Field Notes

Imperial announced today a new sustainability platform where the brand commits to striving for improvement goals and alignment with like-minded suppliers. Imperial’s platform is based on the pillars of Compliance, Environmental Excellence, Waste Reduction and Energy Conservation: Compliance: Comply with all customer, international, federal, local and governmental policies. We will audit for compliance and maintain action plans that ensure that we move forward. Environmental Excellence: Strive to create a positive impact on the environment through our business policies and development of our people. Our roadmap will consist of looking for environmentally friendly alternatives in all aspects of our business: raw materials, production methods and production equipment and facilities. Waste Reduction: Strive for zero landfill. We will track and develop for month to month and year over year improvements. Energy Conservation: Strive do more with less through execution of a vision that continually reduces all resources. We will develop action plans that drive and track continual improvement across all these resources. Imperial commits to periodically keeping its customers and entire industry updated on their progress toward operating a more sustainable company. As of January 1, 2022, approximately 33% of the power used in Imperial domestic decoration and USA made visor facilities will be provided by solar energy. By the end of 2023, Imperial has the ambitious goal to move its best-selling performance fabrics, including the X210P lineup, to 100% recycled polyester. In addition, Imperial also intends on implementing Oeko-Tex®* certified cotton into its collections. Both changes will account for over 75% of products sold and set them on course to make that 100% by the end of 2024. “The journey towards sustainability and improved environmental responsibility will not be easy and will require many strategic decisions, new ways of thinking and working,” said David Shaffer, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Imperial. “One technology or process will not be the complete answer. It's more about being bold and having the courage to stand up, make these declarations and begin to align the tactics for our organization and operations.”

Imperial announced today a new partnership and e-commerce fundraising collaboration with the Carolinas Golf Association. Imperial will become an official “Partner of the Carolinas Golf Association” under the new agreement, and provide headwear for contestants in the CGA’s top competitive events in 2021, including the 107th Carolinas Amateur and the 95th Carolinas Women’s Amateur.Imperial will also be offering limited edition CGA headwear on their website – imperial1916.com – and a portion of the proceeds will be directed back to the Carolinas Golf Foundation, which supports a variety of Carolinas-based golf initiatives, including junior golf, player development, scholarships and turf grass research. “I am very excited to work with the Carolinas Golf Association to raise money for the Carolinas Golf Foundation,” said David Shaffer, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Imperial Headwear. “The CGA is run by great people, who do wonderful things for the game of golf and specifically amateur golf in the Carolinas.”The Limited Edition collection of hats offered online will include 14 styles in multiple colors with either a Carolinas Golf Association logo printed twill patch or a special military appreciation version of the CGA logo, featuring a camouflage and United States flag background. $10 from each cap sold online will go directly to the Carolinas Golf Foundation and free ground shipping is available on these hats too. Click here to view the entire collection of CGA headwear. “The CGA is looking forward to a special partnership with Imperial Headwear,” said Greg Norris, President of the Carolinas Golf Association. “They are the classic golf brand, make great products and proactively support projects that help grow the game.” About the Carolinas Golf Association (CGA) The CGA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational organization that was founded in 1909 to promote and to protect the game of golf in the Carolinas by providing competitions, education, support and benefits to golf clubs and golfers. The CGA is the second largest golf association in the country with over 700 member clubs represented by nearly 150,000 individuals. The CGA annually conducts 43 championships and five team match competitions for men, women, juniors, and seniors. It also runs over 140 One-Day (net and gross) events and qualifying for USGA national championships. The CGA serves golf in the Carolinas with numerous programs such as: the USGA Handicap System; tournament management software and support; course measuring and course/slope ratings; agronomy consultation; answers about the Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status, and Handicapping;Carolinas Golf Magazine; Interclub series; Tarheel Youth Golf Association; Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame; expense assistance for USGA Junior and Girls' Junior qualifiers from the Carolinas; and the Carolinas Golf Foundation (CGF). The CGF has distributed more than $1,500,000 since 1977 to benefit Carolinas' golf initiatives including junior and women's programs.

This week Imperial announced Andrew Lamie’s hire as the Company’s new sales representative in the Tennessee and Kentucky territory.“Andrew is a great addition to our sales team,” said David Shaffer, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Imperial. “He has a lot of enthusiasm and passion in what he does, I can’t wait for him to dive right into our golf business in Tennessee and Kentucky.” Lamie began his journey in the golf industry at an early age. Upon completion of the PGA PGM Program at Coastal Carolina University he decided to continue his education by earning his MBA at Charleston Southern University. After graduation, Andrew began his career coordinating tournaments including the 2012 PGA Championship and Ryder Cup as well as the 2013 U.S. Women’s Championship at the Country Club of Charleston. In 2014, Andrew made the move to Chicago to serve as the Championship Director for the 2015 U.S. Amateur Championship at Olympia Fields CC. Upon completion of that event, he continued working on various PGA, LPGA, and Web.com Tour events until 2017 when he transitioned into the golf sales world with a leading apparel vendor. Most recently, Lamie reprised his role as an Event Director for the Payne’s Valley Cup, the opening of Tiger Woods new course in Branson, MO. Throughout all his experiences in the golf world Andrew has consistently prided himself on building strong relationships, while maintaining a strong work ethic with every position he has held. Contact: Andrew LamieSales Representative – Tennessee & Kentucky andrew.lamie@pga.com(603) 630-4849

Imperial recently announced their continued partnership with the Gateway PGA Section, and the creation of theImperial – “The Hometown Hat of the Gateway PGA” Program. Imperial’s headquarters are just outside St. Louis, Missouri, which is also home to the Gateway PGA Section. Included in the partnership agreement between the two local organizations, Imperial will be the Title Sponsor of the Imperial Headwear Pro-Assistant Championship.Imperial will also provide all of the officially branded staff headwear for the Gateway PGA, Junior PGA, and participants of the Gateway PGA Pro Am tournaments in 2021-2022.“Imperial is very proud of our strong relationship with the Gateway PGA Section and we are happy to continue the partnership,” said Mike Wrightson, President of Imperial Headwear. “Our ties to the St. Louis community and the PGA of America are very important to our Company.”Imperial recently supported the Gateway PGA’s most prominent events hosted by hall of famer Ozzie Smith, The Annual Ozzie & Friends Pro-Am Tournament. Imperial created a unique cap with style X210P featuring a 3D Insignia of Ozzie Smith doing one of his signature backflips on the front. The annual event is held every year at the Country Club of St. Albans. Proceeds benefit the Gateway PGA Section and PGA Reach Foundation.“The Gateway PGA is honored to have Imperial Headwear headquartered in the same section in which we serve our PGA Members,” said Ali Wells,Executive Director of the Gateway PGA. “ Imperial is the Hometown Hat of the PGA, we value that relationship and look forward to our continued partnership and dedication to grow the game of golf in the area we both call home”.