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.”

Playing golf and networking go hand-in-hand... It’s undeniable how integrated the game is with the world of business. Golf can be an invaluable tool for forging relationships with peers, clients, vendors and suppliers. For women especially, golf can contribute to their professional success through relationship-building, but also by helping them to feel more assertive and comfortable taking risks. Since the 1990’s, business executive and retired golf professiona Jane Blalock has served over 45,000 women through the KPMG Women’s PGA Clinics. Imperial recently caught up with the 27-time LPGA Tour champion in an interview detailing the inspiration behind these clinics, and her mission to make the game more approachable and accessible for female executives. Titled-sponsored by the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and implemented in partnership with the PGA of America, this nationwide series of full day Clinics is led by PGA/LPGA Certified Coaches and provides best in class fundamentals and on-course instruction to executive women, entrepreneurs, leaders and influencers in a dozen major U.S. markets annually. With Blalock at the helm and still hosting numerous Clinic sites in person, this unique program designed to advance women through the game of golf shows no signs of letting up. Imperial’s relationship with the KPMG Women’s PGA Clinics started back in 2019 when we teamed up to create a curated collection of ladies headwear bearing the Clinic’s embroidered logo. The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship Golf Clinics Collection is an assortment of small fit hats and visors for women including performance fabric, mesh back styles and visors offered in a variety of colors. and in a junior size. Designed to help you perform your best in the moment, the combination of lightweight breathable fabrics and sun protection qualities will have you focusing on your next shot instead of battling the heat. 5 Questions with Jane Blalock • Why did you start the golf clinics for women? What was/is your vision for the program? While in the financial business with Merrill Lynch after leaving LPGA, I participated in numerous golf events for networking and relationship development. Typically, I was the only woman in the mix – and these were valuable interactions. I set out to encourage women to join in , to be a part of the business and social conversations taking place on the golf course. I created the Clinic program so women could learn the game, understand the language and etiquette around it and build enough confidence to participate in company outings or invite a client to play. Today, we’re proud to see many women attending with clients and customers and using the day to foster and strengthen relationships while learning the game and improving their skills together. Our current national partners definitely see the value in engaging their female associates; many have been participating for years. • In your opinion, what is the best part of the Clinic day? Personally, I think the best part of the day is the après golf networking segment. During that final hour, after everyone has spent the day working on their games and playing out on the course with their PGA/LPGA coaches, we receive so many thank you’s andpromises to no longer remain on the sidelines when it comes to golf. It’s rewarding – and empowering – to see the shift from somewhat timid and uncertain first thing in the morning to confident and fully capable by the end of the day. It says a lot about the program, our instructors and frankly, the women who participate. You can really feel the energy at the end of the day, and it’s inspiring. • How does your career as a professional golfer influence what you share with Clinic attendees? Given all of the events and pro-am tournaments in which I played alongside the other gender for many years, I am able to convince our Clinic participants thatthey don’t have to worry about being any good , as their male counterparts are not. I’ve seen a lot of men hit poor shots and it’s no big deal – they just move on to the next one. • What should I practice most if I want to impress my co-workers and clients on the golf course? Newer players should make an effort to understand the etiquette and play efficiently, which means know how to get around the golf course, where to stand, how to behave when others are hitting and so on. Pay attention to your pace of play – don’t hold others up looking for lost balls or hitting a lot of shots on one hole. Regardless of your skill level, be gracious and respectful – it will be remembered. It’s also a good idea to save the business chatter for the 19th hole. • Why should I attend a KPMG Women’s PGA Clinic? Take it from past attendees – it’s a game changer. You can know absolutely nothing about golf and leave the day with the same level of confidence as a decent player. You can be a great player and leave the day understanding what you need to do to get even better. You might close a business deal. You will definitely make new friends. It’s about golf, of course, but what you take away from the day in terms of relationship-building and making new connections is priceless. I think a lot of people are craving in-person engagement now more than ever – golf is a safe, social, and outdoor activity you can enjoy for a lifetime. There’s no better time than now to jump start or elevate your golf game and participate in a KPMG Women’s PGA Clinic .

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