Industry Press Room - Athletic Business

Monday, July 30, 2012

Netpulse Secures $15.6 Million to Make Treadmills Smarter

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Netpulse Inc

San Francisco, CA (July 30, 2012) Netpulse Inc., the personalized media platform for active-lifestyle consumers, has raised $15.6 million in Series C funding led by August Capital, with current investors Javelin Venture Partners, DFJ Frontier, and Parkview Ventures also participating in the round. David Marquardt, co-founder of August Capital, will join the company's board of directors.

Netpulse provides consumers worldwide with engaging content and data regarding their fitness experience. The company has partnerships with eight of the leading commercial fitness equipment manufacturers, which account for over 75% of global fitness equipment sales to health clubs. In addition, the Netpulse platform is available to consumers outside health clubs via mobile devices and home fitness products.

"Consumers are using connectivity to improve and personalize experiences every day and their exercise experience should be no different," said David Marquardt. "Netpulse, through its extendable cloud-based platform and exclusive partnerships with top equipment manufacturers, is uniquely positioned to become the media and data backbone for exercise equipment worldwide."

"We are excited to have August Capital and Dave Marquardt joining the Netpulse team," said Bryan Arp, Netpulse co-founder and CEO. "Dave has helped build some of the most well-known brands in technology, which makes him a great addition to the Netpulse team for our next phase of growth."

Netpulse has partnered with the world's leading fitness equipment manufacturers to radically improve the workout experience for consumers, who make 4.6 billion visits to US health clubs annually. Netpulse provides a personalized platform that enables exercisers to enjoy their favorite media, interactively run and bike through famous landscapes around the world, compete in events, and track and share their progress against goals, right through the screen on their fitness equipment.

About Netpulse
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, Netpulse, Inc., is a media and data services company focused on delivering dynamic, interactive products and experiences to active-lifestyle consumers. Integrating a rich history in technology, fitness, and media, Netpulse delivers a personalized media experience that makes exercising more enjoyable and rewarding. Netpulse media products, which are available through exercise equipment in fitness centers and through mobile applications, provide advertisers with direct one-on-one access to a highly engaged audience that is difficult to reach through traditional media. Netpulse investors include August Capital, Javelin Venture Partners, DFJ Frontier and Parkview Ventures. For more information, please visit www.netpulse.com.

About August Capital
August Capital was founded in 1995 to invest in companies differentiated by technical innovation and entrepreneurial excellence. To date, the August Capital funds total $2.0 billion. August Capital's partners have more than a century of combined venture experience and together have invested in more than 80 companies across the technology spectrum. The partners at August Capital were the earliest investors in a number of ground breaking technology companies including Microsoft, Intuit, Seagate, Silicon Image, Sun Microsystems, Compaq, Symantec, Sybase, Atheros, Postini, Cobalt, shopping.com, PayCycle, Grand Junction and many more. August Capital is located in Menlo Park, California. For more information, please visit: www.augustcap.com.

Posted At 1:41 PM • Comments (0)

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Brailsford & Dunlavey Announces the Formation of B&D Venues

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Brailsford & Dunlavey

WASHINGTON, DC (June 18, 2012) – The program management firm Brailsford & Dunlavey proudly announces the formation of B&D VENUES.

This specialized practice group, comprised of some of the most experienced planners and program managers of sports and assembly venues, will focus exclusively on serving clients in that industry. “Although there’s been a clear contraction in the industry since the economic crisis in 2008, we’re seeing definite signs of an uptick in the market, in the form of a lot of new planning efforts bubbling up,” said Christopher Dunlavey, President. “At the same time, with more than 100 people in seven offices serving a variety of market sectors, Brailsford & Dunlavey has grown to a point where we really need to concentrate our experts in one practice group to serve this unique industry properly.”

B&D VENUES is led by seasoned sports facility professionals, including B&D president Chris Dunlavey, and project executives Bill Mykins and Jason Thompson, with the support of leading industry experts including former Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens executive vice president Jim Bailey.

The B&D Venues comprehensive approach to program management — from planning to owner’s representation through design, construction, and occupancy — echoes the unique approach developed by parent organization Brailsford & Dunlavey. Approaching its 20th anniversary year, Brailsford & Dunlavey is known nationally for such projects as Nationals Park in Washington DC, the Baltimore Ravens’ M&T Bank Stadium, the Toledo Mudhens’ Fifth Third Field, and Bowling Green Ballpark. The firm’s collegiate sports projects have included John Paul Jones Arena at the University of Virginia, the University of Rhode Island’s Ryan Center, and the University of Houston Stadium.

B&D VENUES’ current workload includes planning for an arena in Jackson, Miss.; development of a private minor league ballpark initiative in Wilmington North Carolina with the Atlanta Braves and Mandalay Baseball; and a minor league ballpark in Winchester, VA. Additionally, a modernization and expansion of the Cumberland County Civic Center arena in Portland ME, planned by B&D VENUES, is in the design phase and approaching construction.

About Brailsford and Dunlavey
As catalysts for building community, Brailsford & Dunlavey is a program management firm with in-house planning capabilities. Located in Washington, DC,; Atlanta, Georgia; Charlotte, NC; Chicago, IL; Columbus, OH; Detroit, MI; Irvine, CA; B&D takes an idea, makes it a viable project, and manages it through ribbon cutting and into operation. By speaking at national conferences, publishing articles in industry publications, and serving as adjunct faculty at distinguished institutions of higher education, B&D’s professionals maintain a position of leadership in the industry.

Posted At 2:54 PM • Comments (0)

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

World Record for Most Miles Run on a Treadmill Achieved with BH Fitness Treadmill

Posted by AB Editors

Source: BH Fitness

July 18, 2012 – Six-time Ironman and Ultrarunner Lamar Sepulveda, founder of the “Pay It Forward” Challenge, shattered the world record for most miles run on a treadmill in 12 hours by running 64.35 miles on the BH Fitness SK Series treadmill. The previous Guinness World Record for a solo 12-hour treadmill run was 58.05 miles. Upon completion of this feat, on his 55th birthday, Lamar hoisted his two grandchildren into the air during his cool down. Breaking this unique world record allowed Lamar to raise money and awareness for the Challenge Athletes Foundation (CAF).

“Although the run was long, overall it was comfortable and smooth, thanks to the BH Fitness treadmill. We could not have undertaken this challenge without the contributions of terrific sponsors like BH Fitness and the support of our neighbors, family and friends who pulled together to make this event a success. I am so proud to have broken a World Record and raised money for an organization as inspirational as the Challenged Athletes Foundation,” said Lamar Sepulveda.

Several hundred people attended Lamar’s world record feat, with coverage by nearly all of the major network news stations such as, ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox News. A live feed on SportsandSocialChange.org gathered viewers and well wishes of support from all over the United States, as well as, China, Pakistan, New Zealand and Europe. A replay of the run is online at www.sportsandsocialchange.org/index.php/blog.

A duplicate BH Fitness SK6900 treadmill allowed fans and supporters to run along side their hero, Lamar and raise money for CAF. Paratriathlon World’s Gold Medallist Danielle McLaughlin, a major supporter, CAF athlete and cancer survivor participated in the festivities, alongside Lamar as did many guests from age seven to seventy, many whom were using a treadmill for the first time.

“On behalf of BH Fitness, we would like to thank Lamar for his outstanding effort and congratulate him on his accomplishment of breaking such a substantial world record.

We applaud you for your desire to make a difference and raise money for CAF, an organization we’re proud to partner with.” Steve Wilkins, Chief Executive Officer of BH North America.

Contributions to the “Pay It Forward” Challenge for the Challenged Athletes Foundation may be made at www.payitforwardchallenge.org.

About BH Fitness
BH Fitness is a multi-national company within the BH Group, headquartered in Spain and has been manufacturing and distributing quality products for over 100 years. Built on a legacy of producing high end, user-focused fitness equipment for the home, light commercial and full commercial settings, BH Fitness manufactures and distributes treadmills, ellipticals, upright bicycles, recumbent bicycles, indoor training cycles, whole body vibration platforms and strength equipment. With distribution and operations in North America, Spain, Mexico, Asia, UK, Portugal and Germany, BH Fitness products can be found in more than 65 countries worldwide, making BH Fitness one of the most trusted and widely used fitness brands available today. For more information, visit www.BHFitness.com.

Posted At 12:19 PM • Comments (1)

PlayCore Acquires Colorado Time Systems

Posted by AB Editors

Source: PlayCore

Chattanooga, TN – July 24, 2012---- PlayCore Holdings Inc. (PlayCore), a leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of a broad range of play and recreation products, and a portfolio company of Irving Place Capital, today announced its acquisition of Colorado Time Systems.

Colorado Time Systems provides premier athletic venues with quality timing, scoring, and display systems. Its products include world-class aquatic timing products, like the AquaGrip TouchPad and Relay Judging Platforms, LED full color video displays, LED single-color animation displays, ribbon/fascia boards, sport-specific scoreboards, and portable scoreboards.

Colorado Time Systems will become a part of PlayCore’s EverActive Brands Group and their general manager Anita Sayed will continue to be responsible for the company’s day-to-day operations as well as its future growth and expansion. Operations will continue from Colorado Time Systems’ manufacturing facility in Loveland, CO and will be supported by the EverActive Brands management team, located in Mendota Heights, MN.

“We are excited about the addition of Colorado Time Systems to the family of PlayCore brands as well as the opportunity to increase our commitment to the aquatic industry and expand in the performance recreation category with this acquisition,” said Bob Farnsworth, President and CEO of PlayCore. “The company will be a valuable addition to help support our mission of building communities through play.” Anita Sayed added, “We believe PlayCore is the best company to acquire us because the synergies are a perfect fit and it gives Colorado Time Systems the ability to expand our reach to new markets and expand our product solutions to our current customer base.”

About PlayCore
PlayCore helps build stronger communities around the world by advancing play through research, education, and partnerships. The company infuses this learning into its complete family of brands. PlayCore combines best in class planning and education programs with the most comprehensive array of recreation products available to create play solutions that match the unique needs of the each community they serve. Learn more at www.playcore.com.

About Colorado Time Systems
Since 1972, Colorado Time Systems has been providing premier athletic facilities across the world with top quality timing, scoring and display systems. Throughout the years, the company has maintained a steadfast commitment to providing cutting edge scoring and display products for all venues. The solutions they provide can be found in professional and amateur aquatic, recreation and athletic facilities in over 120 countries around the world. Learn more at www.coloradotime.com.

About Irving Place Capital
Irving Place Capital is a middle-market private equity firm that invests in compelling buyouts, recapitalizations, and growth capital opportunities. The firm focuses on making control or entrepreneur-driven investments in companies where it can apply its substantial operating and strategic resources and expertise to enhance value. Since its formation in 1997, Irving Place Capital has been an investor in more than 55 companies and has raised over $4 billion of equity capital, including its current $2.7 billion institutional fund. More information about Irving Place Capital is available at www.irvingplacecapital.com.

Posted At 12:16 PM • Comments (1)

Model Aquatic Health Code Seeks Input

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Counsilman-Hunsaker

The Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) effort began in February 2005 and the latest round of modules is being published for public comment. The MAHC will have a significant impact on the aquatic industry and we strongly encourage all industry members to take an active role in providing meaningful feedback to develop the best possible result. View the latest updates regarding the Model Aquatic Health Code. The first industry standard was issued in 1958. In the subsequent 50 years, there have been at least 50 different state codes and many independent county codes. What was required in one jurisdiction may be illegal in another. It is clear that this historic approach is not working. Thus, the National Swimming Pool Foundation took a leadership position and provided funding to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for the creation of the MAHC. The MAHC is intended to transform the patch work of industry codes into a data-driven, knowledge-based, risk reduction effort to prevent disease, injuries and promote healthy water experiences.\ On July 20, 2012, the MAHC released draft modules for Facility Design & Construction, Lifeguarding & Bather Supervision, and Contamination Burden for public review and comment. Comments will be due October 14, 2012. The Model Aquatic Health Code Steering Committee and Technical Committees appreciate your willingness to comment on the draft MAHC modules. Click here to download comment form.

MAHC Facility Design & Construction Module Abstract
The sound design and construction of swimming pools, spas, and aquatic venues are paramount to ensuring safety of patrons who use these facilities. The Facility Design & Construction module contains requirements for new pool construction that includes:

1) Design/construction aspects of the pool shell that include general shape, design, and slope requirements;
2) Design/construction aspects of the aquatic venue that include decks, lighting, electrical, wastewater, and fencing;
3) Design/construction aspects of specialty bodies of water and features that include spas, wave pools, slide pools, wading pools, and infinity edges; and
4) Design/construction parameters for pool equipment and under what conditions its use is acceptable including starting blocks, moveable floors, bulkheads, and diving boards.

In addition to the Facility Design & Construction module, an annex section provides support information to assist users in understanding the background of the provisions.

MAHC Lifeguarding & Bather Supervision Module Abstract
Health and safety issues related to bather supervision and lifeguarding for both the patron and the potential rescuer of an aquatic facility are increasingly being documented. The Lifeguarding and Bather Supervision Module is a first step towards improving the consistency in training, lifeguard management and supervision, lifeguard competency for guarded facilities and proper bather supervision at unguarded facilities. The Lifeguarding and Bather Supervision Module contains requirements for unguarded and guarded aquatics along with the training necessary to be a qualified lifeguard. The module includes:

1) Standards for which aquatic facilities need to be guarded and which may not need to have professional lifeguard supervision but are still supervised.
2) An Aquatic Facilities Safety Plan guide including pre-service, in-service, staffing, single lifeguard, lifeguard management and Emergency Action Plan requirements.
3) Requirements for aquatic facilities to define, diagram, and document required zones of patron surveillance.
4) Determination of what constitutes proper staffing by the ability of the lifeguard to reach all areas of their zone of patron surveillance within a certain time frame.
5) Required lifesaving equipment, communications standards, and general requirements for lifeguards and lifeguard supervision/management training.

In addition to the Lifeguard & Bather Supervision module, an annex section provides support information to assist users in understanding the background of the provisions.

MAHC Contamination Burden Module Abstract
Understanding the types of contaminants and the magnitude of disinfectant demand by various environmental factors (e.g., particulate) is an essential component to design and operate a recirculation and filtration system. Limited data currently exists, but a substantial research agenda has been created. The following is a summary of the existing data and areas where data is lacking. Since the Contamination Burden “module” is informational, this module is ANNEX-based only – NO CODE section accompanies it. After being posted for public comment, the information contained in this module will be merged into the appropriate MAHC modules upon final completion. The section numbering system will be different in this draft as there are no specific code sections yet assigned to any of this information.

Posted At 7:44 AM • Comments (0)

Monday, July 23, 2012

Sport Systems Unlimited adds ‘Eclipse Sports’ Products to the Lineup

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Sports Systems Unlimited

July 19, 2012 Waterloo, Ontario: Sport Systems Unlimited today announced a new distribution partnership with Cambridge, ON-based Eclipse Sports Inc, which will allow for the exclusive distribution by Sport Systems of Eclipse Sports’ high-tech sports skills development products and programs, around the globe, with the exclusion of the province of Quebec.

Eclipse has been manufacturing innovative and interactive training systems since 2011. This new partnership will extend the marketing reach of the company around the world. “We are extremely pleased to have Sport Systems on board. Their experience in the hockey market through their player safety systems will be a huge complement to our passion for innovation,” said Eclipse Sports CEO Steve Mai. “Being able to leverage the knowledge and network of a distribution partner already established in the market will allow us to quickly implement our systems in many countries.”

Sport Systems CEO Adam Pender commented, “Adding the Eclipse Sports product line makes a lot of sense for us. We build dasher board systems that focus on improving player safety. Eclipse builds training systems that focus on improving player fitness, so it’s a natural fit for our business model, and it also fits with our corporate desire to assist in the growth and development of hockey at the grassroots level both here in Canada, and around the world." Having worked together on past projects, both companies are confident in the relationship between their teams and products, and are looking forward to future growth.

About Eclipse Sports
Located in Cambridge, Ontario, Eclipse Sports uses leading edge technology to design and build innovative sport specific training equipment and specialized sport products. With their out of the box thinking, they have taken sports training to a completely new level. Eclipse Sports is the Canadian Distributor of the EZ Glide 350 synthetic ice.

About Sport Systems Unlimited Corp
Located in Waterloo, Ontario, Sport Systems Unlimited is the world leader in the design, engineering, manufacture and installation of dasher board systems for indoor and outdoor ice and non-ice sports. They are represented around the globe by a network of sales professionals and distributors. Sport Systems Unlimited Corp. has representatives in North America, in Russia, United Kingdom, Japan, Central Europe, Kuwait, China, and Turkey.

Posted At 8:14 AM • Comments (0)

Monday, July 16, 2012

Synthetic Turf Council Creates Funding Strategies Toolkit for Athletic Directors

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Synthetic Turf Council

(Atlanta, Ga.) – Recognizing that raising funds for synthetic turf fields has become more challenging in light of the economic conditions of the past few years, the Synthetic Turf Council has created a new Funding Strategies Toolkit for prospective buyers. The packet is available as a free download at www.syntheticturfcouncil.org.

“We’ve spoken to numerous athletic directors, booster clubs, coaches and administrators nationwide who passionately want to bring a synthetic turf field to their school but lack the financial means,” explained Rick Doyle, President of the Synthetic Turf Council. “This kit helps individuals learn how to raise funds, build a planning committee and much more.”

Whether you’re at the early stages of field approval, or ready to hire an experienced design professional or consultant, STC’s Funding Strategies Toolkit features easy-to-follow steps. Content includes educational materials, fundraising ideas, tips on gaining community support and overall recommendations for bringing synthetic turf to one’s school and community. The packet also contains a customizable PowerPoint template that users can leverage to gain buy-in from local school boards and other community influencers.

Education is an important focus for the STC. Its website contains research, studies and position papers from federal agencies, governing bodies and independent sources worldwide. In addition to the Fundraising Strategies Toolkit, other resources include Guidelines for Synthetic Turf Performance, Synthetic Turf 360°, A Guide for Today’s Synthetic Turf, Glossary of Terms for Synthetic Turf, Technical Guidelines and the Online Buyer’s Guide.

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 3:31 PM • Comments (2)

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

NSPF Asks Industry to Step Up and Give $10 to Step Into Swim Campaign

Posted by AB Editors

Source: National Swimming Pool Foundation

Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA, July 10, 2012 — Non-profit National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF®) is asking every industry member to step up and give $10 to the Step Into Swim^TM Campaign. “Give a little to create a lot,” urges the foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Thomas M. Lachocki, Ph.D. For every ten dollars a donor contributes, NSPF will match that gift, dollar for dollar. The foundation will give up to $25,000 in matching contributions for donations received by September 1, 2012. One-hundred percent (100%) of the tax-deductible donations and the matching dollars will be directed to the Step Into Swim Campaign to fund organizations that teach people to swim. “Creating more swimmers will help turnaround the serious issues facing our country. And, creating more swimmers will increase demand for pools, spas and aquatic facilities, resulting in industry growth,” explains Dr. Lachocki.

“Ten dollars is not a lot to ask. If you take that one step, we’ll take the next step to $20,” says John Puetz, Chairman of the National Swimming Pool Foundation Board of Directors. “Investing in the next generation of swimmers is the right thing to do,” he emphasizes. Gifts may be made online at www.StepIntoSwim.org, or by mailing a check to 4775 Granby Circle, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80919, or by calling 719-540-9119.

NSPF issued a White Paper in May 2012 that illustrates the enormous issues facing our society and the importance of uniting to help more people learn to swim. The paper explains the financial benefit of creating more swimmers. Beyond the personal pain caused by poor health, the financial burden of obesity is estimated to be $147 billion/year and growing. Obesity trends are likely to continue based on increased childhood obesity rates. Also, the Census Bureau estimates that there will be about 24 million more 65+ year olds in the next 10 years. In addition, the tragic incidences of drowning cost society about $100 billion for the past 20 years. Aquatic activity is one of the only options available for aging and out-of-shape people. Fortunately, there are organizations that are helping to create swimmers. Dr. Lachocki urges industry members to join the Step Into Swim Campaign to help create 1 million more swimmers in the next 10 years.

The Step Into Swim Campaign will feature several leading “learn-to-swim” organizations at the Step Into Swim Congress on October 10, just prior to the 9th annual World Aquatic Health^TM Conference in Norfolk, Virginia. Those organizations will present proposals to expand their ability to teach more people to swim. Individuals and organizations who wish to be a bigger part of the campaign are encouraged to register for the Congress.

About Step Into Swim^TM Campaign
The Step Into Swim Campaign is a 10-year effort initiated by the National Swimming Pool Foundation® to encourage both the private and public sector to sponsor and support existing and exceptional programs that help children, adults and minority populations take the important step to become swimmers. The goal of Step Into Swim Campaign is to empower organizations that create more swimmers. The Step Into Swim Campaign places emphasis on helping more individuals benefit from aquatic activity and reduce the risk of drowning. Visit www.StepIntoSwim.org.

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. Visit www.nspf.org.

Posted At 2:37 PM • Comments (0)

Tuesday, July 03, 2012

Technogym Strengthens Its Presence in USA

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Technogym

Technogym, a global leading player in the fitness and wellness industry, present in over 100 countries worldwide and official supplier to the forthcoming London 2012 Olympic Games, strengthens its operations in the USA with the opening of the new Fairfield, NJ headquarters.

This move represents only the first step of a multi-faceted industrial strategy meant to leverage more effectively the proximity to its main logistic hub located in York, PA.

Over the next 24 months the commitment of the Technogym Group to the North American region will be further reinforced by additional actions aimed to shrink time to market and increase localization.

Posted At 12:42 PM • Comments (1)