We hope this message finds each of you in a better place than you were at this time last year! From the association's standpoint, we are finally emerging from crisis-management mode and returning to business as usual. The EC Elections were held this month, planning for the 2022 SSIA Conference is underway, and we've signed on a few new partners and members this spring.
Like us, many of our members in the US are getting back into the swing of things, with some of them hitting registration numbers out of the ballpark! We continue rooting for our Canadian neighbo(u)rs to the north, as COVID-related shutdowns are still very much a part of their everyday life and continue to affect their businesses.
Regardless of where you are at in this journey, know that the SSIA is here to help continue supporting you each step of the way!
In this month's newsletter, we will welcome the new EC, share important member updates and association announcements, and hear from several sponsors and partners.
If you have any questions or comments, please send them to krissy@ssia.us.
~ Krissy Greenleaf, Executive Director, and the SSIA Team
Welcome FY21-22 Executive Committee!
We are excited to welcome the Executive Committee for the FY21-22 term!Thank you to all of the clubs that voted AND to everyone who ran in the EC Election this year.
The new board will meet for their first monthly Conference Call on May 6th to determine officer and chair positions, and to start thinking about upcoming initiatives for this fiscal year.
We would also like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to our outgoing President, Brian Irving with Chicago Sport & Social Club, for his dedication and leadership to our members and the overall social sports industry throughout his 2-year term!
Don't worry! He will still be around! Feel free to send him a message at brian@chicagosocial.com.
Membership News
Join us in welcoming Keith Murphy with Manchester Sports & Social Club to our member list! The MSSC is dedicated to providing adults in New Hampshire with the opportunity to meet new friends and reclaim that lost playground glory. Kickball to softball to cornhole, they're doing it all, all over again. It's just like middle school, but with beer! Check them out at www.manchesterssc.com and follow them on social media at www.facebook.com/manchestersocialsports.
Additionally, we'd like to say a BIG THANK YOU to Karl Beisel from Lexington Sports & Social Club for referring Keith to the SSIA!
We are excited to announce that the SSIA recently joined the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) as a non-profit member! This means that all SSIA members will gain access to SFIA industry reports, research and member services (a minimum of $1095 in savings)! Keep an eye out for details on login information via email, Slack and the private Facebook group page.
The SFIA, formerly the SGMA, is the trade association of leading industry sports and fitness brands, suppliers, retailers and partners. Their mission is to "Promote Sports and Fitness Participation and Industry Vitality" by focusing on core product areas for the industry. Their purpose is to support their member companies and promote a healthy environment for the sporting goods industry.
News from our Partners and Sponsors
As we get into Spring and Summer, many SSIA Clubs are looking to restart leagues and events. Due to COVID, many SSIA Clubs were forced to cancel or reduce insurance coverages over the past year. As the Sport & Social Industry is starting to rebound, it’s a good time to also review all insurance coverages.
Jason Webb with Bell Anderson Insurance is working with many member clubs right now on Spring and Early Summer insurance renewals. He has partnered with three insurance carriers which will provide members with options depending on whether your Club is operating at 100% or just restarting. It’s looking like a very busy next few months for everyone.
Don’t forget about protecting your business! Contact Jason Webb at jasonw@bell-anderson.com or 425-214-2103.
Don’t miss your last chance to buy Wilson Dodgeballs on the Wilson.com SSIA buying portal! Wilson is closing out its dodgeball line and SSIA members will receive an exclusive 40% off discount while supplies last.
If you still do not have an account, please email peter.donahoe@wilson.com for your log in code.
Defense X Offense X Teamwork
Social Sports Agency (SSA) works with the SSIA and its members to protect industry reputation, value, and data through education. SSA builds networks and creates open lines of communication to develop increased sponsorship opportunities. Accredited as the official agency of record, SSA, is a trusted property that is here to increase sponsorship efficiencies, strengthen client relationships and build smart and creative programs. Have questions, visit the SSA website or drop Chris (Chris@chicagosocial.com) and Nikki (Nikki@chicagosocial.com) a line.
SSA just wrapped on a multi-market Red Bull sampling program and is starting two other multi-market programs with Truly Hard Seltzer and Athletico. More to come!
OpenSports gives organizers the power to create, schedule, and manage tournaments, while taking care of registrations, standings, and advancement for you. Join us on May 20th @ 2PM EST to see how you create an amazing tournament experience for your players.
Summer is here and Baden Sports has you covered with premium Backyard Games perfect for your organization. Giant Tumbling Blocks, to Cornhole, to Pro Volleyball Sets. Keep playing all summer long with Baden Sports! Click HERE for more details.
Ace Apparel & Promotions has super-reduced pricing on their Texture Bonded Fleece Jacket (with prices as low as $19.95 each) and their Iceberg Fleece Full-Zip Vest (with prices as low as $10.95)!
The 2022 SSIA Conference will be held at the Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos from February 22nd-25th, 2022! Registration will open towards the end of summer. Click HERE to watch the promo video.
Knowledge Share
"Carving Out Profits Before Expenses" presented by Dorothy Kolb with DK East - Wednesday, May 19th from 2-3pm EST
Calendar invites were sent to primary contacts and a Facebook event was added to the private Facebook group page.
"8 Steps For Creating and Building Strong Personal Relationships" presented by Richard Shapiro with The Center For Client Retention - Wednesday, June 2nd from 2-3:15pm EST
Calendar invites will be sent to primary contacts and a Facebook event will be shared soon!
The recording of the Q2 SSIA National Quarterly Call from April 22nd is available in the members-only Locker Room.
Reid Priddy's 8-week MXP Coursework Series is scheduled for each Tuesday from 2-3pm through May 18th. Additional information is available in the SSIA private Facebook group's Events.
We would also like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to our outgoing President, Brian Irving with Chicago Sport & Social Club, for his dedication and leadership to our members and the overall social sports industry throughout his 2-year term! 
As we get into Spring and Summer, many SSIA Clubs are looking to restart leagues and events. Due to COVID, many SSIA Clubs were forced to cancel or reduce insurance coverages over the past year. As the Sport & Social Industry is starting to rebound, it’s a good time to also review all insurance coverages. 
Don’t miss your last chance to buy Wilson Dodgeballs on the Wilson.com SSIA buying portal! Wilson is closing out its dodgeball line and SSIA members will receive an exclusive 40% off discount while supplies last.
Ace Apparel & Promotions has super-reduced pricing on their Texture Bonded Fleece Jacket (with prices as low as $19.95 each) and their Iceberg Fleece Full-Zip Vest (with prices as low as $10.95)! 
