Scott F. Blessing This is Me

 Web References

1. 1. www.terranovatrading.newsalert.com

   www.terranovatrading.newsalert - [Cached]

   Published on: 5/3/2003   Last Visited: 5/8/2003

   Scott F. Blessing, president of Performance Sports Apparel, said the products are akin to thermal underwear, but utilize technologies that mask and kill odors, and provide moisture management and protection from frigid temperatures.
   
   Blessing said the products are to be made at Auburn Apparel, an affiliated company in Auburn, Schuylkill County.
   
   Performance manufactures apparel under its own Medalist label and for private-label customers. Its attire for Cabela's falls into the latter category and will be sold under the Cabela's name.
   
   The products will be sold in Cabela's stores and through its catalog business.
   
   "Our company basically has developed cutting-edge solutions for the hunting and fishing and outdoors markets, and when Cabela's saw what we were doing, they expressed particular interest," Blessing said. "They felt our products were compelling enough and decided to make a strong commitment to our company.
   
   "They're leaders in the performance base-layer apparel niche, and we're a leading manufacturer and marketer, so the synergy between our companies is good."
   
   Blessing said the deal could lead to an increase in employment at the two companies, which employ a total of 65. The Bern Township site functions as headquarters and the distribution center. Performance also has operations in Fairmont, N.C., and in Allentown.
   
   Blessing said it was coincidental that the company's contract with Cabela's and the plans for the Tilden Township store both occurred in the same time frame.
   
   "The reason that Performance Sports Apparel and Cabela's are in a relationship together is because Cabela's had a need for particular products that provide compelling solutions ... and we have targeted them for some time and wished to do business with them," he said.
   
   "I believe that the close proximity to their store perhaps gives them some comfort, but was not a fundamental component to this decision," he said.

2. 2. Seminar Speakers Share Insights on Business Success

   www.422business.com/articles/1 - [Cached]

   Published on: 11/20/1999   Last Visited: 7/28/2001

   Scott Blessing , President and Chief Operating Officer , Performance Sports Apparel , Inc. spoke next. Blessing brought his business back from near-failure in 1995 , to the point where it is now considered to be the most responsive company among its peers , and has positioned itself as a leader in the field. Blessing placed the credit for his success directly on the spirit of cooperation and teamwork of his employees. Articulate the value you provide to the business and communicate it to your employees , he said , in order to create a feeling of partnership with employees. Most people want to make a difference-to see and affect change , according to Blessing. It's the business owner's job to put employees in a position to create and participate in change , where they feel like they make a difference..
   
   Once the team concept is firmly rooted , it is important to set team goals and performance benchmarks , Blessing said , with the focus ultimately on meeting the customer's needs. He also said it is important to share information about the company's health with employees , and to talk about teamwork , both in group settings and one-on-one , building trust and gleaning insights. Blessing suggested responding to feedback received from employees right away-within 48 hours. By flattening out the organizational structure and remaining focused on the customer , Blessing has found a formula for success.
   
   The final speaker of the morning was Renato Brunas , President , Renbow International Ltd.. Brunas did not offer much in the way of advice , but rather offered himself as an example of how persistence pays off , recalling how he struggled for 17 years before finding success by creating a private label for his innovative hair coloring and hair cosmetic products and experimenting with a wide range of marketing techniques.
   
   A question and answer session followed where each of the speakers reinforced the importance of employee retention , among other issues , collectively stressing that while competitive pay is important , issues such as flexibility , respect , team accomplishment and individual attention are equally as important.
   
   For further information on issues covered at this seminar , or to communicate with any of the speakers , please contact the Route 422 Business Advisor editorial office at ( 610 ) 323-6253.

3. 3. OBMN - February 1

   www.wintersportbiz.com/or_main - [Cached]

   Published on: 6/23/2001   Last Visited: 2/2/2002

   Scott Blessing, PSA president and CEO, says the acquisition, "helps bring a more high-end line of underwear to the Medalist family of products."
   
   Blessing also recognizes the growth in the women's market, and attributes the purchase to the fact that Wintimates is a company of women's thermal underwear. "Women, I think today, comprise about 70 percent of all activewear apparel purchases," says Blessing. "Which means they're big decision makers. We think the high-tech performance underwear market is growing and we want to gain better penetration into the women's market, and Wintimates helps us to do that."