National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers | 3 The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) is a trade association that provides information and promotion to the sporting goods industry. They represent all aspects of the sector, and their membership is comprised of wholesalers, manufacturers, and independent sales reps – both national and international – all of whom are primarily involved with outdoor sporting equipment and accessories. The NASGW was founded in 1953 and incorporated in 1954. The association was originally known as the Sporting Goods Jobbers Association, a credit recording service. In 1962, the name changed and shortly after manufacturers and representatives became associate members. They added industry media and service providers to their membership base two years ago. “We’re a relatively small industry, primarily covering the outdoor sport segments,” says President Maurice Desmarais. Desmarais joined the association in May 2010. He’s worked with 12 associations over the last 35 years. He worked previously for Smith Bucklin – a management organization servicing 230 non-profit trade associations and professional societies. “This is kind of a new twist for me – going to a standalone group, rather than a multiple management company,” he says. He was drawn to the association for its niche market and loyal membership. The NASGW was financially sound and secured for the future, he says. “It was just a great fit for me. I wanted to get back to dealing with a single organization. With this, I could focus on a strategic plan for them and concentrating more on their issues and programs.”
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