Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Bona Announces NBA Partnership
Source: Bona US
Aurora, Colo., Feb. 27, 2011 – Bona US, the world leader in hardwood floor
care and maintenance since 1919, announced today that it will be an Official
Hardwood Floor Care Partner of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Many NBA teams are already playing on floors finished with Bona including
the New Orleans Hornets, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors and Denver
Nuggets. An industry leader for more than 90 years, Bona Hardwood Floor
Finish and Paint are durable, long-lasting and won’t disseminate harmful
fumes.
“We are happy with the Bona products on our new practice court and our game
court at Air Canada Centre the home of the Toronto Raptors,” said Bob
Hunter, executive vice president of venues and entertainment, Maple Leaf
Sports and Entertainment. “We have to know that our floors can stand up to
the wear and tear of our busy facility and still provide a great surface for
our players and Bona was a good choice. The fact that Bona is not only
durable but also environmentally friendly is a big bonus. The Bona team has
also been very responsive to our needs -- we consider them one of our valued
Partners.”
Bona provides the most complete system of sport products that the industry
has to offer including waterborne and oil modified finishes, machines,
abrasives adhesives and a fast, effective maintenance system.
“Bona products have been used in NBA and top collegiate gyms for years”,
said John Rauvola, managing director, Bona US. “We are very excited to now
be formally recognized as an Official Hardwood Floor Care Partner of the
NBA.”
The technology used in the products for NBA floors is also used in Bona’s
residential finishes. Proven to be the most durable and beautiful finishes
in the industry, Bona waterborne finishes are GREENGUARD certified for
indoor air quality by the third party, GREENGUARD Environmental Institute.
GREENGUARD is a non-profit, third party organization that tests indoor
products for their environmental impact in an effort to improve the air
quality consumers breathe. Bona is the first in its industry to carry a full
system of hardwood floor finishing and floor care products certified for
indoor air quality.
About the NBA
The NBA, founded in 1946, is a professional sports league and global
business that features 30 teams in the United States and Canada. During the
2011-12 season, NBA games reached 215 countries and territories in 47
languages. Current NBA rosters featured 77 players from 36 countries and
territories. NBA merchandise is sold in more than 125,000 stores in 100
countries on six continents. NBA.com averages more than 35 million page
views per day, with more than 50 percent of the site’s visitors coming from
outside of North America. The NBA is the No. 1 U.S. sports league on
Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, with the most fans, followers, and videos
viewed on each, respectively. Through NBA Cares, the league, its teams and
players have donated more than $175 million to charity, completed more than
1.8 million hours of hands-on community service, and created more than 675
places where kids and families can live, learn, or play.
About Bona US
Bona US is the North American subsidiary of BonaAB in Malmö, Sweden. Bona US
manufactures and distributes floor and home care products. Bona’s hardwood
floor care systems have been successful in the professional market for 90
years. Consumer products are available in most major retail outlets
throughout the U.S. and North America. With certifications like GREEN GUARD,
the company has also been recognized for formula innovations that are
pH-neutral, biodegradable and non-toxic. For more information, please
contact Bona US at (800) 872-5515 or www.MyBonaHome.com.
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Thursday, February 23, 2012
Aquatic Play Feature Online Training Course New Format Offers Improved Learning Experience
Source: National Swimming Pool Foundation
Colorado Springs, Colorado, February 23, 2012-The National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF) announces the Aquatic Play FeatureTM (APF) online training course is now available in a new format, plus a Spanish version has also been launched. The new format offers better user interface, more interactivity, and easier navigation. The Spanish counterpart is a mirror of the English course. This course joins a growing portfolio of multi-lingual educational materials offered by the foundation.
The Aquatic Play Feature course is a stand alone educational tool for those who care for swimming pools with play features. “We have learned that aquatic play features can complicate management and operations,” explained Thomas M. Lachocki, Ph.D., and CEO of the NSPF. “For example, managing water chemistry to prevent RWI’s can be challenging where aquatic play features are installed.”
“This is a useful, focused resource for facility managers and operators who are committed to reducing risk in and around these popular entertainment features,” added Alex Antoniou, Ph.D., Director of Education at NSPF. “It’s all about assuring a healthy experience.” The Aquatic Play Feature course content builds on the fundamental information found in the Certified Pool/Spa Operator®(CPO®) certification program, the online Pool Operator PrimerTM program, and the NSPF Pool & Spa OperatorTM Handbook.
Course learning objectives include:
• How to deal with cloudy water
• Excessively high make-up water bills
• High sanitizer/oxidizer consumption
• Very short filter runs
• Maintaining automated control systems
• Management of water and of water chemistry
• Chlorine and chemical addition issues
• Filtration and circulation concerns
• Play feature operational considerations
• Usage of chloramines and stabilizers
Aquatic play features have migrated from waterparks to all types of pools and facilities, including backyard pools. In addition to spray parks and aquatic centers, aquatic play features are found at small motels, campgrounds, fitness centers, housing developments, hotel timeshare
resorts, and military bases. Professionals who operate and manage these innovative recreational features, or are considering adding a feature, will appreciate the knowledge gained by taking this course.
The interactive course features narration, images, video, and interactive activities, and includes a copy of the Aquatic Play Feature Handbook, also available in Spanish, Gui´a Aquatic Play Feature. The course can be completed in about two hours and costs $50.00 USD per student. Students have access to the training for six months once purchased.
The National Swimming Pool Foundation is an approved Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). As a result of its Authorized Provider status, NSPF is authorized to offer IACET CEUs for the APF online training course. Students who successfully complete the AFA training course can submit for IACET credits by contacting NSPF. Participants can register for the Aquatic Play Feature online training course at www.nspf.org and click on online training, or email info@nspf.org or call 719- 540-9119 for more information.
About NSPF®
The National Swimming Pool Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1965, dedicated to improving public health worldwide and is the leading educator of aquatic facility operators and pool and spa professionals, and the chief philanthropic research sponsor in the aquatics field. The foundation has donated $ 4 million since 2003 to fund grants to prevent illness, injury, and drowning, and to demonstrate the health benefits of aquatic activity. NSPF works towards its mission to encourage healthier living by increasing aquatic activity through education and research with its growing collection of multi-lingual educational products, certification and training, and sponsors the annual World Aquatic HealthTM Conference, now in its 9th year.
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CMAA and MDP Programs Offer Property and Casualty Coverage for CMAA Member Clubs
Source: Club Managers Association of America
Alexandria, VA – February 22, 2012 – The Club Managers Association of America (CMAA), in cooperation with Maury, Donnelly & Parr, Inc. (MDP Programs), announces the debut of a property and casualty insurance product developed specifically for CMAA member-managed clubs including historic club properties.
CMAA collaborated with MDP Programs to bring their enhanced property coverage’s, expertise and customer service to the club industry. The product being offered to CMAA is underwritten by Fireman’s Fund (FF) Insurance Company and is solely distributed through MDP Programs.
“This alignment allows us to provide a customized solution for clubs that have older and historic structures, as well as the agents that represent them. Besides offering a broad historic property form, our capabilities also include fine arts, general liability, specialized golf course enhancements, auto, umbrella and worker’s compensation,” said Brian Phoebus, Vice President of MDP Programs.
MDP Programs and the CMAA Risk Management Department will assist CMAA members in addressing the operational exposures that clubs face every day as well as the special needs of clubs through the proper valuation of the clubhouse and its collections. Additional coverage will protect against the loss of a club’s historic materials and original craftsmanship.
“Through this program, CMAA members will feel secure in the thorough and complete restoration of their clubhouse following a loss and benefit from the specialized expertise that MDP Programs and FF brings to the table,” shared Jeff Magoon, Senior Director, CMAA Risk Management.
Clubs, preferred providers and agents interested in more information about this program offering should contact Jeff Magoon at insurance@cmaa.org or (703) 739-9500, or visit www.preparemyclub.org.
About MDA Programs
Maury, Donnelly & Parr, Inc., originally founded in 1875, has a non-profit risk management division that administers several significant programs for not-for-profit Associations. One of the firm’s most successful programs is a relationship with The National Trust for Historic Preservation, in Washington, DC where MDP insures 3,500 commercial historic properties throughout the country, including historic sites, theatres, house museums, hotels and habitational locations.
About CMAA
The Club Managers Association of America is the professional Association for managers of membership clubs. CMAA has close to 7,000 members across all classifications. Manager members run more than 3,000 country, golf, city, athletic, faculty, yacht, town and military clubs. The objectives of the Association are to promote and advance friendly relations among persons connected with the management of clubs and other associations of similar character; to encourage the education and advancement of members; and to assist club officers and members, through their managers, to secure the utmost in efficient and successful operations.
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Posted At
11:11 AM
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Cybex Supplies Mobile Fitness and Therapy Centers Used on PGA TOUR and Champions Tour
Source: Cybex International Inc.
Cybex International Inc. (NASDAQ: CYBI), a leading manufacturer of exercise equipment, is outfitting the state-of-the-art Allegheny Sports Medicine mobile fitness and therapy centers used by the world’s elite golfers on the PGA TOUR and Champions Tour in 2012.
“The world’s best players increasingly look to enhance their performance on the course through better fitness off it,” said golf legend Greg Norman. “Cybex equipment allows these players to exercise at higher levels of intensity without fear of injury or overuse.”
The PGA TOUR’s four mobile fitness and therapy centers travel to all tournament sites to support the players throughout the season. The PGA TOUR centers are outfitted with Cybex Arc Trainers (scientifically proven to provide faster weight loss, burning 16 percent more calories than ellipticals), Cybex treadmills and exercise bikes, Cybex Bravo functional trainers, and adjustable benches. The mobile centers are staffed with professional therapists, chiropractors and athletic trainers who assist the players with rehabilitative and preventive care as well as personal conditioning programs.
“To prevent injuries, endure the rigors of competitive play and succeed on the PGA TOUR, today’s professional golfers are continually focused on improving their performance level on the golf course through strength and cardio training,” said Paul Schueren, a physical therapist who has been with the player mobile fitness and therapy centers since 1988. “By using mobile fitness and therapy centers outfitted with Cybex equipment, more than 80 percent of PGA TOUR professionals are demonstrating that fitness and performance are linked at the highest level.”
Norman, a fitness aficionado who was once the world’s No. 1 ranked golfer, has seen professional golfers change their attitude toward regular exercise and fitness. “When I was younger, we were told exercising was bad for your golf swing but I still made fitness a central part of my regular exercise and training regimen,” said Norman. “It’s great to see a paradigm shift with professional golfers who now make fitness part of their daily routine. Today, golfers are bombing their drives 300-plus yards and they’re healthier and stronger because of regular exercise.”
“Even the veterans on the Champions Tour realize the importance of making fitness a central part of their training,” added Norman, who held the No. 1 ranking for 331 weeks. “Thankfully, the old mentality that fitness hurts your swing has changed forever.”
Cybex, a manufacturer and supplier of strength training and cardio equipment for thousands of fitness clubs, hotels, resorts, colleges, universities and municipalities across the globe, recently introduced a new Cybex Golf Performance Program .
“Golfers are constantly evolving both on the course and with their daily routines. Refining their swing is as important as their fitness training techniques,” said Stephen Alvezi, Director of Sales, Cybex Golf. “At clubs, fitness facilities and on tour, we see golfers are more focused on the concept of functional training to maximize effective targeting of muscles and joints used in their golf swing. Golfers are looking for any advantage they can get over their competition, and fitness is an area where they can raise their game to the next level.”
About Cybex
Cybex International, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of premium exercise equipment primarily for commercial use. The Cybex product line, including a full range of strength and cardio training machines, is designed using exercise science to reflect the natural movement of the human body. Led by the Cybex Research Institute, Cybex fitness equipment is engineered to produce optimal results for users from the first-time exerciser to the professional athlete. Cybex products, designed and built in the USA, are available for a wide range of facilities, from commercial health clubs to home gyms, and are sold in more than 85 countries worldwide. For more information on Cybex and its product lines, visit the Company’s website at www.cybexintl.com.
This news release may contain forward-looking statements. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the statements made above. These include, but are not limited to, the ability of the Company to comply with the terms of its credit facilities, competitive factors, technological and product developments, market demand, economic conditions, and the resolution of litigation involving the Company. Further information on these and other factors which could affect the Company’s financial results can be found in the Company’s previously filed Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, its Reports on Form 10-Q, its Current Reports on Form 8-K, and its proxy statement dated April 14, 2011.
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11:05 AM
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Dur-A-Flex® Becomes First Resinous Floor Coating Manufacturer to Earn National Certification
Source: Dur-A-Flex
EAST HARTFORD, CONN. (FEB. 22, 2012) – One of Dur-A-Flex’s floor systems has been certified by the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) for slip resistance, making the company the first resinous floor coating manufacturer to receive such a determination by the nationally-recognized agency.
The NFSI provided Dur-A-Flex with the means to have their Dur-A-Quartz with Armor Top® epoxy flooring system independently evaluated for slip resistance. Once the system passed the agency’s rigorous evaluations, it was placed on the NFSI’s Certified Products list, which is accessible by facility owners looking to make more informed buying decisions.
According to the NFSI, walking surfaces are most likely to be identified as the primary cause of a slip, trip-and-fall accident and comprise 55 percent of all falls.
“Knowing facility owners look for ways to increase safety and reduce liability, Dur-A-Quartz with Armor Top® has always topped the list of flooring solutions that we offer,” says Ron Phillips, Dur-A-Flex’s product manager. “Having the NFSI certification means facility owners and managers feel even more confident that they have chosen the right floor,” he concluded.
Comprised of more than ten years of researching various test methods by which walkway materials, coatings, chemical cleaning agents and treatments can be evaluated for their degree of slip resistance – the NFSI has the most comprehensive evaluation process. In order for Dur-A-Flex’s Dur-A-Quartz with Armor Top® to achieve the NFSI’s certification status, the flooring system had to pass a laboratory phase and a field test. Not only did the epoxy system pass both evaluations, but it exceeded the minimum accepted scores earning a “high traction” determination by the NFSI.
Founded in 1997, the National Floor Safety Institute is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization whose mission is to aid in the prevention of slips, trips-and-falls through education, research, and standards development. For more information on the NFSI or the testing methodology, log onto www.nfsi.org.
Named one of the “Best Places to Work in CT” for the fourth time by the Hartford Business Journal-sponsored awards program, Dur-A-Flex is a privately-held, leading manufacturer of quality epoxy, urethane, methyl methacrylate and colored aggregates offering a complete line of high performance polymer flooring and wall systems. The versatile seamless applications provide improved safety, minimal downtime and easy maintenance to all industries.
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Posted At
11:02 AM
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Monday, February 20, 2012
HAR-TRU Sports Acquires Tennis Supply Companies
Source: HAR-TRU Sports
(Charlottesville, Va.)- HAR-TRU Sports announced today the acquisition of
the tennis operations of J.A. Cissel Manufacturing and Century Sports. The
acquisition provides HAR-TRU’s customers with access to a wider array of
products and the best brands in the tennis accessories and surfacing
marketplace. Plus, the combined resources and expertise of HAR-TRU, Cissel
and Century will add value to current and future customers.
“The acquisition supports and aligns with HAR-TRU’s mission to develop
innovative tennis products that help our customers maximize their
potential,” said Anderson McNeill, president of HAR-TRU Sports and Charles
Luck. “The acquisition allows us to stay competitive in the sports supply
segment and focused on our path of developing champions around the world.”
Headquartered in Lakewood, N.J, Cissel and Century provide complementary
extensions of HAR-TRU’s product offerings. The acquisition also creates
synergies in product innovation, product sourcing, and new product
development. Cissel and Century are being purchased from Bob Hellerson.
“We’ve admired Bob’s product leadership and focus on introducing innovative
and top-of-the-line tennis court accessories for years”, said Randy Futty,
general manager of HAR-TRU Sports. “This acquisition allows us to expand our
current product offering to include accessories for clay and hard courts
while giving us a chance to increase our reach and name recognition
nationally and globally,” Futty added.
In an effort to integrate the companies as smoothly as possible, HAR-TRU
will operate Cissel and Century independently for the foreseeable future.
During this time, Bob will continue to serve in a management role and help
to transition the company over to HAR-TRU. Approximately 30 associates are
employed within the two companies.
About J.A. Cissell and Century Sports
Century Sports was founded in 1972 and is one of the most diversified
suppliers of court equipment in the U.S. The company is known for their
strong commitment to product innovation and improvement, as well as their
top-of-the-line group of tennis and court products.
J.A. Cissel was founded in 1968 and provides new and innovative product
ideas in the sports and recreation, conservation and tennis industries.
About HAR-TRU Sports
HAR-TRU Sports is based in Charlottesville, Va., and is the leading provider
of clay courts, lighting and court accessories in the tennis industry. With
a focus on developing champions worldwide, HAR-TRU Sports, one of the
business divisions operated by Luck Companies, is best known for its HAR-TRU
brand of clay courts and uses its products, knowledge, advocacy and passion
to further the development of tennis champions around the world. The
company’s global expansion now includes courts in Australia and China and a
focus on innovative green technology to provide world-class products. For
more information visit
www.hartru.com.
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Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Survey Reveals Knowledge Gap Between Concussion Awareness and Safety Measures
Source: Korrio
SEATTLE, WA and BOSTON, MA (February 14, 2012) – Korrio and Axon Sports released today the results of the inaugural Youth Soccer Coaches Concussion Awareness Survey, aimed at gaining valuable insights into youth soccer coaches awareness of concussions and concussion management tools. The survey, which polled more than 250 youth soccer coaches from around the country, revealed 75 percent of youth soccer coaches are “very” or “extremely” aware of sports-related concussions in youth sports, and more than 80 percent of respondents indicated their organizations have an established set of guidelines pertaining to player concussions. The survey also showed that coaches have a gap in concussion management knowledge, with only half of the respondents indicating familiarity with baseline testing, widely considered a best-practice protocol for concussion management.
Korrio and Axon Sports will be unveiling the full results of Youth Soccer Coaches Concussion Awareness Survey later this week at the US Youth Soccer Workshop (booth #214), which takes place February 16-18, 2012, at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, MA.
While the survey results among the coaches for concussion awareness and guideline settings are encouraging, more education is needed regarding both overall awareness and, more significantly, baseline testing for youth athletes.
“We were certainly encouraged by the high-level of concussion awareness, but with 25 percent – that’s one in four – coaches still professing a lack of awareness regarding serious brain injuries to young athletes, we believe there is still a lot of work to do,” said Steve Goldman, CEO of Korrio. “That is particularly true with regards to baseline testing, which is a standard measure to assist medical practitioners in caring for injured players and making return-to-play decisions following a concussion. With the growing availability and affordability of baseline testing for youth athletes, there is no reason why any coach should not be aware of its benefits. Every player should have a baseline test for concussion management.”
The Korrio and Axon Sports Youth Soccer Coaches Concussion Awareness Survey, conducted Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2011, polled a mix of United States-based youth soccer coaches at all levels of the sport. The survey was designed to gauge youth soccer coaches’ level of concussion awareness and the strength of related organizational guidelines, protocols, education and training.
Knowledge Gap in Concussion Management Tools a Concern
Survey results showed 49 percent of the responding coaches were not familiar with baseline testing for concussion management and only 20 percent have personally recommended baseline testing to players or parents. More than 84 percent of the coaches responded that their league, club or team does not currently recommend baseline testing for their players.
Baseline concussion testing is one of the most tangible concussion management tools available and is an industry standard, at the professional and collegiate level. Players take a baseline test prior to the start of the season to measure cognitive brain functions including attention, processing speed, and working memory for comparison to future results in the event of a head injury.
Traditionally a protocol that required doctor visits, baseline testing today can be administered through online tools, reducing the cost and increasing access for families.
“Baseline testing is a very simple and effective method for measuring cognitive brain functions and managing the return of players suffering from concussion symptoms,” said Axon Sports President and CEO Polly James. “It is a protocol that should be familiar to every coach and volunteer in youth sports, as well something parents and players should be very familiar with. These survey results indicate there is still education to do on a fundamental step to advance safety.”
Survey Reveals Lack of Education for Parents
The survey also reveals a gap in concussion awareness and education when it comes to the parents of youth soccer players. Of the coaches surveyed, only 56 percent reported their organizations offer some kind of concussion awareness education for parents.
Parents are crucial in the concussion diagnostic and recovery process, since they have more day-to-day exposure to their children than coaches. Educating parents regarding the signs of a possible concussion, as well as the stages of recovery, where they can help prevent the recurring damage that can occur when a child returns to sports too early after suffering a concussion is critical.
“While this survey focused on coaches, it is clear that parents play a key role in concussion management, and should be included in every step of the process,” said Korrio’s Goldman.
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Posted At
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Monday, February 13, 2012
“Save the Athletes Challenge” Offers $15,000 to Athletic Programs
Source: Rack Room Shoes
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 13, 2012 – With budgets being cut at schools around the nation, many athletic programs are suffering. Through the “Save the Athletes Challenge,” Rack Room Shoes is making a promise to support sports departments and the students that benefit from them.
This winter, four people will win a $15,000 athletic grant to fund their favorite school’s program and will also take home a sports video game package.
To enter, individuals must submit a one-minute video or a 300-word essay – accompanied with a photo – online at www.rackroomshoes.com/save-the-athletes, sharing why their school’s athletic program needs support. The deadline to enter is Monday, Feb. 27.
After the Feb. 27 deadline, there will be a voting period through March 19 where individuals will be encouraged to vote on their favorite entry. Four winners will be selected from the entries that receive the most votes at the end of the voting period.
“We asked our loyal customers and fans what was important to them, and we heard them loud and clear,” said Jan Mauldin, director of marketing for Rack Room Shoes. “By supporting the schools and students in the areas we serve, we’re playing a part in strengthening communities. And this is the reason we continue to focus on philanthropic activities each year.”
Philanthropic Mission
The Save the Athletes Challenge is the first of five major fundraisers that will run throughout the year. Four $15,000 grants will be donated for a variety of school programs during each of Rack Room Shoes’ spring, Back to School and holiday events. The shoe retailer will also host its annual Shoes That Fit fundraiser, which provides shoes to children in need.
Rack Room Shoes in the Community
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., and with more than 390 stores nationwide, Rack Room Shoes is committed to supporting as many local community events throughout the year. The regional shoe retailer hosts an ongoing Rack Room Gives program, which makes small donations available for charitable organizations that submit a request. These donations go on to help fund local events and fundraisers.
Additionally, through Rack Room Employee Grants, Rack Room Shoes supports the active involvement of its employees. This program recognizes employee contributions and volunteer efforts in non-profit and charitable organizations to support the causes they care about.
For more information, visit Rack Room Shoes’ website, Facebook page or follow them on Twitter.
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Thursday, February 09, 2012
PRO-1 Sports Fully Merges with Putterman Athletics
Source: Putterman Athletics
Chicago, IL- In late 2010, Putterman Athletics and PRO-1 Sports LLC announced their joint venture that brought together two leading tennis supply companies with complementary strategic visions. With the shared success of the companies over the past year and a half, including product expansion through a German-based company and hand-made tennis nets, the obvious next step in their growth was to fully merge the two companies. Therefore PRO-1 Sports has been fully merged to Putterman Athletics.
Business will run as usual and Putterman Athletics will continue to operate out of Chicago, IL (Sales and Corporate Office) and Marietta, GA (Sales and Distribution warehouse). All inquires relating to either company should be made to info@puttermanathletics.com or to our toll-free number 800.621.0146.
We remain grateful for your business and our Sales and Customer Service Teams are ready to serve you. Please know that we are available to you online as well. At www.puttermanathletics.com you can request a free quote and download our first annual 2012 catalog. On behalf of everyone at Putterman Athletics, we would like to thank you for letting us be your supplier.
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Posted At
8:36 AM
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Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Synthetic Turf Council Searching for 2012 Field of Dreams
Source: Synthetic Turf Council
The Synthetic Turf Council is now accepting submissions for its fourth annual Search for the Real Field of Dreams, which recognizes the power that synthetic turf has to transform communities and schools, and keep youth active, healthy and fit. The unique national contest is open to schools (K-12 and college), parks, businesses and public spaces in the United States and Canada that have compelling stories about the impact of their synthetic turf field or installation.
"Winning this national competition in 2011 for our Taylor’s Dream Boundless Playground was a great honor,” said Alvin R. Moll, Jr., Director, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department. “The playground is extremely popular with families and children of all abilities. We are proud of the beautiful groundcover that makes it stand out like an emerald field.”
More than 7,000 synthetic turf athletic fields are in use across North America, along with numerous playgrounds and recreation spaces. Interested students, coaches, faculty, parents, parks and recreation managers, business owners and local supporters can easily nominate an installation. Submissions are due by September 1, 2012 and will be evaluated by an independent panel of judges. The Grand Prize is $1,000, and all winners receive publicity and a modest cash award. Visit www.syntheticturfcouncil.org to learn more.
Established in 2009, STC’s Search for the Real Field of Dreams is open to any school, park, business, municipality or organization that currently has a synthetic turf field, park, playground or surface in use. The size of the space doesn’t matter; it is judged on the impact made on individuals and the community. Fields must be installed by an STC member company. Previously submitted entries can be resubmitted with the exception of the Grand Prize or Top Category Winners. Past winners have included a community park that serves over 17,000 children with physical and cognitive challenges, a once-failing high school whose playing field helped bolster the student graduation rate and a Navajo Nation elementary school that increased student fitness levels.
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 STC 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.
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8:19 AM
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Monday, February 06, 2012
The Durrant Group Inc. in Discussions with Possible Acquirers
Source: The Durrant Group
In an effort to increase profitability and growth and to best serve its clients and creditors, The Durrant Group, Inc. (“Durrant” or the “Company”) announced that it has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection in the United States Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Iowa. The Company plans to proceed with a section 363 sale in order to expedite the acquisition process. Moglia Advisors has been retained to act as the Merger and Acquisition Advisor and has launched a national marketing campaign in order to sell the Company for the highest and best price. Moglia Advisors is in discussions with several market-leading architectural and engineering firms interested in acquiring all or a substantial portion of the business. Joseph A. Peiffer of Day Rettig Peiffer, P.C. has been retained as Durrant’s bankruptcy attorney to guide it through the process of the bankruptcy sale. Durrant has been closely working with its bank which will provide the necessary financing to continue operations and to allow the Company to sell its operations on a going concern basis.
Durrant is a 79 year old company headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa, which is highly respected in the justice, security, learning, healthcare and government construction markets. It has offices in Arizona, Colorado and Iowa, as well as project offices in California and Missouri. The Company expanded its practice to Latin America by designing a $300 million prison in Mexico, which positions the Company well for other projects in Latin America. The Company has 77 employees and expects to generate $12.7 million in net revenues for fiscal year 2011.
According to Charles Marsden, its president, “We felt that the best interests of the clients, employees and creditors are best served by taking the expedited sale of Durrant through a Chapter 11 proceeding. We are working quickly and efficiently to maximize the value of Durrant and to serve our clients even better and with a wider geographic reach. In the interim, we owe our vendors, clients and employees our continued gratitude for their supreme vote of confidence these last 79 years, and in the future.”
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