Twenty-five past Chase Community Giving grant recipients—5 charities in 5 categories—have been chosen to participate. Surfers Healing will compete in the Champions of Health & Wellness category. Fans are being asked to vote for their favorite charity. Voting will run until Midnight ET, December 4, 2012. The charity with the most votes in their respective category will receive $1 million, runner up will receive $500,000, 3rd place will receive $250,000, and 4th and 5th place will each receive $125,000 grants.

“Every year we take over 3,500 autistic children who normally suffer from sensory overload and give them the profoundly healing experience of surfing at no charge,” said Co-Founder, Izzy Paskowitz. “For some kids, this experience becomes a rare moment of calm and connection. Every year we have to turn families away. Even $125,000 would allow us to reach many more autistic kids with this life changing experience.”

About Autism

Autism is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. When Isaiah Paskowitz, son of Izzy and Danielle, was born, one in every 10,000 children were diagnosed with autism. Today, the CDC estimates 1 in every 88 children are identified with an autism spectrum disorder. Currently there is no cure for autism.

Surfers Healing is competing with 24 charities across the country for these grants from Chase. With the support of our volunteers, fans and local residents, Surfers Healing has the opportunity to get much needed resources to continue their work. “Surfing with Izzy was the greatest experience for my autistic grandson,” said Patricia Bagley. “The expression of joy on his face when he rode the waves in was priceless.”

Ann Gunderson, mother of a non verbal autistic son, said, ” It is incredibly heartwarming to see him out there. It brings a sense of normalcy to our family.”

Michael Eisenstein said, “The self esteem and physical self awareness that Surfers Healing helps develop is a wonderful tool for kids all along the spectrum of autism. I saw a few kids crying before going out on the boards, I only saw big grins when they came in.”

Toni Dicorato-Bitonti, parent of an autistic child, said “This was our first time and it was truly the best day of our lives.”

How You Can Help

You can help Surfers Healing receive up to $1 million by visiting the Chase Community Giving Facebook page at: https://apps.facebook.com/americangivingawards/charity/view/id/20 and cast your vote. You may need to allow the Chase app to connect to your Facebook. Follow the directions until “Thank you for voting!” pops up.

If you have questions about Surfers Healing, visit our website at www.surfershealing.org. For more information about Surfers Healing or a Foundation for Autism, contact Danielle Paskowitz at 949-728-1000 or daniellepsc@aol.com.

Swipe4TheKids announced today that it is now including board sports that are tied to school curriculum as eligible applicants for youth enrichment funding.

There are many opportunities for students to get a first experience – or further existing skills – in board sports, while also obtaining P.E. credits. Swipe4TheKids will now be funding these programs as local and national businesses join hands with the Swipe4TheKids program. Manufacturers and retailers in the board sports industry now have a unique opportunity to help fund these programs and gain significant exposure — all at no cost.

“With the increased support on a mainstream level, this was bound to happen. In the mid-90′s, before it was recognized as a legitimate class, I coached the surf team at Ensign Middle School and Newport Harbor High in Newport Beach CA, and it’s come a long way” stated Adam Grossman, Director of R&D.

Surf industry publishing mogul Steve Zeldin added, “This is a truly unique and healthy way to support youth while branding and connecting with new consumers… such innovative and rewarding opportunities don’t come around often enough.”

Joining Adam in this effort is California native Jason Bingham, a Swipe4TheKids Marketing Consultant in Florida, who has spent many sessions in the water and on the slopes. He also spent 15 years as Associate Publisher of Wakeboarding Magazine. And at the helm of the program, Swipe4TheKids’ own CEO, Peter Riggio, who rides the barrel like a madman.

Board Sports related businesses and school-based programs are encouraged to find out how – at no cost – Swipe4TheKids can provide funding: Receive a no cost analysis of your Merchant Service Account and Swipe4theKids will match or beat a retailers current situation before inviting them to be a part of the program.  Allowing Swipe 4 The Kids to provide Merchant Services (credit card processing) for your business is how the funding for these program is created.  See more at www.swipe4thekids.com

Any Action Sports related manufacturers or retailers, or business interested in joining the program, can contact Jason Bingham at (407) 234-4243 or jbingham@pomeroyequitablesolutions.com

I Ride I Recycle, the FIRST-EVER international skate deck recycling movement is debuting another first for the action sports industry this September 6 through 8, 2012 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL – the I Ride I Recycle “Green Zone” at Surf Expo.

The “Green Zone” at the global water sports and beach lifestyle tradeshow is a newly designated area of Surf Expo this year where a consortium of like-minded, “green” brands have come together under the I Ride I Recycle name to promote sustainable business practices and products ranging from swimwear, flip flops and skate decks to sunglasses and retail surface tile made from broken, recycled skate decks.

“I Ride I Recycle is the action sports industry’s recycling and sustainability umbrella,” says co-founder Bruce Boul. “We’re really excited to evolve and include more companies to become part of a movement that’s not only doing good for the environment, but also creating community and supporting charities.”

Started by Bruce Boul and Rich Moorhead, founders of Art of Board, a company that creates hard tile surfaces and retail displays, peel and stick wall graphics and printed textiles from discarded skateboard decks, the movement’s goal is to encourage skate and surf shops, skateboard manufacturers, skate parks and individual riders to join the movement and recycle their broken decks.

“There is something about being one with the environment when you’re surfing or skateboarding that makes you in tune with nature,” says Doog Becker with Surf Expo, “I think for that reason, most surfers and skaters care about the planet and want to make a difference and do what’s right. That’s why having a Green Zone is perfect for the Surf Expo. We are showcasing companies whose products are made from recycled materials or are otherwise environmentally friendly, thereby keeping waste out of our landfills.”

Though IRIR was birthed out of and remains rooted in skateboard culture, it’s becoming more apparent that whether you ride a skateboard, surfboard, boogie board, wake board or snowboard, you want to “ride and recycle.”

“Our goal is to have an even larger pavilion at next year’s Surf Expo and be known as the industry standard to provide action sports brands with sustainable certification,” says Boul. “We’re thrilled to align with the International Association of Skateboard Companies (IASC) and the below brands to deliver a comprehensive recycling service to skate and surf shops at no cost while bringing an incentive to the customer to come through their doors.”

Tribu, a company that makes sandals from recycled materials will be launching their “Sole Initiative” in the Green Zone. The “Sole Initiative” is an effort to keep used rubber tires out of landfills.  Their “Upcycled” line of flip-flops has soles made from discarded tires from landfills. To get this initiative off the ground, they have started a Kickstarter campaign to help raise the money needed to display at the expo and raise awareness of their efforts. To contribute to this cause, please visit http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/627705205/tribu-sole-initiative-sandals-made-from-discarded.

BambooSK8, an ecologically based brand/manufacturer of skateboard decks made from bamboo harvested from sustainable managed bamboo forests, will be in the Green Zone at the Surf Expo. “We have supported this movement for a few years and are excited to be at the forefront of the expansion of sustainable practices in the skate industry,” says Mark Olson with BambooSK8. For more info, visit http://bamboosk8.com.

Eqo USA is closing the recycled product circle with sunglasses made from recycled-broken skateboards. This company will be launching some new collaboration shades at the Surf Expo, so come by the Green Zone to check them out.  To see how it’s done visit, http://eqo-optics.com

Odina Surf brings eco-stylish swimwear using recycled, reclaimed and organic fabrics. “Designed for girls who want to rip and look fabulous doing it”, says Aaron from Odina, with the likes of Alison Teal rocking the suits all over the world on her adventures. Check out, http://odinasurf.com

The SurfAid cause is one that is close to surf retailers’ hearts, and the opportunity to be a part of an exciting program has gotten BRA members very excited. “Board Retailers Association couldn’t be happier to have this partnership with SurfAid be the jumping off point for exclusive offerings brands can offer through BRA member shops to create a buzz about special, limited products, and to reinforce the relevance and importance of the independent retailer,” said BRA Co-Chair Coco Tihanyi, who plans to sell the collection in her shop Surf Diva Boutique.

The collection is easily ordered through an online portal www.surfaid.org/store beginning today. BRA membership status will be confirmed before the order is shipped.

For more information about selling the collection, please contact sales@madeforgood.com.

To check your BRA Membership status, or to become a retail member for just $99 a year, go to boardretailers.org and click “Join” or contact Vicki Vasil at vicki@boardretailers.org or 910-509-1009 x1005.

13th ANNUAL NEWPORT BEACH FILM FESTIVAL

ANNOUNCES 2012 ACTION SPORTS FILM SERIES

Extreme Cinema Celebration to Feature Five World Premieres

NBFF to Host Big Screen Debuts of Decade of Dominance, H2indO, Hicks on Sticks,Man and Machine, Crusty 16 – Outback Attack

Newport Beach, Calif. - April 11, 2012 – The Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF) proudly announces its 2012 Action Sports Film Series (ASFS), an international showcase of films celebrating athletes, visionaries, filmmakers, cinematographers, pioneers, environmentalists, entrepreneurs, artists and designers who have shaped the action sports culture and cultivated its progression with their innovation, energy and creativity. Emerging on the forefront as the largest action sports cinema event in the nation, the NBFF Action Sports Film Series will take place during the week of the Newport Beach Film Festival (April 26 - May 3, 2012) in Orange County, CA, a location celebrated as the epicenter of the surf wear and action gear industry and the ultimate destination to experience music infused cutting-edge adventure on the big screen. Films will screen at Island Cinema (999 Newport Center Drive in Newport Beach), Triangle Square (1870 Harbor Boulevard in Costa Mesa) and at the Regency Lido Theatre (3459 Via Lido Drive in Newport Beach).

Newport Beach Film Festival Schedule

2012 Action Sport Film Series

WORLD PREMIERES

Crust 16 – Outback Attack Friday, April 27, 7:00 p.m. – Triangle Square

Decade of Dominance Saturday, April 28, 6:15 p.m. – Lido Theatre

H2IndO Sunday, April 29, 6 p.m. – Lido Theatre

Man and Machine Sunday, April 29, 3:45 p.m. – Triangle Square

Hicks on Sticks Sunday, April 29, 7:45 p.m. – Triangle Square

COMPLETE SCHEDULE

Crusty 16 – Outback Attack

Friday – 4/27 – 7:00PM – Triangle Square

The Crusty boys are back at it, going end over end, and over the top – down

under! After traveling all around the world and jumping over, in, and through

some of the most exotic and coveted locations ever discovered, filmmakers

Jon Freeman and Dana Nicholson decided to journey to the sandy beaches,

red dirt, and laid-back outlook of Australia to capture the ultimate FMX

experience!

Manufacturing Stoke

Saturday – 4/28 – 12:00PM – Muth Interpretive Center

Visiting surfing legends and newcomers alike, filmmakers travel across the

California coast while highlighting the surfing community’s shift from

petroleum based products to more organic and responsible components. No

other sport is as intrinsically linked to nature, so why are a majority of the

materials used environmentally toxic?

MC: 4/9/12 2

Minds In The Water

Saturday – 4/28 – 1:45PM – Triangle Square

The story of one surfer’s international efforts to help protect dolphins, whales

and their ocean environment. Through pro surfer Dave “Rasta” Rastovich’s

charismatic journey, witness an adventure spanning the globe from Australia

and the Galapagos Islands to Tonga, Alaska and Japan, and witness firsthand

how one surfer’s quest to protect dolphins and whales has blossomed

into a movement of like minds.

Lost & Found

Saturday – 4/28 – 6:00PM – Island Cinema

Upon discovering 30,000 negatives in three boxes at a flea market in Los

Angeles, CA in 2007, filmmaker Doug Walker set out on a four-year journey

around the world to track down the stories behind the photographs, reuniting

photographers and surfers with some of the best surfing images ever

captured. If stories are not told, they are lost.

Surfing The Wild East

Saturday – 4/28 – 6:00PM – Island Cinema

In an attempt to expose new surf territory with a fever for adventure and

foreign land, a group of professional surfers set out on a three-week

adventure through the Caucasus Eurasia to surf the Caspian Sea.

Decade of Dominance

Saturday – 4/28 – 6:15PM – Lido Theatre

Every year the world’s best paddle boarders gather in Hawaii to contest the

World Championship of Paddle boarding. To claim the world title the winner

must cross one of the world’s most treacherous bodies of water, the 32 mile

Ka’iwi channel, aptly named the ‘channel of bones’. Since 2002 Jamie Mitchell

has made the world title his an incredible nine times. One more victory would

cap off a perfect decade of dominance in one of the world’s toughest events.

The Art of Flight

Sunday – 4/29 – 12:30PM – Triangle Square

Equal parts action and adventure mixed with the inevitable drama

encountered along the way. Iconic snowboarder Travis Rice and friends

redefine what is possible in the mountains. Experience the highs, as new

tricks are landed and new zones opened, alongside the lows, where

avalanches, accidents and wrong-turns strike. For the first time, viewers are

immersed in the sometimes successful, often trying quest to open up new,

unexplored mountains in remote corners of the world. Dynamic filmmaking

technology and tools are used to capture the dramatic beauty of the culture,

wildlife and stunning scenic landscapes the riders take in along the way.

Man And Machine

Sunday – 4/29 – 3:45PM – Triangle Square

Enter the world of Extreme Enduro, where man and machine are pitted

against impossible terrain and a ticking clock to find their personal limits and

identity. Some race for the podium, some for the challenge, and some to be

able to say they compete in one of the toughest races on earth. For them,

it’s not about winning, it’s about finishing.

H2indO

Sunday – 4/29 – 6:00PM – Lido Theatre

An exciting journey with seven of the world’s greatest stand up paddlers as

they travel to Indonesia to paddle its most famous surf breaks. The result is

a personal and compelling look at these seven athletes and the world’s

fastest growing sport.

Hicks on Sticks

Sunday – 4/29 – 7:45PM – Triangle Square

In the summer of 1999, four skateboarders and two bands embarked on a

life-changing tour. Yearning to hit the road and inspire kids in rural areas by

exposing them to skateboarding and music, they towed a 5,000 pound

portable skateboard park behind an old van with failing brakes, traveled

1,800 miles through the mountains of Western Canada, and put on 8 shows

in 11 days. When their only financial sponsor dropped out, the tour continued

with even higher stakes, and longstanding friendships were inevitably tested.

Combining footage from the tour with recently conducted interviews, the film

spans over a decade in the lives of these young men.

Winter

Monday – 4/30 – 7:45PM – Island Cinema

A variety of mountain sport athletes showcase their daring brand of

athleticism in the world’s most amazing landscapes—riding a unicycle on a

2,500-foot cliff with a tire hanging over the edge, ski jumping a 210-foot cliff

with a swan dive, climbing Mt. Everest with a broken foot and more. Facing

dire consequences for failure, these athletes risk life and limb in a

breathtaking exploration of what “extreme” really means.

Wyoming Triumph - a workingmans ski and snowboard feature

Tuesday – 5/1 – 7:00PM – Island Cinema

Journey deep into the mountains of Wyoming with a group of dedicated

skiers to explore the treasures of the state with the most rugged, remote

landscape in the lower forty-eight states. After two years of scouting the vast

terrain of Wyoming for the most unskiable locations, this group ventures into

remote mountains where hunting rifles are more popular than skis and take

on countless broken bones and close calls on their way to the adventure of a

lifetime.

MC: 4/9/12 4

All.i.can

Wednesday – 5/2 – 3:45PM – Triangle Square

Over the course of a two-year quest, documentarians hope to channel the

energy born from their passions towards being green, sustainable and

exhibiting forward thinking. This film strives to unite global mountain culture

and bind us together as the leaders of a revolution. We must be inspired to

do all we can for the environment, and we must learn how to take that first

tiny step in the right direction.

Format Perspective

Wednesday – 5/2 – 8:15PM – Triangle Square

An exploration of the work and life experience of six European skate

photographers. Showcasing the photography of Nils Svensson (Malmo), Stu

Robinson (Belfast), Alex Irvine (London), Rich Gilligan (Dublin), Sergej Vutuc

(Heilbronn) and Bertrand Trichet (Barcelona/Tokyo), the film gives insight to

the different approaches used by this diverse line-up of photographers and

provides a behind-the-scenes look at the process of skate photography.

The Ordinary Skier

Wednesday – 5/2 – 8:15PM – Island Cinema

For Seth Morrison, skiing is much more than a sport or job, it’s a way of life.

Through hard work and dedication, Morrison has become one of the best

skiers in the world. This film traces his journey from the middle class suburbs

of Chicago to the Colorado Rockies and into the underground ski-bum

subculture that would eventually become Freeskiing. This is the story of how

a collection of misfits turned an elite sport upside down, and how an ordinary

kid chased his dream and became one of skiing’s most iconic heroes.

Day At The Pool

Wednesday – 5/2 – 8:15PM – Triangle Square

A Day at the Pool is a documentary-style film that attempts to uncover the

true origins of modern skateboarding. Interviews with Tony Alva, Stacy

Peralta, Jay Adams, Steve Olson, Dave Hackett, Duane Peters and the rest of

the Dogtown Crew reveal that an anonymous local kid may have been largely

responsible for the skateboarding revolution that lead to their success in the

late 70s.

Boardroom

Thursday – 5/3 – 5:45PM – Triangle Square

Before the growth of big corporations and surf culture, a handful of pioneers

built wooden surfboards in their garages. Unknowingly, they would

eventually come to develop a lifestyle popularized all over the world. This

documentary is an exploration of the humble beginnings of surfboard

manufacturing and how the passion of these creators has come to popularize

the sport and lifestyle around the world.

Drop

Thursday – 5/3 – 6:00PM – Island Cinema

A journey into the mesmerizing world of Downhill Skateboarding and

Longboard Free-riding, the craziest underground sport in the world. At times

you feel like you’re flying down a mountain road with the athletes at over 60

mph.

Stacked

Thursday – 5/3 – 6:00PM – Island Cinema

When the Quiksilver Pro surf competition makes an unprecedented stop in

the small town of Long Beach, New York, a 20-year-old local surfer must

represent his hometown against legendary surfing professionals.

We surveyed the action sports industry and found that 48% had either no system for customer management or have not put their existing system to use.

A few years ago we surveyed our retail clients and asked them what their plans were to market to their existing customers for the holidays. We were shocked to find that almost 40% had no plans to do special holiday marketing to their existing customers and 64% had no customer loyalty program of any kind. Almost 60% said they had no idea how to market to their customers using their POS system. This was something that we set about rectifying quickly for our clients and we want to share our tips for success with you.

Your investment in your existing POS system can only show a return if you learn and utilize the things it can do for you. So we ask, what tools do you ALREADY have in place that can help you effectively market? One Step Retail Solutions, VP Sales, Kevin McAdam has some tips and information for retailers everywhere.

“Of all the retailers I have talked to over the last couple of years, ignoring the marketing potential of your customer base is among the most dangerous decision you can make in your retail business. Capturing it and leveraging it is among the best.’

“Many retailers I talk to do virtually zero marketing because it’s so expensive and because they see so little measurable return from it. That’s often because it’s shotgun marketing.”

So how do you AVOID shotgun marketing, how do you make your efforts pay off?

“Marketing today is getting more and more precise and as an independent retailer you need to be riding that cutting edge to stand out. Let’s take a look at Facebook and how they market to their members. They know your profile (likes, dislikes, where you go, what your hobbies are) and so they put advertising on your sidebar that they know will have the highest probability of catching your attention.” You could say that the key to effective marketing is knowing your client base and their needs.

So how does one find out their needs? How does one leverage that information in a small to medium size retail shop without spending thousands of dollars in research and marketing campaigns?

“First of all, hopefully you have a robust POS system that can hold large amounts of information about your customers, because this is literally your gold mine. Studies have shown over and over again that it costs 5 times as much in marketing dollars to get a new customer as it does to re-sell to an existing customer. It’s easy to understand: someone who has already bought from you knows where you are and what inventory you carry and, given good customer service, would buy from you again. You just need to stay in touch with them and offer them things you know they will buy. (This is why Customer Loyalty programs work and yours should definitely marry up with your POS system.)”

Please note that this is as vital for small and medium size retailers as is it for the big box stores. “Now you need to collect the information. Usually it’s as easy as telling the customer that you make special offers to your regular customers and then offer to put them on that list. Get as much information as you can, street address, email (assure them you don’t let anyone else use their email address), home phone, cell phone (ask if they would like to be text-messaged if there’s a really hot sale on something you know they might like) birthday, sizes, color preferences, family members….anything that you think might help you promote to them. It might not make sense to try to get all this information at one time, but sales clerks should try to help build their ‘profile’ within your POS system” As a side note, you can also create a sign that has “Follow us on Facebook and Twitter” and “Check in on Yelp”. Facebook contact data has become as relevant as an email address or mailing address.

Marketing ideas made available by having a solid directory of clientele in your POS system:

- Hopefully your POS system will not only keep a record of that customer but also the record will show everything they ever bought from you. This should be an available customization in your POS. This way, the next time you get a new item from the designer they have purchased before, you can easily pull up the list of all customers that buy that designer and email them that there’s a new shipment in the store.

- You might even want to have a wine and cheese party to kick off a new line and invite all the customers that have bought similar categories in the past, let them know they can bring along a friend as long as they are added to the guest list (with their contact data of course).

- For a men’s store, make sure you have their wife’s contact information so that just before the customer’s birthday you can email their wife alerting her to the fact that you have all his sizes and favorite designers.

- For a jewelry store, make sure that you have the husband’s contact information so that before major holidays and birthdays you can alert him to an exclusive sale or offer.

- Reward customer loyalty. You can rank your customers using the information in your POS system. You should know which customers bring you the most margin, who are the ones that buy the most at regular prices, who are the ones that only buy when things are on sale, and who are the ones that you make the most money from. Offer exclusive deals, first pick or even host a invitation only preview of your new season.

Don’t let it just be an expensive cash register! Learn it yourself or have one of your employees learn at least the marketing functions of the software and then put them to work to increase your profitability.

“I think one of the most important things you can do as a retailer in today’s marketplace is stop the old shotgun wasteful marketing and get on the sophistication bandwagon to precisely market to precise customers that you want back in your store and that you know will appreciate and buy the wonderful merchandise you work so hard to provide.”

If you would like more information on our POS solutions or for a free POS consultation please contact Amy Hanson at 818.543.4777 ext 4116 or email ahanson@onestepretail.com

Q1. What retail solutions do you currently have in place?
POS – %96
Inventory control – %82
Security – %57
CRM – %32

Q2. If you have a POS system, do you feel like you use it mainly as a register?
Yes – %7
No – %92.6

Q3. What is your opinion on the ROI of retail solutions like these?
Excellent –  68%
Fair – 24%
Negative – 8%

Comments:
From a straight sales perspective, very good and inventory management is good
Very high ROI
Ludicrous to be in the retail business without a POS, ROI is immediate
It is very important to have  a GOOD POS system

Totally worth it and absolutely necessary
Hard to measure in actual numbers, but it’s clearly a necessary part of retail in 2012
very good
You’re an idiot if you don’t invest
Ours has been very good
Very useful
NECESSARY
Very worth it
Priceless! We feel like it paid for itself in the first year.
worth it
Very useful, you get immediate information on what’s selling so you can replace faster
Beneficial if used consistently and correctly
They are a good way to help analyze inventory and sales, but only as a piece of the puzzle
I would love to have something with more capabilities
Depends on what the store spends and monthly fees
Very necessary, but not really affordable for smaller, seasonal businesses. Can’t justify the cost
Worth it but it is a lot of up front money
Bad / Not as good as it could be – due to lack of time to explore further options

Q4. When selecting a retail solution or tool, what was the most important factor?
Price  %32
Customization %21
Syncability  %21
Misc – %26

Q5. How do you determine when and how much merchandise to buy?
Sales trends  %56
OTB software  %16
Stock levels  %12
Experience/Intuition  %8
POS  %8
Combination of all of the above  %8
Seasonal plan  %4

Q6. How do you manage and track both your top and repeat customers?
Have a workable system in place: 52%
POS, currently in active use   44%
Rewards program %4
CRM  %4
Have no system or don’t use it: %48
Nothing in place -  %24
Have POS but don’t use that feature / or don’t use it well %12
Memory / in store recognize them %12
Can only do this with online store %4
We are a resort with constantly changing customers  %4

Q7. What would make your POS and other retail solutions more valuable to you today?
Integration  %24
Comments:
There are some features we’d like to see more easily integrated (rental equipment handling for example). More easily integrated for online sales and ability to handle rental equipment
Merging online sales with in store sales, inventory control on one system
If it was easy to link to different stores
Integration with accounting
Better eCommerce integration
Have some kind of online solutions
Lower cost %16 – Low cost to buy it and implement
Lower cost
Upgrades are quite expensive

Marketing integration %12
Comments:
email customer contact
Perhaps linking to FB, Twitter and social media as well as better email marketing integration
Better tie in with automated email marketing

Ease of use %12
Comments:
Easier set up
Ease of use and set up
If someone else managed it

Training %8
Comments:

If we knew how to use it better
Better training for the system

Inventory management capabilities %8
Comments:
Customizable aspects to the inv management and POS
Being able to report on-hand inventory at any time

Reliability %8
Comments:
Improved reliability, our system is buggie and I heard that they all are
More reliable
Open to buy %8 – Open to buy
Syncing POS with OTB

Miscellaneous Comments:
Use of tablets and wifi
More syncable with our vendors
Faster reports
Easier to register customers
More features and functions
We are good
Nothing

Q8 – Where do you search for info on retail tips and services?
The web  10
Other retailers 8
Trade shows  5
Trade articles  4
Shop Eat Surf  2
TW Business  2
Consultants   2
BRA  2
Hubspot 1
Vendor meetings  1

Q9 – Are you interested in learning more about the potential of your POS system? If so, what would you like to accomplish?
Comments:
Manage inventory, keep stock levels at a minimum, judge ROI  11
Integrating web to POS  11
Better use of it  1
Ease of using our system, more ROI  1
Updates as well as how to be using our system to it’s fullest  1
Easy way to teach employees  1
Customer loyalty program we could actually use  1
What are the most effective reports to run, I need one report  1
Sync OTB to POS  1

Presented By:

Supporting Sponsor:

Each year, questions and other important issues facing the surf industry are addressed at the surf industry’s annual conference, Surf Summit, held in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The goal of the four-day, three-night Surf Summit is to learn, share ideas, network and help shape the future of the surf industry.

The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) and Board Retailers Association (BRA) are proud to announce that registration for Surf Summit 15 is now open to SIMA and BRA members. The surf industry’s most influential manufacturers and retailers will be gathering May 16 – 19, 2012, in San José del Cabo, Mexico at the Hola Grand Faro Resort.

“Surf Summit is unique in that it is the one time of year that the key players in the surf industry can escape the daily grind, come down to Cabo and focus their energy on discussing the present challenges and future successes of the industry as one united tribe,” said Doug Palladini, SIMA President and VP of Marketing for Vans. “We look forward to the sharp and motivational lineup of speakers that we are privileged to hear from this year, as well as the Closing Ceremonies where we will hear from some of the top athletes of our sport, Nathan Fletcher and Tom Curren, as they sit on the beach and talk candidly with Martin Potter. Another highlight I am especially looking forward to are the thought provoking roundtable discussions that are back by popular demand. No one will want to miss out on the leadership conference of the year and we look forward to seeing everyone in Cabo!”

Each year, Surf Summit attendees address important issues facing the surf industry, share ideas, network and help shape the future of the industry. The format for Surf Summit 15 will include surf sessions in the morning, educational seminars and roundtables in the afternoon, and attendee dinners and events at night.

“Surf Summit may well be the most valuable trip a retailer can take in the course of the year.” said Bruce Cromartie of BC Surf and Sport and BRA Co-Chair. “The top decision makers from virtually all the surf manufacturers are gathered in one place, and ready to discuss the issues we all face in this fast changing retail environment.”

The conference will conclude the final night with dinner and the Closing Ceremonies on the beach. Former world champ, and one of the most aggressive free-surfers ever, Martin “Pottz” Potter will emcee this special night. Potter will sit and talk story with one of the best all-around surfers Nathan Fletcher and three-time world champion Tom Curren, offering an intimate look into what makes these amazing athletes tick.

The Closing Ceremonies will also remember former SIMA President and Guiding Light, Dick Baker, by presenting the Dick Baker Memorial Award. A panel of Dick’s family and surf industry peers have selected a recipient who exemplifies many of Dick’s outstanding qualities including: a loving and dedicated parent, courage, compassion, a natural willingness to mentor others with integrity and respect for peers and competitors, and a dedication to advancing the sport of surfing with a passion. The Baker Family will present the new Dick Baker Memorial Award recipient with their award on stage, while also remembering one of the industry’s greatest leaders.

As of press time, the scheduled Surf Summit 15 seminars and speakers will include:

Stacy Peralta – writer/producer/director and legendary skater/surfer
An original Z-Boy of Dogtown fame, Stacy Peralta is one of the most respected and outspoken personalities in the surf and skate world. An award-winning film producer, for the documentaries Dogtown and Z-Boys and Riding Giants, Stacy is widely regarded as one of documentary films’ most gifted story tellers. As the keynote speaker, Stacy will provide an inside look into what makes this industry legend tick and share his thoughts on the state of today’s surf and skate world.

Jean-Michel Cousteau – world renowned ocean explorer/filmmaker/televison personality/ environmentalist
Jean-Michel will share his unique perspective on the oceans—his family’s history on the water, the current state of the oceans, and the challenges of the future which can and will be bright with the dedication and help of the surfing community.

David Shing – Digital Prophet, AOL
The digital landscape is changing at a mind-bending pace and attention is the new currency. As a self proclaimed internet junkie, join David as he discusses strategies to humanize the web, as well as the future of the evolving digital space and insight on where this is all headed.

Industry Roundtable Discussions
Attendees will be divided into multiple groups to discuss different industry hot topics, such as emerging brands, brand and retail consolidation, product innovation and social media. Each roundtable discussion will be moderated by top industry pros and executives.

A full schedule of speakers will be available at www.sima.com and www.boardretailers.org in the coming weeks.

“The annual Surf Summit in Cabo, Mexico is truly a fabulous few days where decision-makers from both brands and retail shops are able to openly discuss overall industry strategies and leave re-energized, ready to implement productive ideas,” said Coco Tihanyi of Surf Diva Boutique and BRA Co-Chair. “It’s really something not to miss and you’ll be happy you attended.”

The deadline to register is April 2, 2012. Space is limited and on a first-come-first-served basis, with priority given to SIMA and BRA members.

For more event information, please visit www.sima.com/surfsummit.aspx or SIMA members can contact Kelly Keenan at Kelly@sima.com and BRA members can contact Vicki Vasil at Vicki@boardretailers.org.

The international Association of Skateboard Companies (IASC) and the Go Skateboarding Foundation (GSF) are proud to introduce Just One Board.

Just One Board is a skateboard recycling program created to benefit underprivileged youth, engage skateboarders with their local community, support skateboard retailers and serve as the base of a campaign promoting the positive power of skateboarding.

Beginning in 2012, IASC and the GSF will collect, refurbish and distribute 1000 complete skateboards to disadvantaged youth in a different city each year on Go Skateboarding Day (GSD), June 21st.

By collecting used skateboard equipment, refurbishing and distributing it with the help of local skate shops and youth organizations: used equipment is saved from becoming environmental waste, shops gain a direct opportunity to support their community, youth organizations can introduce healthy skateboarding activities into their programs and most importantly young people who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity are given the chance to learn a new skill that gives them a healthy physical outlet and instills important character traits that last a lifetime.

Along with our marquee effort each GSD, IASC and the GSF will be educating skateboard retailers on how to get the Just One Board program up and running in their community year round.

The idea behind Just One Board is simple. The cumulative effect of the program is powerful. Instead of millions of boards winding up in landfills each year, used skateboard equipment is being recycled into a community-building tool to affect positive change in cities all over the world. For more specifics or information on how to get involved please contact Josh Friedberg (949) 455-1112 or josh@skateboardiasc.org.