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TIA Special Section 2007 -- Let's Keep This Sport Moving Forward!

From the TIA Executive Director

By Jolyn de Boer

Tennis’ unparalleled growth among traditional sports is the result of many people in this industry working toward a common goal. The Tennis Industry Association and all its partners — from major manufacturers and organizations to facilities, retailers, and individual supporters — are committed to “Growing Tennis Through Teamwork.”

In this special section, you’ll learn more about the TIA and what we do, including the services and tools we offer to help your business grow.

Founded more than 30 years ago as the American Tennis Industry Federation, the TIA is the not-for-profit trade association representing tennis. We provide the industry with research, administer grassroots initiatives, deliver industry news, maintain databases that connect all parts of the industry, and focus on technology and services to help the industry — and your business — grow.

Our dedicated Board of Directors and Executive Committee, including new President Dave Haggerty, represent all areas: major manufacturers, organizations, retailers, court contractors, teaching pro groups, pro tennis groups, and more. We have a great support team that provides valuable services, and a service-oriented staff to assist you.

At the TIA, we’re strongly focused on using technology to help your business. In 2006, more than 6 million people tried tennis for the first time, and 2 million logged-on to find a place to play, programs to learn tennis, and people to play with. If you’re at a tennis facility, you can list your programs and information with us for free so consumers can find you (see page 29). And with support from our partners, you also receive free product to use and marketing support to attract new players when you become a Tennis Welcome Center or Cardio Tennis site (see page 21). Plus check out the grant and co-op funding opportunities available to you.

Want to run your business on online? TennisConnect (see page 25) provides all you need. Last year, more than 790,000 courts were booked online through TennisConnect — up 300 percent from 2005.

Want to save money on credit card processing fees, shipping, insurance, and advertising? See page 28. Want to compare your business operation to others? See the market intelligence the TIA provides on pages 26 and 27.

Finally, visit TennisIndustry.org to see how all areas of the industry are connected and how you can get involved. Your comments and ideas are welcomed.

Through your continuing support, we can keep the momentum strong for a healthy sport.

See all articles by Jolyn de Boer

About the Author

Jolyn de Boer  is an avid player, and has been in the tennis industry for 26 years and is the executive director of the Tennis Industry Association.

From the May 2007 issue
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