OSLO (Sept. 1, 2026) — Norrøna, the Norwegian outdoor brand regarded for its sustainably built, premium outerwear, today announced Jamie Baker as its new North American Sales Manager. In this role, Baker will lead wholesale and commercial strategy across the region as Norrøna continues to expand its presence in North America. He joins the brand after a career spent in senior commercial leadership roles at Arc’teryx, icebreaker and Smartwool, where he built a reputation for scaling premium, technical outdoor brands.

“Jamie has spent his career building trusted, premium outdoor brands, and that experience will be a real asset as we grow across North America,” says Gaute Fonkalsrud, chief sales officer at Norrøna. “He shares our passion for the mountains and our commitment to partnering closely with retailers to grow the right way. We’re excited to have him on board.”

Throughout his career, Jamie built a track record of turning growth targets into results, from strengthening key accounts to sharpening go-to market strategy for a shifting retail landscape. Most recently, he served on the North American leadership team for Smartwool and icebreaker, where he helped shape the combined commercial organization and led strategic initiatives spanning national accounts, specialty retail, digital marketplaces and business planning.

“I’m beyond excited to be a part of the Norrøna family,” says Baker. “I’m drawn to the brand’s heritage of innovation, uncompromising product quality and deep connection to the outdoors. I look forward to elevating this story to North American retailers and helping consumers discover Norrøna’s year-round outdoor products.”

For media inquiries, please contact corinne.baud@rygr.us.

###

About Norrøna: In 1929, Jørgen Jørgensen, a Norwegian outdoor enthusiast, began his search for durable outdoor equipment to perform in Norway´s harsh and rugged land. Starting with simple innovations such as leather straps, canvas backpacks and cotton clothing, he set Norrøna’s direction: To search for the best in technical advancements and to create the ultimate performance products. Today, four generations later, Norrøna is still a family-owned and run company and a leader in the growing market of sustainable sportswear. www.norrona.com

Asheville, NC, September 1, 2026 — Darby Communications, a leading East Coast public relations and digital marketing agency for outdoor, hunting, fishing, and endurance brands, is proud to announce a new Director of Emerging Services position and two promotions on its client services team. Stacy Kline will be promoted to Director of Emerging Services, and Gordon Brown will be a Senior Account Executive within the agency’s Hunt/Fish division.

These promotions reflect Darby Communications’ continued investment in developing talent from within the agency by building senior leadership around affiliate marketing and AI visibility services and adding account leadership depth to a growing roster of hunting, fishing, and conservation-focused clients.

“Stacy and Gordon are invaluable to this agency, and recognizing them with these promotions feels well deserved,” said Suzanne Hermann, VP of Client Services at Darby Communications. “Their leadership shows up everywhere—in the strategic guidance they give clients and the mentorship they offer their peers. These new titles reflect the difference they’ve already made and the impact yet to come.”

Stacy Kline, Director of Emerging Services

Stacy joined the Darby Communications team in February 2022 as an Account Coordinator. Since then, she has grown into a Senior PR Account Executive and Affiliate Specialist. In her new role as Director of Emerging Services, Stacy will own Darby’s affiliate marketing and AI Visibility service standards agency-wide, setting strategy, methodology, and platform standards used across all client accounts, while continuing to serve as a senior client lead on several outdoor PR accounts.

Gordon Brown, Senior Account Executive, Hunt/Fish Department

Gordon has been with the Darby Communications team since 2024. Leveraging his experience as a hunter, recruiter, and assistant coach for Castleton University’s football team, he quickly rose from Account Coordinator to Account Manager and Account Executive roles within the agency’s Hunt/Fish division. Gordon currently oversees public relations efforts for brands including KUIU, Shimano North America Fishing, Old Town Watercraft, Strike Footwear, National Land Realty, and Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.

As Senior Account Executive, Gordon will serve as the strategic owner of his Hunt/Fish accounts, leading client strategy, managing account teams, and mentoring junior staff as the department continues to grow.

For more information on the agency, its services, and its staff, visit www.darbycommunications.com.

About Darby Communications

Darby Communications is an East Coast-based public relations and digital marketing agency dedicated to supporting leaders within the outdoor, endurance, and hunting and fishing industries. We blend technical expertise and creative storytelling across a full range of services to grow awareness, strengthen reputation, and turn media and customers into brand advocates. Darby Communications is a trusted partner of respected brands such as KUIU, LOWA, Shimano, Jetboil, Old Town, Skratch, and HydraPak. Named Outdoor Media Summit’s 2025 Agency of the Year and AvantLink’s 2025 PR Agency of the Year Runner-Up, the agency is an AvantLink Certified Agency Partner and Living Wage Certified Employer. For more information, visit www.darbycommunications.com.

###

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON — (September 1, 2026) — MiiR, the Seattle-based lifestyle brand known for its premium drinkware and coffee brewing gear, today announced its first Ceramics Collection will launch September 29 on National Coffee Day. The collection will feature three handcrafted mugs that bring MiiR’s commitment to intentional design, responsible materials, and everyday function to a new category.

“Coffee has been a part of the MiiR story since the beginning, showing up in everything we make, from the Pourigami to the Coffee Canister and more,” says Bryan Papé, CEO and founder of MiiR. “Expanding into ceramics felt like a natural next step, and it also pushed us to think about how to translate MiiR’s design principles to a new material. The idea of slowing down and giving real attention to small daily rituals shaped every decision in this collection, from the silhouettes to the materials we chose for their durability and feel. It reflects the same principles we’ve carried since day one: minimal, considered, functional, and enduring.”

The Ceramics Collection includes the Moka Mug, New Diner Mug, and Stack Mug, each holding 11oz (325mL) and available in Gloss White, Gloss Gray, and Matte Black. The Moka Mug features a gently tapered silhouette and a comfortable handle for a clean and quiet aesthetic. The New Diner Mug offers a modern take on the classic diner-stye mug, with a handle design for a balanced, easy grip. Finally, the Stack Mug is designed to stack securely in tight spaces, pairing sculpted details with an ergonomic handle.

Each mug is crafted from New Bone China, a vegan alternative to traditional Bone China that offers increased durability and heat retention. The raw material is produced in large batches and incorporates 20% post-industrial recycled scrap to reduce manufacturing waste. The non-porous, hand-dipped glaze provides a clean finish and a blank template for customization for retail and hospitality partners. Each mug carries a unique Give Code^TM that connects the purchase to MiiR’s ongoing giving initiatives, which have contributed more than $5.6 million to non-profit partners to date.

The Ceramics Collection can be viewed on MiiR.com now and will be available for purchase September 29 on National Coffee Day, connecting the launch to MiiR’s broader coffee gear ecosystem, tools designed to support every step of the coffee ritual, from brewing to the first sip. The collection will also be available through MiiR’s CUSTOM program, which offers custom laser engraving, color options, and bulk pricing for corporate gifting, hospitality, and retail partners.

To learn more about the 2026 Ceramics Collection, visit MiiR.com or contact Kaitlyn Harvie (kaitlyn.harvie@rygr.us) and Corinne Baud (corinne.baud@rygr.us).

About MiiR

Seattle-based MiiR creates thoughtfully designed drinkware, bags, apparel, coffee accessories, and everyday essentials that blend function, style, and purpose. Since 2010, MiiR has contributed more than $5.6 million to nonprofits focused on social and environmental impact and is a Certified B Corporation, 1% for the Planet member, and Climate Neutral Certified brand. Each MiiR product features a unique Give Code™, empowering customers to connect directly with the company’s transparent giving initiatives. Celebrating 15 years of design, generosity, and collaboration, MiiR continues to create products that inspire people to get outside, connect, and make a positive impact.

Media Contact

Kaitlyn Harvie

rygr, MiiR

kaitlyn.harvie@rygr.us

Corinne Baud

rygr, MiiR

corinne.baud@rygr.us

 

CHICAGO, IL – The Bank of America Chicago Marathon today announced the introduction of structured, on-course refill stations in partnership with Culligan International, the global leader in water services. The new initiative marks an exciting sustainability and social responsibility milestone for the event, enabling race participants to refill personal hydration gear on course with cleaner, great-tasting water while reducing plastic waste.

Part of Culligan’s multi-year partnership with the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series, the on-course refill stations reinforce the events’ commitment to environmental responsibility with a first-of-its-kind approach in the United States and a first for World Major Marathons, leveraging Culligan’s water services expertise to reliably hydrate participants while accelerating practices that protect the planet.

“Sustainability has been one of our core focus areas for more than a decade, and the introduction of on-course refill stations represents an important next step,” said Carey Pinkowski, executive race director, Bank of America Chicago Distance Series. “Working with our partners at Culligan helps us sustainably meet the evolving needs of runners while continuing to reduce race day waste across our events – a win, win for everyone.”

The Culligan Water Refill Stations leverage proven science to deliver cleaner, better-tasting drinking water at high flow rates. Using high-capacity activated carbon filtration, the systems effectively reduce microplastics and unpleasant tastes or odors while ensuring high-quality hydration for participants throughout the course.

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon course will feature four Culligan Water Refill Stations, located immediately prior to Aid Station 4 (Mile 5.7), Aid Station 7 (Mile 10.1), Aid Station 12 (Mile 15.7), and Aid Station 16 (Mile 20.3). Chicago is the first Abbott World Marathon Major to formally enable personal hydration refills on course as participants can now refill their own approved self-carried hydration gear with Culligan-filtered water at each station.

“We are proud to innovate and leverage our expertise in service, science and sustainability right here in our hometown with the new Culligan Refill Stations,” said Al Hamood, president and chief operating officer, Culligan International. “Our partnership with the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series reflects our commitment to improving lives while protecting the planet, setting new industry standards in endurance races and elevating runner experiences.”

Sustainable advancements like this are only possible with collaboration across industries. HydraPak, an Official Vendor Partner of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, is supporting this innovative new experience providing race-day hydration products to help participants comfortably and safely carry their own gear while training and throughout major events like the Chicago Marathon.

Together, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Culligan International and HydraPak aim to build a scalable model for sustainable hydration at endurance running events.

Bank of America Chicago Marathon

In its 48th year, on Sunday, October 11, 2026, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon will welcome thousands of participants from more than 100 countries and all 50 states, including a world-class professional athlete field, top regional and Masters runners, race veterans, debut marathoners and charity participants. The race’s iconic course takes participants through 29 vibrant neighborhoods on an architectural and cultural tour of Chicago. Annually, more than a million spectators line the streets cheering on tens of thousands of participants from the start line to the final stretch down Columbus Drive. As a result of the race’s national and international draw, the Chicago Marathon assists in raising millions of dollars for a variety of charitable causes while generating over $755.9 million in annual economic impact to its host city. The 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, a member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, will start and finish in Grant Park beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 11. In advance of the race, a three-day Abbott Health & Fitness Expo will be held at McCormick Place Convention Center on Thursday, October 8, Friday, October 9, and Saturday, October 10. For more information about the event and how to get involved, go to chicagomarathon.com.

Culligan

Culligan makes a real difference to people and to the planet by providing clean, sustainable, great-tasting water and reducing reliance on single-use plastic. Culligan is one of the world’s most recognized, trusted names in water, a reputation built through a legacy of trust, innovation, service, and quality. Founded in 1936 in the United States, Culligan International operates in over 90 countries and has more than 18,000 employees worldwide. In 2024, the company reported revenue of $3.3 billion, with an average annual growth rate of approximately 34% (from 2016 to 2024). With over 22 million active installations, Culligan solutions serve more than 170 million consumers annually. This translates to an annual reduction of approximately 45 billion single-use plastic water bottles, saving almost 700 million kg of plastic and preventing more than 6 billion kg of CO₂ emissions.

The Culligan master brand covers a family of iconic brands and innovative technologies that include Quench, Zip Water, Purezza Premium Water and Culligan Zero which all share a mission to bring better water to consumers anywhere they need it – in the home, at work or on-the-go. Its product range includes under-sink filtration systems, water dispensers, multifunctional taps, bottle-free coolers, and water softening systems. For more information, visit www.culliganinternational.com or follow @HeyCulligan.

HydraPak

HydraPak® is the leading original equipment manufacturer of soft flasks, reservoirs, and water storage solutions globally. Founded in Northern California, the company is dedicated to producing flexible and durable hydration products tailored for recreational, athletic, and military use. HydraPak and its proprietary brand, Bottle Bright® cleaning tablets, are category leaders. Over the past 20 years, HydraPak has not only pioneered new product categories, but has also become a trusted partner for hundreds of renowned global brands and athletes. HydraPak created tutorials on how to move quickly through the refill stations, which can be found on HydraPak.com or YouTube.

For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts.

###

Reporters May Contact:

Alex Sawyer, Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Phone: 1.312.992.6618

alex.sawyer@cemevent.com

Diane Wagner, Bank of America

Phone: 1.312.992.2370

diane.wagner@bofa.com

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Sept. 1, 2026) — Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, the national organization dedicated to the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail, this month unveiled a newly created role — Director of Retailer Development — that will focus on strengthening direct relationships and support for its retailer members. It also announced the hire of Jenni Evertsen, who brings deep experience as an independent retail store owner and operator, to fill the role.

Evertsen will serve as a dedicated point of connection for Grassroots Outdoor Alliance retailer members — building relationships within the organization, identifying where Grassroots members collectively need expertise they don’t have, and creating learning experiences to help retailers achieve their goals.

Her scope will encompass member onboarding, professional growth, learning opportunities, communication between the organization and its members, and most importantly – between the members themselves. She will also lead education programming at the twice-annual Grassroots Connect Show.

“The creation of this new role reflects ongoing investment to better serve our members,” said Gabe Maier, President of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance. “Our retailers are owner-operators who, in many instances, manage every aspect of their businesses. We created this position to ensure that all Grassroots retailer members have a dedicated advocate as they navigate the opportunities and challenges of independent specialty retail. And we’re excited to welcome the right person to lead those efforts in Jenni.”

Evertsen brings 14 years of experience as an independent retail store owner and operator to her new role. During that time, she served on numerous small business boards and contributed to women-owned small business education programs in her network. Most recently, she worked as Specialty Sales Account Manager for Grand Trunk, a Grassroots vendor partner brand, where she supported Grassroots retailers directly.

“I’m excited to step into this new role and support the outstanding retailers in the Grassroots network,” Evertsen said. “My hope is to build a role centered on real connection, bringing retailers the education and resources they need, while always keeping sight of the people behind the stores.”

About Grassroots Outdoor Alliance

Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is a retailer-owned network of 100+ independently owned outdoor retailers and 75+ vendor partners, working together for the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail. Through data collection and analysis, direct member support, specialty events and deep vendor partnerships, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is creating both a vision and roadmap for the long-term success of independent specialty retail. Grassroots Outdoor Alliance also operates Connect, a twice-annual legacy show experience that spans four days, offering an efficient and structured format for retailers to conduct pre-season line showings and business conversations.

– X X X –

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. — (Aug. 27, 2026) – Roark, the travel-inspired apparel brand rooted in surf, adventure and storytelling, and musician Matt Costa are proud to announce the launch of Sonic Nomads, a 32-minute music track created specifically for running. The musical release complements Roark’s recently launched Sonic Nomads collection, an extension of the brand’s men’s run and active apparel line, with an audio experience designed to accompany runners throughout their run.

Created in partnership with Costa and EOSAS, an experiential sound collective founded by Costa, Sonic Nomads combines intentional pacing, analog frequencies and modular synthesis. Tested by members of the Roark team, the track moves from 126 to 150 beats per minute, creating a progression that carries runners from warm-up through cool-down.

“We created Sonic Nomads from a dry lake bed out in Joshua Tree, with synthesizers and guitar blasting from the back of a van as Roark runners kicked up dust around us,” said Matt Costa. “We took those live desert ideas into the studio and shaped them into a 32-minute sonic journey for running. I practice meditation and have worked a lot with binaural frequencies, so we infused the track with 6 Hz theta waves to help connect the body and brain and encourage focus and flow. It sounds trippy, but it’s really just music meeting science.”

With Sonic Nomads, Roark and EOSAS are taking brand-led music beyond the traditional campaign soundtrack, creating an original, standalone track designed specifically around the experience of running. The project marks a new chapter for Roark, expanding the brand’s storytelling into an original music release.

“Rhythm is an essential component to running, and Matt discovering that your heart rate can sync with the BPM of a song was mindblowing. The idea really resonated with us, and we felt the project would be a natural way to complement the Sonic Nomads collection,” said Ryan Hitzel, founder of Roark. “We’re always looking for ways to tell stories beyond the product, and creating something that could actually become part of the running experience felt like a really exciting direction for Roark. Being able to bring people together through running and give back to the community makes the project even more meaningful.”

The project also gives back to the running community and the places where runners move. All streaming royalties generated by the track will be donated to Runners for Public Lands, supporting the nonprofit’s work to protect public lands and build a community of runners who advocate for the places where they run.

Sonic Nomads is available Aug. 27 across all major streaming platforms.

About Roark

Roark is a travel-inspired brand rooted in surf, adventure and storytelling. Built for the journey, Roark creates versatile apparel designed for the modern traveler to move effortlessly between the trail, the ocean and everyday life. For more information, visit roark.com and follow @roark.

About Matt Costa, EOSAS

Matt Costa is a musician, songwriter and founder of EOSAS, an experiential sound collective focused on creating musical experiences that uplift artists, inspire community and give back. A longtime artist with a career spanning indie rock, folk and experimental music, Costa blends organic instrumentation, analog sound and immersive sonic elements to create music rooted in connection, movement and exploration. Through EOSAS, Costa partners with musicians and values-aligned brands to reimagine how music can bring people together and create positive impact. For information, visit mattcosta.org and follow @mattcostamusic.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT & MONTREAL, QUEBEC (AUGUST 26, 2026) – norda, the performance footwear brand built on advanced material innovation, and Black Diamond Equipment, a global leader in mountain sports equipment and apparel, are proud to announce a long-term partnership and launch an alpine running collection grounded in respect for the demands of technical mountain environments and the craft of the athletes who move through them.

Black Diamond’s most expansive collaboration in its four-decade existence, the collection brings together norda’s unparalleled innovation in footwear material science and Black Diamond’s rich heritage in mountain equipment. The result is both evolutionary and timeless: tools for the trail, built from experience, aimed at aligning the fast energy of technology with the slower cadence of nature through gear that clears the mind and creates space to explore.
The offerings encompass a fully integrated kit for efficient alpine movement, many pieces of which were developed with insight from Black Diamond and norda mountain runner Joe Grant. An all-new norda 000 shoe model, designed for high mountain running, is accompanied by a selection of innovative Black Diamond pieces reimagined with cutting-edge materials: the Distance 15 Pack, Distance Carbon Z FKT poles, Mini Mission Duffel 30L, Miniwire Carabiner, T-Shirt, and Cap. The collection’s color palette — subtle obsidian and moonstone shades, contrasted by soft pink kunzite — draws from minerals found in mountain environments.

“norda and Black Diamond are both makers of pinnacle products, crafted by iconoclasts who refuse to indulge the status quo,” said norda co-founders Nick and Willa Martire. “With our unparalleled footwear expertise and their extensive history of making the most advanced mountain equipment, we can leverage our shared beliefs and mindset to create incomparable tools for alpine running and exploration, products that empower athletes to explore, discover, and push their boundaries.”

“This collaboration truly represents the best of the best in mountain sports: two pinnacle brands coming together in a creative partnership that harnesses the complementary strengths of each,” said Neil Fiske, President of Black Diamond. “We are honored to partner with norda on this exciting new venture and look forward to the stream of innovation that will emanate from it.”

The inaugural norda x Black Diamond collection debuted at Sanglard Sports in Chamonix, France today, August 26, and is available now at nordarun.com and blackdiamondequipment.com. It will arrive at Black Diamond retail stores in the US, Innsbruck, and Seoul as well as a curated group of global stockists beginning August 31.

Collection Highlights

• 000 ($295): An all-new shoe model, designed to provide the ground feel and responsiveness necessary for high mountain running. Features include seamless bio-circular Dyneema® uppers, an all-new Vibram® Stream midsole, and a custom norda x Vibram® Megagrip® and Litebase® soleplate with 5mm lugs. Available in Moonstone, Obsidian and Kunzite. See the attached technical specifications sheet for more info.
• Distance 15 Pack ($299.95): Built for speed, comfort and durability during demanding alpine endurance missions. Exclusively constituted using ultralight, waterproof Challenge Sailcloth UltraWeave 100D, which is PFAS-free and 15 times stronger than steel by weight. Available in Glacier Grey.
• Distance Carbon Z FKT Poles ($279.95): Ultralight technical poles designed for efficient power transfer. Speed Cone technology enables instant deployment, and a quick-connect glove strap is reinforced with Dynex. Available in Obsidian/Kunzite.
• Mini Mission Duffel 30L ($329.95): A limited-edition extension of the Mission Duffel made of Challenge Sailcloth UltraWeave 400D fabric for a zero-waste ethos. Available in Obsidian and Glacier Grey.
• Miniwire Carabiner ($11.95): The lightest carabiner in the Black Diamond line, embellished with another company’s logo for the first time ever. Available in Kunzite.
• T-Shirt ($95): Three pre-faded, made in the USA tees, constructed of 100% cotton with a relaxed fit and reinterpretations of archival Black Diamond graphics. Available in Kunzite, Washed Black, and Off White.
  Cap ($85): Pre-faded unstructured six-panel hat with a Black Diamond x norda logo. Available in Garnet and Washed Black.

 

About Black Diamond Equipment

Black Diamond Equipment is a global leader in designing innovative outdoor-engineered equipment and apparel for climbing, skiing, and mountain sports. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, Black Diamond is known for its commitment to performance, durability, and purposeful design. For more information, visit www.blackdiamondequipment.com.

About norda®

Founded in Montreal, Canada, in 2020 and headquartered in the mountains of Quebec’s Eastern Townships, norda® is a privately held footwear and apparel company. norda® is inspired by Canada’s toughest conditions, and committed to crafting the highest-performance products. As avid athletes and adventurers, we understand the technical specifications required to deliver a product that we can not only trust, but unwaveringly rely on.