Webinar: 2021 Threats to the West and the Best Policies to Address Them

Speakers: Dave Metz, Partner and President, FM3 Research
Lori Weigel, Principal, New Bridge Strategy

The 11th annual Conservation in the West survey sponsored by Colorado College’s State of the Rockies Project is the most comprehensive view of Western-state voters’ attitudes about conservation issues and challenges. In years past, the survey has focused on issues such as state control of public lands, water rights and wildfire. The 2021 survey has a heavy focus on climate change and how lands and waters can affect that crisis. Our panel of pollsters will highlight findings from this year’s report, key distinctions among different racial/ethnic sub-groups within this region and how current or future federal and state policies can address conservation issues.

CLIMATE ACTION: MAKE BETTER. A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT HOW CLIMATE ACTION CORPS COMPANIES ARE REDUCING SUPPLY CHAIN EMISSIONS

Presenters: Theresa Conn, Global Distribution and Sustainability Manager, NEMO; Rachel Lincoln, Director of Sustainability & Product Ops, prAna; Joleen Ong, Sustainable Manufacturing Manager, Columbia Sportswear Co; Steve Richardson, Brand Solutions, Archroma US Inc; Jenn Swain, Director of Global Sustainability Burton; Michael Sadowski Advisor to the Climate Action Corps

Description: If you’re not already down the path of reducing your carbon footprint, let us help you get a jump start. From recycled content to renewable energy, join this session to gain inspiration and practical know-how to drive down carbon emissions where it matters most – your supply chain. Find out what collaborative projects and new resources the Climate Action Corps has in store for 2021.

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PROSPECTS FOR CLIMATE SOLUTIONS IN THE 117TH CONGRESS: A CONVERSATION WITH SENATOR SHELDON WHITEHOUSE

Presenters: Amy Horton, Outdoor Industry Association; Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, (D-RI)

Description: Climate change threatens the outdoor experience that our industry depends on. While our businesses invest in ambitious carbon reduction and removals in our operations and supply chains, we must also step up to advocate, engage our consumers and enable broader system change through effective policy at all levels of government. Recent legislative and administrative action brings hope, but narrower margins in both the House and Senate impart cautious optimism. In this session, long-time climate champion Senator Sheldon Whitehouse reveals his optimism for what can get done this Congress and why now is a critical time for outdoor businesses to show up. This discussion will both inspire and provide practical insight on what federal legislative action is possible, what it will take and how the outdoor business voice can play a key role.

  • Welcome, intros and summary of outdoor industry climate policy priorities, Amy Horton, Outdoor Industry Association
  • Long-time climate champion Senator Sheldon Whitehouse shares his prospects and strategies for climate policy progress and suggestions for how the outdoor business community can be a helpful partner.
  • Q&A from OIA members and partners

A NEW BEGINNING? OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR OUTDOOR PRODUCTS AND GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS IN 2021A NEW BEGINNING? OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR OUTDOOR PRODUCTS AND GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS IN 2021

Moderator: Rich Harper; Outdoor Industry Association

Presenters: Sara Bowersox, Senior Manager of Global Trade Compliance, OIATAC Vice Chair, Keen; Ben Christensen, VP of Operations, OIATAC Chair, Simms Fishing Products; Brent Meriam, COO, NEMO Equipment; Loren VandenBerghe, Director Global Logistics, REI; Emily Vedaa, Senior Manager, Global Customs & Trade, Columbia Sportswear

Description: Over the past few years, outdoor companies, from importers to domestic manufacturers alike, have had to deal with a series of threats to their supply chains, from steel and aluminum tariffs and the US-China trade war, to the covid-19 pandemic and the uncertainty of what may come next. With a new administration and Congress, outdoor companies look to turn the corner and take advantage of a surge in interest in outdoor recreation by doing what they do best: develop and bring to market innovative outdoor apparel, footwear and equipment to enhance the outdoor experience. Join us for an informative discussion with representatives from several outdoor companies on how they have dealt with multiple disruptions to their businesses and supply chains and where they see opportunities for growth in 2021 and beyond.

THRIVING PEOPLE AND THRIVING BUSINESS: OUTDOOR COMPANIES LEADING WITH INCLUSIVE AND REPRESENTATIVE MARKETING

Moderator: Miho Aida, NatureBridge

Presenters: Janice Tennant, Merrell; Mirna Valerio, Merrell Brand Advocate; Allison Miles, Ruffwear; Vasu Sojitra, The North Face Athlete

Description: Diversity and inclusion should not be performative buzzwords. Hear from brands that are doing the work to rethink their marketing strategies, build authentic relationships and incorporate strong representation in their advertising. These industry voices will explore best practices in diversity and inclusive marketing, give insights into steps their companies are taking and discuss the future of marketing within the outdoor industry.

THRIVING PEOPLE, THRIVING PLANET AND THRIVING BUSINESSES: BIDEN, CONGRESS AND THE OUTDOOR RECREATION ECONOMY

Presenters: George Cooper, Forbes-Tate; Rich Harper, Outdoor Industry Association; Taldi Harrison, REI; Amy Horton, Outdoor Industry Association; Mike Ratchford, W.L. Gore & Associates; Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.); Jeannie Renne-Malone, VF Corporation

Description: The 2020 general election was one of the most consequential in U.S. history for the outdoor recreation economy. And outdoor voters responded in record numbers in support of all aspects of our policy priorities. With a new administration and Congress, we now have the opportunity to build on the success of the Great American Outdoors Act and help tackle climate change, protect our public lands and waters, expand access to the outdoors for all Americans and help our industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic with new investments in green infrastructure and close-to-home recreation and a balanced trade agenda. Join us for an exciting conversation on what lies ahead for the outdoor recreation economy and how we can play a meaningful role.

THRIVING PEOPLE AND THRIVING PLANET: THE 30 BY 30 INITIATIVE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE A SHARED OUTDOOR FUTURE

Presenters: Lise Aangeenbrug, Outdoor Industry Association; Raina Thiele, Thiele Strategies; Maite Arce, Hispanic Access Foundation; Whit Fosburgh, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership; Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš, Azul; Hans Cole, Patagonia

Description: Join us to find out more about 30 by 30 for People & Planet — an effort to protect at least 30 percent of America’s land and ocean area by 2030. Embraced by national and global thought leaders, the movement is likely to get more attention under a Biden administration. We’ve invited panelists with diverse perspectives — outdoor recreation advocates, sportsmen, tribal leaders and equity in the outdoors experts — to discuss how we can work together to simultaneously and symbiotically support public and private land conservation traditions in the U.S., address climate change, honor the sovereignty of tribal nations and ensure equitable access for current and future generations.

THRIVING PEOPLE AND PLANET: HOW PUBLIC POLICY CAN BUILD AN OUTDOORS FOR ALL

Moderator: Stephanie Maez, Outdoor Foundation

Presenters: Lesford Duncan, Outdoor Outreach; Deb Haaland, Secretary-Designate of Interior; Mike Knopp, RIVERSPORT Foundation; Axie Navas, New Mexico Office of Outdoor Recreation; Matthew Millspaugh, California Department of Parks and Recreation

Description: The Thrive Outside Initiative is focused on reversing the declining trend of outdoor engagement by working at the grassroots level, empowering diverse communities across America to make outdoor recreation an accessible lifestyle for all. While engaging in local communities and networks is critical, it is also imperative to work with policymakers at the local, state and federal levels to ensure that all youth and their families can thrive outside.

Join a panel of outdoor leaders, including Secretary-Designate of Interior Deb Haaland, as we discuss how public policy can increase outdoor participation in diverse communities and how increasing participation, in turn, supports outdoor policy and benefits such as youth development, environmental stewardship, overall health and wellness and more.

CLIMATE ACTION: RUN CLEANER. RENEWABLE ENERGY 101: SOURCING 100 PERCENT RENEWABLE IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK

Presenters: Bret Estep, Tenaska Renewable Energy Advisory Services; Michael Sadowski, Advisor to OIA; Sue Long, Sustainability Initiative Manger, REI

Description: Green Tariffs. REC. PPA. What does it all mean? If your company wants to source renewable energy in the United States but finds the landscape of acronyms and complex terminology dizzying, join this 101 session and let us cut through the clutter to bring you the need-to-know basics.

THE OUTDOOR BUSINESS CLIMATE PARTNERSHIP PRESENTS: CLIMATE ADVOCACY IN 2021

Presenters: Amy Horton, Outdoor Industry Association; Geraldine Link, National Ski Areas Association; Chris Steinkamp, Snowsports Industries America; Representative John Curtis (R-UT); Representative Joe Neguse (D-CO); Brendan McGuire, Vail Resorts

Description: The new administration has the most progressive climate agenda of any administration in U.S. history. There are lots of exciting changes in store, but also lots of hard work from all of us to make the most out of this opportunity to tackle this existential threat. Join us to learn more about the outlook and opportunities for progress at the federal level and how the winter outdoor industry can play a lead role in advancing federal climate policy in the new administration and 117th Congress.