Outdoor: Did You Hear…?

>> Dagger has launched its new website for the 2003 paddling season at www.dagger.com. The website features the entire line of Dagger’s kayaks and canoes, updates on Team D and their accomplishments, paddling articles, as well as enhanced customer service options. Dagger’s website not only is designed to showcase Dagger boats, but also serves as a resource for retailers and customers with technical support, boat registration, and complete owner’s manuals. In addition, the site provides complete resource pages for paddlers including instructional paddling tips, by world-renowned instructors Kent Ford and Ben Solomon.

>> BackcountryStore.com has developed a proprietary sniplet generator that allows its affiliates to custom design site-specific, dynamic advertisements that are automatically updated every day. The technology is intended to help affiliates increase their sales, improve the look and operation of their site, and save web masters time and headaches. The sniplet generator provides product images and short product descriptions of the selected items. Affiliates are also able to customize the look of the ad to best match their site’s design, with options for table width, font size, colors of the links, price, and SKU description. As well, the sniplet generator will automatically sort the items by best seller.

>> Omega Pacific’s newest carabiner styles, the Doval and Jake Jr., have been tested and approved for CE certification, paving the way for their introduction to the European markets. The Doval is rated at 25kN/7kN/7kN major/open/minor and has a gate clearance of 25 mm. Rated at 24kN/9kN/10kN major/open/minor with up to 23 mm of gate opening, the Jake Jr. is available in Screw-Lok and Quik-Lok versions.

>> Rossignol’s Nordic division manager Kurt Hoeflerk was practically giddy when he told us that Rossignol was represented on the podiums in all Nordic disciplines in mid-December. In all, Rossignol-sponsored skiers achieved 17 podiums with eight victories in Biathlon, Cross-Country, Ski-Jumping and Nordic Combined (individual disciplines and relays). At this time, four of Rossignol’s skiers lead in the World Cup Overall Standing in Biathlon (men and women), Cross-Country and Ski-Jumping.

>> KAVU has hired Jack Hart of Hart Sports Sales as the company’s new sales rep in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska. Hart has 16 years of experience working with a variety of outdoor and sporting goods companies Northwest Region. Hart’s previous positions include sales manager for The North Face and as a sales representative for Nike. Hart also works with Timex (outdoor specialty sales) and InSport.

>> Thorlo has hired a Canadian sales and marketing director to oversee the partnership with Toronto-based Rodan Enterprises and improve retailer support. Ian Gibson will oversee the sales, marketing, and promotions aspect of the Canadian business, while Rodan will continue to focus on fulfillment and warehouse management. In addition, Thorlo will be seeking to expand the company’s distribution and introduce new consumers to Thorlo socks. Order, shipping and billing inquires should continue to be directed to Rodan Enterprises at 416-504-9377. Sales and marketing inquires can be handled by a local Thorlo’s sales representative or by Gibson at 416-484-7386 or gibsonian@rogers.com.

>> Customers First, SnowSports Industries America’s (SIA) database management and direct marketing division, has promoted Bruce McCloy to president and George Driscoll to vice president of sales and marketing for the division. McCloy replaces John Clifford who has left the company to assume other responsibilities, while Driscoll will assume the title left vacant by McCloy’s promotion. Both positions are effective immediately. Customers First, SIA’s database management and direct marketing division, creates customer relationship marketing programs and develops proprietary customer-direct marketing systems for businesses that specialize in the snowsports industry.

>> Vancouver-based Recreation Outfitters Inc. has named Russ Angrignon as the company’s sales manager. Angrignon was previously the Canadian account manager and manager of customer service at Arc’Teryx.

>> Oakley Inc. (NYSE:OO) has promoted Cliff Neill to the newly created position of vice president of U.S. sales. Neill, 43, brings more than 17 years of Oakley experience to the position in which he will be responsible for all aspects of the company’s domestic sales operation. He has previously held positions with Oakley as regional sales manager, national account manager and national sales director.