07/04/2007
Spirit Industry Trade Association (SITA)
Lynn Singer, Chair, Marketing Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For further information, quotes, photo ops, call (800) 477-8868 or (910) 488-4618 or email cheer@cheerltd.com

SITA Announces Inaugural Members of the Spirit Industry Hall of Fame

The Spirit Industry Trade Association (SITA) is pleased to announce the inception of the Spirit Industry Hall of Fame, and the selection of its inaugural members.

The Spirit Industry Hall of Fame was created by SITA to recognize industry leaders of high integrity and character who have contributed a long-standing body of work (20 years or more) that has significantly impacted the spirit industry. Lawrence "Herkie" Herkimer, founder of NCA and Cheerleader Supply, Co. (now Cheerleader/DanzTeam) and fondly known as the "father of modern cheerleading," and Jeff Webb, chairman and CEO of Varsity Brands, Inc., are being inducted by invitation of SITA. Five additional Spirit Industry Hall of Fame members were selected through a nomination and voting process of SITA members. The five honorees are:

Gwen Holtsclaw, Cheer Ltd President
Kevin Jones, America's Best Championships and Spirit Innovations President/CEO, founder of Spirit Innovations
Elaine Pascale, World Cup All-Stars founder/co-owner
Lance Wagers, ACA President
Steve Wedge, COA President

The official induction will take place at the 2nd Annual Spirit Industry Awards Gala to be held September 29, 2007 at the JW Marriott in New Orleans, LA. All spirit-industry-related companies are invited to attend. Registration and hotel information are available online at spiritindustrytrade.com.

For more information please click on this link:  www.spiritindustrytrade.com