We are extremely proud to announce that David Ingemie, our president of more than 30 years, was the recipient of the 30th Annual BEWI Award last Friday. Bernie Weichsel, president of BEWI Productions, and the award’s namesake, presented the award before more than 150 industry leaders, friends, and family members at a luncheon in his honor at the Seaport World Trade Center on Boston Harbor.
L to R: Bernie Weichsel, Bob Orbacz, Les Otten, Barbara Alley, David Ingemie, Nancy Ingemie, Bruce McDonald, Eric Webster (Greater Boston Area-Grand Prix Tour Director USSA), Fred Olson (Director of Special Projects, Red Sox)
Weichsel said, “David Ingemie is an iconic figure in the U.S and international snow sports business. He has been an innovator in snow sports marketing and market research and has worked steadfastly to expand participation in and sales throughout all aspects of snow sports. Our industry is that much better thanks to the tremendous contributions David has made to it.”
Les Otten and David Ingemie with custom YOPP skis
Ski resort developer Leslie B. Otten, who is currently working to rebuild The Balsams Resort in New Hampshire, was among those who lauded Ingemie for his service. Otten gave Ingemie a pair of commemorative skis made for him by YOPP, a ski-manufacturing operation in Maine. Otten said, “Ingemie is the original ‘wadyathink?’ guy, always innovating and willing to consider new ideas.”
After weeks of planning and secrecy, the award came as a surprise to David, who was in Boston for SIA’s annual media events, coinciding with BEWI’s Boston Ski & Snowboard Expo. It is one of many honors bestowed on David as he plans for retirement in 2016. He will also be inducted into the Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame Class of 2015 next April.
SIA board member Mike Noonan, president of Marker Völkl, said, “It was a very nice tribute to David. I heard it was the largest crowd for this BEWI luncheon ever, and just thought it was the AARP gang out for a free meal! However in talking with folks like Jeff Ehring and Kat Jobanputra they told me they came from Denver just to pay tribute to David. This was probably the same for a lot of the attendees.”
“It’s emotional. Dave has united the industry for so many years and inspired so many people. He will be genuinely missed around the world, and certainly around the industry,” said Teddy Schiavoni, owner of Summit Ski and Snowboard Shop in Framingham, MA.
“I feel so fortunate to have been a part of an industry that represents one of my life’s greatest passions – snow sports,” David commented. “It has been a great run.”
David Ingemie and Bernie Weichsel, the BEWI Award’s namesake
The award luncheon took place after the SIA Boston media event, which was in partnership with the BEWI Boston Ski & Snowboard Expo and the New England Snowsports Journalists Association (NASJA) annual meeting. With over 45 media in attendance, SIA presented information about the SIA Snow Show, media resources, and the State of the Industry. SIA Research Director Kelly Davis presented New England sales data along with her state of the industry research numbers, giving journalists an overview of how last year’s epic New England winter affected snow sports sales and consumer behavior. Style and trend consultant Jessica Kaplan also presented the 2015/16 Style Trends, highlighting three overall trends: city twist, tech world and mountain life.
For more information on David Ingemie’s background and career, read our recent post about his induction into the Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame Class of 2015.