Author:
Cassie Scott
Are you facing business challenges that require expert help from an advisory board? The Archery Trade Association’s Retail Council stands ready to help you find solutions.
The Retail Council guides, supports and represents all ATA-member retailers, no matter their size, location or business platform. The Council tackles challenges facing ATA-member retailers, and creates solutions and resources that help them thrive. The Retail Council is led by retailers on the ATA Board of Directors, and meets monthly to address issues specific to archery retailing.
To better focus those efforts, the Retail Council wants your feedback. Its members will be available daily in the Member Services Area at the ATA Trade Show in Indianapolis Jan. 11 to 13 from 8:30 a.m. until the Show floor closes.
By speaking with industry representatives at the Show you’ll help them learn how to best serve and represent you. Council Chair Mark Copeland, general manager of Jay’s Sporting Goods in Michigan, said the Trade Show is a great place for the Retail Council to talk with ATA members.
“The Trade Show is the one place where nearly everyone in our industry does business,” Copeland said. “It provides the perfect opportunity for retailers to talk face to face with Retail Council members. The retailer is in the trenches every day working to develop archers. To better our industry, we’d love to know what topics we should take to the ATA Board on your behalf.”
Randy Phillips, vice chair of the Retail Council and owner of Archery Headquarters in Arizona, agreed. He said retailers must speak up.
The Retail Council guides, supports and represents all ATA-member retailers, no matter their size, location or business platform. The Council tackles challenges facing ATA-member retailers, and creates solutions and resources that help them thrive. Photo Credit: Shane Indrebo
“Retailers are the backbone of this industry,” Phillips said. “We need dealers to understand the ATA is their trade organization, and it’s ready to serve them. But to become a more effective business partner, the ATA needs independent dealers to provide a greater understanding of the industry.”
Copeland said change requires action. If you’re concerned, frustrated or curious about something industry-related, share your thoughts with a Retail Council member at the Show. The Council wants to identify themes or common problems the Board should address. Its members also work with ATA staff to develop resources to help retailers.
“The ATA is heading in a good direction because we have more retail voices on the Board than ever before,” said Wayne Piersol, vice chair of the Retail Council and owner of Archery Only in California. “We have good representation. We just need to hear from dealers across the country to ensure we continue to head in the right direction.”
Attend the Jan. 13 Retail Council Meeting
The Retail Council also invites you to attend its meeting at the Show, which is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 13, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Room 243. Council members hope to network, support ATA members, and hear everyone’s thoughts on the industry.
For questions about these events and the ATA Retail Council, contact Kurt Smith at (866) 266-2776, ext. 117; or kurtsmith@archerytrade.org.
