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Paul Prince, Prominent Figure of NSGA Team for Four Decades, Passes Away

Paul Prince, who was a prominent figure at the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) and in the sporting goods industry for four decades, passed away after a battle with cancer on December 14, 2021.

Prince was one of the longesttenured staff members in NSGA history at 39 years. He was involved with NSGA’s trade shows when he joined the association in November 1970 and was Vice President of Business Development when he retired on Sept. 30, 2010. “We are very saddened about Paul’s passing and express our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and those he worked closely with at NSGA and in the sporting goods industry,” said Matt Carlson, NSGA President & CEO. “Paul played an instrumental role in the success of NSGA’s trade shows by developing relationships in the industry that lasted throughout his career. He also played a key part in the transition of the association to continue serving its members and the industry as the days of large industry trade shows came to an end at the start of the 21st century.” A graduate of the University of Miami in Florida, Prince joined NSGA as an executive assistant in 1970. He became NSGA’s Assistant Trade Show Manager and his first NSGA Convention and Show was in 1971 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, which was rebuilt after a fire. Prince was elevated to NSGA’s trade show manager in 1985 after the death of his boss, Robert Youngblood. In 1992, Prince became Vice President of Trade Show Services. During his tenure, NSGA hosted two trade shows on a regular basis for years, with the Chicago show among the 10 largest shows in the country and the Fall Market in Anaheim, California among the top 25. He was also involved in a third regional show NSGA hosted in Chicago. Prince was recognized as a Certified Exposition Manager (CEM) from the International Association of Expositions and Events (IAEE). He was an active member of the Major Association of Trade Show Managers (MATSO) and Friends of McCormick Place, which worked with the Chicago Convention and Visitors Bureau and McCormick Place labor unions to enhance trade show experience for exhibiting companies. When NSGA exited the trade show business in 1999, Prince moved into the business development role he held until his retirement in 2010.

Certor Sports Moves to Indiana, Names Heidenreich CEO

Certor Sports is moving its global headquarters to Plainfield, Indiana with Jim Heidenreich taking over as Chief Executive Officer. Certor said its move will immediately create more than 300 local jobs in suburban Indianapolis. The new 230,000-square foot facility will be the home for some of the most iconic performance and sports brands in the country, including Schutt and VICIS helmets. Other brands under the Certor umbrella include ProGear, Tucci, Hollywood Bases and Adams USA. Certor will also operate a state-of-the-art R&D facility in Seattle, featuring the latest testing equipment set forth by the NFL, Major League Baseball and other leagues to help design and innovate protective equipment and sporting goods. Heidenreich spent more than 30 years in executive leadership positions with leading consumer, health and sporting goods brands, including Riddell Sports and Mongoose Bicycles. He will serve as the first CEO for the company, which was formed in 2020 by Innovatus Capital Partners, LLC.

Mueller Partners with Handy Gym

Mueller Sports Medicine announced an exclusive partnership with Handy Gym™, which is billed as the smallest gym in the world. Handy Gym™ uses unique NASAengineered flywheel technology to create resistance without the use of heavy, cumbersome weights. The lightweight design at two pounds makes it portable and versatile for a variety of different needs. Mueller Sports Medicine is a long-time supporter of the NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit and has been an NSGA member since 1966.

New Balance Establishes Athlete Advisory Board

New Balance established the New Balance Athlete Advisory Board that will be led by former professional baseball player and community activist Curtis Granderson and Olympic Bronze Medal Winner and nine-time National Champion middle-distance runner Emma Coburn as Co-Chairmen. Team New Balance athletes supporting Granderson and Coburn as board members are professional baseball player Francisco Lindor, professional runner Brenda Martinez, tennis star Milos Raonic and professional basketball player Darius Bazley.