SmartWool Names Holten Sales Group 2008 Agency of the Year

Steamboat Springs, CO (February 12, 2009) – SmartWool Corporation recently announced that it had chosen the Holton Sales Group as the 2008 Agency of the Year.

“The Holton Sales Group had a fantastic 2008 despite having to overcome some significant obstacles above and beyond the economic downturn,” stated Mark Satkiewicz, SmartWool vice president of sales. “They know how to make every conversation count when building strong partnerships that deliver the highest results.”

Owned by Jim and Cindy Holton, the Holton Sales Group has been representing SmartWool since 1994. The Holton Sales Group has two Associates, Leigh Miles and Gary Gray. The group directs the sales in seven northern states: Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the upper peninsula of Michigan. As a whole, the group grew their business in 2008 by 33 percent over prior year.

Awarded annually at the Outdoor Retailer winter market show, the SmartWool Agency of the Year Award is an opportunity for SmartWool to say thanks to an agency who delivers outstanding results along with superior customer service.

Nominations are received from SmartWool employees as well as others on the company’s sales force. The award is based on five criteria: growth, strategic planning and brand support, projection management and business excellence, communication and teamwork.

“To be recognized among such a select group of sales agencies is a huge honor for us,” said Jim Holton, owner of Holton Sales Group. “We are fortunate to have strong relationships with so many great retail partners who are willing to work together in developing creative programs that fuel success for everyone. Match that with the support we get from the SmartWool team is unbeatable and it’s a winning formula all the way around.

For more information about SmartWool Corporation, log onto www.SmartWool.com.


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SmartWool® is a leading performance brand offering wool-based apparel, socks and accessories. Nothing can compare to SmartWool® products for the ultimate in performance, comfort and easy care. SmartWool® fiber is superior at vaporizing moisture, controlling temperature and order and is guaranteed not to shrink. It’s also a renewable resource that illustrates the design genius of evolution. For information on the full range of SmartWool® products or to find a dealer near you, please log onto SmartWool’s award winning website: www.SmartWool.com. SmartWool Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Timberland Company.