New Balance Blog

Great news for the conscious consumer in all of us…

“Boston (May 11, 2007) – New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. was named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies this week by Ethisphere Magazine, a national publication dedicated to illuminating the important correlation between ethics and profit. The elite list of companies were recognized for their strong leadership in ethics and compliance, advancement of industry discourse on social and ethical issues, and positive engagement in the communities in which they operate.”

“The process included reviewing companies’ codes of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories; evaluating investment in innovation and sustainable business practices; looking at companies’ activities to improve corporate citizenship; studying nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers; and working with consumer action groups for feedback and rating.”

Via Runner’s Web

I just noticed that Mita has three NB computer backgrounds available for free here. On offer are ST33 Vol1 and Vol2 and the Mita MT580 9th Ed. in a variety of dimensions, even widescreen 1680×1050. The ST33 ones are really creative and I have just made the switch!

The official NB site has had a facelift. Looking sharp! Check their Classics section:

http://www.newbalance.com/classics/

New Balance is one of the case studies in a new document designed to help businesses combat counterfeiting and piracy. The Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy (CACP) recently released the document (PDF), called a “No Trade in Fakes” Supply Chain Tool Kit.

There are two pages on New Balance; it’s a nice short read for anyone interested in anti-counterfeiting and anti-piracy strategies for their own business, or for those curious how a sneaker company approaches this common problem.

“Footwear counterfeiters aren’t just making a fake product; they’re diluting the brand, damaging the company’s reputation, and undermining the worldwide salability of the product.”
- Ed Haddad, Vice President, Intellectual Property and Licensed Products, New Balance

Via NAM

Check out this video from the National Association of Manufacturers on how NB are made, with some interesting manufacturing footage and employee statements. It does remind you that unlike a lot of sneaker companies, NB has a long tradition of domestic shoemaking and are running nerds at heart.

My favorite line is in the first ten seconds - “they don’t make cool sneakers for hipsters and club kids.” Guess again, sucka!

Next to the video player there’s also a link to a second video about NB’s history, whatchoo know about the Chicken Foot Theory??

via NAM

This one cracked me up - the latest version of Monopoly is “Here and Now”, updated for the times with new properties like Times Square, The Mall of America, LAX, South Beach and the Golden Gate Bridge. They’ve also revamped the playing pieces including a RAZR phone, Toyota Prius, Starbucks coffee, McDonalds fries and - a New Balance sneaker. Nice one Hasbro!

via CNN Money