Short news...11/1/04

Cabela Family, Atkin, Klimenko Entering Hall Of Fame

The Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Committee has elected five new Hall of Famers. Roger Atkin, formerly of NFL Properties; James Cabela, Mary Cabela and Richard Cabela of outdoor retailer Cabela's; and Konstantin (Conny) Klimenko of Sevylor, Inc. were elected to the Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame induction will take place Tuesday, May 24, 2005, during the 41st Annual NSGA Management Conference & 7th Annual Team Dealer Summit, which will be held at the new JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa in Tucson. Since 1956, the sporting goods industry has honored its pioneers, innovators and leaders, and the election of the Class of 2005 brings the total number of Hall of Famers to 124.

The Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Breakfast is co-sponsored by W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., Mizuno USA, New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc., and Southern Athletic. All Conference/Summit attendees are invited to the Hall of Fame Breakfast, which will be held Tuesday, May 24. "Election to the Hall of Fame is the highest honor one can receive in the sporting goods industry," said Hall of Fame Committee chairman Mickey Newsome, CEO, Hibbett Sporting Goods. "These inductees meet the high standards to which all Hall of Famers are held."

Long recognized a pioneer and innovator in sports licensing, promotion and marketing, Roger Atkin served the industry for 30 years as VP/NFL Properties. Joining NFL Properties six years after its founding, Atkin developed a diversified group of licensees to provide team-identified products to a cross-section of retailers and NFL fans. He initiated and assisted licensees in developing new products. He established product quality contract standards, and his persistence led to the implementation of a trademark protection program.

Atkin refined and broadened the development of the "Team Shop" concept to assist licensees in expanding distribution and give retailers a vehicle to merchandise and promote team-identified products. In 1978, Atkin created the Super Bowl licensing program, the first in professional sports. He developed the locker room "Championship" merchandise concept that was the forerunner to the multi-billion-dollar post-game programs of today.

Industry respect for his knowledge and expertise earned him an invitation to address the U.S. trademark Association on the subject of the then-uncharted waters of "Sports Licensing and Trademark Protection." The US Olympic Overview Commission and the North American Soccer League also sought his counsel. He and his wife Eloise reside in Lansdale, PA. They have three daughters and eight grandchildren.

Few, if any, businesses today survive the kitchen-table dreams of their founders, especially in the outdoor industry where