Archives: Press Releases

Portland, Ore., (August 2, 2023) – Vimazi, maker of the first ever pace-tuned running shoes, and Simon Bartold, globally recognized podiatrist to the running elite and advanced development consultant for industry leaders ASICS and Salomon, announce today a partnership to have Bartold be Vimaz’s exclusive distributor for Australia and New Zealand.

Bartold, who has been a respected voice in running footwear for decades, has been a strong advocate for the design of running shoes based on running pace, a factor he believes is crucial in injury prevention and promoting body harmony. His discovery of Vimazi, whose name is derived from Greek roots signifying ‘pace-zone,’ symbolizes the perfect embodiment of this philosophy.

“My mission for all the years I have spent advising footwear companies is to follow the science. The science tells us that building running shoes based on how fast the athlete runs, rather than the current focus of running footwear, will determine running function,” says Bartold. “Building shoes to recognise the runner’s pace is likely to improve performance and protect the runner from injury. When I discovered Vimazi and their focus on pace and science I couldn’t wait to jump on board with the team.”

Vimazi, which unveiled its debut line of road running shoes earlier this spring, has already made a notable impact in the running community. The brand, thanks to its innovative approach to running shoe design and its commitment to optimal performance, has quickly caught the attention of industry experts and runners alike.

The company is set to further expand its product range with the upcoming launch of two trail running models, an addition that promises to offer trail runners an unparalleled blend of design, comfort and pace-specific functionality.

With the inclusion of Simon Bartold in its ranks, Vimazi strengthens its position as a key player in the footwear industry, bringing a revolutionary approach to running shoe design and functionality to the AU & NZ markets.

“Simon brings his wealth of expertise to Vimazi at a critical time in modern running shoe evolution and promises to help better connect with runners searching for health and performance in their footwear,” says Vimazi CEO, Scott Tucker. “I can think of no better person to bolster our team and connect our technology to running health than Simon Bartold.”
To learn more about Vimazi, follow along on social media and sign up for their email newsletter at https://vimazi.com/.

About Simon Bartold
Simon Bartold is a world-renowned podiatrist, who has worked extensively with elite athletes and leading footwear brands, including ASICS and Salomon. His approach to footwear design, based on matching the running shoe to an individual’s pace, has influenced the running footwear industry globally.

About Vimazi
Founded by industry veterans and life-long marathoners, Vimazi pace-tuned running shoes are engineered to reduce shock and increase energy efficiency because they react to the forces you create at your pace. The technology is backed by physics and provides increased propulsion and better health with every step. For additional information, please visit vimazi.com or email faster@vimazi.com.

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MANCHESTER, Vt. (Aug. 1, 2023) — Orvis, a leading retailer in home and travel dog products, fly-fishing and outdoor apparel today announced the launch of its new RecoveryZone® dog beds. The company’s most innovative dog bed yet delivers science-based rest and recovery for four-legged family members providing them with a lifetime of health of wellness. Orvis was the first company to commercialize the dog bed in the United States in 1977.

“We’ve built the best dog bed on the market for maximum rest and recovery,” said Brandon Jorgensen, product designer at Orvis. “We developed it over three years, evaluated 12 different prototypes and sought expert consultation from veterinary partners (and dogs) across the country. The result is a bed built on good clean science with one goal in mind – a long, healthy life for your dog.”

The RecoveryZone® dog beds combine two foam densities, a four-inch medium-density solid foam base topped with a one-inch SereneFoam^TM layer. The combination maximizes weight distribution, reducing pressure points and stress on a dog’s joints, muscles, and ligaments when laying down, and increases circulation, allowing dogs to recover faster. The one-inch SereneFoam^TM layer creates airflow and breathability that better regulates a dog’s body temperature. The result is a more comfortable, better night’s sleep so your dog can recharge faster.

“Just like us, rest and recovery are essential for dogs’ physical and mental health,” said Dr. Kurt Venator, chief vet officer at Purina. “According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, joint issues or osteoarthritis occurs in approximately 25% of dogs. That percentage grows as active dogs get older. Anything we can do to reduce pressure points, muscle soreness or reduce inflammation when they rest will dramatically help our dogs get back into action. Additionally, dogs sleep 12 hours a day on average, and it is critical for their brain health, overall metabolism, and even immune function. An optimal sleep environment that allows for ideal rest and recovery is key for a healthy, happy, and long life for your dog.”

Ideal for all sleep styles, the couch bed’s full-height, solid-foam bolster is gently sloped to support dogs regardless of where they lay their heads, while the lounger bed is perfect for dogs that like to stretch out in a go-anywhere shape. For easy care and longevity, RecoveryZone® beds have a machine-washable, water-resistant liner that keeps the bed protected. Human-grade, low VOC upholstery featuring fur-masking microtexture for easy cleaning and no-chew handles mean a bed that is built to last a lifetime.

RecoveryZone dog beds range in sizes small to extra large, price from $169 to $559, eight assorted colors and patterns, and ToughChew® and FleeceLock® styles. To learn more, visit Orvis.com.

About Orvis

Founded in 1856, Orvis inspires the world to share and celebrate the adventure and wonder in nature. Orvis pioneered the mail-order industry in the United States and operates more than 80 retail stores in the U.S. Additionally, it maintains a network of over 400 dealers worldwide as a trusted source of discovery and adventure in the natural world through fly fishing, wingshooting and our connection with dogs. A purpose-led company, Orvis commits 5% of pretax profits each year to ensuring the sustainable future of fly fishing, wingshooting, and the natural world for future generations. To learn more visit Orvis.com.

 

 

 

 

SEATTLE (August 1, 2023) — Outdoor Research, the Seattle-based manufacturer of high-performance technical outdoor apparel, this week published its inaugural Annual Impact Report, highlighting its commitment to sustainability, inclusivity and responsible corporate practices. The report is a tool OR will use to annually share its progress, achievements and future targets around its efforts as a responsible global corporate citizen.

“The textile industry’s impact on the environment is significant, and we recognize our responsibility to take action to mitigate the effects of our business on the planet,” said Roger Barton, President of Outdoor Research. “Our inaugural Annual Impact Report reflects our commitment to sustainability and our vision for an inclusive and ethical future in the outdoor apparel industry.”

Outdoor Research has taken significant steps in recent years to drive positive change though its business practices. Among the report’s key highlights are Outdoor Research’s efforts to source sustainable materials, promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within its workforce, nurture supplier relationships, and champion workers’ rights. The company has also made progress in mitigating its carbon footprint by transitioning to renewable energy sources and utilizing advanced tracking tools to measure and improve its environmental impact.

The 2022 Annual Impact Report outlines the company’s successes and challenges in its sustainability journey. By sharing the achievements and acknowledging areas for improvement, Outdoor Research demonstrates its commitment to transparency, inviting its customers to be an integral part of their path to a more sustainable and inclusive future.

“We believe transparency is crucial in fostering trust and building a strong relationship with our customers,” said Dan Mayers, Brand Communications Manager. “Our Inaugural Annual Impact Report reflects our dedication to improving how we operate our business. We’re proud to join others in the outdoor industry who are holding themselves accountable to their customers and stakeholders.”

The Outdoor Research team invites everyone to explore the report and learn more about the company’s approach to balancing environmental responsibility with maintaining the high standard of quality and performance that its products are renowned for. The full report can be accessed at https://www.outdoorresearch.com/us/responsibility.

About Outdoor Research

Since 1981, Outdoor Research has created trusted apparel, accessories, and equipment for you to thrive outside. Our award-winning outdoor gear is meticulously researched and tested for outdoor enthusiasts and military users around the globe. Grounded in our values of curiosity, passion, innovation, collaboration and community, we strive to create space for all in the outdoors. We celebrate wins outside at every level together with our ambassadors, non-profit partners and employees. Join us at outdoorresearch.com.

 

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San Clemente, Calif. – August 1, 2023 – Nomadix, a social purpose corporation and makers of The Only Towel You Need®, made from post-consumer recycled materials, is proud to announce that it has been recertified as Climate Neutral for the second year in a row.

“The textile industry is responsible for 10% of all global carbon emissions. To put into perspective, that is more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined,” said Nomadix Co-founder and CEO, Zack Helminiak. “We believe that all businesses have a great responsibility and should take ownership for their impact on the planet. Through the great work of our team, we recertified Climate Neutral for the second year in a row by offsetting our full 2022 greenhouse gas emissions.”

Nomadix made big strides toward its goal of reducing overall emissions by 2030 through the hard work of its team on the brand’s Roadmap to Sustainability which was established in 2022. The Nomadix Roadmap to Sustainability includes six action items for change: reduce air freight shipping emissions by 50% in the next two years, transition to at least 50% renewable energy at Nomadix HQ office/warehouse, remove 100% of virgin plastic from production, transition from 2-day air to ground shipping across all D2C shipments, switch 3PL warehouse equipment from LPG to electric, and expand end-of-life solutions for its products.

“Reaching climate neutrality means we’re removing greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere at the same rate that we’re emitting them,” said Mia Helminiak, director of community engagement for Nomadix. “We offset 100% of our emissions with the help of our partner organization, Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF), to support removing emissions from the environment as well as avoiding emissions from energy and industry. However, offsetting is a temporary fix, which is why we’re committed to further action toward positive environmental change. With the Nomadix Roadmap to Sustainability and a bold list of commitments, we plan to cut our emissions in half by 2030. Next steps? Holding ourselves accountable for our impact.”

In 2022, Nomadix partnered with the following organizations for offset projects: Envira Amazonia, Gansu Wind Project, Promise The Pod, West Coast Tree Planting, and Tribal Renewable Energy Fund.

ABOUT NOMADIX

California-based Nomadix launched in 2015 with The Only Towel You Need® – a multi-purpose towel that performs for any activity, including travel, yoga, boating, and at the beach. Nomadix understands that the environmental footprint of the products people buy will have an impact on the planet that lasts longer than we will. A commitment to discovering durable, multi-purpose, responsibly manufactured solutions that will leave the planet better than we found it is part of its ethos – Own less. Do more. Nomadix is a member of 1% for The Planet and is Climate Neutral Certified. Today, Nomadix is carried in major retailers in the United States, including REI, West Marine and Boardriders, and is distributed in 31 countries around the world. Visit www.nomadix.co for more information.

MARBLEHEAD, Mass., (August 1, 2023) – Italy’s UYN^® (Unleash Your Nature), a global leader in sustainable and bio-based technical apparel, footwear and accessories, today named Granite Marketing as sales agency for the Rocky Mountain region, specifically Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.  Effective immediately, Granite Marketing, headed by outdoor industry veteran Steve Copeland, will introduce UYN to the winter sport, outdoor and footwear channels.

Officially launched in the U.S. this past March, UYN introduced its first line of base layers, manufactured in Pennsylvania, in addition to footwear, entirely derived from socks, and the only sock design without cuffs for maximum performance. UYN is engineered for consumers ranging from outdoor enthusiasts, active city dwellers and everyday consumers looking for top performance and planet-friendly options. UYN is scheduled to open its first store in Boston this fall.

“Granite Marketing has a solid track record working with the most iconic outdoor brands in the U.S,” said John Phaneuf, U.S. director of sales for UYN Sports. “Steve and his experienced team are already hard at work telling the UYN story founded upon the commitment to use next generation bio-based materials. We look forward to leveraging their expertise to introduce more retailers and consumers to the UYN family.”

Copeland, recently named president of the Outdoor Market Alliance, represents Asolo, ENO, EXPED, Gregory, Farm to Feet, Industrial Revolution, Lamo, Toad&Co, and Snow Peak.

“UYN brings a fresh perspective to the competitive outdoor market because of its Academy for Research and Engineering in Apparel and Sports (AREAS), a state of the art research and design center subjecting products to the toughest tests in a rain room and a cold chamber and testing on a thermal mannequin,” said Copeland. “Their footwear and apparel are as incredibly durable as they are sustainable. We look forward to helping them grow in such an important region.”

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About Granite Marketing

Granite Marketing Inc. based in Denver, is led by principal rep Steve Copeland, working closely with associate reps Marvin Wedell, Mike McCord, and Stephanie Weeden. Together, they have over 25 years of experience exploring the mountains, forests, and rivers of the Rockies. As retail buyers, managers, and staff, Granite knows how to identify quality outdoor products that will stand up to the rigors of the great outdoors. Granite represents only the best outdoor brands, including ENO, Gregory, Snow Peak, and Toad&Co, among others.

About UYN, a Trerè Innovation Company

Trerè Innovation was founded in 1950 in Asola, Italy producing only stockings by Luigi Redini, father of today’s CEO, Marco Redini. Today, it is respected for its next generation sustainable technologies in design and manufacturing. The company’s Academy for Research and Engineering in Apparel and Sports (AREAS), its 38,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art testing facility, enables Trerè Innovation to engineer best-in-class fabrics, subjecting them to the toughest tests in a climate wind tunnel, a rain room and a cold chamber.

In 2018, Trerè Innovation introduced UYN (pronounced “win”), “Unleash Your Nature” apparel, footwear and technical socks for running, winter sports, outdoor and cycling. Today, national ski teams use the brand’s base layers including Austria, China, Czech Republic, France, Great Britain, Italy, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.

In addition to UYN, Trerè Innovation manufactures private label products for iconic global brands including Christian Dior, Harley-Davidson, PUMA and Rossignol, among others, and owns TITICI^®, a premier bike brand that has carbon fiber models for road, gravel, mountain and electric biking. Today, UYN has 10 stores in Italy, one store in Germany, and has plans to open a store in Boston, Massachusetts, two stores in the U.K. as well as 20 more locations throughout Europe. Trerè Innovation and UYN have won over 570 international awards and competitions for innovation, quality and functionality since Trerè Innovation’s founding in 1950. Trerè Innovation is also a licensed manufacturer and distributor of Franklin & Marshall, Jeep, and Replay brands.

 

 

 

Leadville, Colo., (July 31, 2023) – The Stages Cycling Leadville Stage Race, owned and produced by Life Time (NYSE: LTH) as part of the Leadville Race Series, took place this past weekend from July 28-30. The event’s stage race format spreads out the Stages Cycling Leadville Trail 100 MTB course over three high altitude days, taking riders from 10,152 to 12,424 feet in the Colorado Rockies. The weekend brought approximately 320 riders to Leadville, Colorado, to tackle the 100+ mile race.

The Leadville Stage Race course covers the entirety of the 100 MTB course, which will take place August 12 this year. A sub-11-hour total finish time is required to be considered an official Stage Race Finisher.

• Stage one (Friday): racers rode over 4,000 feet of elevation gain over the course of 40-miles, finishing at the Twin Lakes Dam.
• Stage two (Saturday): a 22-mile out-and-back up to the course high point of 12,513 feet at Columbine, with nearly 4,000 feet of elevation gain over the course of the day.
• Stage three (Sunday): a 43-mile ride back to Lake County Rodeo Grounds with over 4,800 feet of elevation gain.

“It was truly a spectacular Leadville weekend and race,” said Tamira Jenlink, Stages Cycling Leadville Stage Race event manager. “Our athletes from the front of the pack to the back laid it all out there, and gave us a tremendous show of skill, fitness, and fierce determination! They not only dug deep, but they also 100% did not quit, and we had one of our highest finish rates yet for this event! Well done Leadville Race Family!”

 

Women’s Stages Cycling Leadville Stage Race Results

Name	City	Age	Time
Sofia Gomez Villafane	Heber City, Utah	29	6:55:24
Lauren De Crescenzo	Longmont, Colo.	33	7:25:22
Tish Thomas	Durango, Colo.	47	7:56:55

 

Men’s Stages Cycling Leadville Stage Race Results

Name	City	Age	Time
Sami Inkinen	Aspen, Colo.	47	6:25:48
Skyler Taylor	San Anselmo, Cali.	27	6:25:50
Beckett Ledger	Durango, Colo.	23	6:26:51

 

Non-Binary Stages Cycling Leadville Stage Race Results

Name	City	Age	Time
Holly Guymon	Colorado		11:51:40

To view all race results from the Stages Cycling Leadville Stage Race, visit: Athlinks.

The next bike event on the Life Time off-road event calendar is the Stages Cycling Leadville Trail 100 MTB, the fourth event in the Life Time Grand Prix Series presented by Mazda, which will take place on August 12. Next up is the newest event in the Life Time portfolio, the Life Time Little Sugar MTB presented by Mazda, which will take place in Bentonville, Ark. on October 15. The 100k distance will serve as a qualifier for the 2024 Leadville Trail 100 MTB. The final bike event on the Leadville Race Series calendar is the Stages Cycling Austin Rattler MTB, which will take place on November 4 in Texas.

To view all of the Life Time athletic events, including their off-road cycling events, please visit: https://my.lifetime.life/athletic-events.html.

The Stages Cycling Leadville Stage Race is owned and produced by Life Time, the premier healthy lifestyle brand. It is among more than 30 premier athletic events owned by the company, including Garmin UNBOUND Gravel, Verizon New York City Triathlon, Chicago Triathlon, and Miami Marathon.

About the Leadville Race Series

Started with only 45 runners as the Leadville Trail 100 Run in 1983, the Leadville Race Series now consists of seven running events and four mountain biking events, plus six events in the Leadville Qualifying Series. The Race Series stretches across three months, and hosts thousands of racers on foot and on mountain bikes in some of the world’s most iconic events. Endurance athletes worldwide now make the pilgrimage to Leadville, Colo., with the single goal of competing in “The Race Across the Sky.” Visit www.leadvilleraceseries.com for more information.

About Life Time^®

Life Time (NYSE: LTH) empowers people to live healthy, happy lives through its portfolio of nearly 160 athletic country clubs across the United States and Canada. The company’s healthy way of life communities and ecosystem address all aspects of healthy living, healthy aging and healthy entertainment for people 90 days to 90+ years old. Supported by a team of more than 30,000 dedicated professionals, Life Time is committed to providing the best programs and experiences through its clubs, iconic athletic events and comprehensive digital platform.

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Steamboat Springs, Colo. (July 26, 2023) – Big Agnes, the Steamboat-Springs-based outdoor equipment brand, recently announced that it has secured a long-term home for the company’s headquarters in downtown Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Located in the heart of downtown at 840 Yampa Street, just steps from the Yampa River, the building has been home to both Big Agnes and Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue for the previous two years. Firehouse Holdings, LLC, an entity wholly owned by the Big Agnes ownership group which has leased the facility to Big Agnes, closed on the purchase of the building on June 30, 2023.

“Retention and expansion of quality jobs and primary businesses like Big Agnes makes the Yampa Valley’s economy more diverse and sustainable. Thank you to Big Agnes’ owners and the City of Steamboat Springs for working to keep Big Agnes downtown,” said John Bristol, Routt County Economic Development Partnership executive director. “This work builds on our strategy to make Steamboat Springs and Yampa Street home to the most innovate and sustainable outdoor gear brands.”

The 12,810-square-foot facility, previously the city’s police station, currently houses Big Agnes’ brand headquarters in the upstairs level while a majority of the lower level, not occupied by Big Agnes staff, is leased back to the City of Steamboat Springs for fire station use until the new station location is being built. Once the city’s fire operations vacate the facility, Big Agnes will expand into the full building by adding offices, meeting rooms, a product development suite and possibly a public retail location.

“We are excited to secure our long-term home in downtown Steamboat Springs,” said Bill Gamber, Big Agnes co-founder and president. “Nestled in the mountains and just a few steps from the Yampa, it’s ideal for our current staff and those being recruited, due to its proximity to year-round recreation and gear testing. We’re thrilled to keep our roots planted in Steamboat.”

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About Big Agnes: Named for a peak in the nearby Mt. Zirkel Wilderness, Big Agnes®, Inc. is located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and was founded there in 2001. The company produces award-winning sleeping bags, pads, tents, packs, insulated apparel, camp furniture and backpacks. For more information, visit www.bigagnes.com or call 1-877-554-8975.

 

 

BOULDER, Colo., (July 26, 2023) — Outdoor Prolink, the leading pro purchase program for outdoor professionals, is excited to announce additional brands for its Canadian outdoor industry professionals. With this move, Outdoor Prolink strengthens its commitment to providing outdoor professionals with the high-quality, affordable gear they need to help foster a love for the great outdoors within their communities.

Since its inception in 2004, Outdoor Prolink has been the link between outdoor professionals, top outdoor brands, and specialty retailers. This further expansion into Canada is a significant milestone in the company’s growth. Outdoor Prolink Canada recently added Snow Peak, Mystery Ranch, Merrell, Red Paddle Co, Handup, MTNTOUGH, Big Agnes and Küat to an already star-studded line-up of brands, including BadFish, G3, Helly Hansen, Mammut, Mountain Hardwear, NOBL Wheels, Red Paddle, SMRT Tent, and Thule.

“For nearly 20 years, we’ve been building Outdoor Prolink, working with trusted brands, and gathering a community of authentic professionals who are the beating heart of this industry,” said Gareth Richards, Founder and CEO of Outdoor Prolink. “It brings me great joy that we are taking this next step and continuing our expansion into Canada by linking brands and outdoor professionals to one another.”

Outdoor Prolink’s network of verified Canadian outdoor professionals has grown significantly. These pros are the stewards of the great outdoors, guiding, educating, training, mentoring, outfitting, and leading a large and growing audience with the goal of getting more people outside. Canada’s national statistical agency, Statistics Canada, reports that nearly 70% of Canadians participate in outdoor or wilderness activities, aided by the work of Outdoor Prolink professionals.

“Working with Outdoor Prolink supports Merrell’s mission of sharing the simple power of being outside with everyone by connecting us with even more outdoor enthusiasts and experience seekers,” said Merrell Canada Marketing Manager Stella Law.

Outdoor Prolink is excited to welcome Canadian-based brands interested in joining the Outdoor Prolink Canada network. Interested brands can visit the partnership page on the Outdoor Prolink Canada website. Outdoor professionals in the industry interested in signing up can visit the professionals’ page on the Outdoor Prolink Canada website to see if they qualify.

Outdoor Prolink looks forward to adding additional brands to the Canadian network in 2023 and beyond. For more information, please visit the Outdoor Prolink Canada website at outdoorprolink.ca.

About Outdoor Prolink

Founded in 2004, Outdoor Prolink acts as the facilitator of trust to connect qualified outdoor professionals with the best outdoor brands. Utilizing a strict vetting process, Outdoor Prolink strives to be the most authentic and responsible pro purchase program in the industry. Through the platform, brands engage trusted outdoor professionals and utilize their influence to drive retail sales growth. Qualified outdoor professionals earn privileged discounts on the outdoor gear they rely on for their work, in order to further the pursuit of outdoor recreation for everyone.

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