On January 23, the Sporting Goods Agents Association (SGAA) honored Cramer Products, Inc., with their Manufacturers Appreciation Award during their annual meeting in January. Gary Niland, SGAA immediate past president, presented the award to Tom Rogge, president and CEO of Cramer Products, Inc.

SGAA established the Manufacturers Appreciation Award in 1981 to recognize sporting goods manufacturers that have contributed an outstanding accomplishment to the industry. Nominations are made by SGAA members.

"We are very honored to receive this award," says Tom Rogge. "Our products are sold by 34 agents represented by the SGAA, so they must feel like we're treating them right! These agents report to Jack Patterson. It was especially nice that Gary Niland presented the award, because he is one of our key sales agents."

The feeling is mutual, Gary says. "Cramer Products was selected for this very prestigious award because of what they stand for. They constantly hold themselves to the highest standards in the industry. Cramer Products is all about professionalism, integrity, and great people. They treat everyone associated with their business with dignity and respect. Cramer was a unanimous selection for this award." Gary, who owns Gary Niland and Associates, says he has been associated with Cramer for nearly 23 years.

Skip Nipper is the current president of SGAA. He notes, "Nominations for the Manufacturers Appreciation Award must come from our membership, and we don't take them lightly because this is the highest honor we give to manufacturers. We don't necessarily give the award out every year. But we were very proud to give this award to Cramer because of the integrity and honesty they display in the marketplace. When the SGAA board met to discuss this award, the testimonials on behalf of Cramer were so positive. No one could think of a negative thing to say about them, so we just knew this is a top notch company."

SGAA was created in 1934 by a group of independent manufacturer's agents in the sporting goods industry. According to the SGAA web site, www.sgaaonline.org, the objective of the founders was "to create a spirit of mutual respect, esteem and cooperation among its members and allies." There are now more than 500 SGAA members who benefit from the organization's professional services and industry education.