October 18, 2002
BOSTON, October 18, 2002 - James (Jim) Davis, Chairman and CEO of New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc., was awarded the first annual Fleet Feet Lifetime Commitment to Running Award. Fleet Feet announced the award at its National Franchise Conference in San Diego in July 2002 and presented the award to Davis at New Balance's world headquarters in Boston today.
"The award recognizes an industry leader who has shown a continuing, passionate commitment to our industry and the sport of running," said Tom Raynor, President of Fleet Feet, Inc. "For the past thirty years, Jim Davis has provided the leadership for the New Balance team as they strive to provide the best products, community support, retailer involvement and athlete development for the benefit of runners everywhere," Raynor added.
The award presentation in Boston was also attended by the Fleet Feet Franchise Advisory Council, including Jan Fenty, the longest operating eastern franchisee from Washington, D.C.
"One of the things that we feel makes New Balance stand apart, is the integrity of the company," says Fenty. "We strongly believe that strength comes from Jim Davis' personal integrity and his on-going involvement in the business."
Fleet Feet Inc. is the industry leader in franchising successful, community oriented running specialty footwear, apparel, and accessory stores. Currently there are 42 Fleet Feet Sports locations nationwide with plans to open 10 more stores within the next year. Fleet Feet Inc. offers support for existing and potential franchises out of its Western corporate office in Sacramento, CA, Central corporate office in Boulder, CO, and its Eastern corporate office in Carrboro, NC. Fleet Feet celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2001 and was recently named to Sports Trend's Top 100 Retailer Report.
New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc., headquartered in Boston, MA, is a leading manufacturer of technologically innovative width-sized footwear and athletic apparel for women, men, and children. The range of product categories includes running, walking, cross training, basketball, tennis, adventure sports, and kids. Work and hiking boots, sandals, boat shoes, and rugged casuals are also available through the company's Dunham Bootmakers division. Dunham joined the New Balance family in Fall 1998. New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. employs more than 2,400 people around the globe, and in 2001 reported worldwide sales of $1.16 billion. For more information please visit http://www.newbalance.com.
