For the action sports industry in 2009, it’s all about keeping your head above water.
Already struggling with a glut of inventory, the $14.4 billion industry is forecasting sales to fall as much as 25 percent this year. Some surfboard makers say their business is down 30 percent to 40 percent as consumers put off larger purchases.
With numbers like that, industry insiders say some brands will disappear and the economic undertow will pull down a number of mom-and-pop shops, considered the backbone of the business because of their connection to the core action sports customer…. More info
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Money is an emotional issue, especially during economic hard times. Social scientists have always warned that once a person’s basic needs are met money doesn’t buy happiness. But if you’re wondering, or maybe even arguing over, what to do with any precious discretionary income these days, a new study suggests how to get the biggest emotional bang for your buck.
Ryan Howell, an assistant professor of psychology at San Francisco State University, found that buying experiences — such as vacations, going to the theater or renting a sailboat — gave people more happiness than buying material things. The study, of 154 people ages 19 to 50, showed that experiences increase happiness …Â More info
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It’s one of the top two public extreme sports facilities in the state – considered by Chandler to be its “dream” bike park.
On Feb. 25, Chandler residents will have a chance to hear how it was created.
Mickey Ohland, City of Chandler-Park Development and Operations Manager, will discuss the planning and building of Espee Bike Park in a talk that will take place between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. at Hamilton Library, 3700 S. Arizona Avenue.
The park, located at 450 E. Knox Road, east of Arizona Avenue. is the place for BMX/freestyle bike riders of all ages to … More info
A MOBILE skate park has been bought to tour the area’s schools.
The portable facility is scheduled for a pitstop at Sir John Talbot’s Technology College during half-term, when it will be sited on the school’s tennis courts.
The skate ramps are open to children aged from seven and all sessions are free.
Children can take their own skateboard or they can borrow one. The ramps are also suitable for BMX bikes and inline skates…Â More info
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