Rocky Brands saw its net earnings grow by 30 percent to $2.0 million in the second quarter ended June 30, although sales dropped slightly to $68.6 million from $68.8 million in the year-ago period, due to one-time events such as the non-repetition of a seeding event with a major retailer. The gross margin improved to 33.0 percent of sales from 32.8 percent and the operating margin increased to 4.7 percent from 3.7 percent. Sales are expected to rise by a mid-single digit in the second half of this year. The company's brands include: Rocky, Georgia Boot, Durango, Lehigh, Creative Recreation and a license with Michelin tyres.