May 20, 2010

Confluence Watersports has expanded its marketing department, allowing for an intensified focus on social media efforts for each of its brands. With the internal promotion of Craig Ray to manager of marketing communications and the new hire of Jessica Wessinger to marketing specialist, the team can continue to execute on long-term strategies, while being more nimble to manage the needs of the growing, online communities.

“We congratulate Craig, and we welcome Jessica to Confluence,” said Cheri McKenzie, CMO of Confluence. “This restructuring is the evolution of a strategy that began with the re-launch of our websites over a year ago. Online and community-driven media have been a critical part of our brand awareness and development of brand dedication. Craig has built strong foundations to ensure that our online communities are driven by and for the people who visit them. Jessica will keep us responsive, relevant and engaged members of those communities.”

In his new role, Craig will manage a new marketing communications team that includes an internal social media team and Jessica’s new media work. With seven websites, three branded communities, five blogs, seven Facebook pages and many vibrant, external forums in which to participate, it takes a village to effectively contribute to the online world. The primary contributors for Confluence are well-known authorities in paddlesports today, whose experience and knowledge allow them to speak authentically to the needs of retail partners and the passions of fellow paddlers. Primary contributors include: technical specialists Buff Grubb and Steve Scherrer, boat designers, Confluence management, and the Dagger, Wave Sport and Wilderness Systems Fishing pro teams.

Jessica will be responsible for day-to-day social media efforts on Confluence brand websites, Facebook, Twitter, as well as work closely with the broader social media team. She will provide marketing and advertising communications support. Outside of her professional life, Jessica is a competitive and accomplished equestrian and overall outdoor enthusiast. She hikes, fly-fishes and paddles. Her kayaking experience has been primarily on lakes and flatwater, and she is looking forward to her first whitewater lesson.

May 24, 2010

Confluence Watersports is pleased to welcome Joe Warren as the sales representative for the Northeast territory, consisting of southern New York, Rhode Island, western Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Jersey. Joe brings over 10 years of paddlesports sales experience to the Confluence team.

“Joe’s experience and knowledge will be an excellent asset in ensuring that we continue to deliver the highest level of customer service and support,” said Shelly Moore, VP of sales at Confluence. “In addition to his product expertise, he has established relationships in the region.”

Joe has been a sales rep for several competing paddlesports brands. His understanding of the needs of specialty dealers fits well with the Confluence goal of offering the best dealer support services in the industry. His most recent position was a manufacturer sales representative for Dunkin-Lewis, a leading sales rep agency in the South, where he represented several kayak and accessories brands.

The Confluence sales team is internal and works exclusively with Confluence brands. This allows for full dedication to customer service, encourages the development of long-term relationships with dealer partners, and helps to ensure continued success for its retailers.

If you are a retailer in the Northeast region and would like to contact Joe, please email (joe.warren@kayaker.com) or call Confluence customer service (877.755.2925).

If you’re between the ages of 18-26, apply now to become a Paddlesports Youth Summit Delegate!

Tell Your Family and Friends! Entry deadline is May 24, 2010.

On June 19-20, 2010, up to 500 young leaders will gather in New York City to celebrate and champion an active, outdoor lifestyle, and Confluence Watersports wants to send you. You may know us better as Dagger, Wave Sport, Perception, Wilderness Systems or Mad River Canoe. Just like you, we have different interests and paddle different boats; but our love for being on the water unifies our family of brands. If you share the love of paddlesports and of the outdoors, we want to send you to New York City.

As delegates to the first ever Outdoor Nation Youth Summit and Festival in Central Park, NYC, young adults (ages 18-26) from across the country will have their voices heard. The Summit is a platform for attendees to influence outdoor policy and create solutions to the inactivity and lack of nature-driven activities that are plaguing the health of the country. Confluence is sponsoring five delegates to the Summit. This is your call to action and door to opportunity.

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