BILL WALTON AUTOBIOGRAPHY - #1 STORY ON THE NEW YORK TIMES

The Big Red Head, Hall of Famer, Broadcast Star, Deadhead, Legend, Husband, Brother, Dad, Son, Botanist, Advocate, Cyclist…the list goes on. SDSI knows him best not just as our Executive Chairman but as a selfless community leader, lover of San Diego and supporter of all things positive and good for our region and the people who live here. How ever it is that you have come to know Bill Walton, there is much more to him than meets the eye. And if you know Bill, then you know he loves to inspire others to live to their fullest potential. What better way to do that then write a memoir? And share the victories, losses, the injuries, recoveries, the heartbreak and dark moments of his life…but most importantly the perspective and joy he has found as a result of a new found health and reflecting on the sum of those experiences. Bill is in the midst of a book tour across the country promoting his autobiography Back from the Dead: Searching for the Sound, Shining the Light and Throwing it Down and he is attracting significant attention. Bill's interview with The New York Times was the #1 read story on Saturday, March 26. Follow Bill’s media tour on Good Morning America, ESPN First Take, The Vertical Podcast with WOJ and Bleacher Report. Attend the book signing and presentation on April 6 at La Paloma in Encinitas. Tickets available here. You can buy your copy wherever books are sold. 

SDSI welcomes new members CSUSM Department of Kinesiology and Surf Park Central and welcomes back renewing member ZOIC
The Department of Kinesiology at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) is happy to join SDSI. Drs. Sean Newcomer and Jeff Nessler, both avid surfers and Ph.D. faculty researchers at CSUSM, are among very few scientists worldwide concentrating on surf and skate research. Together, with students from the Department of Kinesiology at CSUSM, they investigate the health benefits of surfing and skateboarding by studying the biomechanics and physiological impact on participants in these sports.  The information they compile and analyze contributes to an understanding of the physiological requirements and health benefits of these action sports, for both recreational and professional athletes. Additionally, they collaborate with several well-known industry brands on product testing using state of the art research equipment including a custom-made swim flume laboratory.  As they continue to grow their research capabilities they look to the industry for additional collaborations and welcome inquiries from other SDSI members. Learn more at www.CSUSM.edu/surfresearch. 

Surf Park Central is the world’s leading resource for surf parks, surf pools and the development of man-made surf destinations. From our perspective surf parks and surf pools are the key to making surfing a mainstream commercially sustainable sport and to promoting surfing as an iconic lifestyle that transcends all nationalities and cultures. At Surf Park Central we’re focused upon accelerating the development of surfing beyond the ocean and the man-made venues that make it all possible. We serve a variety of roles in the development, marketing and promotion of world class surf parks, surf pools and man-made surf destinations for authentic surfing experiences around the world. Surf Park Central is also co-hosting Surf Park Summit 2 alongside SDSU’s Center for Surf Research. The event is scheduled for September 7, 2016 and will be held at Surf Expo in Orlando, FL. Learn more at SurfParkCentral.com and request an invite to Surf Park Summit 2.

ZOIC is Mountain.Bike.Life. We created the category of mountain bike clothing over 20 years ago. Our unique blend of performance, comfort, style and versatility inspires a passionate community of mountain bikers who embrace experiences outdoors. ZOIC is recognized by consumers, dealers and the media for making the best mountain bike clothing on the market. ZOIC has been the best-selling bike clothing brand at REI the last 3 years; for 2016 our products are featured prominently in their national digital marketing and advertising. In 2015 OutdoorGearLab once again rated our men’s Ether shorts their Best Buy. We are especially proud of our SDSI-inspired product collaboration with Osiris – The Prophet bike shoe. Launched in February, this mountain-bike specific flat pedal shoe targets the growing number of mountain bikers who prefer to not ride clipped-in.  We are already at work on new styles for 2017! In 2016 we are expanding partnerships with major retailers like REI, Backcountry and Amazon, while also growing consumer-direct sales by investing in digital marketing and cultivating grass-roots awareness through sponsorships and events. We recently hired a new national sales manager and are actively recruiting inside sales staff and a brand community coordinator. Learn more at www.zoic.com.

SDSI Springboard Graduate Slyde Handboards to air on Shark Tank April 15!
Don’t miss, 2015 SDSI Springboard graduate, Slyde Handboards, 9pm on April 15 as they take on the “sharks” of ABC’s Shark Tank. Tune in and support the couple-to-be and co-owners Steve Watts and Angela Ferendo as the try to they win over the hearts (and wallets) of the celebrity investor panel including special guest Ashton Kutcher.  Slyde Handboards is the third SDSI member and second SDSI Springboard graduate to be seen on Shark Tank along with Bon Affair and Tower Paddle Boards. Read the full press release at slydehandboards.com.

SDSI partners with Group Y to present Inside GoPro – Discount code included
On Tuesday, April 19 join SDSI and Group Y at GoPro for an exclusive inside look into world’s leading action camera and media brand. GoPro executives will discuss the brand’s story and inner workings.  As well as their use of social media to build a loyal engaged following.  Beer and food included complements of Lan Thai, of Drunken Master Chef.  SDSI Members use promo code “SDSI” at checkout for 15% off.

SD Tour of California partners with SDSI for a San DiegoSport/​CyclingShowcase  
On Friday, May 13 The San Diego Tour of California Local Organizing Committee (SDTOCLOC) will host the International Press Conference and Media luncheon at the San Diego Yacht Club providing an experience for the Amgen Tour of California unique to San Diego and spotlighting the economic impact local companies make on the cycling industry nationally and internationally. 

The event will draw international media who are covering the first stage (Sunday, May 15) of the race, 100 international journalists, VIP riders from the world’s top cycling teams, AEG executive staff, Amgen corporate representatives, Amgen TOC race sponsors and San Diego dignitaries led by Mayor Kevin
Fa​u​lconer.

To take advantage of this captive audience the SDTOCLOC has partnered with SDSI to integrate a San Diego ​Sport/​Cycling Showcase (SDS​CS) around the perimeter of the international press conference & luncheon. The SDSCS will display local cycling (road, mountain, recreation and e-Bikes) manufacturers — custom frames, components, accessories, clothing, protectives, and more — to weave in a narrative on the economic impact San Diego makes on the sporting world.

To add to the excitement, the SDSC​S​ will stage a live fashion show comprised of San Diego brands involved in mountain/casual, road and triathlon. The SD​S​CS will provide an unprecedented opportunity for interaction and exchanges between the exhibitors, Press Corps and VIPs.

"SDSI and the SDTOCLOC realize that there is a deeper seeded purpose to San Diego hosting the Amgen Tour of California, whereas jobs, production, commercial property, marketing/advertising, tax contributions, to name a few, play a significant role in the growth of the local economy, development of small businesses in our region and sheds light on the importance San Diego plays in the world sports market,” said Ed Clancy, chairman of the SDTOCLOC. “We are offering the international sports (and media) world an intimate view into the cultural fabric that separates our region from the rest.”

To date, companies and organizations participating in the SDS​CS include Speedplay, ZOIC Clothing, San Diego Mountain Biking Association, MustGear​,​ Eliel Clothing and e-JOE Bikes. There is a maximum of 15 spots available. Contact: info@sd2016loc.com or 858-263-5092 for more information​

2015 SDSI Springboard Impact Report now available
SDSI Springboard 61 Graduates have raised $47.5M in capital funding, created 390 jobs and 89% are still in business. In 2015 alone these companies raised $6.2M largely via debt financing and angel funding. Read the full 2015 SDSI Springboard Impact Report to learn the industry breakdown of these graduates, the significant milestones they have achieved in 2015 and the type of funding they are still seeking. SDSI Springboard applications are slated to open again mid-May. Stay tuned for more information!

John Sarkisian and his lifetime of entrepreneurial experiences
John Sarkisian, SDSI Industry Chairman of the Board and Founder of SKLZ, will be the guest speaker for Business Executives Council April 7 meeting What I learned with a breadstick, a ball and a piece of string! John will share the good, the bad and the ugly of starting, managing and exiting businesses across multiple industries since his arrival in San Diego in 1980. He’ll share the key ingredient that carried him through each opportunity and the lessons learned, and ultimately what lead him to enter the restaurant business one more time with the opening of Encontro in North Park. Tickets available here.

Bob Rief speaks to CSUSM millennials
Last month SDSI’s Bob Rief was asked to guest speak to a group of business student’s as part of California State University San Marcos’ open course “In the Executive Chair” which invites the community and business students to hear valuable advice from business leaders. Bob highlighted the unique position millennials are finding themselves, in regards to the demand shift in the job market. View the video footage here. Lean more about CSUSM and their innovative programs including “In The Executive Chair” by contacting Jocelyn Wyndham at jwyndham@csusm.edu.