Market Leader Recognized for Entrepreneurial Spirit, Determination
(Vancouver, BC, Canada) – Popular golf and sportswear designer Linda Hipp and her company, LIJA, have been honored as "Business of the Year" in the 30th Annual Business Excellence Awards presented by the Richmond Chamber of Commerce.
The only apparel company among three finalists, LIJA was recognized for demonstrating continual business excellence through positive growth, exemplary customer service and outstanding commitment to quality. Nominees were judged in 11 categories – including innovation, response to adversity and contribution to the community.
"We’ve experienced tremendous growth since introducing our first collection nearly 10 years ago and this award is a great testament to our hard work," says Hipp. "LIJA strives for unmatched quality and service as we provide women with apparel for all aspects of their lives."
A pioneer in the golf fashion industry, LIJA continues to increase its reach with ground-breaking initiatives. The company recently launched a unique Female Teaching Professionals Program – among the broadest of its kind in the apparel category – designed to enhance brand awareness while establishing a network of ambassadors at marquee clubs and resorts throughout North America.
For Spring 2008, LIJA has introduced more than 200 pieces of trend-setting contemporary sportswear in five striking collections. Featuring an expanded range of technical blends, LIJA-designed prints and an entirely new group of comfortable leisurewear, the latest styles offer athletic fashion without limitation.
The Fall 2007 collections are currently available in stores and online. Shipping of the Spring 2008 collections – including the Life of Leisure off-course apparel – commences in late November.
LIJA is a staple in finer golf and non-golf retailers across North America, including world-renowned resorts and clubs like Congressional, Doral, Kiawah Island, Pebble Beach, Pinehurst and Whistling Straights. The company’s clothing is worn by scores of women golf professionals worldwide.
More information is available at www.LIJAStyle.com or 604.270.6060.
About LIJA
LIJA is a market leader in fashion-forward styles featuring feminine and comfortable silhouettes inspired by the fusion of sport, leisure and fashion. The brand’s distinctive excellence is driven by LIJA’s passion, commitment and dedication to creating innovative designs.
LIJA has received significant recognition within and outside the golf industry, achieving organic annual sales growth of at least 50 percent each of the past seven years. Enjoying a rapidly expanding sales force and account base in North America, LIJA recently began selling into the UK, Australian and Japanese markets.
Recent recognition for the company includes:
2007 PGA Magazine – Resort Top Seller
2007 PGA Magazine – Private Course Top Seller
2007 Best of Show Honors at PGA Show – Golfing Magazine
2007 PROFIT 100 Rankings of Canada’s Fastest Growing Companies
2006 PROFIT W100 Ranking of Canada’s Top Women Entrepreneurs
2006 Business in Vancouver "BC’s 50 Fastest-Growing Companies"
2005 Canadian Golf Company of the Year – Score Golf magazine
Individually, Linda Hipp has been honored as a grant recipient of the Matinee Fashion Foundation Award, which annually recognizes and funds select Canadian designers, and voted a "40 Under 40" winner by Business in Vancouver.
An avid and highly-skilled golfer, Hipp struggled to find on-course apparel that meshed with her off-course fashion sensibility. Recognizing a market opportunity – and the chance to combine her passions for fashion, golf and business – Hyp Golf was launched in July 1997. The company re-branded as LIJA in late 2004. Chiefly influenced by both European trends and West Coast style, Hipp has garnered a widespread reputation as one of North America’s hottest sportswear designers.
Contact:
Andrea Latta
Buffalo Communications
703.891.3383
alatta@billycaspergolf.com