The fitness company has reached a settlement with the plaintiff in the Barnhard vs. Cybex product liability case that had a $66 million jury verdict handed down in Dec. 2010.

In providing preliminary sales guidance for the FY and Q4, BDE said it expected to report Q4 sales of at least $36 million, up at least 6% from the $34 million recorded last year.

Commercials featuring animals, particularly dogs, had the highest ratings among panelists on the annual USA Today/Facebook Ad Meter Panel.

The national co-operative is distributing $600,000 to 14 nonprofits throughout the U.S. through its Stewardship Leader Grants.

The mission of the Boston-based nonprofit (www.goodsports.org) is to assist youth with the opportunity to play sports.

One of the original Nike employees, Hollister passed away at the age of 66 after a long battle with cancer.