INow· NSGA OFFICERS Chairman of the Board NSGA OFFICERS Pat Donnelley ChairmanSports, of theTwin Board Donnelley Falls, ID David Labbe
Kittery Trading Post, Kittery, ME Treasurer/Chairman-Elect Greg Miller Treasurer/Chairman-Elect Universal Athletic, Bozeman, MT Cathy Pryor Hibbett Sports, Birmingham, AL
Past Chairman Past Chairman David Labbe RandyTrading Nill Post, Kittery, ME Kittery
Nill Bros. Sporting Goods, Kansas City, KS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kevin Bezanson BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cleve's for Sports, Kevin Source Bezanson Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Cleve's Source for Sports,
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Rhett Johnson Pat Donnelley Johnson-Lambe Co., Raleigh, NC
Donnelley Sports, Twin Falls, ID
David Lynn Rhett Johnson Dunham’s Sports, Troy, MI Johnson-Lambe Co., Raleigh, NC Jeff Miller Greg Miller Scholastic Sports Sales, Ltd., Manlius, NY Universal Athletic, Bozeman, MT Mick Montgomery Jeff Miller Denver Athletic Supply, Englewood, CO Scholastic Sports Sales, Ltd., Manlius, NY Ron Rugal John Oehler B&R Sporting Goods, Shelby Charter Dunham's Sports, Troy, Ml Township, MI Jerry Williams Jerry Williams Schuylkill ValleySports, Sports,Pottstown, Pottstown, Schuylkill Valley PAPA NSGA NSGATEAM TEAMLEADERS LEADERS Matt Carlson Matt Carlson President President&&CEO CEO Marty Maciaszek Marty Maciaszek Team Dealer Division, Director, Team Dealer Communications and HDADivision and HDA Julie Pitts Julie Pitts Director, Business and Research Director, Public AffairsDevelopment and President, NSSRA Larry Weindruch Director, Public Affairs Nick Rigitano Director, Insights Dan Wiersmaand Analysis Chief Financial Jennifer ShafferOfficer Comptroller
NSGA attends ASTM meetings and receives standards updates that impact sporting goods equipment.
CEO NOW It is not a secret that many sporting NSGA wasindependently among theowned many who viewed goods retailersthe and phrase dealers have beenVision“ under siege the “2020 as aover perfect way last several years. to look at the beginning of a new year and
new decade. Consumers turn to the internet, thinking it's a better option for their purchases. Thecould labor market is increasingly where tight. we are No one have envisioned Manufacturersas trywe to go directly to the consumer and narrow reach the halfway point of 2020. It is their distribution of products. also difficult for many of us to see exactly
where we arechallenges headed independent for the restretailers of this year Those are a few of the biggest and dealers face. The effects are evident andthroughout beyond. the industry as struggling businesses consolidate or close their doors entirely. Our colleagues at NSGA's benchmark The COVID-19 pandemic altered all of our associations, the American Booksellers Association and the North American Retail lives inbut March. on Memorial Day, we Hardware Association, echo those concerns, none of Then, us is throwing in the towel! saw the disturbing images of George Floyd’s
We always search for ways to help our core members in arrest their ongoing battle to succeed. death during an by a police officer who Our new 'Verified Independent Dealer Program" hits the bullseye. The idea for the is now charged with murder. How will this program was sparked by a group of NSGA-member team dealers who wanted to moment change our lives long after COVID-19 has passed? emphasize how their experience, knowledge and service differentiates them from their competition. Basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar shared his perspective in the May
30 edition of the Los Angeles Times.
Getting the public to understand the importance of working with a quality independent
“Racism America is likecomponents dust in the he wrote. “ItIndependent seems invisible dealer isin one of the critical to air,” the NSGA Verified Dealer — even NSGA willon assist Verified Dealers and explaining whatit’s it means to be ifProgram. you’re choking it — until you let by thesharing sun in. Then you see everywhere. part of this program their current andwe potential As long as we keepwith shining that light, have customers. a chance of cleaning it wherever itThe lands. But we have to stay vigilant, because it’s always still in the air.” details about the criteria for the MVP and All-Star categoriesprefaced of the NSGA Independent Dealer “protests Program, are often used as an Kareem hisVerified comments by saying along with and other important information, excuse forapplications some to take advantage” and “I don’t want to see stores looted or can be found at www.nsga.org/verified. also read to some of our members buildings even burn.” Unfortunately,You thiscan happened more about it on page 22 of this edition of NSGA NOW. We and others in the sporting goods industry. It was a shame to see some use encourage team dealers, full-line retailers and specialty retailers Floyd’s as an opportunity personal gain. involveddeath in hockey, skiing, running and for other sports to apply.
But it is clear NSGA and the industry must do more to condemn the racial Another benefit of the NSGA Verified Independent Dealer Program will be programming injustices that have gone on for far too long in this country. We have to for the group at the 55th Annual Management Conference & 21 st Annual Team Dealer take this opportunity to work to enactfor real changes. since sports Summit. This will be an excellent opportunity verified dealersEspecially to get together and isshare regarded as a place where everyone is welcome, where opportunity is ideas and concerns with their peers. unlimited, and where merit is rewarded. The Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit held May 19-21 in Braselton,
The NSGA staffaround has been examining your association Georgia, is right the corner. Some and of thediscussing best aspectsways of thefor sporting goods to help make change happen. Some of these changes include finding ways industry's premier event are illustrated on page 11 of this issue. Register now by completing form in the magazine, or, online www.nsga.org/events. for womenthe and minorities to enter the at industry, developing the pathways to leadership roles and working to make sure everyone has the chance to We hope everyone had a happy holiday season with family and friends and that you experience the physical, mental and social benefits of sports participation. closed out 2018 on a high note. Don't forget that NSGA is here to support you in making
2019will even better!more Fight the fightlwith you in the coming months and we We have to good share welcome your input and suggestions. This vision is clear for all of us Best regards, in 2020 and beyond. We can no longer just turn a blind eye to racial injustice in this country. Matt Carlson I President & CEO
Best regards, NSGA NOW® (ISSN 1045-2087) is published bi-monthly for members of the National Sporting Goods Matt Carlson | President & CEO Association, 1601 Feehanville Dr., Suite 300, Mount Prospect, IL 60056-6035; Phone: (847) 296-NSGA (6742);
Fax: (847) 391-9827. Subscription price of $50 per year is included in membership fee. Non-member subscription information available from publisher. Periodical postage paid at Mount Prospect, IL 60056 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to NSGA NOW,® NSGA NOW (ISSN 1045-2087) is published bi-monthly for members of the National Sporting Goods Association, 3041 Woodcreek Drive, Suite 210, Downers Grove, IL 1601 Feehanville Dr., Suite 300, Mount Prospect, IL 60056-6035. © by NSGA 2019. Printed in the USA. 60515. Phone: (847) 296-NSGA (6742); Fax: (847) 391-9827. Subscription price of $50 per year is included in membership fee. Non-member subscription information available from publisher. Periodical postage paid at Downers Grove, IL 60515 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to NSGA NOW,® 3041 Woodcreek Drive, Suite 210, Downers Grove, IL 60515. © NSGA 2020 all rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
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