Direct from the AWSI Office
See You at the 2012 Surf Expo!
The 2011 Retailer Survey officially concluded, and the results showed that the majority of respondents would like to see the AWSI continue to work with and endorse the Surf Expo show in the Fall. Surf Expo has put together a nice package to support the industry at this event, including low booth rates for AWSI members.
The AWSI board and Surf Expo management both agree that it is important for our industry to focus on only one event during the fall selling season, in order to get maximum attendance by exhibitors and dealers. In order for a wind demo to work, it would have to be at a different time and place, and this would only reduce attendance at both events, making each one less effective, while increasing costs.
Given this information, the board is planning to move ahead and endorse Surf Expo as our exclusive trade event for 2012. The dates are set for the same week following Labor Day, September 6-8th with the possibility of a SUP / Wake Demo held on Wed the 5th. Negotiations are still underway, but once finalized we will make a formal announcement. Keep your eyes on the athletes, retailers, and manufactures that make an impact on our industry this year…I want to see some friendly competition that put the wind and water sports industry in the spotlight!
Congratulations to the 2012 Board of Directors
After elections concluded, the new board voted for the following officers to serve the 2012 term. Respectively: Doug Hopkins- President (re-elected), Greg Kish- Vice President (re-elected), Samantha Bittner- Treasurer (new), and John Zimmerman- Secretary/ or Office Administrator- as he prefers to be called! Thank you all for stepping up and offering to serve the Association in these critical roles!
Directors note: The new Board Members have already had some lively correspondences and I expect this will continue to create a positive atmosphere to spring load off the momentum from the previous boards…no pun intended!
Certified Instructors?
We all know that our industry owes its sustainability and growth to new participants taking up and becoming active consumers of the products we produce in the wind and water sports marketplace, but have you noticed a trend in where the instructors are getting their training. AWSI has links to both the IKO and PASA websites, but would like to hear from our members if you recommend other renowned methods or schools that you think deserves recognition. If so, please feel free to contact the AWSI and share what you know at : info@windkitesup.org