June 11th, 2012 
Many of my readers may not know that New Balance is privately owned by Jim and Anne Davis, and that they are the only major footwear manufacturer to still produce athletic footwear in the United States. I love that they are committed to producing 7 million pairs of shoes right here at home to keep Americans employed. Another thing you may not realize is that New Balance doesn’t do traditional sports marketing. They do not pay for celebrity or athlete endorsements. I think it’s fabulous that instead of going this route, they do cause marketing, which creates a partnership between their business and a nonprofit to create a mutual profit. They truly are a leader in cause marketing and supporting worthy nonprofits who are helping those in our community.
According to New Balance, “Cause marketing fits into the strategy because ultimately we are in the business of encouraging people to live active and healthy lifestyles. Study after study shows the link between exercise, nutrition & the other components of a healthy lifestyle and a reduction in risk of breast cancer and many of other health issues. Breast cancer is a cause that is personal for many of our associates and a disease that we can proactively attack and make a difference in by encouraging more people to run, walk, etc.”
Jim and Anne Davis, New Balance Owners
In 1981, New Balance owners, Jim and Anne Davis, established The New Balance Foundation. Through this foundation, New Balance donated $7 million to Children’s Hospital in Boston to fight childhood obesity which is a growing problem in the United States. Their donation was the largest donation the medical institution has ever received. New Balance promotes a culture of giving and social responsibility within the company by encouraging its associates to be dedicated to and active in their communities. In 2010, more than 500 New Balance associates globally volunteered and worked on 50 service projects with numerous organizations. New Balance also provides all associates with eight hours of Personal Volunteer Time to volunteer with organizations of their choice. The company hosts charity drives and operates a Dollars-for-Doers program, which provides cash donations to numerous organizations.
Since 1989, New Balance has partnered with Susan G. Komen for the Cure® in the fight to find a cure for breast cancer. New Balance has participated as the National Sponsor of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® Series since 1991 and the Susan G. Komen 3-Day ™ since 2004 as well as serving as a supporter of the Marathon for the Cure program since 2008.
The Official Shoe of the 3-Day: Women's Walking 847
Additionally, New Balance donated $1.2 million dollars in 2011 through its cause-related marketing program called Lace Up for the Cure®. Lace Up footwear, apparel and accessories all proudly wear the Komen Running Ribbon and are supported by shoe box tissue paper, product hang tags and in-store signage that explain the symbol’s significance as the icon for breast cancer awareness and New Balance’s commitment to Komen for the Cure. The Lace Up for the Cure Collection is available at retail year-round.
New Balance Komen Momentum Shorts
New Balance recently sent me some of their Lace Up for the Cure® products. I have been enjoying their 847 shoe which is the Official Shoe of the Komen 3-Day. I hope it’s ok to walk AND run in this shoe. I was also sent their Superlight Superfresh 895, an innovative walking shoe with REVlite technology designed for the ultimate in comfort and all-day wearability. I absolutely adore the Komen Momentum Shorts. They have a built in mesh liner, and pocket that hold house keys securely while you run. The quality of the Komen Empower Tee that they sent to me was superb. I will order more of their t-shirts. They sent me several other items but some they are made for cooler weather so I haven’t had a chance to try them out yet.
New Balance Susan G. Komen Empower Tee
I hope that my readers will support New Balance as they are a company that is doing so much right for our country. I love that they are keeping jobs here at home, and are supporting so many worthy causes. Also, I hope you will join Miss A in supporting the important work that Susan G. Komen for the Cure® is doing for women by registering to participate in a walk or race in your city. Please click here to find an event near you! Miss A participates in these walks in all 21 of our cities. Please contact our City Editors, if you would like to join us.
- Miss A
