NSGA NOW - November/December 2019

Volume 7 | No. 6 | November / December 2019

A PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL SPORTING GOODS ASSOCIATION

Opportunities to

Succeed Baseball Equipment Changes 2019 Retail Holiday Forecast 2020 Management Conference

SIERRA ROMERO NPF ALL-STAR USSSA Pride Infielder

SERENA WILLIAMS 23-TIME GRAND SLAM WOMEN’S SINGLES CHAMPION

MOOKIE BETTS WORLD SERIES CHAMPION BOSTON RED SOX RIGHTFIELDER AL MVP, Silver Slugger

RUSSELL WILSON SUPER BOWL CHAMPION SEATTLE SEAHAWKS QUARTERBACK 6X Pro Bowler

ROGER FEDERER 20-TIME GRAND SLAM MEN’S SINGLES CHAMPION

GARY WOODLAND 2019 US OPEN CHAMPION

JOSÉ ALTUVE WORLD SERIES CHAMPION HOUSTON ASTROS SECOND BASEMAN 6X MLB All-Star, AL MVP, Silver Slugger

PROUD SUPPORTER OF NSGA & ITS MEMBERS WILSON.COM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

12

TEAM NOW A trio of baseball equipment changes in focus for 2020

CEO NOW 4 NSGA on the move in more ways than one OPERATIONS NOW 5 Preparing for another tax season ONFERENCE NOW 6 CBusiness opportunities at the 2020 NSGA

8 10

Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit

SSOCIATION NOW A Hall of Famer Curt Mueller Passes Away; New NSGA Headquarters

ADVOCACY NOW

NSGA pleased with compromise Overtime Pay ruling

NOW 16 A INSIGHTS look at holiday shopping forecasts INDUSTRY NOW 18 Big changes with the snow sports shows, Wilson

21 23

launches first sustainable tennis ball

LOCKER ROOM NOW

High School sports participation drops for first time in 30 years, NFHS lacrosse and USSSA Baseball bat rule changes

MEMBERSHIP NOW

Benefits of a scholarship to the Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit

NSGA NOW ®

>> November / December 2019 | 3

INow· NSGA OFFICERS

Chair of the Board NSGA OFFICERS Cathy Pryor Hibbett Sports, Birmingham, Chairman of the Board AL David Labbe

Treasurer/Chairman-Elect Kittery Trading Post, Kittery, ME Pat Donnelley Treasurer/Chairman-Elect Donnelley Sports, Twin Falls, ID Cathy Pryor

Hibbett Sports, Birmingham, AL Past Chairman David Labbe Past Chairman Kittery RandyTrading Nill Post, Kittery, ME

Nill Bros. Sporting Goods, Kansas City, KS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kevin Bezanson BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cleve's Source for Sports, Kevin 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

Greg GregMiller Miller Universal MTMT UniversalAthletic, Athletic,Bozeman, Bozeman,

Jeff Miller Jeff Miller

ScholasticSports SportsSales, Sales, Ltd., Manlius, Scholastic Ltd., Manlius, NY NY

John Oehler Mick Montgomery

Dunham's Sports, Troy, Ml

Denver Athletic Supply, Englewood, CO

Jerry Williams

Jerry Williams Schuylkill Valley Sports, Pottstown, PA Schuylkill Valley Sports, Pottstown, PA NSGATEAM TEAMLEADERS LEADERS NSGA MattCarlson Carlson Matt President&&CEO CEO President MartyMaciaszek Maciaszek Marty

Director, TeamDealer Dealer Division Director, Team Division andand HDAHDA

Julie Pitts Julie Pitts

Director, Business Development and Research

Director, Business Development Larry Weindruch

Nick Rigitano Director, Public Affairs

Director, Insights and Analysis Dan Wiersma

Chief Financial Jennifer ShafferOfficer Comptroller

CEO NOW Moving signifies change.

It is not a secret that many independently owned sporting goodsNSGA retailers and dealers have under siege over the is moving forward in been two significant ways. last several years.

The first is the physical move of our headquarters. NSGA is Consumers turn the internet, it's asuburb better of option headed to to Downers Grove,thinking a western Chicago, after for their purchases.

The labor market is increasingly tight. nearly 20 years in the northwest suburb of Mount Prospect.

Manufacturers try to go directly to the consumer and narrow You can read more about the November move on Page 9 of their distribution of products.

NSGA NOW. Those are a few of the biggest challenges independent retailers know throughout moving hasthe its challenges. takes a lot of planning and dealers face. The effects We are all evident industry as It struggling andtheir requires decisions you need keep.benchmark It can also be businesses consolidate or close doors entirely. on Ourwhat colleagues at to NSGA's associations, the American Booksellers Association thethat North an ideal time to purge and things areAmerican no longerRetail valuable.

Hardware Association, echo those concerns, but none of us is throwing in the towel!

Which takes us into the second move at NSGA. It’s one that does not have a specific destination Wewill always search to help core members in their ongoing battle to succeed. but require a lotfor of ways planning andour decision-making.

Our new 'Verified Independent Dealer Program" hits the bullseye. The idea for the Aprogram few months NSGA strategic planningteam process to get a better idea was ago, sparked bystarted a groupa of NSGA-member dealers who wanted to of how to emphasize how their experience, knowledge and service from feedback help our members and the sporting goods industry.

We differentiates appreciate thethem valuable their of competition. some you shared through interviews and a survey performed in conjunction with iBossWell Consulting inpublic September.

Getting the to understand the importance of working with a quality independent dealer is one of the critical the NSGA Independent Dealer This strategic planning was components the focus of to NSGA’s earlyVerified October meeting with our Board of Program. NSGA will assist Verified Dealers by sharing and explaining what it means to be Directors. With the help of iBossWell, the board and NSGA staff members took a deeper look part of this program with their current and potential customers. at the results and feedback from the surveys and interviews.

The details about the criteria for the MVP and All-Star One of the key components of the discussionsDealer was the diversity of the NSGA membership. categories of the NSGA Verified Independent Program, Larger retailers and team dealers may not require help with along with applications and other important information, services and issues that smaller can be found at www.nsga.org/verified.

Youare candifferent also read ones need.

Team dealers face challenges that from retailers. more about it on page 22 of this edition of NSGA NOW. We Our hockey team retail dealers, members of theretailers Hockeyand Dealers Association encourage full-line specialty retailers (HDA) division have some completely concerns.

Theand same is sports true for members of the National Ski & involved in different hockey, skiing, running other tothe apply.

Snowboard Retailers Association (NSSRA) and other areas of specialty retail. Our Canadian Another benefit of the NSGA Verified Independent Dealer Program will be programming members have at issues that th do not affect those in the United States.

Annual Management Conference & 21 st Annual Team Dealer for the group the 55 Summit. bealso an excellent opportunity forisverified dealers to get and That said, This therewill are areas where everyone in the same boat.

Fortogether example, evolving share ideas and concerns with their peers. consumer habits and navigating relationships with suppliers affects all retailers and dealers.

Conference Team Dealer Summit heldinMay in please Braselton, IfThe you Management have any suggestions that&you were not able to share the19-21 survey, let us know.

Georgia, is right around the corner. Some of the best aspects of the sporting goods Our address may be changing but our goal of helping you will stay the same. The strategic industry's premier event are illustrated on page 11 of this issue. Register now by planning process helps sharpen our focus and sets our compass squarely on supporting completing the form in the magazine, or, online at www.nsga.org/events. retailers and dealers as both our journey and destination.

We hope everyone had a happy holiday season with family and friends and that you Best regards, closed out 2018 on a high note. Don't forget that NSGA is here to support you in making 2019 even better! Fight the good fightl Matt Carlson | President & CEO Best regards,

NSGA STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP

Matt Carlson I President & CEO

NSGA NOW (ISSN 1045-2087) is published bi-monthly for members of the National Sporting Goods Association, 3041 Woodcreek Drive, Suite 210, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515. Phone: (847) 296-NSGA (6742); NSGA NOW® (ISSN 1045-2087) isFax: published members of price the National Goods (847) bi-monthly 391-9827. for Subscription of $50Sporting per year is included in Association, 1601 Feehanville Dr., Suite 300, Mount Prospect, IL 60056-6035; Phone: (847) 296-NSGA (6742); membership fee. Non-member subscription information available from Fax: (847) 391-9827. Subscription price of $50 per year is included in membership fee. Non-member publisher.

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Periodical postage paidatat Downers Mount Prospect, and and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to NSGA additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to NSGA NOW,® 1601 Feehanville Dr., Suite 300, Mount Prospect, IL 60056-6035. © by NSGA 2019.

Printed Grove, in the USA. NOW,® 3041 Woodcreek Drive, Suite 210, Downers Illinois 60515. © NSGA 2019 all rights reserved. Printed in the USA. 4 | NSGA NOW ®

>> November / December 2019

OPERATIONS NOW Is Your Tax Bill Too High?

By Lizz McCrindle NSGA Marketing Coordinator Gene Marks is a small business owner who understands tax season can be quite taxing.

Marks is also a Certified Public Accountant who is a respected national columnist, commentator and author on taxes and finances.

Attendees at the 55th Annual NSGA Management Conference & 21st Annual Team Dealer Summit were fortunate to be introduced to various strategies and tips for reducing their business and individual tax expenses during a session with Marks.

Marks shared practical tips to help business owners understand what to expect from their accountant, how to take control over their equity and property and how to hire the right employees.

Marks said preparations for taxes should begin by meeting with a CPA at least two times a year.

“You should be getting together right after your taxes are done in April and absolutely in September, because who knows what happened during the year, and you don’t want to be making any last-minute decisions in December,” Marks said. “All good and smart business owners are always looking ahead and planning ahead.”

Most businesses have their tax returns sent over as a PDF file. Marks recommends getting a second opinion on your taxes every couple of years to see if you can be taking advantage of various deductions.

“Good accountants welcome this,” Marks said. “We are not defensive or territorial, we want what’s best for our clients.

“If your accountant gives you a hard time doing this or gets defensive about it, it may be a sign that they don’t have your best interest at heart and they possibly have their best interest over yours.”

>> G ene Marks presented at NSGA 55th Annual Management Conference & 21st Annual Team Dealer Summit in Braselton, Georgia.

classification is best for you.

“All good and smart business owners are always looking ahead and planning ahead.”

— Gene Marks

Business owners should maintain control over their equity by revisiting their company tax structure. If your business is classified as a pass through or an “S Corporation,” Marks recommends having your accountant run the previous year’s numbers as a “pass through” and then run the same numbers as a “C corporation” or a regular company.

“About a third of our clients realize that if they change their entity, if they change their corporate structure, these new tax laws would save them money by doing so,” Marks said.

By running both numbers, your accountant can help decide which

Another idea is to take inventory of old equipment and receivables and donate them to charity. These items cannot be deducted until they have been disposed of, but once they have been, you can get a full tax deduction for old inventory and receivables.

“You can give to charity up to 2½ months after year end as well, so you can make that decision based on how your year went,” Marks said.

The Internal Revenue Service and the government provide ways for business owners to offset the cost of hiring people as well as compensating them.

“If you hire somebody that is long-term unemployed for more than six months, a vet, or on welfare, you can get a tax credit for up to $9,600 on their first year’s salary,” Marks said. In addition to all the obvious benefits of hiring an active duty member of the military, another advantage is, “you can get a credit of up to $4,000 if you are paying them more than the military is paying them.”

Marks reminded attendees to always check their strategies with tax professionals.

NSGA NOW ®

>> November / December 2019 | 5

CONFERENCE NOW NSGA asked some of the attendees of the 2019 NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit to share their opinions on what they gained from participating in Speed Networking, the benefits of the Innovations Arena and what’s on the horizon in 2020.

The Panelists Bruce Bohan – O wner of Fishhawk Sporting Goods (Riverview, Florida) Glen Jusczyk –

wner of AMgC Sports O (North Attleboro, Massachusetts)

Paul LeTissier – D irector of New Business Development for Aleva Stores (Rochester Hills, Michigan) Mike Lotocki –

resident of All Pro Team Sports P (Middle River, Maryland)

ational Sales Manager of OC Sports Brad Reagan – N (Bentonville, Arkansas) Julia Sherman – S ales and Graphic Design for Bashor’s Team Athletics (Portland, Oregon)

NSGA provides opportunities for manufacturers to connect with potential sellers of their products at the NSGA Conference & Summit. How did the NSGA Speed Networking session make it easier for you to meet with business contacts?

PAUL:

SGA’s speed networking program allows you to connect N to manufacturers in a relaxed atmosphere without the typical noise of a trade show environment and the interruption that commonly occurs in those settings.

Speed networking gives the manufacturers an opportunity to prepare for your meeting and better express how we can grow our business relationships together.

>> P aul LeTissier of Aleva Stores, far left, with George Cioe, center, and David Smallwood of Scenturion.

6 | NSGA NOW ®

>> November / December 2019

>> J ulia Sherman with Founder Sport Group’s Chris Liberto.

JULIA: I thought one of the great things about the speed

networking session was getting a chance to chat with vendors who I may have overlooked. It also gave me a great opportunity to re-connect with vendors that we currently work with and exchange ideas and feedback.

BRUCE: It’s a relaxed atmosphere and provides a one-on-one experience.

MIKE: The speed networking event went well. The structure,

along with organization and execution was organized and well done. It was beneficial to meet some companies we otherwise would not have met, or known heard about outside of the event. We also enjoyed having time with companies we do work with and strengthening an already good partnership.

GLEN: I enjoyed this. It is hard to get any face time with a manufacturer and trade-show booth walking is very uncomfortable for everyone. I liked everyone I met. New

>> G len Jusczyk of AMgC Sports, far right, from left, Socks Quick’s Boston Weber, Josh Wintermantel and Josh Schaffie.

sports, and as a woman-owned company, we take great pride in how we service the needs of female athletes.

BRUCE: Continued growth in sales and our customer base. Get

them at T-ball and keep them coming back. Continue to go after the girls softball market that is growing.

MIKE: Seeing even more companies with new innovations

that bring value or fill a void to our ever-changing and always growing industry; as well as seeing old friends and meeting new partners.

GLEN: The Esports presentation (at the 2019 Management

>> S anMar’s, Rachelle Manning and Mike Sheils, far right, Mike Lotocki, far right, wife Amber from AllPro Sports, second from right.

products to the market were very interesting. I will look to present them to my customers.

BRAD: The speed networking session not only gives you

intentional one-on-one time with key customers but it also forces you to build a concise and impactful sales pitch in a short period of time. Team dealers are busier than ever and we as manufacturers need to value that and tailor our interactions to be of more value.

What opportunities are you looking forward to in 2020?

Conference & Team Dealer Summit) was interesting. I have never thought of selling through that avenue, but as that grows, I would love to get more involved in the uniform market for this new type of sport.

BRAD: For 2020 we are focused on making the buying process incredibly simple for both team dealers and end users.

Headwear is complicated and we are constantly striving to make customization, order processing and design archiving a better experience for our customers. In 2020 we have big plans to make ordering for OC Sports an enjoyable and pain-free experience.

What new product would you like sporting goods retailers and dealers to know about?

PAUL: I look forward to continued growth in 2020 as we continue

For the 2020 baseball season we are introducing four brandnew MLB® and MiLB® stock replica styles (MLB-350, MLB-185, MLB-850 and MIN 350). We said goodbye to the basic cotton twill and enhanced each cap with a new performance fabric.

The enhancement is huge and the hope is to encourage kids to play their best and be comfortable on the field.

JULIA: We are looking forward to continued growth in women’s

— BRAD

to strengthen our relationships with manufacturers especially as it pertains to their web presence. We continue working directly with manufacturers to assist them on multiple platforms to enhance their web content and presence.

>> B ruce Bohan of Fishhawk Sporting Goods with former NFL quarterback Jake Plummer of ReadyList Sports.

>> B rad Reagan with Dan Burke of Burke’s Sport Haven.

NSGA NOW ®

>> November / December 2019 | 7

ASSOCIATION NOW Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Famer, Sports Medicine Pioneer Curt Mueller Passes Away Curt Mueller, a 2002 Sporting Goods

Mueller was a three-time letterman in basketball for the University of

Industry Hall of Fame inductee who

Wisconsin from 1953-56 and graduated with a degree in pharmacy in

revolutionized the world of sports

1957. He saw the need to raise the standards of athletic training room

medicine, passed away October 19

supplies being sold to schools and started that business on a part-time

at age 85 in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin.

basis in the basement of his father’s pharmacy, where he was working

Mueller founded Mueller Sports

full-time, in Prairie du Sac.

Medicine in 1959, coined the phrase

Mueller’s many innovations included the development of Quench® Gum

“sports medicine” and helped bring

in the mid-1970s. In 1984, his company introduced a full line of patented

state-of-the-art products used by

sport braces and neoprene supports to the retail market. Then came the

professional, collegiate and high

revolutionary step of offering his products to the “weekend warriors” and

school athletes to the general public.

introducing point-of-purchase packaging for its entire line.

He developed numerous products, registered trademarks and patents.

He literally created sports medicine departments for retailers with concepts that allowed retailers to merchandise the maximum amount of products

Mueller Sports Medicine has been the major sponsor of the National

in a minimal amount of space. He also produced an inventory control

Sporting Goods Association’s (NSGA) Team Dealer Summit since it was

service, and retail challenge videos and held seminars to train store clerks

added to the Management Conference in 1999.

on how to effectively sell sports medicine products and merchandise.

“We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Curt Mueller and we

Mueller stepped down as Mueller Sports Medicine CEO in May 2018

extend our sincerest condolences to his family and everyone at Mueller

to become Chairman of the Board. His son Brett moved up to the CEO

Sports Medicine,” said NSGA President & CEO Matt Carlson. “Curt is one

position after 18 years as president when the company hired John Cayer

of the icons of the sporting goods industry and did so much to advance

for that role.

sports medicine. His vision helped countless athletes at all levels recover quickly and get back to doing what they enjoy by using Mueller Sports Medicine products. He invented the retail sports medicine category.

“Curt and his family have been huge supporters of NSGA, the sporting

Curt Mueller remained an avid supporter of his alma mater and its athletic department. The Mueller Sports Medicine Center is part of Wisconsin’s student-athlete performance facility. The school also has the Mueller Sports Medicine Endowment Fund for Athletic Training.

goods industry and the team dealer community for so many years. We will miss the energy, enthusiasm, and insight he brought to every conversation.”

NSGA Headquarters Moves to New Location Effective November 11, 2019, NSGA headquarters will be moving

NSGA was headquartered in its Mount Prospect location since April

to a new location in Downers Grove, a western suburb of Chicago.

2000. Previous locations of NSGA headquarters were at another

New NSGA headquarters: 3041 Woodcreek Drive, Suite 210 Downers Grove, Illinois 60515 The phone numbers are not changing: Main office number: (847) 296-NSGA (6742) Office FAX number: (847) 391-9827

site in Mount Prospect and downtown Chicago.

“We are very excited about the new NSGA headquarters location,” said NSGA President & CEO Matt Carlson. “The move into a more modern, streamlined workspace will make it even more efficient for NSGA staff to continue doing great work for the association and sporting goods industry.”

NSGA’s new office is located 25 miles from downtown Chicago, 20 miles from O’Hare International Airport and 25 miles from Midway Airport.

8 | NSGA NOW ®

>> November / December 2019

Sporting Goods Retail Reports Available to NSGA Members

Verified Independent Dealers Are Growing!

NSGA has produced reports for its members that analyze sporting goods retail businesses and examine ways to improve the sporting goods retail experience.

Retail Audit Insights

The two reports, “Retail Audit Insights” and “Guide To A Better Retailing Experience,” are the result of NSGA partnering with retail expert Matt Nurre, the pres-

Published September 2019

ident of Retail Design Source,

Congratulations to four new NSGA Verified Independent

Inc. Nurre spoke at the NSGA

All Star Dealers.

Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit in 2018 and 2019. In 2018, Nurre performed retail audits of 14 NSGA member

AmgC Sports (North Attleboro, Massachusetts)

sporting goods stores in the United States and Canada.

“These reports provide excellent benchmark insights for sports retailers,” said NSGA President & CEO Matt Carlson. “The lessons in NSGA’s reports apply to all sports, whether they sell team sports,

Guide to a Better Retailing Experience

California Pro Sports (Palos Verdes, California)

snow sports, individual sports or just sports apparel and footwear.”

Capitol Varsity Sports (Oxford, Ohio)

The “Retail Audit Insights” report shares Nurre’s findings and ad-

Published September 2019

dresses ways retailers can complement their sporting goods product knowledge with more functional design and purpose-driven merchandising. Some of the biggest challenges sporting goods retailers face are addressed

KoSports Hockey Source For Sports (Canonsburg, Pennsylvania).

and suggestions are given in the report’s conclusion.

All retail audits were confidential and each participant received a personalized report with suggestions on how to improve their store.

The “Guide to a Better Retailing Experience,” all aspects of the sporting goods retail experience are examined. Suggestions are given from the appearance of the storefront, floors, ceilings and lights to do-it-yourself merchandising in the report.

NSGA members interested in receiving copies of these reports should contact Nick Rigitano, NSGA Director of Insights and Analysis, at nrigitano@nsga.org or (847) 296-NSGA (6742), ext.

1080. They can also be downloaded at nsga.org/membership/ retail-audit-insights/.

The NSGA Verified Independent Dealer Program recognizes the most qualified independently owned retailers and dealers in the sporting goods industry. It is a way of differentiating your experience, knowledge and quality of service from the rest of your competition.

Ready to join them and become an NSGA Verified Independent Dealer? Visit nsga.org/verified or contact Marty Maciaszek, NSGA Team Dealer Director, at mmaciaszek@nsga.org or at (847) 296NSGA (6742), ext. 1260.

NSGA NOW ®

>> November / December 2019 | 9

ADVOCACY NOW New Overtime Rule Salary Cutoff Raised to $35,568 In late September the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced its final ruling that exempt employees who make less than $35,568 are eligible for overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The increase from $23,660 goes into effect January 1, 2020.

The original planned increase in 2016 would have raised the salary level to $47,476 and included salary-threshold increases every three years. The National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) lobbied against such a significant increase because of the adverse effect it would have on virtually all retailers and team dealers in the sporting goods industry. A federal judge had blocked the Obama-

In the final rule, the DOL is also: • Raising the total annual compensation level for “highly compensated employees” from $100,000 to $107,432 per year.

• Allowing employers to use nondiscretionary bonuses and incentive payments (including commissions) that are paid at least annually to satisfy up to 10 percent of the standard salary level, in recognition of evolving pay practices.

“The rule is a thoughtful product informed by public comment, listening sessions and long-standing calculations,” said Wage and Hour Division Administrator Cheryl Stanton. “The Wage and Hour Division now turns to help employers comply and ensure that workers will be receiving their overtime pay.”

For more information regarding the change, please visit https://

era rule, concluding the DOL exceeded its authority by raising the

www.dol.gov/whd/overtime2019/.

rate too high.

NSGA, NSSRA Pushed for Postponement of Tariff Increases

“We are pleased to see the compromised final rule on this issue,” said NSGA President & CEO Matt Carlson. “We are also happy a middle ground was chosen for the increase. To have the salary level more than double would have negatively affected almost all our retail and team dealer members.”

“We also want to thank those NSGA members who took part in sharing their concerns. It shows the impact that can be made when

The National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) and National Ski &

your members rally together on an important issue.”

Snowboard Retailers Association (NSSRA) were among the signers

Employees who are paid less than $35,568 ($684 per week), or do

of a letter sent from the Americans For Free Trade to President

not meet certain duties tests, must be paid 1½ times their regular

Trump that called on him to postpone tariff increases that went

hourly pay rate for more than 40 hours worked in a work week. The

into effect in September.

change will make 1.3 million American workers eligible for overtime

NSGA and NSSRA are part of a coalition of more than 160 business

pay, according to the DOL.

organizations from every sector of the U.S. economy that noted in that letter the proposed tariff increases come in the middle of the

We also want to thank those NSGA members who took part in sharing their concerns. It shows the impact that can be made when your members rally together on an important issue.

— Matt Carlson “For the first time in over 15 years, America’s workers will have an update to overtime regulations that will put overtime pay into the pockets of more than a million working Americans,” said acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Patrick Pizzella in a statement. “This rule brings a common sense approach that offers consistency and certainty for employers as well as clarity and prosperity for American workers.”

10 | NSGA NOW ®

>> November / December 2019

holiday shopping season, threatening to raise costs for consumers in the coming months.

“These tariff increases … come at the worst possible time, right in the middle of the busy holiday shipping period,” the letter stated.

“U.S. consumers are driving the growth of the U.S. economy.

Let’s ensure consumer confidence remains high and economic prosperity continues for the American families we serve and the American workers we employ every day.”

Americans For Free Trade, which unites business associations opposed to tariffs, represents many of the sectors and products that will be hit hardest by the recent trade war escalation. Beginning September 1, roughly $112 billion in goods were hit by 15 percent tariffs, including on products ranging from apparel and footwear to televisions and Christmas decorations. Additional 15 percent tariffs targeting $150 billion in imports will take effect December 15.

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TEAM NOW

Big Changes on the Baseball Horizon in 2020

By Marty Maciaszek NSGA Team Dealer Director Baseball is undergoing a triple play of key equipment changes at

available, according to Product Manager

the college and high school levels for the 2020 season.

Rich Person.

Catchers at both levels will have to wear chest protectors meeting

“We’re in a good position and in my

the NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for

opinion, we have Stan (Jurga) Sr. to

Athletic Equipment) commotio cordis protection standard. Baseballs

thank for this,” Person said of All-Star’s

at the high school level also have to meet NOCSAE standards. And

President and CEO. “When the news first

bats used in NCAA play will not be allowed to have a white barrel.

came out, he forwarded it to Stan Jr., and

Here’s a look at each of the rule changes:

Chest Protectors Meeting Commotio Cordis Standard Commotio cordis is a rare event where males who are 14 or younger

myself and said, ‘Guys, get on this.’

“He knew it was going to be really important. We had the challenge of setting up a testing system and developing the ability to test. We were fortunate to have our own labs in-house. We knew it would be important and only a matter of time before leagues adopted it.”

can die from a heart rhythm disruption from a blow to the chest. In

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)

early 2016, when NOCSAE announced the creation of a commotio

adopted the standard for high school varsity play across the

cordis standard for baseball chest protectors, All-Star Sporting

country. NFHS could have put the rule in place immediately as a

Goods, which manufactures equipment for catchers from Major

safety-related issue. The reality was getting product developed and

League Baseball to Little League Baseball, went to work.

produced to meet the NOCSAE commotio cordis standard was not

All-Star became the first to have NOCSAE approved product 12 | NSGA NOW ®

>> November / December 2019

going to happen overnight.

“The manufacturers all came to the rules committee meetings and

Baseballs at the high school varsity level will also be different starting

we said, ‘You tell us when you can have these things ready to go,’”

in 2020. They will have to be NOCSAE certified and have the NOCSAE

said Elliot Hopkins, the NFHS Director of Sports, Sanctioning and

seal stamped on them.

Student Services and the liaison to the baseball rules committee.

Baseball manufacturers had three years to prepare for the change,

“They said we need until at least 2020 and the rules committee said they were OK with that. So now we’re good to go.”

Person said it took All-Star nearly a year and a half to have product to submit for certification. He said they have three different price points available from T-ball through adult for the All-Star Under Armour brands. Youth-based leagues such as Little League and Cal Ripken have not adopted the NOCSAE standard for commotio cordis, which typically affects males under age 14, but All-Star is ready when they are planning to make a change.

“We know from a parents’ perspective it’s certainly important,” said Person, who has sons playing college and high school baseball.

but Hopkins said there are still issues with the end consumer at the high schools.

“We’ve been surprised at the pushback from schools on baseballs,” Hopkins said. “I get more calls with ‘do we have to do it? told them, Yes, it’s a rule.’

“It’s not required for practice, but why wouldn’t you do it for practice to keep everybody safe? We’ve had people say they bought all these balls and we have to use them up. We told them about this in 2017 and that’s why we extended it to 2020. There is no excuse now.”

Go to seinet.org for a complete listing of NOCSAE certified baseballs.

“Even though commotio cordis is a small risk, there is this risk of something tragic happening, and we have a measurable way of reducing this risk.

“We were able to get out in front of it and we’re in a good spot to help everybody out. Youth leagues should and will jump on.”

The NCAA also jumped on with the requirement for the 2019-20 season, which was a surprise to Person when it was announced in mid-August. Ben Brownlee, who oversees baseball rules for the NCAA, said the rule will be applied to all three NCAA divisions.

“There is some conversation where we need to find out if enough product has been produced,” Brownlee said. “The NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports (CSMAS) made the recommendation to the baseball rules committee. We sent a survey to the membership and we received generally positive feedback. The PROP (Playing Rules Oversight Panel) approved it and since it was a safety issue we can make it effective as quickly

White-Barrel Bats No Longer Permitted for Use in NCAA White bats with barrels which are also predominantly white will no longer be allowed for use in NCAA play with the 2020 season.

Brownlee said “there are a couple of bats right on the edge” of the legal standards and manufacturers and others are encouraged to reach out to the NCAA if they aren’t sure if there is too much white

as we want.”

in the bat or they are near the threshold of the rule.

Go to seinet.org to find a complete listing of all NOCSAE certified

“We’re not trying to legislate wood or wood grain out of baseball,”

commotio cordis baseball protection.

Brownlee said. “White bats with predominantly white barrels would be affected. We didn’t have specific data on cause of injuries so that’s why they delayed implementation (from 2017 approval).”

The NCAA was primarily concerned with potential problems of picking up the ball off a white bat for pitchers, first basemen and third basemen.

NOCSAE Standard for High School Baseballs

The NCAA change does not affect NFHS. Hopkins said there is no

The baseballs used in the major leagues this season have garnered

Brownlee said the NCAA is working with Washington State University

a lot of scrutiny as a result of the record-setting propensity of them

on an updated bat list that will be distributed soon.

push to disallow white-barreled bats for use in high school.

flying over fences.

NSGA NOW ®

>> November / December 2019 | 13

SAVE THE DATE NSGA 56th Annual Management Conference & 22nd Annual Team Dealer Summit

May 17-19, 2020 Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass Phoenix, Arizona

Apply Now 2020 Management Conference & Team Dealer Scholarship Scholarship includes: • Registration fee for the 2020 Conference & Summit • Accommodations for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday • Daily breakfasts, luncheons, receptions and Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony

Application deadline is December 13, 2019 Learn more details and apply at nsga.org/scholarship

NSGA 56th Annual Management Conference & 22nd Annual Team Dealer Summit May 17 – 19, 2020 | Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass | Phoenix, AZ

INSIGHTS NOW

Retail Forecasts Signal Expected Growth for Upcoming Holiday Season

By Nick Rigitano NSGA Director, Insights and Analysis With the holiday season quickly approaching, NSGA has been

In addition, the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) is

monitoring the 2019 holiday sales growth forecasts released by

predicting a 4.9 percent year-over-year growth in retail sales this

multiple organizations. The overall sentiment from the retail holiday

holiday season. The ICSC also noted that 90 percent of US adults

forecasts is positive with solid growth expected for the upcoming

plan to shop in a physical store during the holiday season.

season.

The National Retail Federation recently announced its prediction

RetailNext, Inc., a retail analytics company, forecasted an increase

that expects sales in November and December to increase between

of 3.8 to 4.2 percent in November and December retail sales vs. a

3.8 and 4.2 percent vs. last year. This year’s forecast is comparable

year ago. This is driven largely by a 15 to 20 percent increase in

to the average holiday sales increase of 3.7 percent during the

year-over-year sales through digital channels. Brick-and-mortar

previous five years.

store performance is also expected to increase between 3 and 3.5

For tips and best practices in preparing your store for the holiday rush,

percent year-over-year.

be sure to check out NSGA’s Guide to a Better Retailing Experience.

This guide can help store owners enhance the retail experience at their stores and includes ideas and suggestions for each aspect of a retail store, including the storefront, cash wrap, floor and wall fixtures, graphics, floors, lighting, fitting rooms and casual seating areas.

NSGA’s “Guide to a Better Retailing Experience” is free to NSGA members and has already become one of the most downloaded reports

Guide to a Better Retailing Experience

offered by NSGA. Members can download a copy of the report by visiting nsga.org/membership/retailaudit-insights/.

16 | NSGA NOW ®

>> November / December 2019

Published September 2019

INDUSTRY NOW Wilson President Dowse to Lead United States Tennis Association Wilson President Michael

“When we positioned Winter Market at the front of the buying season, it was in response to our community,” said Marisa Nicholson, Outdoor Retailer senior vice president and show director. “Through ongoing feedback, it has become clear that one combined winter

Dowse was named Chief

show in January will best support brands, retailers and reps, leading

Executive Officer and

to greater value for all in attendance.”

Executive Director of

The Outdoor Industry Association partnered with Outdoor Retailer

the United States Tennis Association (USTA). The

in the decision.

53-year-old Dowse will

“It is clear now that the industry would like one consolidated winter

ike Dowse and tennis legend Billie replace current USTA >> M

show and we support Outdoor Retailer’s decision to bring the two

CEO Gordon Smith on

winter shows together under one roof and in one time frame,” said

Jean King.

Jan. 1, 2020.

OIA executive director Amy Roberts.

While leading Wilson, Dowse was instrumental in the company’s led the acquisitions of the Louisville Slugger and EvoShield brands,

Wilson Launches First Sustainable Tennis Ball

which have significantly bolstered the company’s baseball presence

Wilson Sporting Goods launched the

and offerings. Prior to his role as president of Wilson, Dowse held

new Triniti tennis ball, the first designed

progressive positions within Amer Sports, and before that, he was

with sustainability at its core, while

Director of Tennis Footwear for Nike, Inc.

maintaining the high performance levels

“Having grown up playing tennis and being part of a family committed

expected by amateur and professional

year-over-year increases in profitability and market-share gains. He

to community tennis, I feel very fortunate to be in a position to

tennis players around the world. The

lead the USTA. I look forward to working collaboratively with the

Triniti was launched in late August.

passionate volunteers, professional staff, current and past USTA

With the goal of creating an innovative design with less environ-

board members and industry leaders to promote and develop the

mental impact, Wilson LABS, the innovation hub at Wilson, used

growth of tennis,” said Dowse.

state-of-the-art materials to redesign the core of a tennis ball and

As CEO and Executive Director, Dowse will be charged with leading

its felt cover, substantially increasing the life span of a tennis ball,

the USTA’s overall vision and its strategy for the growth of tennis

while also enhancing its performance consistency. Triniti's packaging

participation with juniors and adults at all levels, while also ensuring

is fully recyclable and made from cardboard.

diversity throughout the sport.

"We see Triniti as a big win for players, the industry, and importantly,

“Michael’s experience as a proven industry executive and his

our environment," said Hans-Martin Reh, General Manager, Racquet

long history with our sport make him the ideal candidate for this position,” said Galbraith. “The USTA is poised for growth, and we

Sports. "While the tennis ball has not fundamentally changed over 40 years, it has contributed to landfill issues across the world. We

believe Michael will be the catalyst we need.”

decided to re-engineer the ball from the inside out to be gentler

Outdoor Retailer Cancels November Show, Combines With Snow Show

enhancing it."

Outdoor Retailer, in concert with the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), as well as key brands and advising retailers, opted not to produce the Winter Market, scheduled for November 5-7. The show will be united with the Snow Show, creating the Outdoor + Snow Show, scheduled for January 29-31, 2020 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.

18 | NSGA NOW ®

>> November / December 2019

on our world while not giving an inch on performance, actually

Johnson-Lambe Acquires New Bern Sporting Goods Team Division NSGA member JohnsonLambe Co., in Raleigh, North Carolina, agreed to terms to acquire the team sales division of New Bern Sporting Goods in New Bern, North Carolina. The sale was finalized in September and New Bern Sporting Goods ended operations and

closed its retail location. Jason Skladan will assist in the transition

took on this leadership role following a

of accounts for one year.

highly successful track record of driving significant growth across a diverse set of

“We look forward to working with Jason and his account base to

sporting goods brands.

grow our coverage in eastern North Carolina,” said Rhett Johnson, President of Johnson-Lambe and NSGA Board Member.

Giovanucci was most recently senior

Johnson-Lambe has been a family owned sporting goods business

vice president of sales and operations at Fanatics, where he was instrumental in

since it opened in 1935.

ASB Sports Acquires The Graphic Edge Trivest Partners’ affiliate, ASB Sports, acquired Carroll, Iowa-headquartered The Graphic Edge in August.

This partnership will significantly extend ASB’s geographic coverage area, add best-in-class screen printing and decoration capabilities, further broaden the Company’s product lines, and deepen its relationships with key vendors. The key executives of The Graphic Edge will join ASB’s management team and will invest significantly in the combined business.

The Graphic Edge, founded in 1989, is one of the largest independent distributors of uniforms and apparel to high schools, colleges, corporations and other sports organizations throughout the country. The Graphic Edge maintains one of the largest screen printing and custom decoration operations, with over 120,000 sq. ft. of capacity in three locations in Iowa, Vermont and Nevada.

USA Hockey Enters Multi-Year Partnership with TRUE Hockey USA Hockey announced a multi-year partnership with hockey equipment manufacturer TRUE Hockey.

As an official sponsor of USA Hockey, TRUE Hockey will be engaged across a broad spectrum of activities within USA Hockey, including as the official equipment sponsor of the USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game; as the official helmet and glove supplier for the U.S. Under-18 and Under-17 Select Teams as well as the U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team at the 2020 IIHF Men’s World Championship; and as an official sponsor of U.S. Women’s National Team games and the World Junior Summer Showcase.

fostering collaborative relationships with key retailers. He was also an executive vice president at Mitchell & Ness and held senior-level roles leading sales, marketing and merchandising at Reebok, Adidas and Puma.

Big Changes Atop Nike, Under Armour Big leadership changes were announced by Nike and Under Armour on the same day in late October. Nike Chairman, President and CEO Mark Parker and Under Armour CEO and founder Kevin Plank will move into executive chairman roles in January 2020.

John Donahoe was appointed Nike’s new president and CEO, effective January 13, 2020. Parker, who has been in his current roles since 2016 and was CEO since 2006, will become executive chairman and continue to lead the Board of Directors.

Patrik Frisk will move from Chief Operating Officer to CEO of Under Armour on January 1, 2020. Plank, who was inducted into the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame in 2017, started Under Armour in 1996. He will become the executive chairman and brand chief.

Bass Pro Shops Supports Hurricane Victims in Bahamas NSGA member Bass Pro Shops launched “Anglers for the Bahamas” in early September to support the Bahamas after the devastation caused

by Hurricane Dorian. Bass Pro founder Johnny Morris, a member of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame, made a personal pledge of $1 million and challenged all Bass Pro and Cabela’s customers to turn that into $2 million by matching all in-store donations by 25 cents on the dollar.

More than 81,000 people donated to “Anglers for the Bahamas” in the first four days of the drive. Bass Pro also donated essential supplies such as family-sized tents, outdoor cooking kits and protein-rich Jack Links Beef Jerky.

As of early October, donation totals were expected to surpass $4 million.

G-Form Names Giovanucci New CEO The Board of Directors at G-Form named Glen “Gava” Giovanucci as Chief Executive Officer of the company in late August. Giovanucci NSGA NOW ®

>> November / December 2019 | 19

FULL ON FLEECE

Inventory, styles and colors to make sure you win this Fall.

www.augustasportswear.com

LOCKER ROOM NOW High School Sports Participation Declines for First Time in 30 Years Participation in high school sports declined in 2018-19 for the first time in 30 years, according to the annual High School Athletics Participation Survey conducted by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).

The 2018-19 total of 7,937,491 participants is a decline of 43,395 from the 2017-18 school year when the number of participants in high school sports reached an all-time record high of 7,980,886.

This year’s total – the third-highest ever – consisted of 4,534,758 boys and 3,402,733 girls, according to the figures obtained from

1 participatory sport for boys in high school by a large margin.

Outdoor track and field continues to lead the way for girls with 488,267 participants.

While some of the traditional sports such as football, basketball and baseball have remained steady and/or experienced slight declines in the past seven years, other sports have registered significant gains since 2012. Participation in girls and boys lacrosse has increased 19 percent during that time with a combined 213,452 participants in 2018-19. Girls and boys soccer gained 70,668 participants since 2012 (a nine percent increase) and now has a combined 853,182 participants nationwide.

the 51-member state high school associations, which includes the District of Columbia. The last decline in sports participation numbers occurred during the 1988-89 school year.

“We know from recent surveys that the number of kids involved in youth sports has been declining, and a decline in the number of public school students has been predicted for a number of years, so we knew our ‘streak’ might end someday,” said Dr. Karissa Niehoff, NFHS executive director. “The data from this year’s survey serves as a reminder that we have to work even harder in the coming

USSSA Makes 13U Baseball Bat Standard Changes, Picks New Bat-Testing Lab United States Sports Specialty Association (USSSA) announced baseball bat standard changes in the 13U division for the 2020 season and a transition to a new bat-testing lab, NTS Chesapeake, to

years to involve more students in these vital programs – not only

validate bats for USSSA slow pitch softball and baseball programs.

athletics but performing arts programs as well.”

Starting January 1, 2020, all 13U baseball events and all teams in

The biggest contributors to the decline were the two longstanding

13U events must use a maximum drop-8 or minus-8 bat with the

and popular sports of football and basketball. Participation in boys 11-player football declined by 30,829 participants to 1,006,013 – the

official USSSA 1.15 BPF Mark permanently stamped. All 14U events and all teams in 14U events must use a maximum drop-5 or minus-5

lowest mark since 1,002,734 in the 1999-2000 school year. Although

bat with the official USSSA 1.15 BPF Mark permanently stamped.

the number of participants dropped the number of schools offering

A first offense penalty includes the option of a defensive team

11-player football increased by 168 to 14,247.

having the batter called out on a ball put in play. A second offense

Combined basketball participation was down 23,944 (13,340 girls and

penalty includes ejection of the team manager.

10,604 boys), and the girls basketball total of 399,067 is the lowest since

The transition to the NTS Chesapeake bat-testing lab will result in

the 1992-93 school year. However, the decrease in girls basketball

new stamps on bats used in baseball and softball.

participation from 430,368 in 2016-17 to 399,067 in 2018-19 is largely attributable to a 25,000 drop in Texas during that two-year period.

Dismissing the Texas numbers, girls basketball numbers have been steady in the range of 430,000 for the past seven years.

Four of the top 10 boys sports registered increases in participation, topped by track and field with an additional 5,257 participants.

Among girls top 10 sports, volleyball was the front-runner with an additional 6,225 participants.

USSSA will be rolling out new bat stamps to signify testing under the new standards and protocols developed by the USSSA Bat Committee. The process involved months of testing with current USSSA certified bats.

Slow-pitch softball bats certified under the new standards will have an initial retail launch on June 1, 2020 and bats with the 2012 USSSA stamp will be grandfathered in for use until July 1, 2021. As of July 1, 2021, bats with USSSA 2012 stamp will no longer be accepted

Volleyball and wrestling continued to gain interest across genders.

for use and bats with a compression of 240 pounds or greater will

Boys participation in volleyball registered a four percent increase

be eligible for use on the field of play. This gives participants 23

and now has 63,563 participants nationwide, and girls wrestling

months to use current stamped bats.

jumped 27 percent and now has 21,735 participants.

With 1,006,013 participants, 11-player football remains the No.

USSSA Baseball bat certification will also transition to NTS and all bats produced after August 1, 2020 will have been certified

NSGA NOW ®

>>

Continued on Page 22 November / December 2019 | 21

LOCKER ROOM NOW Continued from Page 21

through NTS. No changes to standards in baseball are foreseeable

and add-on products, such as its patented S.A.F.E.Clip, from the

but there will be a new USSSA baseball stamp. There will not be a

national market for such products.

grandfathering stop date on bats with the old stamp as the new

“Over the past several years, Mayfield Athletics has engineered

stamp will only denote the bat has been certified by NTS.

and rigorously tested S.A.F.E.Clip, an aftermarket facemask clip proven to reduce g-force impact by as much as 35%. NOCSAEapproved labs, as well as other independent labs, have confirmed such reductions,” described Jim Hewson, legal counsel, Mayfield Athletics. “Unfortunately, while NOCSAE has established standards for football helmets, it has publicly and privately maintained that

Protective Equipment Part of NFHS Boys Lacrosse Rule Changes

facemask attachment hardware, such as S.A.F.E.Clip, is not certified and cannot be certified given the lack of NOCSAE standards for such hardware.”

Shoulder pads, commotio cordis chest protectors and the crosse were part of high school boys lacrosse rule changes recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Boys Lacrosse Rules Committee at its July 15-17 meeting the NFHS Board of Directors.

NOCSAE Clarifies Rules Regarding Football Helmets

Under mandatory equipment listed in Rule 1-9-1, shoulder pads

The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic

and chest protectors used by players must be designed for lacrosse.

Equipment (NOCSAE) clarified the organization’s rules related to

in Indianapolis. All rule changes were subsequently approved by

Additionally, goalkeepers must wear a commotio cordis protector designed for lacrosse that meets the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) ND200 standard at

football helmets. NOCSAE sets test and performance standards for football helmets and the NFL requires that football helmets worn by players in the league meet NOCSAE standards.

the time of manufacture beginning January 1, 2021. Shoulder pads

The rule that prevents recertification for helmets after 10 years is

for field players must incorporate the NOCSAE ND200 lacrosse

set by the National Athletic Equipment Reconditioners Association

standard for commotio cordis protection beginning January 1,

(NAERA). NOCSAE does not participate in the management or

2022. NOCSAE ND200 protection will be available on the market

administration of NAERA and does not direct or control NAERA

for field players and goalkeepers this fall.

policies.

Football Helmet Add-On Manufacturer Sues NOCSAE, Helmet Manufacturers

NOCSAE does not have a rule that prevents players in the NFL or any league from wearing specific football helmets or football helmets that are more than 10 years old.

Michigan-based Mayfield Athletics announced Sept. 16 it has filed, through its legal counsel, official antitrust and tort litigation against the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) and the nation’s leading football helmet manufacturers, Schutt, Riddell, and Xenith. Mayfield Athletics alleges NOCSAE’s positions and official statements surrounding standards for aftermarket and add-on products for helmets have unlawfully restrained trade and competition in the national market for football safety equipment and accessories.

The factual allegations set forth in Mayfield Athletics’ complaint reflect the existence of multiple contracts, combinations and conspiracies between the three helmet manufacturers and NOCSAE to maintain a monopoly on the market for football safety equipment and accessories, thereby excluding manufacturers of aftermarket 22 | NSGA NOW ®

>> November / December 2019

Want to find the most up-todate rule changes that have an impact on your equipment and uniform sales? Check out the NSGA Scoreboard E-newsletter that comes out every other Tuesday.

MEMBERSHIP NOW What They Are Saying About Conference Scholarships Want to know more about the value of applying for a scholarship to the 56th Annual NSGA Management Conference & 22nd Annual Team Dealer Summit? Read about what some of the attendees in recent years received from a Conference & Summit scholarship.

“I can’t express how grateful I am to

“The NSGA conference was very informa-

be able to attend the NSGA confer-

tive. I enjoyed the guest speakers and the

ence on a scholarship. I learned so

speed networking event. The opportunity

much and it motivated me. I came

to network with other members of the

back to Massachusetts with plans of

sporting goods industry for three days

remodeling my store. I did just that!

was extremely valuable. Going forward

Thank you again for this wonderful

the NSGA conference will be a can’t miss

opportunity and I will be back in

event for me.”

the future!”

Loreena Miceli, Owner, The Bench | Bridgewater, MA

Josh Baker, President, Baker’s Sports | Jacksonville, FL “I was granted a scholarship to attend

“I always enjoy going

the NSGA management conference in

to the NSGA conference

Georgia. Everything was super easy. The

and catching up on the

show floor made it easy to see everyone

industry and the new

and talk to companies about their prod-

products and ideas. We

ucts and our relationships with them.

are always able to bring

The speed networking was very good:

something back that

short, sweet and the right amount of

enhances our business. It

time to get to know companies, voice

also provides a great time to visit with friends from the industry.

complaints or tell them what they are

The scholarships are particularly helpful to enable frequent attendance and we truly appreciate the companies that participate.”

Bob Fawley, Owner & President, Capitol Varsity Sports, Inc. | Oxford, OH

doing well and how to improve. I also got to meet some companies that we do not do anything with but are going to be good partners going forward. I look forward to being able to find the time to go to this event again. It is well worth the time to

The annual NSGA Management Conference is always a great experience. It not only offers the opportunity

meet, learn from and grow relationships with people in the industry. I can’t thank the NSGA enough for the opportunity to attend.”

Tyler Grogan, VP, Grogan Marciano Sporting Goods | Mansfield, MA

to learn and gain differing perspectives on the challenges facing the sporting goods and team dealer trade, but it also provides a forum to speak to the decision makers and influencers within the industry. There’s always something to take back to our business and apply to our practices that makes us a better, more competitive operation.’

Application deadline is December 13, 2019.

Apply today at nsga.org/scholarship

Greg Baldwin, VP of Merchandising & Operations, Schuylkill Valley Sports | Pottstown, PA NSGA NOW ®

>> November / December 2019 | 23

HAPPY

Holidays and a prosperous

New Year From all of us at