Sports specialists ltd (ssl) announces elections of Brad Nelson(hi tempo ski & sail, mn), Gordon Geiger(geiger’s ski & sport haus, oh) and Sig Fossum (sporthaus, wa) to board; elects officers

VICTOR, NY — February 1, 2012 – Sports Specialists Limited (SSL) announces the re-election of Brad Nelson of Hi Tempo Ski Snowboard & Sail, White Bear Lake, MN, to the Board of Directors. SSL also announces the election of Gordon Geiger of Geiger’s Ski & Sport Haus in Chagrin Falls, OH and Sig Fossum of Sporthaus in Yakima, WA, all to Three (3) Year Terms. Bob Rudy of Rudy’s At Wisp Mountain, MD, and Greg Dekdebrun of Dekdebrun’s Ski & Snowboard in Ellicottville, NY, recently completed their terms.

Steve Rogers, President & CEO of SSL said, “All of us at SSL are grateful to both Bob and Greg for their many years of service to our organization as a directors and Bob as Chairman of the Board for the past six(6) years. We also welcome Brad Nelson back to the Board and look forward to the continued benefit of his experience as a retailer and advocate for our industry.” Nelson has served on the National Ski and Snowboard Retailers Association Board for many years and is currently NSSRA Chairman. SSL also welcomes new Board Members Gordon and Sig to board. “We look forward to adding strong business people like Gordon and Sig to our Board. Their knowledge and integrity will further strengthen of our board of directors.”

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Sports Specialists Ltd. (SSL) is pleased to announce the addition of the following New Members to their snow sports retail buying group for 2012:

The Alpine Shop, S. Burlington, VT- Andy and Becky Kingston, owners.

Alpine Sport Shop, Saratoga Springs, NY- Jack and Cathy Hay, owners.

California Ski Company, Berkeley, CA- Greg Whitehouse, owner.

Equipe Sport, Rawsonville, VT- Wilbur, Sue and Parker Rice, owners.

Helm of Sun Valley, San Mateo, CA- Greg Hohl, owner.

Ken Jones Ski Mart/ Snowboard Jones, Manchester, VT- Dylan and Alison Jones Hall, owners.

Mammoth Sporting Goods, Mammoth Lakes, CA- Steve and Phil Hertzog, owners.

Peak Ski & Snowboard, Plum (Pittsburgh), PA- Jim Jacobs, owner.

Ski Chalet, Portland, OR- John Hanson and Bruce Bates, owners.

Skier’s Edge Pro Shop, Great Falls, MT- Ron Hall and Darryl Baggett, owners.

Ski Frisco Sports, Frisco, TX- Rick Holliday, owner.

Village Skis & Bikes, Woodbridge, VA- Jim Haugan, owner.

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Sports Specialists Ltd. (SSL) is pleased to announce the addition of the following New Members to their snowsports retail buying group:

Equipe Sport, Rawsonville, VT- Wilbur, Sue and Parker Rice, owners.

Alpine Sport Shop, Saratoga Springs, NY- Jack and Cathy Hay, owners.

Ski Frisco Sports, Frisco, TX- Rick Holliday, owner.

Mammoth Sporting Goods, Mammoth Lakes, CA- Steve and Phil Hertzog, owners.

California Ski Company, Berkeley, CA- Greg Whitehouse, owner.

Helm of Sun Valley, San Mateo, CA- Greg Hohl, owner.

Ski Chalet, Portland, OR- John Hanson, owner.

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POINTING AT A PHOTOGRAPH ON HIS desk, Larry Merkel described how he and his wife, Rita, were involved in the early years of The Round House Sports Center. The photo is of the shop’s first children’s ski program in January 1972. Those children are adults now, and many still live in the area. “Kids from 1972 are now bringing their kids here,” Rita said. “That’s the fulfi llment of the business.” The couple is clearly proud of their accomplishments with the business and their ongoing relationships in the community.

Friends with the original owner, Larry was initially involved as an employee when Round House was founded 40 years ago, in 1971. “We started out in October. All major ski lines had already been procured by our competitors,” Larry said. Not the most ideal footing for a business start.

The shop survived its fi rst season though, and by summer of the following year, Larry had just graduated from MSU and now owned half the business. Soon he and Rita would be full owners. They catered to families, providing affordable packages and offering ski lessons. With a community-minded focus, the business grew under the Merkels’ leadership.

Over the years, they saw rapid growth in regional skiing opportunities as Bridger Bowl was joined by Big Sky, Moonlight, and the Yellowstone Club. Though Round House stayed in the same location, the business underwent three expansions responding to the growing market. The Merkels watched their hometown go from “a sleepy town with a good environment for skiing to becoming more of a resort town.” (more…)

A lifetime love of skiing often begins at a young age. A good foundation of fundamental skills is imperative for safety as well as building up a level of expertise. Our Vice Chairman, Mark Williams, of Williams All Seasons in Highland Park, Illinois, not only recognizes this, but helps it become a reality for many children in the Chicago area.

During the winter months, Williams All Seasons hosts weekly ski and snowboard trips to local resorts for members of their Snowflake Club, children ranging in ages 8 through 16. This past season alone, the Snowflake Club made 24 trips to sites such as Alpine Valley, Wilmot Mountain, Cascade, Devils Head and Chestnut resorts. Included in the trip fees are lessons which are strongly encouraged for all members and required for beginners until they are able to successfully demonstrate their ability to ski safely and under control. Upon the completion of each level, patches are awarded to show the child’s ability and progression from beginner to advanced skills. This special ski school is certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and uses its teaching models for Snowflake Club members.

A family-run business since 1872 and part of the ski and snowboard business since 1963, Williams All Seasons has a wide array of outdoor enjoyment goods to offer. The all-season store touts the largest display of patio furniture in the Chicago area and is also the recipient of many specialty patio and ski store awards. New to Williams All Seasons for 2011 is its high end infrared hot waxing machine for top quality service and racing, the latest race proven waxing technology.

Next time you’re in the Chicago area, stop by Williams All Seasons to visit Mark and see a shop that has been in business for almost 140 years. Be sure to check out www.WilliamsSkiAndPatio.com and stop by their Facebook page to stay in the know about next season’s adventures!