A Washington Town Hall on Trade for Outdoor Companies

When: Wednesday, May 5

OIA Director of Government Affairs Rich Harper will lead a discussion with OIA’s outside trade counsels, Ron Sorini and Andrew Samet, on the wide range of issues that impact global supply chains of critical importance to outdoor companies. Sorini, Samet & Associates has represented OIA for over 15 years, helping our membership navigate a myriad of issues, from punitive tariffs on products sourced from China to securing duty-free treatment for travel goods in the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

These are among the topics that Rich, Ron and Andrew will discuss:

  • China tariffs: how long they might continue and prospects for a new exclusion process
  • What the focus in Washington on forced labor means for the industry
  • Implications of the Biden administration’s Build Back Better plan for the industry
  • Shipping challenges for outdoor companies
  • The prospects for new tariffs or free trade stemming from the Section 301 investigations with Vietnam
  • The future of critical trade programs such as GSP and miscellaneous tariff bills (MTBs)
  • Your questions

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.