- DeFeet has been named Business of the Year for 2012 by Business North Carolina. Congrats Shane! (PR copied after the break)
- We’re happy to say the alarm over the Blue Ridge Parkway ban on cycling was perhaps a bit inflated. Bicycle Retailer has an interview with the parkway’s superintendent, Phil Francis, that says the biggest issue is simply a lack of funds to improve services. Still, it’s worth putting in your two cents as it reinforces that the BRP should remain open to cyclists forever. Comment period closes today, here’s the link.
- The NTSB is considering a recommended ban on ALL cell phone use, including calls, hands free use and of course texting or typing for any reason. While the board’s recommendations don’t carry any legal weight, they reportedly have a lot of sway when it comes to state and federal law making.
- Racer news: Jeremiah Bishop has re-upped with Cannondale Factory Racing’s UCI squad, and Geoff Kabush will lead a new U.S. based XC race team called the Scott – 3Rox Racing Team that’s got its sights set on the UCI calendar and 2012 Olympics along with select North American events.
PRESS RELEASE: DeFeet International HAS BEEN VOTED “BUSINESS OF THE YEAR” FOR 2012 by the publication BUSINESS NORTH CAROLINA. The award represents a milestone for DeFeet, a company that was brought to it’s knees by a devastating fire in 2001. DeFeet was chosen from a long list of great North Carolina businesses in many different business categories. Shane Cooper, DeFeet’s founder, President, and “Chief Sockologist”, received the award in person.
Cooper, who is pictured on the cover of the magazine (see enclosed picture and cover story) is emotional about the award. “This award represents so much to me and our team. DeFeet is now a 20 year old company that very nearly didn’t survive because of the catastrophic events we faced. After two decades, we are getting stronger from our experiences. We are no longer a teenager.” While DeFeet beat out many companies in flashier industries like high tech, Cooper keeps it in perspective. “DeFeet has always been proud to manufacture in North Carolina. Made in USA is not a cliche term. It’s what we do and it’s important to us.”
For DeFeet, being recognized across a spectrum of industries in it’s home State is a unique experience. The company credits the process of building enduring products for the vibrant sports that it cares deeply about. Cooper shares that “Love for the cycling, running and outdoor industries that we build for is what drives us and what made this possible. They really are special markets. The pursuits that are healthy and life-enhancing. Completely worthwhile ways to spend your time personally and in business.”
