Running USA Industry E-news August 25, 2009

TRS (The Registration System) is online registration for volunteer management, sporting event participants and paid online registration of all types, including conferences, tours, ticket sales and fundraisers. 
TRS was created by professional event planners in Indianapolis who needed it for the Formula One race.  Other event managers saw it and asked to use it; TRS is now in use across North America and beyond. 
TRS online registration users range from local youth sports to the Tampa Bay Super Bowl and everything in between, including PGA golf tournaments, several sports commissions, the Gator Bowl, and running events.

Winning Time Americas, EPA-approved chip timing producer, is ramping up its green efforts with the support of Boston-based Athletes for a FitPlanet. FitPlanet will be providing environmental consulting and support to Winning Time's timing solutions providers and the event directors they serve. Winning Times has been making strides since 2008 to green it's own operations as well as the operations of the running, triathlon, and cycling events it supports. On the top of Winning Times green to-do list is continuing to provide eco-friendly chip timing solutions to companies around the world, while also helping it's current licensee's to green their own events. look to Winning Time.

Nike, Inc. kicked off registration for the Nike+ Human Race 2009, a 10k worldwide running event back for its second year. With nearly 780,000 participants in its inaugural year, this multi-city event will take place on October 24 in more than 24 cities from New York City to Los Angeles, Buenos Aires to Rome. Also, a "Run Where You Are" option allows runners to run anywhere on race day by using the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit and logging a 10k run that day.Race registration opened August 18 on Nikeplus.com.

About 150 soldiers from Fort Richardson living near Sharana, Afghanistan "virtually" ran Anchorage's Big Wild Life Runs on August 16. For details visit this link.

Winter Park, FL-based Reinke Sports Group will conduct the inaugural USRA Half Marathon Runnning Series starting with the Columbia (SC) Half Marathonon February 17, 2010. The USRA Series will focus on mid-to-small size markets that presently do not have a major desitnation Half Marathon or Marathon and partner with the market's Convention and Visitor's Bureau and/or Sports Commission. Visit this link for more information.

North American companies are expected to spend a total of $1.55 billion on cause partnerships in '09, a 2.2 percent increase from the $1.52 billion invested in those programs in '08, according to IEG, LLC, the world's leading authority on sponsorship. While the increase is down significantly from previous years, cause related programs still remain popular among corporate marketers due to their ability to support worthwhile organizations while also driving sales. In fact, some nonprofits that deal with poverty, hunger and other issues directly impacted by the economy have found increased corporate interest. Visit this link for more details.

The Conservation Alliance organized special promotions with 10 member companies at the July Outdoor Retailer trade show that raised nearly $30,000 during the four-day event. In most cases, the members hosted booth events and sold product to benefit the Alliance. During the show, The Conservation Alliance celebrated its 20th anniversary, adding energy to each of the events. Since 1989, the organization has contributed more than $7 million to conservation projects, helping protect 49 million acres of land and 17,000 miles of rivers.

The Timberland Company introduced its 2009 Earthkeeper Heroes recipients, heralding those committed to driving environmental movements around the world. The winners this year included an eco-photographer, green "trendspotter" and freestyle swimmer.The award was presented in partnership with Changents.com, a social media platform dedicated to environmental causes. Timberland launched its Earthkeepers Movement in the summer of 2008 in an effort to engage 1 million consumers across the globe to support environmental stewardship. Combining stories of dynamic environmental heroes with a social media experience, Earthkeepers is designed to create an interactive platform that connects this generation's drivers of environmental change to inspire others.

Nike Inc. announced that Jim Allaker, currently vice president and general manager of Nike UK and Ireland, will become the new CEO and president of Umbro Ltd. He replaces Matthew Cook, who left the company to pursue other opportunities. Nike acquired Umbro in March 2008.

SmartWool Corporation said it will restructure the North America sales department. Amy Beck will move into the role of Director of Sales-North America, Kelly Gorder will take over as the Director for Key Accounts-North America. Industry veteran Norma Hansen will fill a newly created position as Director of Project Management and Global Business Services.