I haven’t even had a chance to respond to a direct question yet, and I already want to say thanks! From the questions you’ve sent in since my first blog post, plus the queries from our brand websites, the initial response has been much more than I anticipated! (In a good way.) Thank you for your interest and your involvement.
Sue’s Blog Post #2 – Thanks for Your Questions!
CEO Sue Rechner Takes Your Questions
You may have noticed some things are changing here at Confluence. Perhaps you’ve seen the new products and programs (like Paddle it Forward) we’ve introduced, but some of the most exciting changes here are the many ways that our customers can now be part of the process. It’s wonderful to see how the internet has created an opportunity for an open dialogue between companies and customers in every industry.
That’s why I’ve started this blog. Since the launch of our new websites, which feature customer contact forms and social network forums, we’ve received hundreds of questions, comments, and ideas that get reviewed by every level of our team. Some of the best advice comes from people who paddle our boats the most – you.
There’s so much going on with the paddlesports industry, the changing economy, and right here at Confluence that it’s a great time to start that dialogue. I want us to have that conversation, so I welcome your questions and comments. Whatever is on your mind, send it in.
Confluence Offers Paid Time for Employee Volunteerism
Confluence Watersports is offering its employees paid time off to give back to the paddling community. With 500 employees among its seven brands and an internal sales team spread across the country, there is a substantive opportunity to make a difference.
“Many members of our team work here because they are passionate about paddling, which goes hand in hand with the health of rivers, lakes and oceans where they paddle,” said Sue Rechner, CEO of Confluence Watersports. “As an organization, we want to enable them to give back to the community and to the industry.”
Any employee who has worked continuously with Confluence for a minimum of five years may take an additional five, paid days off per year to volunteer. The effort must be broadly related to the paddling industry, from water clean-up days to teaching kids to paddle.
“I haven’t earned my paid volunteer days yet,” Rechner joked, alluding to her 18-month tenure as CEO. “But, this program also serves to encourage those of us who are newer to the industry to discover a cause we’re passionate about and get involved.”
This initiative contributes to two guiding principles for Confluence: to support the growth of the industry and to promote a satisfying work environment for its employees.
New Harmony and AT Paddles Website Launch
Consumers are now able to shop online for Adventure Technology (AT) paddles and the most popular Harmony accessories. With brand new websites, AT Paddles and Harmony, of the Confluence Watersports brand family, are partnering with Shopatron to drive sales at retail and add convenience for the consumer. “While the consumer enjoys a seamless online shopping experience, Shopatron drives sales directly to our retail partners,” said Shelly Moore, VP-Sales of Confluence Watersports.
“Driving sales to retail, combined with offering a more informative brand experience on the new websites, furthers our mission of supporting business growth for our specialty dealer partners and offering the highest level of customer service in the industry.” AT Paddles and Harmony provide the online marketplace, but will not sell directly to consumers. With the Shopatron model, retail partners make the sale and receive the revenue. A consumer can opt to pick up their purchase from the local retailer or have it shipped.
In addition to e-commerce, the two new websites offer pertinent resources for visitors such as guidelines for choosing a paddle and sprayskirt fit charts. Comprehensive product catalogs with clear descriptions are very user-friendly, while new aesthetics and improved overall content serve to strengthen the brands’ respective identities. Consequentially, all of these details contribute to optimizing the site as a stronger marketing tool on behalf of dealer partners. Check out the revamped sites here:
AT Paddle: http://atpaddle.com/
Harmony: http://harmonygear.com/