Industry Press Room - Athletic Business

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Plastex Matting Acquires Matting Assets of Tepromark International

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Plastex Matting Inc

FORT PAYNE, Ala. (Nov. 29, 2012) — Plastex Matting Inc., Fort Payne, Ala., announced today the company has acquired the matting business of Tepromark International Inc., Skokie, Ill.

Tepromark, a staple in the American flooring and matting industry for more than 40 years, was formerly a distributor of Plastex’s matting and flooring products. After the recent death of Tepromark’s owner, Robert J. Morris, Plastex purchased the company’s matting products. Plastex has relocated Tepromark International's stock holdings to its Fort Payne, Ala., manufacturing facility, and would be pleased to help direct Tepromark's customers to other Master Distributers in the United States.

“Since being founded in 1971, Tepromark has been a Master Distributor of Plastex products,” said David O'Sullivan, Plastex managing director. “We chose to acquire the company following the sad death of owner Robert Morris to ensure continuity of supply from one of our major stocking distributors. Our philosophy of working with distributors is still foremost and we look forward to transitioning all the end users to new master distributors best suited to service them.”

Plastex will service all existing and new customer inquiries for the matting ranges, including Teproflow, Teprohold and Gridlock, initially from its manufacturing facility in Alabama. With the acquisition, Tepromark’s Teproflow will become Plastex’s Heronrib, Hollowgrip will become Floorline and Teprohold will become Vynagrip.

With 50 years in the manufacturing industry, Plastex is a well-established, global business specializing in the design and production of a wide range of matting products, combining good looks, exceptional quality and outstanding performance. Originating in the UK in 1962 as a general plastic extrusion manufacturer, the company expanded into the United States with Plastex Matting in 1997.

About Plastex Matting
Plastex’s highly-successful matting division is an industry driving force with its continued commitment to the development of new technologies and the manufacturing of cutting edge products that meet universal legislative and safety standards. With a range of more than 40 distinct products, Plastex Matting offers one of the most comprehensive and versatile collections available. Beyond assuring quality and performance, Plastex also has a deep commitment to ecological preservation through the reuse of trimmings and waste material at production facilities. For more information about Plastex Matting or its U.K. parent company, Plastic Extruders Ltd., call (256) 845-7725 or visit plastexmatting.com.

Posted At 9:13 AM • Comments (0)

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Research Grants Totaling $117,974 Awarded by National Swimming Pool Foundation

Posted by AB Editors

Source: National Swimming Pool Foundation

Colorado Springs, Colorado, November 13, 2012 — The National Swimming Pool Foundation® Board of Directors is pleased to announce it has continued its commitment to fund research to study the health benefits unique to aquatic exercise. The non-profit organization has awarded three grants for year 2012-2013, totaling $67,974, with the potential to fund an additional $50,000 to extend the studies through 2014, for a total of $117,974.

“When the National Swimming Pool Foundation funds a grant, we are investing in our future, helping more people to benefit from aquatic activity. And, more people using water creates growth for service companies, retailer, builder, distributor, facilities and manufacturers,” emphasizes Bill Kent, Chairman of the Foundation’s Grant Review Committee. For the last several years, many National Swimming Pool Foundation grants have focused on understanding and scientifically verifying the unique benefits that water immersion, exercise and activity provide. “Physicians, therapists, and insurance companies rely on published science when considering options to treat patients. As people age, medical costs increase and mobility and quality of life decreases. We believe we have the magic potion. Our funded research will prove it,” concludes Kent. The percentage of Americans older than 65 will increase from 12.4% to 19.6% by 2030 according to the U.S. Census data; similar trends are occurring around the world.

A grant of $25,000 was awarded for the first year of a two-year program to Hirofumi Tanaka, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Director of the Cardiovascular Aging Research Laboratory at the University of Texas at Austin. The study will investigate the effects of regular swimming exercise on cardiovascular functions in middle-aged and older adults with osteoarthritis. Researchers will explore how aquatic activity can benefit nearly 27 million Americans who suffer from osteoarthritis, the leading cause of disability in older adults. The American College of Rheumatology has recommended that aerobic exercises be included as part of the treatment for osteoarthritis. However, arthritic joint pain is a significant barrier for adults attempting to perform land-based
activity. In contrast, the research may prove aquatic activity is ideal for these people. A total of 40 osteoarthritis subjects will be assigned to one of the 12-week exercise interventions (swim training or cycling training).

A one year grant of $17,974 was awarded to Joel Stager, Ph.D., Professor and Associate Chair, Department of Kinesiology, at Indiana University and Director of Counsilman Center for the Science of Swimming to study long-term aquatic conditioning on aging-related cognitive, neuromuscular and cardiovascular functional decline. Research indicates that regular physical exercise is associated with enhanced cognitive ability and improved nerve and heart health in the elderly. People who have been involved in regular aquatic exercise training (workout and lap swimmers) over ten years will be compared with age-and education-matched sedentary controls. The study will include people who have engaged in intensive interval activity, some recreational activity, with sedentary people.

A third grant of $25,000 was awarded for the first year of a two-year program to Paul D. Chantler, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the School of Medicine, Division of Exercise Physiology at West Virginia University to study the effects of aquatic exercise on arterial stiffness in Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) patients. People with MetS have a 3-fold greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease and stroke. According to the American Heart Association, Metabolic Syndrome affects about 35% of adults. The underlying causes of MetS are obesity, physical inactivity and genetic factors. Preliminary results from Dr. Chantler’s lab shows that 8 weeks of land aerobic exercise begins to improve patients with MetS. The effects of aquatic based exercise training on arterial stiffness are unknown. The research will study arterial stiffness and cardiovascular function in MetS patients who perform aquatic activity.

“We will all get older. We will all die. Why not explore to what extent water activity will help us maintain our mobility and minds while we are alive,” summarizes Thomas M. Lachocki, Ph.D. and CEO with the National Swimming Pool Foundation. “It is no coincidence that people believed in the ‘fountain of youth’ and not a ‘football field of youth.”
Both Drs. Tanaka and Chantler presented recent findings at the October 2012 World Aquatic HealthTM Conference. Their seminars and many others associated with the benefits of water activity can be viewed at http://www.nspf.netro.ca/Products.aspx

About NSPF®
The National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) is a non-profit organization founded in 1965, giving back over $4 million since 2003 to fund research grants to prevent illness, injury, and drowning, and to demonstrate the health benefits of aquatic activity. The Foundation works towards its mission to enhance healthy living by increasing aquatic activity through aquatic education and research with its collection of educational products and training. Proceeds from our leading training programs are reinvested to fund scholarships, fellowships and grants. To learn more, go to www.nspf.org.

Posted At 9:13 AM • Comments (0)

Brock International Launches the First Synthetic Turf Safety and Drainage Layer

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Brock International

Boulder, Colorado - (November 19, 2012) – In response to the growing concussion crisis in youth sports, Brock International has launched the first synthetic turf safety and drainage layer engineered specifically for young athletes - Brock PowerBase Youth Safety Research (YSR). It is the only product of its kind scaled to the ideal footing requirements and safety of high school and middle school athletes. The company’s PowerBase technology, used underneath synthetic turf fields, has been proven to decrease G-max, which may reduce the risk and severity of concussion, and injuries with hips, elbows and knees from high impacts of the body on the surface.

Research by Boston University’s Medical Center has shown that a young brain is more susceptible to injury until age 25. They have also proven that is does not take a concussive level impact to create a brain injury. With increased media attention about concussions, parental concerns continue to escalate. In an August 2012 “Outside the Lines” online public opinion survey conducted by ESPN Research and the Global Strategy Group, about 57 percent of parents said that recent stories about the increase in concussions in football have made them less likely to allow their sons to play in youth football leagues. While much focus has been placed on preventative measures with helmets and pads, the only piece of “equipment” shared by all sports that can protect athletes is the playing surface itself.

“Sports surfaces should be considered part of any good injury prevention program,” explained Dan Sawyer, CEO of Brock International. “With their smaller size, still-developing brains and lower skill level, young athletes require different playing surface characteristics than collegiate or professional players. It is critical to have a field appropriate to the needs of this user group to keep them as safe as possible.”

Brock turned to research firm BioMechanica, LLC and their experts in human-to-surface contact for guidance in applying their PowerBase technologies, used by some of the most high profile NCAA and NFL teams in the country, to the particular needs of youth sports surfacing. PowerBase YSR has been designed to address both head and body impacts to cover a broader range of potential injuries. Just as companies like Nike or Brooks scale footwear cushioning properties differently for a 150 pound athlete versus a 220 pound player, Brock has created a unique, specialized solution for synthetic turf fields at the high school, middle school and recreational parks level.

Head-to-surface injuries are one of the four major impact areas in which athletes experience brain injuries. In a study published in 2003 by Martyn Shorten PhD of Biomechanica, he noted, "It is reasonable to believe that a collision between the head and a surface has the same injury potential as a direct impact with any other object and the limited information available supports this assumption."

When Biomechanica studied the estimated risk of head injury on synthetic turf surfaces with Brock underlayment in 2008, they found the product reduces G-max, the peak force of impact, which the lab tests indicated should reduce the risk and severity of concussion; provides the same G-Max and playability as a pristine natural grass field and mitigates field hardening over time – all without changing the footing or stability during regular play. In evaluating Head Injury Criteria (HIC), also known as critical fall height, Sports Labs LLC found that Brock PowerBase offered significant improvement in HIC when compared to a turf field that featured a stone base.

“There is a level at which point the infill on a synthetic turf field simply maxes out, and the only thing left to absorb the energy of impacts is what lies below the turf,” continued Sawyer. “If you have stone, then it won't absorb the excess energy, the body will. But if you have a shock layer underneath the field, the added impact absorption makes a huge difference in the safety of the athlete.”

About Brock International
Brock International is the leader in performance base systems for synthetic turf. With over 25 million square feet of Brock Performance Base in play underneath athletic fields worldwide, the company engineers the best, safest and most sustainable playing surfaces in the world for athletes at all levels. Brock is an Official Education Partner of The Sports Legacy Institute, a Boston-based non-profit organization founded to advance the study, treatment, and prevention of brain trauma in athletes and other at-risk groups. In October 2011, Brock became the first company in the industry to have a Cradle to Cradle Certification CM for its combined drainage and shock pad product. Offering the only product in the market that can be closed loop recycled, Brock PowerBase is certified to the world’s most stringent environmental standards. Visit www.brock-international.com to learn more.

Posted At 9:13 AM • Comments (0)

Think Fitness and Nautilus Group Japan

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Nautilus

Tokyo, Japan, November 19, 2012 - Nautilus Group Japan announces that Think Fitness, the One Stop Solution for Fitness in Japan and the master franchisee of Gold's Gyms in Japan, has been named exclusive Japanese distributor for the world famous Nautilus commercial strength brand of fitness equipment. Nautilus commercial fitness equipment is manufactured in Independence, Virginia, USA by Med-Fit Systems, Inc. Mr. Gregory Zink, Nautilus Group Japan President and CEO said that "We believe Think Fitness is the ideal partner to re-establish the Nautilus brand in Japan. Nautilus commercial equipment remains the best in the world and will be the lead brand in the Think Fitness line-up.” Mr. Kimitane Sohma, Nautilus Group Japan KK, President, added "Think Fitness CEO, Eiji Tezuka and his team are dedicated to this market and have the energy and expertise to invigorate the Nautilus brand. We are happy to have them as our exclusive strength equipment distributors."

Mr. Zink adds, "We are pleased to announce our agreement just prior to the SPORTEC Expo, as Tezuka-san is a true leader and passionate innovator in the Japanese fitness market. We are confident he understands the 50 year history of the Nautilus brand as well as the 35 year history of our brand in Japan."

Mr. Tezuka added “In 1979, I met Nautilus equipment at the club in US for the first time, and I strongly desired to work out completely with this equipment. In 1986, a Nautilus Club was opened in Aoyama, Tokyo Japan, where Nautilus equipment was fully displayed. I immediately signed up for the membership, and enjoyed my workout with this equipment. In the 1990s, we had made a feature of Nautilus brand on Ironman Magazine Japan that we publish monthly. I am proud to announce that we now start to distribute Nautilus brand in 2012 as a true Nautilus enthusiast. We would like to deliver Nautilus equipment to as many customers as we can, and to give top priority to maintenance and service as well so that many of the existing Nautilus users can use their equipment at the best condition. We look forward to working with Nautilus Japan to do so.”

Posted At 9:13 AM • Comments (0)

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Sweetwater and All Pro Sound Install New Sound System In Indiana University’s Legendary Assembly Hall

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Sweetwater Sound

Fort Wayne, IN, November 15, 2012 — Sweetwater, the third-largest music instrument and pro-audio retailer in the U.S., and All Pro Sound, one of the most respected audio-installation companies in the country, recently collaborated to install an entirely new sound system at fabled Assembly Hall, home of the Indiana Hoosiers basketball team, located on the Indiana University campus in Bloomington, Indiana.

Since it was first constructed in 1971, Assembly Hall has been one of the most famous sports venues in the world, having played host to some of the signature moments of college basketball. This was the first renovation of the sound system since the venue’s initial construction.

A job of this scope, from bid to completion, typically takes three to six months. But due to scheduling issues, this project was fast-tracked and completed in about 30 days — with the demolition of the old system and the installation of the new state-of-the-art system taking only 19 days. The work had to be performed around the IU practice schedules. That meant that this was entirely a nighttime project, with 6PM–8AM shifts.

A key aspect of Sweetwater's and All Pro Sound's winning of the contract was their unique ability to complete it in this incredibly short time frame. A coordinated effort between manufacturers was integral to the project’s success. Sweetwater and All Pro Sound were able to work with long-time manufacturing partners on the procurement and quick delivery of the various audio components involved. Those partners included JBL, Crown, and BSS, as well as Renkus-Heinz, who mobilized their resources and coordinated with Sweetwater and All Pro Sound to accomplish this amazing feat in a fraction of the typical installation time period.

Sound-system design for the project was provided by New York-based SIA Acoustics. Sam Berkow, founder of SIA, said, “Sweetwater and All Pro Sound faced all of the standard logistical challenges that sports arenas present, plus a very short time window in which to finish the installation. They were able to work with us as the designer, as well as with the facility’s in-house crew, to find ways to meet these challenges. The result was a system installed on budget and on schedule. A very good job!"

The technical side of the installation project was comprised of completely new speakers, amplifiers, and signal-processing units. This included 90 specialized world-class PA speakers, resulting in a significant increase in speech intelligibility. Also included were six JBL Vertec VT4888DP self-powered line arrays plus four subwoofer arrays designed to provide speech reinforcement and the power to add "punch" to the Hoosiers' home games. The system also featured five BSS BLU160 audio processors, along with Crown CTS and Crown I-Tech amplifiers to power the fills and subwoofer arrays, plus a Presonus StudioLive 24.4.2 twenty-four channel digital mixer. A LynTec Sequential Power System was added to provide clean power to the entire system. All of this impressive power and sound was implemented by using a completely new rigging and hanging design, new hardware, and SIA Acoustics’ completely new sound design.

"Assembly Hall is one of the premiere college basketball venues in the nation, and our state-of-the-art sound system will greatly enhance the event experience for our fans," said Indiana University Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Fred Glass.

Sweetwater founder and president Chuck Surack said, “With Fort Wayne, Indiana, being the home of Sweetwater, I felt a particularly strong desire to see the sound system in this incredible sports facility be installed by an Indiana company. From sales to merchandising, our team worked around the clock to put together a winning bid. And with our existing relationship with All Pro Sound, plus our incredible partnerships with audio manufacturers, we knew that, together, we would be able to meet the many challenges this huge project presented.”

About Sweetwater Sound
Sweetwater began business 33 years ago in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and is the country’s most respected dealer in high-technology equipment for musicians, recording studios, and broadcasters — from microphones and digital recording systems to electric guitars to electronic keyboards and electronic drums. Sweetwater customers range from beginners to rock stars. The company’s equipment can be found in Los Angeles, New York, and Nashville recording studios; in TV and radio stations all across the country; and in tens of thousands of home recording studios nationwide. Sweetwater is built on a commitment to provide the highest level of customer service in the music technology industry. For more information, visit www.sweetwater.com.

About All Pro Sound
All Pro Sound started business 32 years ago in Pensacola, Florida, and has grown to become one of the premier A/V contractors in the country. Completed projects include systems for Auburn University, University of Alabama, Boston College, and the New Orleans Superdome. Having a staff well versed in the complex nature of time-pressured projects, All Pro Sound is uniquely qualified to provide installations of the stature of the IU Assembly Hall project. For more information, visit www.allprosound.com.

Posted At 2:15 PM • Comments (1)

Competitor Swim Products® Purchased by Industry Professional

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Cometitor Swim Products

Medina, Ohio — Richey Smith, President of Richey Industries headquartered in Medina, Ohio, has announced the sale of its Competitor Swim Products® Division to Brad Underwood, a sports products industry professional.

The sale, completed on November 5, 2012, will separate the division from Richey Industries, which will continue to manufacture and distribute the Great American Woodies^TM line of casual furniture. “I’m excited to hand the reins of my company to someone from within the sports world. Brad Underwood has a stellar reputation and will continue our focus on quality products and customer service. Our staff, customers and the swim industry will all benefit from his commitment," Smith stated.

The new owner of the company, Brad Underwood, brings nearly 20 years of experience in management, product development and sales in the sporting products industry. During the past 10 years, he served as president of a world leader and Olympic/NCAA supplier of volleyball equipment, growing the company to $6.5 million in annual sales. He brings the same philosophy of quality products, superior service and industry support to Competitor Swim Products®.

“I’m excited not only by the opportunity to market a great product, but also to leverage my years of management experience as I personally invest in the success of a business that has a tremendous reputation. I am excited to work with the Competitor Team as we build on a well established brand,” said Underwood. Competitor Swim Products® is a leader in the production of racing lane makers for competitive swim competitions around the world. It established itself as a leader in the competitive swim industry in 1960 with the introduction of the Non--TurbTM Racing Lane, and with the later development of the Competitor Racing Lane. Today,

Competitor is internationally recognized as the premier provider of quality competitive swim products. It was most recently the provider of racing lanes for the 2012 London Olympic games, the 2008 Beijing Games, and seven other previous Olympic competitions. Competitor Swim Products® racing lanes are molded and assembled using U.S.--made components and sold through distributors, licensees and dealers throughout the world. The Competitor Swim Products line also includes store lane reels, pace clocks, back stroke flags, and the Original Swedish goggle.

Posted At 1:44 PM • Comments (0)

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

WTA Contributes $25,000 To USANA’s “Ace Out Hunger” Program

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Women's Tennis Association

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) announced today that it made a donation of $25,000 to USANA Health Sciences’ (NYSE: USNA) “Ace Out Hunger” program, a charity that raises money for some of the world’s neediest children. All of the funds raised for “Ace Out Hunger” will go to Children’s Hunger Fund, a global nonprofit organization fighting hunger in impoverished regions around the world.

In June 2011, USANA – one of WTA’s longstanding and loyal partners – created “Ace Out Hunger” through which USANA donated $10 for every ace served at a WTA event starting with Wimbledon, through the end of the 2011 season. More than 3,500 aces have been hit by WTA players at tournaments to date.

“The WTA players applaud all of USANA’s efforts and support Children’s Hunger Fund, an organization extremely effective at distributing funds and supplies to some of the world’s neediest children. We are glad to be able to make a contribution to assist in the fight to rule out hunger,” said Stacey Allaster, Chairman and CEO of the WTA.

“We are thrilled that the WTA has joined us in supporting and raising awareness for this very worthy cause,” says Dan Macuga, USANA vice president of marketing, public relations and social media. “It’s been a great experience partnering with the WTA, an organization that, like USANA, truly values philanthropy.”

USANA, a leading global vitamin and health supplement manufacturer, is one of WTA’s leading partners and serves as its Official Health Supplement Supplier. USANA renewed and significantly upgraded its three-year partnership with the WTA in January 2011. Core elements of the WTA-USANA partnership include a global advertising campaign; significant marketing, digital and social media activation benefits; sponsorship of seven WTA events across all regions of the world; a player ambassador program that includes direct endorsements from an international roster of great players including Kim Clijsters, Samantha Stosur, Zheng Jie, Melanie Oudin, Liezel Huber, and Aleksandra Wozniak; and sponsorship of the WTA’s Chinese Tennis Festivals in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Guangzhou.

Over time, USANA has donated more than $8 million in nutritional products and monetary contributions to help Children’s Hunger Fund care for needy children around the globe. The support of USANA has enabled the highly efficient charity to provide daily nutritional supplements to several thousand malnourished children.

Posted At 9:35 AM • Comments (0)

WeatherBug Lightning Detection and Alerting System Coming to Florida School District

Posted by AB Editors

Source: WeatherBug

Germantown, MD – November 13, 2012 – Earth Networks^SM, the owner of the popular WeatherBug® brand and the operator of the largest weather monitoring, lightning detection and climate observation networks, announces that Lee County Public Schools in Fort Myers, Florida, selected its lightning detection and severe weather alerting technology. Beginning this fall, weather stations, lightning sensors and outdoor alerting sirens from Earth Networks - WeatherBug will be deployed on the rooftops of 13 high schools in the county to help protect more than 25,000 high school students from lightning and other forms of severe weather.

“We are bringing this technology to Lee County to help protect our students,” says Ron Davis, Principal of Assignment for Zone Operations and Athletics, Lee County Public Schools. “Lightning will always be a serious concern in our district, which informed our decision to install technology for advanced warning. It will help take the guesswork and the human element out of when to stop outdoor games and activities and go indoors when lightning and severe weather approaches.”

Every year, hundreds are seriously injured or even killed by cloud-to-ground lightning strikes. Yet the majority of lightning takes place in the clouds. This in-cloud lightning often provides a critical, early indication of severe weather, such as dangerous lightning strikes, high winds, hail and even tornadoes.

The outdoor alerting system coming to Lee County High Schools automatically produces a high-decibel, attention-getting signal when in-cloud and cloud-to-ground lightning enters a predetermined radius, such as 10 miles, surrounding the school. The lightning sensors that will be placed on each school will be part of the world’s largest total lightning network, which is operated by Earth Networks – WeatherBug.

Thirteen Lee County high schools will also have a WeatherBug weather station onsite. These stations are connected to the Internet and measure temperature, wind speed and direction, precipitation, and other variables, every few seconds. Four of the 13 schools currently have WeatherBug weather stations, and the remaining nine schools will have weather stations installed.

As the weather stations and lightning detection sensors are deployed, the Lee County High Schools will become part of the ABC7 WZVN WeatherBug Schools Program . The schools will be able to provide weather data for meteorological teams at news station WZVN, and other stations across the country, to broadcast online and on-air. The schools’ weather stations will also provide real-time weather and lightning alerts to people in the community who use WeatherBug apps on their iPhones and Android smartphones. In addition, the equipment will also be used to enhance the science, technology and math school curriculum at the schools using WeatherBug Achieve web-based software.

“With the lightning detection and alerting technology available today, there is absolutely no reason to remain in harm’s way when lightning and severe weather is in the area,” says WeatherBug Director of Enterprise Solutions, Frank McCathran. “It is about ensuring peace of mind by knowing that you are helping keep your students, athletes, coaches and fans safe through advanced warning. We are proud to be helping the Lee County Schools’ staff and community with this important initiative.”

WeatherBug solutions will be deployed at the following Lee County, Florida, High Schools: Cape Coral High School, Cypress Lake High School, Dunbar High School, East Lee County High School, Estero High School, Fort Myers High School, Ida S. Baker High School, Island Coast High School, Lehigh Senior High School, Mariner High, North Fort Myers High School, Riverdale High School and South Fort Myers High School.

About Earth Networks - WeatherBug
As a provider of comprehensive atmospheric data for nearly 20 years, Earth Networks^SM is Taking the Pulse of the Planet with the world’s largest weather observation, lightning detection, and greenhouse gas monitoring networks and is establishing a network for collecting data within the planetary boundary layer. The company’s popular WeatherBug® website, desktop application and mobile apps for major smartphone platforms provide real-time neighborhood-level weather and advanced severe weather alerts to millions of consumers. Enterprise solutions from Earth Networks enable organizations and markets, including energy and utilities, agriculture, schools, sports and recreation, emergency operations and government entities, to safeguard lives, prepare for weather and climate events and improve business operations. Founded in 1993, Earth Networks (www.earthnetworks.com ) is headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area with additional locations in Mountain View, Calif.; New York, NY; Milan, Italy and a local presence in 50 countries worldwide.

Posted At 9:35 AM • Comments (0)

WhiteWater Wins Three Brass Ring Awards

Posted by AB Editors

Source: WhiteWater

Richmond, Canada (November 13, 2012) - WhiteWater has been awarded two 2012 Brass Ring Best New Products Awards for AquaCourseTM and SilkGelTM Technology, as well as one Best Exhibit award for Hopkins Rides at the IAAPA 2012 Attractions Expo in Orlando, Florida!

The first of its kind, AquaCourse^TM challenges guests to traverse through an exhilarating aquatic course of ropes, towers, bridges, water cannons and other interactive water features. With multiple tracks that offer varying degrees of water and exploration, AquaCourse is a true family adventure. Best of all, it captures the attention of that so-hard-to-please teen segment by delivering edgy thrills and testing balance, dexterity and courage! AquaCourse was also awarded with WWA's Leading Edge award last month.

SilkGel^TM, winner of IAAPA's Best New Technology award, offers the industry's only 10-year warranty against fading and chalking. This original technology is one-of-a-kind, offering superior color retention and is a low maintenance, eco-friendly product. SilkGel is now the standard for every WhiteWater flume.

Geoff Chutter, WhiteWater's President & CEO, couldn't be more proud. "Wow! This year's IAAPA Expo is one for the WhiteWater history books! We are honoured and pleased to be awarded three awards this year, as it really reinforces our growth and focus on being the ORIGINAL Waterpark & Attractions Company."

For more information on how WhiteWater, the ORIGINAL Waterpark & Attractions Company, brings the fun, please visit www.whitewaterwest.com.

About WhiteWater
WhiteWater brings the fun as The ORIGINAL Waterpark & Attractions Company in two splashy ways; the first is just that - being first. In 1980, WhiteWater dove in feet-first; growing from a successful waterpark operation into a thriving designer and manufacturer of waterpark attractions, we've been making waves ever since.

Posted At 9:35 AM • Comments (0)

Monday, November 05, 2012

AmpliVox Opens New Headquarters

Posted by AB Editors

Source: AmpliVox Sound Systems

Northbrook, IL -- October 31, 2012: AmpliVox Sound Systems celebrated its move to an expanded headquarters with a ribbon cutting and open house on October 30, featuring special guest appearances by Rep. Bob Dold (R-IL) and a number of other community leaders. Approximately 200 visitors toured the new office and warehouse facility on Anthony Trail in Northbrook, where the sound electronics and presentation furniture company now enjoys 60 percent more space for manufacturing, shipping, and customer service functions.

The event opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony, in which AmpliVox CEO Don Roth was joined by Congressman Dold, State Rep. Elaine Nekritz, Village Trustee Jim Karagianis, and North Suburban YMCA Executive Director/CEO Howard Schultz. Guests then mingled with AmpliVox employees, enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, and viewed the company’s expanded operations. The move to a larger space was in response to the swift growth of AmpliVox’s business in the last two years, including the addition of a dozen new products in 2012.

In comments to the group, Dold commended Roth for his company’s success and entrepreneurial spirit. “We’re here to celebrate all that Don and AmpliVox have been able to accomplish, expanding by 60 percent,” said Dold. “We don’t hear those stories very often these days. We see a lot of companies tightening their belts and downsizing because they aren’t sure what tomorrow will bring. So when we find a company that’s expanding, I really want to recognize you for all you’re doing.” The event also featured comments by Nekritz, Schultz, Karagianis and Northbrook Chamber of Commerce President Tensley Garris. In a special surprise, Karagianis presented Roth with an official Village declaration making October 30 “AmpliVox Sound Systems Day.” Roth expressed his appreciation to his guests, noting that he and his wife Nancy were "very fortunate to be surrounded by so many friends and supporters, in a community that has meant so much to us over the years."

AmpliVox ® Sound Systems products are predominately made in the USA, meet stringent UL standards, and come with an up to 6-year warranty. Our wide selection meets every speaker's sound coverage and style needs. Whether you are in a small meeting room of 30 people or a large 20,000 square foot auditorium of up to 10,000 people, AmpliVox ® Sound Systems' extensive range of superior quality, simple to operate and reliable electronics will provide maximum satisfaction and ensure a crystal clear message. Creators of the Pink Podium Promise cause marketing initiative, AmpliVox donates pink podiums and pink megaphones to breast cancer awareness organizations, helping lead the effort to “Speak Up for the Cause”. Visit http://www.ampli.com for more information.

Posted At 10:25 AM • Comments (1)

STA Commemorates 25th Anniversary

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Sports Turf Association

Guelph, ON – Sports Turf Association executive and members, past and present, together with staff, colleagues, family and friends gathered on October 25 to celebrate the organization’s milestone anniversary at a commemorative banquet in Guelph, Ontario.

With historical story boards providing a retrospective of the past, both founding President Michael Bladon and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affair’s Annette Anderson reflected on the association’s beginnings, growth and many accomplishments. Bladon challenged the STA executive “To continue our commitment and our mission to provide educational and networking opportunities for our members and the promotion of better, safer sports turf to those involved in sports field management and to the general public”.

“The STA is an organization of volunteers”, added Executive Manager Lee Huether, ‘from the visionaries of 1987 to the current Board of Directors and everyone in between, the association has grown and benefited from the dedicated service of so many”.

Paul Gillen, current President, relayed greetings from Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, “Since 1987, the Sports Turf Association has been making a positive difference in the lives of Ontario’s athletes providing sports turf managers with the tools they need to help maintain playable sports fields, while maximizing safety…. Take pride in knowing that the important work you do each and every day makes a real difference”.

About STA
Our roots run deep and 2012 marks this quarter-century milestone. For 25 years the Sports Turf Association has been dedicated to the promotion of better, safer sports turf. That commitment continues.

Posted At 9:34 AM • Comments (0)

Clorox® Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfecting Cleaners Voted Cleaning Agent of the Year

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Clorox Professional Products

OAKLAND, Calif., Oct. 25, 2012 – Clorox Professional Products Company is proud to announce that Clorox Commercial Solutions® Clorox® Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfecting Cleaners won the 2012 ISSA Innovation Award for Best Cleaning Agent. ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, recently recognized Clorox during the 2012 ISSA/INTERCLEAN® North America trade show in Chicago.

For the past three months, cleaning-industry distributors, wholesalers, building service contractors and in-house service professionals voted from a pool of 51 entries in five categories: cleaning agents, disposables, equipment, services and technology, and supplies.

“Clorox® Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfecting Cleaners are a revolutionary new line of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered products that harness the unique power of hydrogen peroxide to eliminate bacteria and viruses that are of highest concern to commercial facilities in as fast as 30 seconds," said Lynda Lurie, marketing manager, Clorox Professional Products Company. “It’s an honor to be recognized by ISSA and the cleaning industry, as this award reinforces our commitment to drive step-change product innovation to further meet the needs of the commercial cleaning market.”

Introduced in March 2012, Clorox® Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfecting Cleaners contain plant-based surfactants, no harsh fumes, no volatile organic compounds, no added fragrances or dyes, and harness the unique power of hydrogen peroxide to kill more problematic germs than the leading competitive products.

A Versatile Cleaner and Disinfectant
The patented hydrogen peroxide technology disinfects germ prone areas and is ideal for use in K-12 schools, colleges and universities, athletic facilities, health clubs and other highly-frequented areas in facilities. The products are ready-to-use, one-step disinfectants that can be used facility-wide on a variety of high-touch surfaces such as handles, desktops and faucets.

Clorox® Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfecting Cleaners are available in a 110 ct. wipes canister for everyday use, a 800 ct. wipes bucket, ideal for facilities with a high volume of disinfecting tasks, a 32 oz. trigger spray and a 128 oz. economical refill.

To view the complete list of the 2012 ISSA Innovation Award winners, visit http://www.issa.com/?id=2012_innovation_winners.

About Clorox Professional Products Company
Clorox Professional Products Company, a division of The Clorox Company (NYSE: CLX), offers a full line of established brands designed for the commercial industry. Our professional products include the industry's most recognized brand names, including, Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes, Clorox® Germicidal Bleach, Clorox® Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfecting Cleaners, Clorox® Professional Cleaners & Degreasers Green Works® Naturally Derived ready-to-use and concentrated cleaners, Formula 409® sprays and Pine-Sol® cleaners. Whether it be hospitals, offices, restaurants, schools, health clubs, hotels or any other commercial setting, Clorox Professional Products Company is committed to not only understanding the ever-changing demands of the professional cleaning environment, but to developing product solutions to help our customers excel in their businesses. For more information, visit www.cloroxprofessional.com.

Posted At 9:17 AM • Comments (0)

Thursday, November 01, 2012

BSN Sports Acquires Hayden’s Sport Center

Posted by AB Editors

Source: BSN Sports

(Dallas, TX.) BSN SPORTS, the nation’s largest sporting goods distributor to schools and leagues, today announced the acquisition of Montgomery, IL-based Hayden’s Sport Center, the leading independent sporting-goods team distributor in the State of Illinois. Founded in 1946, Hayden's is one of the oldest, most respected and most successful team sports distributorships in the Midwestern United States. The acquisition – BSN SPORTS’ fifth in 2012 – highlights the company’s expanding geographic footprint throughout the country.

In addition to its headquarters in Montgomery, Hayden's operates additional offices throughout Illinois, including Danville, Rantoul and Springfield. The company services the entire State of Illinois as well as portions of Iowa and Indiana.

Commenting on the transaction, Adam Blumenfeld, Chairman and CEO of BSN SPORTS stated, “We are thrilled to welcome the wonderful employees of Hayden's Sport Center to the BSN SPORTS family. Ron Kruse, Owner and longtime operator of Hayden's, has also served as the former Chairman of the National Sporting Goods Association and was a Founding Member of the TAG buying group. He is both a special person and industry legend who has built an exceptionally loyal and talented team of sales professionals. Going forward, Ron will remain a valued partner of BSN SPORTS, while his son, Dave, will serve on the BSN SPORTS Management team in Illinois alongside current managers Jeff Mulder, Tony Pusateri and Vice-President Dan Salkeld – all of whom have been instrumental in this successful acquisition."

“From a sales perspective, Hayden’s experienced sales professionals will combine forces with our own industry-leading sales force in the region - a ‘flood the zone’ approach that will directly serve the interests of the team sports needs of high schools, colleges, youth leagues and all other sporting organizations throughout Illinois and surrounding territories,” Mr. Blumenfeld concluded.

Ron Kruse added, “This is a milestone day for Hayden’s, our employees and our customers – one that I believe will positively impact the communities that Hayden’s has served for years. BSN SPORTS shares our commitment to exceptional people and unparalleled execution, and now our customers will benefit from the one-stop shop that BSN SPORTS has impressively built over the years. This includes industry-leading technology, multi-branded product solutions, and game changing service from more than 450 sales and support specialists. This is truly a best of both worlds outcome, and one in which the Kruse family is proud to have an ongoing and direct role.”

The Hayden’s acquisition represents the latest affirmation that BSN SPORTS’ employees have successfully created the most stable and scalable infrastructure in the industry. The Company is now focused on leveraging this strength to extend its footprint further into local communities across the United States. BSN SPORTS’ superior platform is built around a unique combination of catalog, telesales, digital and feet on the street assets - all of which work seamlessly to provide the best possible support for nearly 150,000 active customers.

Posted At 9:21 AM • Comments (0)