BOULDER, Colo. – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) President Kent Ebersole today announced U.S. Representative Adrian Smith, R-NE, chair of the Trade Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee, as a recipient of OIA’s Friend of the Industry Award.
“Rep. Smith is a long-time champion of the outdoor economy and OIA’s balanced trade agenda. He led the effort to add travel goods to the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), resulting in $300 million in duty savings annually for outdoor companies and a $5 billion shift of trade out of China. We look forward to continuing to work with him as a leader in the effort to renew GSP and pass a package of miscellaneous tariff bills (MTBs) to support the bottom line of outdoor companies, local businesses, and American communities.”
“I’m honored to receive this award. A strong outdoor industry needs sound trade policy to level the playing field and compete fairly in the global marketplace. We must continue to aggressively pursue American interests to the benefit of businesses, manufacturers, and consumers alike,” said Rep. Smith.
The Friend of the Outdoor Industry Award is awarded to members of Congress in recognition of their legislative leadership on outdoor recreation issues, protecting public lands and waterways, and supporting the $862 billion outdoor industry and its 4.5 million employees.
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About the Outdoor Industry Association
Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. For more than 30 years, OIA has served as the trusted convenor, resource, and voice of the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves manufacturers, suppliers, sales representatives, and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation, and outdoor participation. The association provides its members with insights, advocacy, and opportunities for action that support the long-term success of outdoor businesses and ensure the outdoor experience for all. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.
