December 18, 2012 (Seattle, Washington) – Madshus, the world’s oldest ski company, announces the growth of its US sales force with the appointment of Chad Willems as its new sales representative for Washington and Oregon.

Peter Hale, long-time NW rep and race services director, will continue representing the brand in ID, MT and AK, as well as the inland northwest to include the Methow Valley and the Spokane area, while Chad takes over Washington and Oregon.

“We will all benefit from Chad’s perspective and experience. He is highly versed, enthusiastic, and keenly active in the full spectrum of our sport including racing, family and backcountry skiing,” Hale said.

Chad Willems has an extensive background in the Nordic retail business and worked as a store manager, Nordic buyer and a very effective on-the-floor salesman at a shop that was a key Madshus dealer. In his free time, Chad enjoys competitive cycling and found Nordic skiing to be a great way to train for cycling. Chad currently resides in Bend, Oregon where he is a very active part of the Nordic skiing community.

“I am happy to have the opportunity to represent Madshus and an activity that I love,” Said Willems. “I’m enjoying reconnecting with folks in the retail and Nordic skiing community that I’ve gotten to know over the years, and meeting some new ones as well,” he said.

As the brand continues to grow, Madshus is expanding its international presence, with a strong focus on North America. Madshus sales staff can look forward to increased POP materials, technical information, new Madshus store signage for Nordic Departments, and more. Madshus is expanding their exposure with a wide variety of websites and social media, including their new Facebook page. “Like” Madshus now to keep up with latest news.

For more information on Madshus, please visit www.madshus.com. Northwest retailers interested in connecting with Chad Willems can email him at chad@cascadetrailsrep.com

January 12, 2011 (Wilmington, MA) – SWIX SPORT, a worldwide brand leader in winter sports products, has recently appointed Jeffrey Lee as Director of Merchandising, Sales and Marketing for the company’s Textile Division.

Lee, who has held senior management positions with several major sporting goods brands including VP of Sales and Marketing for The Grandoe Corporation, brings over 25 years experience in sporting goods textile manufacturing, sales and marketing to SWIX SPORT. In his new role at SWIX, Lee will oversee all growth initiatives and textile business development throughout all categories including Techwear, Hats, Alpine Gloves, Nordic Gloves, Gear/Bags, and Ski Straps.

“This is both an honor and a wonderful opportunity to join such a thriving organization as SWIX, ” says Lee. “Our visionary strategies going forward will continue to provide the snow sports enthusiast with product and services that mirrors the leadership qualities of SWIX as a core, action sports, lifestyle brand and we’re very excited about our new collections for 2011/2012.”

“Jeff brings a multi-dimensional platform of product, sales and marketing expertise to our organization that fits perfectly within our strategic growth initiatives” says Steven Poulin, CEO of SWIX SPORT USA. “Jeff understands our industry, understands what our customers needs are, and is able to fulfill that need with a dynamic presence that will become a major contributing factor to the expansion of our textile division.”

The SWIX Softgoods collection of hats, bags, gloves, apparel, and ski straps will be shown at NBS and SSL/SMC buying group shows, Outdoor Retailer, and SIA, as well as all regional rep shows throughout 2011.