DANNY WAY IS INDUCTED INTO THE SKATEBOARDING HALL OF FAME Four Skateboarders from Four Decades
October 26, 2009 – Vista, CA – DC’s Danny Way was honored and inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame at the International Association of Skateboard Companies (IASC) first annual ceremony and fundraiser on October 24 with fellow skateboarding icons: Bruce Logan, Tony Alva and Tony Hawk from four decades of the world’s best. “Danny has been with DC since its inception in 1993 and has been an integral part of shaping the brand,” said Kelly Magrath, DC Vice President of Marketing. “He is truly an icon and has single handedly redefined the boundaries of vert skateboarding by taking it to the next level with his creation and domination of the Mega Ramp. We are very proud of his induction into the Hall of Fame and honored to have him in the DC family.” Way’s skateboarding accomplishments are endless. The DC Video which was released in 2003 featured Way skating a never before seen vert ramp adaptation, the Mega Ramp that would forever change the limits of vert skateboarding. In July of 2005 DC and Way later took the Mega Ramp to China where Danny became the first person ever to jump the Great Wall on a skateboard. In his years of skating, Way has achieved seven world records in total, including longest distance on a skateboard, height out of a ramp and highest air on a skateboard, which are featured in the Guinness Book of World Records. Outside of these records, Way has had numerous industry honors bestowed on him. To date, he stands as the only person to receive Thrasher’s highly coveted Skater of the Year Award twice, once in 1991 and again in 2004. Way continues to progress skateboarding with his tireless dedication and passion for the sport. Proceeds from the IASC event ticket sales and auction items benefited the Go Skateboarding Foundation. The non-profit organization provides positive educational experiences, career-minded programming, and scholarships for skateboarders. The foundation also donates to various skateboard-related charities, including: The Tony Hawk Foundation, Ray Underhill, the Johnny Romano Foundation, and the Patrick Kerr Foundation. In addition to a live musical performance at the ceremony, hundreds of guests from the skate community had the opportunity to bid on a large selection of invaluable memorabilia at both a silent and live auction. If you still want to participate by making a donation, please contact Laurie Bergthold at laurie@skateboardiasc.org. To learn more, please visit www.skateboardiasc.org.
In an op-ed in Friday’s New York Times, on the eve of President Obama’s first official trip to Africa, Bono highlighted that opportunity is indeed on the rise in Africa, while simultaneously cautioning that assistance is still needed:
“Amid poverty and disease are opportunities for investment and growth — investment and growth that won’t eliminate overnight the need for assistance … but that in time can build roads, schools and power grids and propel commerce to the point where aid is replaced by trade pacts, business deals and home-grown income.”
In addition to the need for assistance in building the infrastructure, many African countries will undoubtedly continue to require assistance in fighting the HIV/AIDS and Malaria epidemics. That’s just what Bono’s RED Campaign continues to provide by raising money and awareness for The Global Fund. RED has been extremely successful since Bono founded it with Bobby Shriver in 2004, with more than $130 million contributed to The Global Fund to date. In part due to this ongoing contribution, according to the website, The Global Fund has reached 62 million people with HIV counseling and testing, provided 3.2 million AIDS orphans with basic care and support, reached 91 million people with community outreach services for one or several of the three diseases, and trained 7.6 million health or community workers to deliver service.
RED is a smart combination of philanthropy and consumerism. Brands involved thus far include American Express, Apple, Dell, Starbucks and Girl Skateboards, who introduced their first contribution to the Product(RED) line in 2007 with a pair of skateboard decks designed by Girl Art Director Andy Jenkins. Says Jenkins:
“I think with skateboarding, like with any other subculture, if you’re in or around it long enough you have a tendency to kind of get insulated in that little world that you’re in. … With the RED project it helps us to reach outside of our own little world without really changing what we really do.”
The formula of the Girl/RED partnership is a smart, simple pairing of great design (based on original paintings by Jenkins) and a great cause, making it easy for people to raise awareness for Africans in need. Skaters are already buying decks (lots of them: More than 5 million sold in 2004) and Girl is donating more than half the profits directly to The Global Fund. I spoke with Girl co-founder Megan Baltimore about the partnership.
How did the RED/Girl partnership form back in 2007 when you launched the first set of decks?
MB: I had read several articles about RED and the philosophy and was really impressed with the idea. Spike [Jonze] got in touch with Bono and we went from there.
Is this a limited edition or will you manufacture additional decks if the demand presents itself?
We want to make as many decks as we can sell. We want to raise the awareness for such a great effort that is RED.
I love that some of my friends collect decks as pieces of art and often display them prominently as such. Do you find that people are actually skating with the decks or saving them as art? Who designed this year’s set?
People are definitely collecting them. Andy Jenkins has designed both sets of decks so far and his art is always pretty special.
Was there any concern about partnering with RED based on the criticisms about the lack of transparency, and some estimates the campaign has spent upwards of $100 million on advertising, marketing, events and salaries?
We’re proud of our partnership. In a perfect world, you could generate funds for a cause with no press and attention but this is something that is working.
TP: What has been the response from the skating community?
The skateboard community has given us great feedback. For me, the skaters that are so happy to be part of the partnership is really great.
Is Girl involved in other charitable projects that you’d like to highlight for our audience?
Right now, RED is the only project like this we are involved in.
Where can we send people interested in purchasing the decks?
If you go to any of our websites, it will take you to a list of shops that carry our product. Or you can call us at 800 948 SKATE and we will help you find the shop in your area.
Airwalk Sticks With Print Advertising
By The Editors April 21st, 2009. [Link Boardistan]
Airwalk is sticking with print advertising according to a story in Brandweek. The company is launching their new “We Are Airwalk” campaign in the printed pages of several magazines that are still in business.
The campaign will break in print in the June issue of Vapors, a skateboarding/lifestyle magazine. The print component will comprise 26 pages across vertical titles like Skateboarder and Snowboarder, as well as other lifestyle and music titles, including Spin and Filter. As for social media, the brand will have a presence on MySpace and Twitter. . . “The campaign is really focusing on athletes and who they are,” said Bruce Pettet, CEO of Airwalk, Denver, Colo. “It’s more than winning an X Games medal, it’s more the everyday life of what athletes do.”
Aside from the fact that they’re launching in print, it is nice to see that they’re sticking with the action photo and a logo creative. That way Andy Macdonald will actually have photos in a skateboard magazine.
[Link: Brandweek]
Neff On BYU News Net
By Boardistan April 15th, 2009.
It’s the story of a Brigham Young University student who took an idea to the nation. BYU NewsNet writer Kresha Worton tells the story of senior advertising student Chip Neff and how he and his brother Shaun built the Neff brand.
Neff said he and his brother have managed all of the business responsibilities over the past few years, but with their tremendous growth they recently were able to hire seven full-time employees to specialize in different areas. . . He said one of the biggest things that has contributed to their success has been the unique design and colors of the brand. . . “The theme of the brand is very fun and colorful,” Neff said. “We offer all the fun, most colorful and fresh designs.” . . .WGSN, a company that provides trend analysis and news to the fashion industry, had nothing but good things to say about Neff. . . This year WGSN predicted Neff as the biggest trendsetter for the snowboarding industry.
And what if every one of the reportedly 13.5 million Mormons world-wide were to buy just one hat. . . isn’t that they least they could do?
[Link: Boardistan ]
By Sal Ruibal, USA TODAY
It’s a hard-knock life for most action sports athletes.
They routinely bash their bodies, but find it nearly impossible to get health insurance that will cover their most serious needs.
Major league professional athletes don’t have that problem as their medical insurance is part of their unions’ collective bargaining agreements.
Shaun White dazzles in the men's vert finals at last year's Maloof Money Cup.
The Maloof family has seen both sides of the situation.
As owners of the National Basketball Association’s Sacramento Kings and The Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, they are required to make sure that their basketball players get the medical help they need when injury strikes.
As organizers of the richest skateboard event in the world — their Maloof Money Cup pays $100,000 to the winner — they also recognize that many competitive skaters lack even basic health insurance coverage.
When I saw Jake Brown fall 60 feet at the 2007 X Games and then walk off, my first thought was, ‘I wonder if he has health insurance?,’ ” says Joe Maloof, president of the Maloof Companies. “I decided we needed to start a foundation that would look after skaters and protect any skateboarder who got hurt in competition.”
Joe Maloof, 53, and brother Gavin, 52, started the Maloof Money Cup in 2008 with advice from Brown and other top skaters, such as Ryan Sheckler. He also leaned on them for advice on how to best serve the needs of injured skaters.
“Skateboarding is progressing quickly right now, and with this progression comes increased risk of injury,” says Sheckler. “I know quite a few amateur and pro skateboarders that don’t have health insurance or much savings, and those are the guys that really need the Sheckler Foundation and Maloof Skateboarding Assistance Foundation. If a serious injury ended their career these foundations could provide them the assistance they need.”
Joe Maloof says many mainstream sports fans don’t understand the dangers faced by skateboarders.
“There’s tremendous risk in these contests,” he says. “They’re performing tricks that only the world’s top athletes have the ability to complete. We had a duty to take the lead in taking care of our own.
“These aren’t just kids. There are a few 15- or 16-year-olds, but most are ages 19 to 35, the same age range as NBA players.”
The Maloofs’ act has also inspired others in the sport.
On Good Friday (April 10), Pierre Andre Senizergues, owner and CEO of the etnies skate-sport footwear company is giving away 2,000 pairs of shoes to homeless people in Los Angeles.
“It is really important that those in a position to help give back to skateboarding and their communities,” Senizergues says.
The second Maloof Money Cup is offering $450,000 in prize money and will take place July 10-12 at the Orange County Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif. NBC and MTV2 plan more than three hours of coverage.
Rob Campbell Wednesday, April 1st, 2009
courtesy of: Transworld Business
We’ve had to report on a lot of layoffs over the past six months. Unfortunately, those stories usually involved friends and great people we’ve had close working relationships with for years. Today, the news hits especially close to home.
TransWorld has eliminated eight positions within the company. Departments affected are TransWorld Business, Transworld Surf, TransWorld Skateboarding sales, marketing, and finance. More specifically, TransWorld Business lost two editors.
We’ve maintained that reporting bad news (even layoffs) is important to provide our readers with a clear picture of what’s taking place in the industry. We’ve also made efforts to get as many details from companies as possible when that news breaks. So in the name of “practicing what we preach,” I’ve provided as much detail as is legally possible.
Earlier today, Group Publisher Liam Ferguson addressed the staff in Carlsbad, explaining that the worldwide recession, and a downward trend in media spending, were factors in reducing the workforce by a small percentage.
“Collectively, all our departments have participated in significant cost cutting measures before we looked at our most prized asset, the TransWorld family,” said Ferguson. “We are making these tough decisions now to support the long term stability of TransWorld and insure we remain the number one Leader in Action Sports Media for many years to come.”
To be blunt, these situations suck. Like many other business leaders across the industry, from Bob McKnight to the smallest independent shop owners, we’ve been forced to make hard decisions for the long-term success of our business. After all, we don’t just report on this industry, we’re a part of it. And TransWorld Business will continue to be a critical part for everyone trying to get through these tough times.
PM Tenore of RVCA meets with Obama at the White House March 30, 2009 05:43 AM
PM Tenore of RVCA at the White House earlier this month The Obama administration invited RVCA founder and CEO PM “Pat” Tenore and several other small business owners to the White House this month to hear the President discuss his plans to help small businesses. Pat answered some questions for me about the visit and what it was like to meet Obama.
Who contacted you to come to the White House? I was contacted by an executive member of President Obama’s staff. He called me, and at first I thought it was a joke. He then followed the phone call with an email. Once I saw the email with a .gov address I thought maybe this could be real. After I figured out it wasn’t a joke, I booked a flight and I was off to D.C.
What was the experience like to be there?
Obama gives you the feeling that everyone matters and has a voice. For a random person from Costa Mesa to get the opportunity to meet the President inside the White House, it made me feel like change is coming. It gives me a very positive outlook on the future.
What did you think of the president’s plan?
It seems like the administration is trying to implement a lot of initiatives to help small business. As a small business owner I appreciate that the administration is paying attention to small businesses and recognizing that everyone is important.
What was the President like in person?
The President seemed authentic and connected to the problems and concerns of everyone in the group. Ever since I was a kid I felt alienated from government and politics. The experience made me feel that Obama is genuinely in tune with everyone.
Was it hard to get into the White House – lots of security?
The security is probably exactly like someone would expect at the White House. A lot of military, police and secret service. Although is was a bit intimidating, the people were very friendly. There were two check points. … In a way, very similar to going through the security line at an airport.
Did you share any concerns, issues about this industry with the White House?
The format for the meeting really didn’t provide an opportunity to ask any questions or share concerns.
I had a few things that I wanted to accomplish during my visit to the White House. There is a painting there of President Obama that was painted by David Choe, and I really wanted to take a picture of it. I asked if I could, but was told that the painting was in a different Wing, and I didn’t have security access to go there.
I also wanted to get President Obama to throw a shaka and get a photo with him. When it was my turn to meet the President, I gave my camera to someone to take our picture. I now have an amazing picture of President Obama and my right arm – no shaka. The camera guy blew the picture. However, I was able to get some great interior photos of the White House.
Will you send the President some RVCA clothes?
The thought did cross my mind, but I was told not to bring any gifts. It would have loved to have brought him some trunks. I am sure he would have put them to good use body surfing at Sandy Beach.
Did you talk to him about surfing at all?
He asked me how Kelly Slater did in the Australia leg of the tour and I told him not so good but he is still the best ever and current world champion. No, I just shook his hand and told him it was a pleasure to meet him.
The President’s small business plan
After hearing back from Pat, I checked the White House blog for more details about the session he attended. RVCA was one of 67 small businesses and non-profits that attended.
A lot of details of the meeting got lost in the uproar that day over the $65 million in bonuses paid to some AIG executives, and President Obama spent the beginning of the meeting calling for the government to block the payments.
Here are some highlights of his small business relief acts and proposals:
Authorized the Small Business Administration to guarantee up to 90 percent of loans and elminate fees for borrowers and lenders.
Gave tax cuts for small business in the stimulus plan signed into law in mid-February.
Gave tax incentives for small business investments in the stimulus plan.
Authorized the Treasury Department to purchase up to $15 billion in SBA loans to free up the secondary credit market and increase liquidity at community banks.
Proposed in budget to reduce capital gains taxes on small business to zero.
Proposed tax credits for small businesses that offer health care coverage to employees.
For more than 40 years, Vans has helped to define laid back California style as a key influence in action sports, music, art and street culture. Now Vans Off the Wall tells the story of the community of action sports legends, musicians, artists and trendsetters that inspired it all – as well as the shoes threading it all together. This personal, insider account features stunning photography and oral histories from Vans Originals:
Untold stories from boardsports legends Tony Alva, Steve Caballero, John Cardiel, Shaun Palmer and Joel Tudor. Plus the legacy of 80s BMX and of course punk rock tales from the Vans Warped Tour.
Music and artist inspiration from bands including Descendents, KISS, AFI and Bad Brains and artists such as Mister Cartoon, Neckface and Robert Williams. Photographs by CR Stecyk, R. Grant Brittain, Bryce Kanights, Art Brewer and Trevor Graves have all contributed to the book. The birth of the waffle sole and a look at the largest and most complete Vans shoe collection ever assembled.
The filing tells how Active’s rapid expansion over the past few years required significantly more investment and financial resources – while revenues essentially stayed the same.
As result, Active is projected to record a $7.7 million loss for the fiscal year ending March 31. (Click here to read an interview with Active partner Shane Wallace about the bankruptcy filing and go-forward plan, which includes reorganizing and continuing to operate 21 stores).
Also of note is the list of Active’s 20 largest unsecured creditors, which reads like a Who’s Who of action sports brands. Active owes a total of $8.8 million to its 20 largest unsecured creditors.
Interestingly, only one brand is on the list of secured creditors – the Burton Corporation. Secured creditors get payment priority in a bankruptcy.
The Active warehouse in Mira Loma
Financials
According to the bankruptcy filing, Active’s revenues stayed approximately the same over the last few years while the number of stores essentially doubled in that same period.
Annual Revenues
3/31/07: $58.9 million
3/31/08: $61.8 million
3/31/09: $59.9 million (projected)
The filing says, “These losses have been caused primarily by the Debtor’s rapid over-expansion and market saturation, during which time the company’s same store sales were decreasing substantially.”
Bankers
Active owes approximately $4.2 million in principal, exclusive of interest and other charges, to Merrill Lynch, which is continuing to work with the company during its bankruptcy reorganization.
Leases and contracts
The company is moving to reject eight leases for the stores it has already closed in Irvine, San Diego (three), Simi Valley, Westwood, Lake Elsinore and Mission Viejo.
The filing also says it will reject contracts with several skateboarders, including Andrew Reynolds, Kenny Anderson, Billy Marks, Erik Ellington, Daewong Song and Jim Greco.
We want to make as many decks as we can sell. We want to raise the awareness for such a great effort that is RED.
