NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE
2-23-2012
2-8-2012
1-27-2012
1-13-2012
12-21-2011
12-07-2011
11-23-2011
11-11-2011
Volume 29 - 10-13-2011
Volume 28 - 9-29-2011
Volume 27 - 9-14-2011
Volume 26 - 9-1-2011
Volume 25 - 8-18-2011
Volume 24 - 8-05-2011
Volume 23 - 7-21-2011
Volume 22 - 7-08-2011
Volume 21 - 6-23-2011
Volume 20 - 6-10-2011
Volume 19 - 5-27-2011
Volume 18 - 5-12-2011
Volume 17 - 4-28-2011
Volume 16 - 4-13-2011
Volume 15 - 3-30-2011
Volume 14 - 3-18-2011
Volume 13 - 3-02-2011
Volume 12 - 2-17-2011
Volume 11 - 2-02-2011
Volume 10 - 1-19-2011
Volume 9 - 1-5-2011
Volume 8 - 12-8-2010
Volume 7 - 11-17-2010
Volume 6 - 11-03-2010
Volume 5 - 10-20-2010
Volume 4 - 10-06-2010
Volume 3 - 9-23-2010
Action sports visionary Steve Astephen joins SDSI advisory board
TransWorld Business, December 20, 2011
Action sports visionary Steve Astephen, founder of The Familie and president of action Sports lifestyle at Wasserman Media Group, has joined the San Diego Sports Innovators (SDSI) Advisory Board. "The extraordinary commitment from Steve Astephen to the SDSI advisory board fulfills our dreams of bringing credibility, integrity, ingenuity, creativity, talent and flexibility to our team. Steve is the perfect complement to SDSI's efforts to support the athletes who champion our sports while being heroes to our next generation," said Walton. Read more...
Hydroflex wins CONNECT's MIP Action and Sports Technologies category
KPBS, December 9, 2011
Last week, the San Diego technology community gathered to celebrate what is known as its biggest event of the year – CONNECT’s Most Innovative New Product (MIP) Awards. Hundreds of companies submitted entries and vied for one of the 24 available finalist spots within the eight categories, going head-to-head against some of the biggest names in the technology industry. This year, one of SDSI’s members, Hydroflex Technology took home the win Action and Sports Technologies category for developing the Hydroflex Supercharger, a stringerless EPS blank that surfers can pump with air and control the flex and also prevents the blank from heavy denting. Read more...
SDSI announces 'Get Launched' reality TV show
TransWorld Business, December 1, 2011
San Diego Sport Innovators (SDSI) has teamed up with GET LAUNCHED Productions and is providing an opportunity for start-companies to get noticed by auditioning for the pilot reel of its new reality TV show "Get Launched Or Get Lost". Our unique premise starts with 25 companies and putting them through their paces in front of our esteemed panel of judges who include Bill Walton (Executive Chairman of SDSI & NBA Hall of Famer), Tony Finn (Father of the sport of wakeboarding and Founder of Liquid Force), and Rick Alden (Founder of SkullCandy). Read more...
SDSI featured in Chris Clark's interview with SDSU Sports MBA Podcast
The 9th edition of the SDSU Sports MBA Podcast features Chris Clark (SMBA '12), owner and founder of Shaper Studios. Chris shares his experiences as one of SDSI fist industry members, highlighting ShaperStudios' acceptance into the SDSI Springboard program and the mentors, relationships and investors he has come across as a result of the organization's influential network. Chris also discusses SDSI's partnership with the SMBA program and the Game Changers event announcing that partnership. Read more...
John Vance joins SDSI advisory board
Shop-Eat-Surf.com, October 25, 2011
Bill Walton, executive chairman of SD Sport Innovators (SDSI) welcomes John Vance, former president and COO of Sanuk, to the SDSI advisory board.SDSI, a non-profit organization which has become the frontrunner for collaboration, innovation, mentoring and business development across Southern California’s sports industry, connects and drives the growth of Southern California’s sports innovation cluster - now numbering 600+ action and traditional sports companies, brands manufacturers and products. Read more...
Lisa Freedman named to newly created position of executive director of SD Sport Innovators
TransWorld Business, October 11, 2011
Bill Walton, executive chairman of SD Sport Innovators (SDSI) today named Lisa Freedman as the organization’s executive director. “We are proud, honored and most fortunate to welcome Lisa Freedman to the SDSI team,” Walton said. “Lisa brings nearly 20 years of management experience, and the guidance and foresight SDSI needs to continue to grow into the organization we all envision; one that is the frontrunner for sports innovation, entrepreneurship, business creation and collaboration.” Read more...
SDSI succeeds in spawning innovation among San Diego's sports businesses
The Daily Transcript, September 22, 2011
At a recent CONNECT SD Sport Innovators (SDSI) gathering at the Challenged Athletes Foundation, panelists shared a common theme. Regardless of a company's start date, size or product niche, each conferred that tapping into local scientific, research, media, marketing and finance communities is key to growth. Read more...
Sanuk founder Jeff Kelley refers startups to SDSI
San Diego Union-Tribune, September 12, 2011
Sanuk founder Jeff Kelley gives his advice on starting a business while sharing his story of his shoe line. Advising companies on getting motivation, startup money, standing out, and building a team. Read more...
SDSI and Chairman’s RoundTable unite
San Diego Metro, July 22, 2011
SDSI and Chairman’s RoundTable (CRT) announce a strategic alliance to help foster San Diego’s vibrant sports economy through innovative programs and services. CRT’s ability to provide pro-bono mentoring and strategic advice on how to manage and grow San Diego medium size businesses is the perfect partnership to help SDSI drive innovation in San Diego’s growing sports industry. Read more...
SDSI’s GameOn! featured in SD Magazine
San Diego Magazine, July 2011
SDSI’s premier networking event, GameOn!, took place at TransWorld Media headquarters last month. The event brought together nearly 300 sports leaders, movers and shakers for an evening of fun networking and a glimpse of new products from some of the region’s most innovative sport companies. Featured in the July issue of San Diego Magazine is a 14-page spread on everything swanky in North County, including photos from this networking event. Read more (pdf)...
Aguerre, Kearl, more share insights at SDSI event
Shop-Eat-Surf.com, June 8, 2011
San Diego Sport Innovators and SDSU’s Sports MBA program co-hosted an event last night at the San Diego Hall of Champions with a variety of action sports panelists and a full audience of both industry executives and SDSU business school student. Read more...
Forum showcases region’s action sports companies: Sports MBAs told creativity is industry’s hallmark
The San Diego Union-Tribune, June 9, 2011
Fernando Aguerre turned down an $80,000 offer from McDonald’s to sponsor an Argentine surf con-test because he does not consume the Golden Arches’ burgers. Jeff Kearl, allows employees to show up whenever they want. A few nuggets from Game Changers event which launched recent partnership between SDSI and SDSU’s Sports MBA program. Read more (pdf)...
SDSI holds networking event at TransWorld headquarters
Transworld Business.com, May 20, 2011
SDSI will hold one of its signature networking events at TransWold Media headquarters Wednesday, May 25. Who better to celebrate the NBA playoffs with than SDSI Executive Chairman and NAB legend Bill Walton? Read more...
SDSI announces partnership with SDSU Sports MBA Program
Malakye.com, May 18, 2011
SDSI recently announced a new partnership with SDSU’s Sports MBA program in a joint effort to provide value to all areas within the Southern California Sports economy. Read more...
INNOVATION: Where the geeks meet the cleats
North County Times, March 15, 2011
San Diego County is not only a technological hub, but also a center of the action sports industry. You can find out how the two are related on Tuesday when San Diego Sports Innovators presents the Science of Sports. Read More...
Adio President on new distribution strategy
Shop-Eat-Surf.com, February 28, 2011
Shop-Eat-Surf talked to Jim Stroesser of ADIO about the remaking of the brand’s entire business model, including cutting ADIO's skate team, lowering prices and targeting a more mainstream, price sensitive customer. Read More...
SDSI recruits Rogue for interactive and brand development
Transworld Business, January 19, 2011
San Diego Sport Innovators (SDSI) has recruited ROGUE, a San Diego-based creative design and digital agency, to head up a new cohesive brand identity and website platform for the company. Read More...
Bill Walton on his role as executive chairman of SDSI
Transworld Business, December 27, 2010
TransWorld Business sat down with Walton in late October to discuss his new position as executive chairman of San Diego Sports Innovators (SDSI). Read More...
SDSI Marketing Panel explored how to turn marketing trip-ups into triumphs
Shop-Eat-Surf.com, December 8, 2010
Lessons imparted to a standing-room-only crowd by three marketing experts during a panel discussion organized by San Diego Sport Innovators on Dec. 2 at Yogi’s Beach Bar & Restaurant in Cardiff by the Sea. Read More...
VIDEO: Tony Hawk's business wisdom
Shop-Eat-Surf.com, November 19, 2010
Tony Hawk's talk with SDSI Chairman Bill Walton at the SDSI investor forum at Skullcandy HQ. Bill asks where and how Tony continues to find his motivation, how he juggles all the demands on his time. Read More...
VIDEO: Tony Hawk on keeping control of your brand
Shop-Eat-Surf.com, November 16, 2010
Tony Hawk was interviewed about his business ventures and approaches by SDSI Executive Chairman Bill Walton last week at the SDSI investor forum at Skullcandy HQ. Read More...
Investors and brands gather at Skullycandy HQ
Shop-Eat-Surf.com, November 12, 2010
Young action sports companies and angel, venture capital and private equity investors gathered at Skullcandy’s San Clemente offices Thursday night for a San Diego Sport Innovators event with a different twist. Tony Hawk also spoke about the evolution of his business ventures and his business approach in a Q & A session with SDSI Executive Chairman Bill Walton. Read More...
VIDEO: Tony Hawk discusses building his skate brand
Shop-Eat-Surf.com, November 12, 2010
SDSI Executive Chairman Bill Walton talks with Tony Hawk about the business of Tony Hawk. Tony discusses creating a skate brand during a low point in skate popularity -- the 1990s. Read More...
Alan Kidd is newest SDSI board member
Shop-Eat-Surf.com, September 27, 2010
Bill Walton, executive chairman of CONNECT San Diego Sport Innovators (SDSI), announced today that Alan Kidd, president of the San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum has joined the SDSI Advisory Board. Read More...
CONNECT SDSI's Walton Takes It to The Hill
Malakye.com, September 16, 2010
NBA Hall of Famer Bill Walton presented two policy briefings on Capitol Hill to full audiences as part of CONNECT's new Innovation 101 Hill briefing series. Walton's identity as a sports legend converged with the topic of the briefing, Technology and Innovation in the Action and Sport Industry. Read More...
Good morning tech
Hillicon Valley, September 15, 2010
NBA Hall of Famer Bill Walton spent Tuesday in Washington lobbying on behalf of two bills that would allow immigrants with technology skills or a start-up idea to receive a green card. Read More...
Bill Walton asks lawmakers to combat piracy and fund science and math education
Hillicon Valley, September 14, 2010
NBA Hall of Famer and broadcaster Bill Walton appeared on Capitol Hill Tuesday to urge lawmakers to strengthen intellectual property protections and allow foreign-born graduate students with skills in science and technology to stay in the country. Read More...
Bill Walton Hosts Capitol Hill Action Sports Briefings
Transworld Business, September 13, 2010
Bill Walton, previously the center for the LA Lakers and now Executive Chairman of San Diego Sport Innovators (SDSI), will give two briefings on Capitol Hill about the state of the action sports industry and product innovation. Walton is hopeful that briefing congress will educate them about the action sports industry and how federal policy can accelerate emerging sports-technologies. Read More...
The Week Ahead in Tech and Telecom
National Journal.com, September 10, 2010
CONNECT, a non-profit focused on growing innovation, will host two Hill briefings on technology and innovation in the action and sports industry. Read More...
CONNECT Brings Dollars and Sense to San Diego's Sports Industry
San Diego Source, September 2, 2010
CONNECT, which built its reputation on linking inventors and entrepreneurs with investors and business advisers, is now lending its experience to the sports market. CONNECT San Diego Sport Innovators (SDSI) has named Bill Walton, a former UCLA and NBA player and TV sports commentator, as executive chairman charged with building membership, programs and funding. Read More...
Making Their Pitch
San Diego Business Journal, August 9, 2010
There was a day when he stood up to pressure on a basketball court. Today, Bill Walton is a coach, talking executives through another type of pressure: Standing before potential investors and making a 15-minute pitch about why one of them should fund their young business enterprises. Read More...
Connect SDSI Board is Bigger with Sun Diego's Dave Nash
Malakye.com, August 25, 2010
Bill Walton, executive chairman of CONNECT San Diego Sport Innovators (SDSI), welcomes Dave Nash, founder, president & CEO of Athleisure Inc., dba: Sun Diego Boardshops, to the SDSI board of directors. Dave Nash is the president & CEO of Sun Diego Boardshops, an eight store chain of retail stores doing business throughout San Diego County since 1981. Read More...
SDSI to Foster Growth for Emerging Brands during ASR
Transworld Business, July 23, 2010
When over 750 brands converge in San Diego, CA for ASR Marketplace this August 13th-15th, business opportunities will go beyond the show’s retail sales and media placements; and into the investment community. CONNECT San Diego Sport Innovators (SDSI) will hold a Capital Forum to provide a private setting for angel and private investors to review presentations from seven investment-ready action sport and active lifestyle start-ups from southern California. Read More...
Monster’s Top Of The World Party, Vans’ Andy Davis Release Party At Thalia & Alienware X Games Party Featuring Wu Tang
TransWorld Business Party In The Back is a new column featuring industry events and party photos on the back end of every week (i.e. Friday). If there’s one thing this industry knows how to do, it’s party - and who doesn’t want to see photos. Read more...
Mutiny in Israel
Mutiny took a trip to Israel and, despite the numerous injuries that occurred, got some riding footage as well as some exclusive goat parkour. Go on to their site to see more goat parkour if you want... (Not really.)Read the full story on GrindTV. Read more...
Unit’s Jaie Toohey at Cam White’s Jumps
Jaie Toohey is already notorious for the boost, but on Cam White's over-sized trails you know there is going to be some hang time. Throw in his bag of tricks from 360 variations to flip variations and you get this video. Overly worth it. Read more...
Jetpilot Signs Duran Barr to 2011 Surf Team
Jetpilot has signed Carlsbad State Beach local Duran Barr to their 2011 Surf Team today. Duran is the son of David Barr, once an internationally succesful profesional surfer and now a distinguished shaper Read more...
