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| Business World Magazine |
November 2012
updates on what is happening in the indus-
try.”
Also taking place at the expo before-
hand is an annual leadership awards recep-
tion and dinner that draws a lot of compe-
tition from member firms for the accolades.
The industry is heavily centered on recog-
nition because of the competitive nature of
sports. The NASGW annually recognizes
manufacturers with Manufacturer of the
Year Awards, and in 2005 initiated a special
industry leadership award as well.
The criteria for the awards are based
on areas of the manufacturer’s performance,
which enable the wholesaler to provide effi-
cient and effective service in the marketplace.
“
I can almost guarantee a member who has
gotten an award has it sitting in their display
case when you walk through the front door
or the reception area,” Desmarais says. “Re-
warding employees for their work is some-
thing companies and the individuals take
great pride in.”
REGULATION
One of the challenges the National Associa-
tion of Sporting Goods Wholesalers faces is
regulation. The sporting industry deals with