Audio Outdoorist: Congressman Joe Neguse

Audio outdoorist

Congressman Joe Neguse (CO-2nd) speaks with OIA’s Director of Policy, Rich Harper, to discuss his recently introduced Civilian Climate Corps proposal, which has been included in President Biden’s American Jobs Plan. Neguse also talks about his Parks, Jobs and Equity Act, which would invest millions of dollars into urban parks, creating thousands of jobs and generating billions of dollars in local economic growth. Rich and the Congressman talk about the industry’s role in passing these measures and why this session might be our best shot and getting the bills through Congress and to the President’s desk.

 

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Support Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program

We urge you to express your support for a bill to create an Outdoor Equity Grant Program in Colorado: HB21-1318. If enacted, the program will connect more Colorado youth and their families to the benefits of our state’s public lands and will be funded by portions of lottery money that are currently allocated to the state’s general fund.

The bill just passed the state House and will be making its way through the state Senate soon, so please contact your state senator and urge them to co-sponsor and vote YES on HB21-1318.

If you are not based in Colorado, please share this with your networks in Colorado.

Webinar: Thriving People + Planet — Confronting Threats to the Outdoors

Speakers:
Lise Aangeenbrug – Executive Director, Outdoor Industry Association
Representative Joe Neguse (D-CO-02) – Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee’s Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands

Key Takeaways:

1. For the outdoors to thrive, it must be open and accessible to all.

2. The American Jobs Plan is a historic opportunity to make a difference on climate – now is the time for the outdoor industry to step up and urge Congress to act.

3. A Civilian Climate Corps will provide jobs and economic growth AND combat climate change and conserve green spaces for generations to come.

4. As outdoor climate policy priorities take center stage, your business voice matters.

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

Webinar: ​​​​​​2021 E-Commerce Growth in China for the North American Outdoor Industry

Speakers: Joseph Cooke, President and Co-founder of WPIC Marketing + Technologies; Todd Embley, Host and Executive Producer of The Negotiation podcast

Is growing your brand in the world’s largest online market on your organization’s trajectory for the next year? As the world emerges from the COVID pandemic, do you see opportunity for market growth across Greater China in the next year?

Join WPIC, a leading APAC e-commerce consultancy, for an exclusive webinar, discussing how outdoor industry brands from across North America can succeed in the Chinese market in 2021.

Whether your organization is in the market, is actively looking to launch in China in 2021 or is interested in learning more about the mechanics of a market entry, this webinar will feature insights across a variety of topics, including the following:

  • What sort of growth the outdoor industry can expect in 2021 and beyond
  • Which tactics drive growth in the market today
  • What are the first steps to successfully enter the market and what sort of results can a brand expect in its first year?
  • How will the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics affect consumer behavior?
  • How can North American brands solve challenges around logistics and capital expatriation?
  • What sort of data can be leveraged to drive decisions?

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.