the opportunity to experience a business event and meet peers in the industry. Educational sessions and networking opportunities help your staff and business grow!
Recognition: The Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is an inspirational conclusion to the event on Tuesday evening. Three legendary innovators will be honored in the Class of 2020 – Peter Capolino of Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Company, Robert Greenberg of Skechers and Klaus Obermeyer of Sport Obermeyer.
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Unwind: The Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit is not a typical conference! Experience the resort at cocktail receptions, play golf, or relax by the pool. Spouses can also register at a significantly discounted rate and enjoy the event!
Register now at nsga.org/conference2020
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>> 1. From left, Adam LaFollette and George Kline of ASICS meet with Sammy Barcelona of Barcelona Sporting Goods during Speed Networking.
>> 2. Matt Nurre, left, of Retail Design Source and Mike Cosentino of Big Peach Running Co., discuss The Customer Experience at the 2019 Management Conference.
>> 3. Chad Clark of Cliff Keen Athletics greets John Steichen of The Graphic Edge during Speed Networking.
>> 4. The Esports panel discussion provided attendees with information about its growth and the potential for business opportunities.
>> 5. The Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner showcases some of the biggest success stories in the industry.
About the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass
NSGA is proud to host 56 th Annual Management Conference & 22 nd Team Dealer Summit at Arizona’s premier Native American-owned luxury Phoenix resort. Designed to be an authentic representation of the Gila River Indian Community’s heritage and culture, the architecture, design, art and legends of the Pima (Akimel O’otham) and Maricopa (Pee Posh) tribes are celebrated in every detail. The AAA Four Diamond resort includes Aji Spa with private pool and café and the Whirlwind Golf Club with two 18-hole Troon-managed golf courses. It also has the only AAA Five-Diamond and Forbes Five Star award restaurant in Arizona.
You can reserve your hotel room today at nsga.org/hotel and mention the NSGA Management Conference.
Registration is Open!
Registration for the 56 th Annual Management Conference & 22 nd Annual Team Dealer Summit is now open. Register by January 31 to take advantage of the lowest rates to attend!
• Admission to all education sessions • Participation in Speed Networking for retailers, team dealers, manufacturers and brands • Access to conference networking receptions and opportunities to meet and connect with fellow industry leaders Registration Includes:
• A seat at the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony • Breakfast and Lunch served Monday – Tuesday • A discount on your hotel room
