The Soft Pitch

We have seen in our customer and community scores that we have increased in our brand preference by 15 % due to company personality…the trust in our employees and things they do in the community top that list.  

I believe that my favorite past time has had an impact on that score.  As I reflect on the opening of the Chicago 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame today in Forest Park, Il. Avnet has indeed been able to enjoy our brand being noticed by being involved in the sport/sponsorship.

Out 7th annual 16″ B2B Tourney for Businesses is scheduled for Nov 14th…there is a buzz about it…starting with the 28 teams from last years venue and the all the CEO’s who played in the “featured game” on TV vs the XTRA Sports 910 Radio squad (the CEO’s won). By the way the games on TV were the # 2 show on Phoenix Tv during the day both years  it was shown. ( I must admit it is is either really good TV or what are those folks doing on that day?…geez get a life).

The venue has a great impact on morale for companies here, many of which are our vendors, suppliers and customers, which is good thing ! I know people want to work us because of the vibe. We have been able to raise money for charities too. This year we will support the Phoenix Sports Commission Youth programs and AZ Sports Hall of Fame effort. Last an most important I know our employees enjoy playing it, and it’s great for morale. Men and women play and we have from senior leaders to sales to warehouse players involved.

Did you know the great game of softball started in Chicago in 1887…when bored alumni of Yale and Harvard were waiting for ticker tape scores of the big football game between the two schools? They wrapped up a boxing glove and started hitting with a broom stick. Want to know more about 16 Inch softball? 16Inchsoftballhof.com  By the way our HOF Inductee Park looks great. Special thanks to KODAK, March manufacturing and Vienna as sponsors…trust me Avnet’s name will be noticed there too.  Looking forward to the ceremony and celebrity game. By the the GOV of Illinois declared by proclimation, today is 16 Inch Softball Day in Illinois. If in the area stop by from 11-3 and say hello

As you know the soft pitch blog is about softball too…my off work passion is 16″ softball. This sport is unique to Chi-town as we play it bare handed there. In fact I co-founded the Chicago 16″ Softball Hall of Fame in Chicago 13 years ago after creating a video on the legacy and history of the sport. We have been on a long journey to build a museum for over a decade. Well yesterday I flew back home and lead a press conference with my fellow board members and unveiled our site and museum designs…in Forest Park, IL. The mayor of FP was there too…a great day. FP is the Wrigley Field of Softball..It is the premier location in the game. Site of the biggest tourney which attracts thousands of fans. Now we just have to raise $500,000, yikes !  We got coverage in the Chicago Sun Times…just the tip of iceberg as we get rolling…and the key to our building fund success. Should be fun, telling the story on the sport will be a work of love. Want more info, or would like to contribute go to 16inchsoftballhof.com. 

Speaking of museums our Avnet off the lobby museum is pretty darn cool too…it’s the lead attraction to all visitors. Stay on our site to see some photos or go to Second Life for the virtual view. In either case creating a museum is quite a job…from vision, collecting memorabalia, photos, videos and then deciding what will flow and then making graphics etc to tell the story…technology sure makes a difference. The fun is seeing what makes a difference with guests as they learn more about us…alot of pride. Lot’s of fun ahead stay tuned.