Industry Press Room - Athletic Business

Monday, March 21, 2011

Synthetic Turf Council Offers Expanded Membership to the Industry’s Largest Professional Association

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Synthetic Turf Council

Decision Announced During the Biggest Gathering of the Synthetic Turf Industry Ever in North America

ATLANTA, Ga. (March 21, 2011) – As synthetic turf continues to grow in popularity, so does the level of interest it fosters in the people who buy and use it. After attracting record-breaking attendance during its Spring Membership Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona from March 7 – 9, the Synthetic Turf Council <http://www.syntheticturfcouncil.org> (STC) announced the creation of first-time ever individual memberships and adjusted several dues categories to promote as much inclusion as possible.

“We are striving to give voice to all those in the synthetic turf industry and now consumers,” explained Rick Doyle, President of the Synthetic Turf Council. “Hearing from buyers like athletic directors and municipal officials, as well as academics and students, is important as usage continues to grow throughout North America.”

In considering its membership priorities, the fast-growing Synthetic Turf Council decided to facilitate the inclusion of three key business sectors of the industry: landscape architects, engineers, and synthetic turf consultants; sub-base contractors; and regional lawn and leisure installation companies. STC has created new categories of membership with full voting rights, membership privileges and its own dues schedule to accomplish this goal.

The most significant change is the establishment of a new Affiliate membership category, which for the first time in STC’s history welcomes individuals. Affiliate members are divided into three sectors: coaches, athletic directors, municipal officials, active military, and other end-users (annual dues: $75); university or school professors, teachers, researchers (annual dues: $50); and students (annual dues $25). Members in this category may attend STC meetings, and participate on committees and task forces, but do not have voting rights. If you would like to learn more about membership, contact the Synthetic Turf Council (http://www.syntheticturfcouncil.org)

Over 215 individuals from 137 companies attended STC’s Spring Membership Meeting – the largest gathering of the synthetic turf industry ever in North America. Education was the focal point of the event. Concurrent programs for the Sports Fields and the Landscape/Golf sectors presented technical information and spotlighted the latest trends and innovations. Rick Nafe, Vice President of Operations and Facilities for the Tampa Bay Rays, delivered an entertaining keynote address on his own positive experiences with synthetic turf. William J. Seymour, P.E., of Gale Associates discussed “Non-Traditional Funding and Financial Options for Athletic Facility Projects,” a timely topic considering today’s economic challenges. An expanded exhibitor showcase and interactive workgroups completed the successful educational and networking experience.

About the Synthetic Turf Council
Based in Atlanta, the Synthetic Turf Council was founded in 2003 to promote the industry and to assist buyers and end users with the selection, use and maintenance of synthetic turf systems in sports field, golf, municipal parks, airports, landscape and residential applications. The organization is also a resource for current, credible, and independent research on the safety and environmental impact of synthetic turf. Membership includes builders, landscape architects, testing labs, maintenance providers, manufacturers, suppliers, installation contractors, infill material suppliers and other specialty service companies. For more information, visit www.syntheticturfcouncil.org.

Posted At 2:31 PM • Comments (3)

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Sport Resource Group SRG Fusion Safety Pads Receive NHL Clearance

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Source: Sport Resource Group

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (March 15, 2011) – Sport Resource Group (Minneapolis, MN) is proud to announce its SRG Fusion Safety Pads have received clearance from the NHL for use by NHL Member Clubs and in NHL arenas.

Sport Resource Group’s Fusion Safety Pads are a new pad designed to protect players from termination points in any ice arena. The Fusion Safety Pads have four important design changes versus the current industry standard:

•   Higher density foam
•   L-shaped design to better hug the termination post corners
•   Thicker foam at the most likely point of impact
•   Taller options – 48”, 60” or 72” high

Under strict testing conducted by Vector Scientific Inc (VSI), SRG Fusion Safety Pads were able to reduce the impact that causes concussions by 88% versus no padding at all and reduce the impact by 75% versus the standard industry padding
“Hockey is a fantastic sport loved by millions of players and fans. As a leader in the hockey rink equipment manufacturing business, we never stop looking for ways to make the game safer so more and more players can enjoy it. To put it in hockey terms, we couldn’t have asked for a better linemate then the National Hockey League as we developed this new technology,” said Sport Resource Group President Chris Guertin.

SRG Fusion Safety Pads first made their debut at the NHL’s Research and Development Camp in Toronto in August 2010, which is organized by Brendan Shanahan, a former longtime NHLer and the league's vice president of hockey and business development.
"When Chris showed up and put them up, even aesthetically looking, it seemed a big difference," Shanahan said. “Then it was just a matter of him backing up his data and claims that they provide more protection and decrease the risk of concussions. We feel after some thorough, rigorous testing, that's been done. We think there's a future there."

Sport Resource Group was created to give customers in the recreation industry a choice when it comes to ice hockey, inline hockey, and soccer containment systems and accessories. The mission of Sport Resource Group is to provide the highest quality products to recreation professionals at affordable prices complimented by the best customer service in the industry. Sport Resource Group offers the most customizable containment systems, portable boundaries and rink solutions to fit your needs.

Posted At 2:49 PM • Comments (1)

Life Fitness and ACE Announce Search for America's Top Personal Trainers to Watch

Posted by AB Editors

Source: The American Council on Exercise

Nationwide Search Honors Innovation, Dedication and Commitment to the Fitness Industry

SCHILLER PARK, Ill. (March 16, 2011) – Life Fitness, the global leader in fitness equipment manufacturing, and the American Council on Exercise, America’s leading authority on fitness and the largest nonprofit fitness certification, education and training organization in the world, today announce a search for America’s top Personal Trainers to Watch. With more than 26 percent of American adults overweight and obese, the Life Fitness and ACE Personal Trainers to Watch program celebrates the more than 261,000 personal trainers across the country who have demonstrated a growing commitment to fitness and to helping their clients achieve a lasting lifestyle change through educating and encouraging people to make physical activity an integral part of their everyday lives.

“Through the Personal Trainers to Watch program, we want to recognize the professionals who make fitness more than just their business,” said Chris Clawson, president of Life Fitness. “At Life Fitness, fitness is what we live for and we know thousands of trainers across the country embody that same passion, showing unbridled commitment to their clients. We want to honor their dedication and to celebrate their daily fitness journey.”

To participate in the program, people are invited to visit the Life Fitness website (www.LifeFitness.com/PersonalTrainers) to nominate a personal trainer who is passionate about fitness and serves as a leader in his or her community to continually inspire, motivate and coach others to achieve lasting lifestyle change. One grand-prize winner will receive $5,000 toward his or her personal training business, a select piece of Life Fitness equipment, an ACE fitness certification package with study materials and exam voucher and national recognition as Life Fitness and ACE’s Personal Trainer to Watch. Ten finalists will also be honored and will receive national recognition for their fitness successes.

“In kicking off our Personal Trainers to Watch program with Life Fitness, we are proud to spotlight the most dedicated and inspiring fitness professionals for the guidance and support they provide not only to their clients, but also to their communities,” said Scott Goudeseune, American Council on Exercise president and CEO. “The initiative and positive contributions of personal trainers across the country are a testament to our industry’s goal and ACE’s distinct mission to combat the obesity epidemic in America, and to help people of all ages and fitness levels to lead healthier, more active lives.”

The Personal Trainers to Watch nominations will be accepted March 15 through Aug. 31, 2011. Winners will be announced in October at the Club Industry Show in Chicago. To nominate a personal trainer, or for official program rules, please visit www.LifeFitness.com/PersonalTrainers. Nominations are limited to one entry per person.

About Life Fitness
Life Fitness is the global leader in providing fitness equipment. The company manufactures and sells strength and cardiovascular equipment under the brand names Life Fitness and Hammer Strength and distributes its equipment in more than 120 countries. Headquartered outside Chicago, in Schiller Park, Ill., Life Fitness is a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC).

About the American Council on Exercise
The American Council on Exercise (ACE), America’s premier fitness education, certification and training organization, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the benefits of physical activity and protecting Americans against unsafe and ineffective fitness products and instruction. ACE sponsors university-based exercise science research and is the world’s largest nonprofit fitness certifying organization. For more information on ACE and its programs, call (800) 825-3636 or log onto the ACE website at www.acefitness.org.

Posted At 2:05 PM • Comments (1)

ECORE International Announces New Technology and Close of Recapitalization

Posted by AB Editors

Source: ECORE International

LANCASTER, Pa. (March 14, 2011) Lancaster-based manufacturer, ECORE International Inc., manufacturer of Everlast sports surfacing with Nike Grind is pleased to announce the introduction of its patent-pending itstru Technology and the closing of its $40MM recapitalization and refinancing package.

The introduction of the itstru technology is combined with the introduction of a 98% post-consumer modular floor tile system designed for heavy duty commercial flooring applications. These product launches are building the framework for future manufacturing growth and reaffirm ECORE International’s leadership position as the rubber recycling innovator in the industry.

The corresponding recapitalization opens up opportunities for growth on other business fronts. “Our recapitalization and refinancing package sets the stage for an aggressive capital investment program in 2011 as well as continued investment in business development and prosecution of our intellectual property rights” states ECORE Chairman and CEO Arthur B. Dodge III.

Already committed to using resources to protect the environment, part of the capital investment will include the consolidation of two locations into one state-of-the-art recycling and manufacturing facility while not eliminating any jobs. The consolidation will increase recycling capacity as well as create efficiencies by eliminating resources used currently to transport rubber from ECORE’s Hanover facility to ECORE’s York facility. Dodge states:

“In 2011, ECORE will invest $4.0MM to consolidate our Hanover recycling facility to our York, PA campus. The move will give us over 100 million pounds of refined recycled rubber capacity. We will be able to process all forms of scrap rubber as well as efficiently reclaim our own materials in a closed loop process.”

ECORE International employs over 200 individuals in Central Pennsylvania and operates facilities in New York and California. ECORE’s origin dates back to 1869 when it operated as Dodge Cork Company. ECORE is best known as the creator of Everlast with Nike Grind, a recycled rubber sports surfacing; as well as playground and equine surfacing products presently marketed under the ECOsurfaces, QT, PlayGuard, and PaveSafe brands. ECORE holds two original patents and has two patents pending.

About ECORE International

ECORE International has been at the forefront of recycling efforts since their inception in 1989. Twenty years ago, ECORE pioneered the recycled rubber flooring category. Today, as North America’s largest user of recycled scrap tire rubber, ECORE processes more than 80 million pounds of scrap tire rubber each year, and helps to conserve more than one million barrels of oil in the process to convert pliable treads into durable product solutions for commercial, industrial, and architectural applications.

Posted At 11:57 AM • Comments (2)

Wednesday, March 02, 2011

Rain Bird Announces Partnership with The Groundwater Foundation

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Source: Rain Bird

Partnership supports groundwater protection through the Groundwater Guardian Green Site program

AZUSA, Calif. (March 2, 2011) – Rain Bird announced today that it has partnered with The Greenwater Foundation in support of its Groundwater Guardian Green Site program, an initiative that encourages the sustained use of groundwater-friendly practices and recognizes green space managers for their groundwater stewardship. As a program partner, Rain Bird will work with the Groundwater Foundation to raise awareness of the importance of groundwater protection and help green space managers identify and implement groundwater-friendly practices.

The Groundwater Foundation launched the Groundwater Guardian Green Site program in 2007 to educate the public about the importance of groundwater protection by recognizing green spaces such as golf courses, sports fields, natural areas, educational and office campuses and parks for their advances in groundwater protection and environmental stewardship. Participating sites learn how their practices can impact the environment, receive educational updates and resources, connect with other site managers and water experts and demonstrate groundwater and environmental stewardship within their communities.

“Rain Bird’s commitment to the Intelligent Use of Water and environmental stewardship makes them a natural partner for the Groundwater Guardian Green Site Program,” said Jane Griffin, Groundwater Foundation president. “We are excited about our partnership with Rain Bird and look forward to working closely with them to promote groundwater-friendly practices to new audiences of turf and green space professionals.”

In order to attain the exclusive Groundwater Guardian Green Site designation, site managers must document responsible use of chemicals and water, pollution prevention and water quality protection. Each applicant is evaluated according to current pesticide, fertilizer and water use practices, pollution source management, water quality protection and environmental stewardship.

“The Groundwater Guardian Green Site program goes hand-in-hand with Rain Bird’s Intelligent Use of Water philosophy and complements many of the company’s existing initiatives aimed at educating the industry and public about the need for environmental stewardship through efficient water use,” said Rain Bird’s director of corporate marketing, Dave Johnson. “In addition to providing half of our nation’s drinking water, groundwater is also a primary source for irrigating the food we eat, making the protection of groundwater reservoirs from contamination and depletion of vital importance to the sustainability of our current and future water resources. It is through partnerships such as this that Rain Bird strives to help raise awareness of key issues and further the protection of all of the planet’s available water resources.”

The Groundwater Guardian Green Site program is open to anyone who manages or maintains a green space that currently implements groundwater-friendly practices. Potential sites are encouraged to get involved in the Groundwater Guardian Green Site program by downloading the program application at www.groundwater.org/gg/greensites.html.

ABOUT RAIN BIRD CORPORATION

Based in Azusa, Calif., Rain Bird Corporation is the leading manufacturer and provider of irrigation products and services. Since its beginnings in 1933, Rain Bird has offered the industry’s broadest range of irrigation products for farms, golf courses, sports arenas, commercial developments and homes in more than 130 countries around the world. Rain Bird has been awarded more than 130 patents, including the first in 1935 for the impact sprinkler. Rain Bird and The Intelligent Use of Water™ are about using water wisely. The company’s commitment extends beyond products to education, training and services for the industry and the community. Rain Bird maintains state-of-the-art manufacturing assembly facilities in the United States, France, Sweden and Mexico. www.rainbird.com

ABOUT THE GROUNDWATER FOUNDATION

The Groundwater Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a mission to educate people and inspire action to ensure sustainable, clean groundwater for future generations. Since its inception in 1985, the Lincoln, Nebraska-based Foundation has developed programs, projects, and resources that have educated youth and adults about the importance of groundwater and ways they can help protect it. For more information about The Groundwater Foundation and its programs, visit www.groundwater.org.

Posted At 2:41 PM • Comments (0)

WhiteWater West Industries Opens Office In China

Posted by AB Editors

Source: WhiteWater West Industries

RICHMOND, B.C. (Feb. 28, 2011) – WhiteWater West Industries Ltd., the global leader in waterpark design, engineering and manufacturing, is pleased to announce the opening of our new office in Shanghai, China. This new office will allow WhiteWater to meet the growing demand in China as well as improve service to existing clients.

David Bogdonov, VP Business Development - Asia, said of the opening: "It's a great step for us, particularly because this is a result of client demand. This office will greatly increase the level of support for clients in the Chinese market, and marks a considerable milestone in our company's development, signifying our growing presence in the marketplace.”

Along with the opening of our 15th office worldwide, we have additional personnel assigned devoted to this area including, Phil Zhong - Project Manager and Dawn Tong responsible for business development in China. With the opening of this office, WhiteWater will focus on increasing its presence in China, therefore demonstrating a commitment to this market, as well as building awareness.

About WhiteWater:

Established in 1980, WhiteWater has over 450 employees and is a vertically integrated supplier of the most successful waterpark attractions in the world. Specializing in waterslides, AquaPlay multi-level interactive play structures, wave-generating equipment and Prime Play soft modular play systems and family adventure parks, our award winning products and industry leading technology are at more than 4,000 projects worldwide. Our depth of expertise includes park planning, engineering, manufacturing and installation. Markets include indoor and outdoor waterparks, hotels and resorts, amusement and theme parks and municipal aquatic facilities.

Posted At 2:40 PM • Comments (0)