Norrøna Announces New Partnership with Protect Our Winters

OSLO, Norway (Sept. 12, 2024) — Norrøna, the four season, family-owned Norwegian manufacturer of premium apparel and gear, today announced a new partnership with Protect Our Winters (POW), a leading nonprofit advocacy group that helps passionate outdoor people protect the places and experiences they love from climate change. To celebrate the new partnership, Norrøna will hold a special screening of ambassador and professional big mountain skier, Amie Engerbretson’s film, “The Hypocrite,” followed by a Q&A session with Engerbretson and POW CEO Erin Sprague at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26 at the Norrøna Flagship New York City, located at 67 Green St., New York.

“The Hypocrite” directly addresses imperfect advocacy in the world of outdoor recreation. A discussion on the film, POW’s ongoing work, and how individuals can show up as advocates with Engerbretson, Sprague and other special guests will follow, as part of Norrøna’s “Inspiring climate action with POW” event. The screening serves as POW’s main event for Climate Week NYC, which is the largest annual climate event that brings together thought leaders, change makers, and members of the public to drive climate action.

“As we look to the November elections and our climate future, we are honored to join our partner, Norrøna, in hosting our Climate Week event, joining this global community striving toward the systemic changes that will limit the worst impacts of a warming planet,” said Erin Sprague, CEO of Protect Our Winters. “The stories we share from our Alliance members like Amie Engerbretson catalyze our clean energy conversations and illustrate how individuals, even as imperfect advocates, drive the broader movement for clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet for future generations. We must meet the moment, work together for climate progress, and show up in the most critical election of our lifetime.”

Engerbretson, who joined the Norrøna ambassador team earlier this year, has been an active POW Athlete Alliance member for years, receiving the 2021 Alliance Member of the Year award for her impactful work in climate action on the mountain and Capitol Hill.

“I am so excited to partner with Norrøna and POW for this event during Climate Week NYC. It is a crucial time in the U.S., ahead of the election. Bringing people together to discuss how we all can be part of the solution, with the tremendous potential power of our outdoor community, is exciting,” said Engerbretson. “I look forward to sharing my film, ‘The Hypocrite,’ and diving deep into topics such as imperfect advocacy, systemic change and how the outdoor community can help shape the future of our warming planet.”

Norrøna is joining POW’s Brand Alliance at the Basecamp level. At that level, Norrøna will receive quarterly training and materials on climate science, communications and strategy that will help support Norrøna’s environmental and sustainability goals outlined in its 2029 Responsibility Roadmap. POW will also provide Norrøna with relevant advocacy opportunities tailored to policy, geography and industry relevance that can be shared with employees and customers alike.

Protect Our Winters was founded in 2007 by Jeremy Jones to mobilize the snowsports community to come together and take actionable steps towards addressing the impact of climate change. The organization welcomed pro athletes, individuals, resorts, brands and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the years and now has a worldwide network of more than 130,000 supporters.

For media inquiries about Norrøna, its partnership with POW and the NYC event, please contact senior account manager Corinne Baud at corinne.baud@rygr.us.

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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

About Protect Our Winters (POW): Protect Our Winters is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps passionate outdoor people protect the places and experiences they love from climate change. Founded in 2007 by professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones, POW is a community of athletes, scientists, creatives, and business leaders advancing non-partisan policies that protect our world today and for future generations. For more information, visit www.protectourwinters.org.

 

Superfeet and LineDrive Join Forces to Boost Workplace Safety and Performance

FERNDALE, Wash. (Sept. 12, 2024) Superfeet, the global leader in performance insoles, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with LineDrive, a solutions-based sales agency that specializes in matching large-scale businesses with innovative workplace safety tools. This collaboration aims to revolutionize employee comfort and safety in the manufacturing and industrial sectors through the introduction of Superfeet work-specific insoles.

As part of this partnership, LineDrive will introduce premium insoles from Superfeet to employers, emphasizing the importance of ergonomic support in enhancing workplace productivity and safety. Employers will be offered the opportunity to provide their employees with Superfeet insoles, ensuring consistent support and performance on the job.

“Our partnership with LineDrive represents a significant step forward in promoting workplace safety and well-being,” says Trip Randall, CEO at Superfeet. “Together we’re committed to delivering innovative solutions that help businesses thrive while prioritizing the health and safety of their workforce.”

LineDrive specializes in connecting manufacturers with industrial safety distributors and meets with companies to enhance safety and productivity throughout the U.S. and Canada.

LineDrive’s expertise in workplace safety, coupled with Superfeet’s reputation for high- performance athletic and work insoles, creates a powerful synergy aimed at improving employee well-being and operational efficiency.

“LineDrive is absolutely thrilled to announce our partnership with Superfeet. They bring to market a high quality, innovative ergonomic design that the industrial MRO market has yet to see and feel,” says Jeff Jordan, VP of Channel Management for LineDrive. “Superfeet insoles allow employers to turn their everyday workers into high productive industrial athletes. Once you experience the difference, there really is not another choice.”

Superfeet and LineDrive will be showcasing their innovative solutions at the National Safety Council (NSC) Congress & Expo in Orlando, Florida from September 16-18, 2024. Attendees are invited to visit Booth #1071 to learn more about the partnership and how Superfeet and LineDrive are setting new standards for workplace safety. Representatives from both companies will be available to discuss the benefits of Superfeet insoles and how they can be integrated into existing safety programs.

For media inquiries, please contact Andrea Green at andrea.green@rygr.us.

ABOUT SUPERFEET WORLDWIDE, LLC: Born from the sports medicine division of Northwest Podiatric Labs more than four decades ago, Superfeet is a supporting force for athletes worldwide, creating ground-breaking insoles designed to perform in the most strenuous situations. Superfeet trim-to-fit insoles and 3D-printed personalized insoles feature legendary Superfeet® shape and deliver a customized footwear experience, essential to achieving elite level performance. Committed to shaping a strong foundation for a healthy future, Superfeet donates 1% of sales and countless volunteer hours to community initiatives. For more, visit superfeet.com.

ABOUT LINE DRIVE:

LineDrive is a leading outsourced sales and marketing organization covering North America focused on making the end user safter and more productive. Their business model has been defined by industry leading innovation, strategic customer solutions and consistent growth for more than 20 years. LineDrive is known for Driving Predicable Success™.

Contact:

Andrea Green, Senior PR Account Manager andrea.green@rygr.us

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Heel™ & Verde Brand Communications partner to promote the world’s first virtual dog leash

Holland, MI (Sept. 12, 2024) Heel™, a subsidiary of the Fleetwood Group, announces its partnership with Verde Brand Communications to lead public relations for the Heel Virtual Dog Leash™, including brand communications, social media, and affiliate marketing to grow brand awareness in the outdoor and active lifestyle markets.

Whether you’re hiking, camping, running or working around the homestead, Heel will keep your furry friend nearby and in control. The built-in-the-USA technology was originally developed during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure social distancing between humans. Unlike some brands that offer static containment, the Heel Virtual Dog Leash allows the dog owner to set the length of the virtual leash from as little as 10 feet, up to 750 feet. Dog owners can choose tone, vibration, or optional static correction when the dog exceeds this moving boundary. The technology does not rely on cellular, GPS, WiFi, or Bluetooth, making it suitable for remote locations like on the hiking trail or off-the-grid.

“We’re excited to partner with Verde to spread the word about the Heel Virtual Dog Leash,” said Jason Grant, CEO of Fleetwood Group. “The agency’s deep expertise in the active lifestyle space aligns perfectly with our vision to offer pet owners innovative solutions that let them adventure together, no matter where they go. We’re looking forward to growing the Heel brand, reaching even more dog owners who want off-leash flexibility and the freedom to explore safely.”

Verde Brand Communications brings over 23 years of experience in elevating brands within the outdoor and active lifestyle sectors through comprehensive, digitally-driven PR campaigns, experiential events, digital marketing strategies, and engagement with media, influencers and content creators.

“Heel is a perfect fit with the Verde team, whose dogs are extensions of our families,” said Julie Evans, CEO of Verde Brand Communications. “Heel’s unique technology makes its brand and products a great fit in so many spaces, from hiking to homesteading, and we’re looking forward to exploring all of these possibilities to grow the Heel brand.”

Under the new partnership, Verde will work closely with Heel to develop and execute strategic PR initiatives to build brand awareness and loyalty, drive consumer engagement and sales, and strengthen Heel’s position as a leader in the pet and outdoor industry.

For more information about Heel, please visit Heel.dog. For media inquiries or further information about the partnership, please contact Lauren Haber, heel@verdepr.com.

About Fleetwood Group

Fleetwood Group was founded in the 1950’s and is 100% employee-owned. The company has two divisions: Fleetwood Furniture designs and manufactures furniture for the education industry, and Fleetwood Electronics designs and manufactures wireless low-power devices for a range of industries, including healthcare. Heel is a subsidiary of the Fleetwood Group and Fleetwood Electronics. For more information about Fleetwood Group, please visit www.fleetwoodgroup.com.

About Verde Brand Communications

Verde Brand Communications is a woman-founded, woman-led agency focused on brand communications and strategy, media relations, digital marketing and affiliate management. We specialize in serving the outdoor and active lifestyle industries as well as adjacent specialty markets. Our market-driven approach stems from a nimble, close-knit team of creative thinkers along with proven industry experience since Verde was founded in 2002. We have offices in Durango and Boulder, Colo., and Jackson, Wyo. For more information about Verde, please visit www.verdepr.com or follow our adventures on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Snow Peak Acquires Majority Stake in Swift Fly Fishing Company

Portland, OR – September 11, 2024  – Snow Peak, a Japanese camping brand with 65 years of history,  is thrilled to announce the acquisition of a majority shareholding in Swift Fly Fishing, making it a proud subsidiary of the Snow Peak family. This strategic acquisition aligns with Snow Peak’s mission of reconnecting people with nature through innovative outdoor experiences.

Founded in 1958, Snow Peak has long been a pioneer in the outdoor industry, offering products and experiences that bring the outdoors into everyday life. With a deep commitment to enhancing human connections through nature, Snow Peak continues to expand its offerings, fostering a global community of campers and outdoor enthusiasts.

“We are thrilled to bring Swift Fly Fishing and the Epic Fly Rod brand into the Snow Peak family,”  said Tohru Yamai, Snow Peak CEO and Chairman of the Board. “I’ve been fly fishing my entire life and Epic products are the best gear I’ve ever seen. This union beautifully blends our passion for camping with Swift’s artistry in fly fishing, further extending our mission to connect humans with nature’s rhythms. We look forward to the possibilities that lie ahead as we deepen our investment in the fly fishing market.”

Swift Fly Fishing, headquartered in Wanaka, New Zealand, is a leading high-end brand in the global fly fishing industry, known for its Epic Fly Rods brand. The Epic brand has set a new standard in fly fishing gear with its use of advanced materials and innovative designs, including graphite, graphene, and Epic’s proprietary “Fast Glass” composite material. Epic fly rods, reels, and accessories are celebrated for their superior design, strength, and precision, making them the top choice for discerning anglers around the world.

Founded by Carl McNeil and Jeanie Ackley, Swift has established itself as an innovator within the industry.

“While we will remain heavily influenced by our New Zealand heritage, the new relationship with Snow Peak will allow us to extend our fly fishing offerings and expand globally,” said McNeil. “New Zealand is the perfect laboratory to design and develop world class fly fishing equipment, we’re extremely excited about what’s on the horizon.”

Beyond its premium products, Swift Fly Fishing will also expand into experiential adventure tours that will blend travel, accommodation, dining, and fly fishing experiences in collaboration with elite fly fishing communities globally.

Through the acquisition, Snow Peak aims to integrate the advanced technologies and superior quality of Swift’s Epic brand into its own offerings, creating unique outdoor activity experiences that combine the joys of camping and fly fishing. This partnership is expected to further Snow Peak’s goal of restoring human nature by deepening people’s connection to the natural world.

About Snow Peak        

Founded in Japan in 1958, Snow Peak is a camping brand serving customers in the USA for more than 20 years, with a mission to unite people and alleviate the stresses of modern life through time gathering outside. Its Japanese-designed, lifetime-guaranteed camping equipment serves as a catalyst for restorative experiences in nature. Focused on bringing people together, Snow Peak operates immersive retail locations in Portland and Brooklyn, as well as a Portland restaurant, Takibi, a PNW izakaya that brings to life the brand’s belief that time spent sharing food and drink by the fire is the best way to connect with one another. Snowpeak.com

 

About Swift Fly Fishing

Swift Fly Fishing, based in Wanaka, New Zealand, is renowned for its Epic brand of premium fly fishing gear. Epic fly rods are built to withstand the toughest conditions while offering unmatched accuracy, sensitivity, and versatility.

For more information, please visit snowpeak.com and swiftflyfishing.com.

 

Patented Fish Measuring Feature Headlines onWater Fish’s Newly Launched C.A.T.C.H Project, Empowering Community Science in Recreational Angling

Boulder, CO – September 11, 2024 – onWater Fish, the leading mobile mapping app for recreational anglers, unveils the ambitious C.A.T.C.H Project (Community of Anglers Tracking for Conservation & Habitat), a groundbreaking initiative combining AI-powered tools like the first-ever and patented fish length estimation from a photo and community science to transform recreational fishing and fisheries management organizations’ approach to conservation and data acquisition efforts. onWater Fish is the first-ever recreational mobile mapping app to integrate a photo-based fish measurement tool alongside a suite of community science tools, empowering everyday anglers to make a real difference for our watersheds and coastal areas. For scientists it provides a mobile, real-time data collection tool, and for anglers, a private journal to document their experiences, helping them fish smarter and contribute valuable information for fisheries management.

Harnessing AI for Smarter Conservation:

onWater, with its deep roots in conservation, has spent years developing innovative tools to tackle the critical challenges facing our watersheds. Their proactive approach has positioned them as a recognized industry leader and a driving force for positive change.

  • Newly Patented, Industry First, AI-driven Fish Length Measurement: onWater has developed and patented the first AI-driven suite of technology tools to revolutionize the way Fisheries Management organizations collect data and protect fish This solution eliminates the need for traditional methods like tape measures or use of reference objects, allowing for quick, stress-free fish measurement through a simple photograph. This feature delivers length data within seconds, enhancing research and conservation efforts. Additionally, onWater captures valuable location-based water and weather data alongside the specifics of each fish, providing a comprehensive understanding of the entire ecosystem. By partnering with onWater, organizations and anglers alike can contribute to further refining this groundbreaking technology.
  • Expert Fish Species Identification: Another problem that onWater aims to help solve is proper identification of fish species. Many anglers hit the water every year knowing regulations but struggle to properly identify the species of trout they just caught. The onWater Fish app has integrated 3rd party species identification tools that instantly identifies the fish from a vast database of 289 freshwater and saltwater species.

“By empowering anglers to become community scientists, onWater Fish is providing an innovative mechanism to expand exponentially the collection of information and enhance our understanding of aquatic ecosystems. We encourage all fishing industry leaders to support this effort and encourage their communities to get involved by downloading the onWater Fish app and contributing to the freely-accessible community science opportunities. By working together, we can ensure the sustainability of the fish and aquatic ecosystems we love for generations to come.” – Alex Maier, onWater CMO

Supporting “Keep Fish Wet” & Data Privacy for Fish Welfare:

 onWater Fish encourages responsible angling practices. Our AI-powered tools minimize fish handling, promoting the “Keep Fish Wet” principles for healthier fish populations.

We also prioritize data privacy and unlike other fishing mobile apps, onWater Fish won’t contribute to spot burning – an angler’s success on the water remains private to them. Any catch that is logged remains in their own private in-app journal and is only shared with vetted conservation agencies engaged in fisheries and watershed research.

How Leading Conservation Organizations are now Integrating the onWater Fish app and helping to Pioneer Community Science in Recreational Fishing:

TroutSpotter (Coming Soon to a Watershed Near You!):

“TroutSpotter represents a remarkable advancement in fisheries science, enabling unprecedented image-based tracking of individual trout. onWater Fish is an ideal platform to engage community scientists and generate crucial data for trout conservation and restoration efforts.” – Ben Letcher, USGS. Integrating an AI-enabled individual fish identification platform developed by WILDME and the USGS through a collaboration with Trout Unlimited, onWater Fish is the exclusive mobile app for “TroutSpotter.”

Science on the Fly – Conservation Observation Tool:

“The true measure of conservation lies not just in data, but in the felt experience of our connection to the natural world. Through mindful observation with the onWater Fish tool and embodied action, anglers can become the stewards our waters need,” says John L. Le Coq, Founder and CEO of Fishpond. onWater Fish and Science on the Fly (SOTF) have worked together to modernize how their 150+ community scientists collect data in the field. Rather than using their field books, the new Conservation Observation tool is a step forward to make the processes of community generated data collection more streamlined- for the angler and the scientists.

A Call to Action for the Fishing Industry and Anglers alike:

“AFFTA is thrilled to see onWater empowering anglers and harnessing the power of AI. This tool will allow us to persuade managers to look at our fisheries more holistically and listen to anglers who are seeing the changes in real time. This data will be invaluable in our fight for healthy fisheries, allowing us to advocate with concrete evidence and a collective voice.” – Lucas Bissett, AFFTA Executive Director

  • Fisheries Management Organizations: We invite organizations whose mission is fisheries management and/or conservation to reach out to our team to learn more about how they can integrate the value of onWater fish technology and users into their own efforts.
  • Fishing Product Manufacturers, Retailers, and Outfitters : onWater Fish is actively collaborating with many brands and community-based organizations to spread the word and advocate for the use of these free-to-use conservation tools. If your company believes in putting conservation in the hands of your customers, followers and fans, reach out to onWater today.
  • Become a Community Scientist Yourself: By harnessing the power of AI, fostering conservation, and prioritizing data privacy, onWater Fish lets you enjoy the sport while safeguarding our invaluable aquatic resources. Log your fish, share your observations, and become a community scientist and use your data to become a smarter angler. Download the app (available on iOS and Android) and join a community dedicated to preserving our waters for future generations.

“Our unique strength lies in being a data company first. Through our mobile app, we’re putting powerful conservation tools in the hands of every angler, free of charge. We’re not just collecting data for fisheries management, we’re empowering anglers with insights to improve their fishing experience with every fish they catch or trip they take. It goes without saying, but this whole project is a huge part of our vision of Fishing Access for All™” – Alex Maier, CMO at onWater Fish

If your organization is interested in working with onWater, please contact Alex Maier, alex@onwaterapp.com or visit the C.A.T.C.H. Project’s landing page. Together with onWater Fish, we can create a powerful network for positive change.

Experience the future of fishing with onWater Fish. Download the app today.

About onWater Fish:

onWater Fish empowers anglers of all skill levels to become conservationists in their own backyard. By combining cutting-edge technology with a passion for sustainability, we provide the tools and resources anglers need to discover new fishing spots, identify and log catches, contribute to community science, and support vital conservation initiatives.

Gran Fondo Hincapie celebrates road cycling in Bentonville with inaugural two-day event

Bentonville, Ark. (Sept. 10, 2024)Gran Fondo Hincapie has created spectacular cycling experiences for over 12 years, and its newest event took place in Bentonville, Ark. this past weekend. Sunny 75-degree temperatures welcomed more than 1,300 riders aged five to 78, residing from 35 states and two countries to Northwest Arkansas for Hincapie’s Ultimate Cycling Experience. There were more than 280 riders from the greater Bentonville and Bella Vista areas.

“We are excited about all things cycling here; we are the mountain bike capital of the world, we have amazing gravel, and we believe road cycling is the next step for us,” said Kalene Griffith, CEO and President of Visit Bentonville. “The Hincapie partnership and the level of expertise the team has, allow us to bring a very up-leveled, wonderful cycling experience to our community.”

Gran Fondo Hincapie events captivate riders of all ages and skill levels thanks to its unique blend of challenging routes, various distance options, stunning landscapes, course safety, and friendly cyclists. Tor Bennstrom from Greenville, S.C. who rode the Medio course on Saturday and Sunday said, “I loved it. The weather has been perfect. The terrain has been amazing, [there was] more climbing than I thought there would be, a couple of kickers, but I’ll definitely be back. Bentonville as a city has been awesome, and the food and people have been amazing.”

Community Shake Out rides kicked off the weekend led by former professional road cyclist and Olympian, George Hincapie and his son, Enzo, Junior National Road Race and Time Trial Championship. On Saturday and Sunday, cyclists chose to ride the paved roads of Arkansas and Missouri, choosing from multiple distance options, and different courses each day—a shorter approximately 20-mile Piccolo, a mid-length approximately 50-mile Medio, or a longer approximately 80-mile Gran ride.

The race weekend also included Speed Zones along the course designed to challenge riders and showcase their speed and skill. These timed segments allowed participants to push their limits and vie for top honors in a friendly competition.

Following each day’s ride, cyclists, their families, and friends gathered at Thaden School where the Family Fun Festival took place. The festival was open to all, with free beverages, food, music, an expo, giveaways (including a Ventum bike won by Bentonville-local, 13-year-old Madeline Anderson), an inflatable bounce house and slide, and awards. On Sunday, there was also a Pedal Kids USA criterium race, in which kids competed in lap races through fun obstacles on a kid-friendly race course.

On Day 1 in the women’s Gran category, Ariel Wyant (age 34) from Tulsa, Oklahoma finished first with a time of 3:26:03 followed by Morgan Chaffin (age 41) from Bella Vista, Ark. with a time of 3:27:03. In third, Leah Thorvilson (age 45) from Little Rock, Ark. finished in 3:45:21.

For the men’s Gran category, Andrew Kutach (age 50) from Flint, Texas took home first place with a time of 3:26:13. Brent Grist (age 44) of Fort Smith, Ark. took home second place with a time of 3:36:34, and Gabriel Canal (age 38) of Tyler, Texas took home third with a time of 3:26:01.

On Day 2 in the women’s Gran category, Ariel Wyant took home first place again with a time of 3:28:55. Rounding out the podium, Bentonville locals Nat Ross (age 52) finished with a time of 3:35:08, and Jackie Sadler (age 25), took home third with a time of 4:25:35

For the men’s Day 2 Gran category, Andrew Kutach (age 50) from Flint, Texas took home first place again with a time of 3:25:40. In second, Aaron Messer (age 23) from Winneconne, Wis. finished in 3:25:40.9, and Bentonville local Samuel Pickman (age 43) took home third with a time of 3:25:41. View all of the Hincapie Gran Fondo-Bentonville results here.

The Bentonville event adds to Gran Fondo Hincapie’s world-class events; the next and final event of the year will take place in the Hincapie family’s hometown of Greenville, S.C. (Oct. 18-19), where the Gran Fondo Hincapie events all started back in 2012.

The full Gran Fondo Hincapie 2025 calendar of event dates and locations will include Merced, Calif. (March 15 – registration open); Chattanooga, Tenn. (May 3 – registration open); Lehigh Valley, Penn. (May 31 – registration open); Bentonville, Ark (date coming soon); and Greenville, S.C. (Oct. 18).

To learn more about Gran Fondo Hincapie please visit https://hincapie.com/ or follow along on social media on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

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About Hincapie

Cycling is our life. It’s what we know, and it’s who we are. But we are not a bike company. We’re a people-who-ride-bikes company. We are cyclists, and we are makers. We are master craftsmen of custom-made, high-performance cycling apparel. Our team is our family. Not only do we design our cycling apparel, but we also make it in our family-run factory. We also create and run upscale cycling events. We have a restaurant and hotel that hosts visiting cyclists from all over the world. We manage a spring series of races. Cycling inspires everything we do, and every day we work even harder to improve the sport, make it more accessible to others and build a strong community for future cyclists. Join us on our journey.

​​About George Hincapie

George Hincapie is a retired professional road cyclist who was one of the most accomplished American cyclists of his generation. Over his 19-year career, he competed in 17 Tours de France, the most of any American cyclist, participated in five Olympic Games and excelled in the Spring Classics, including winning Gent-Wevelgem in 2001 and securing multiple top-10 finishes in Paris-Roubaix. Since retiring from professional cycling in 2012, Hincapie has remained active in the sport as a co-founder of Hincapie Sportswear, which specializes in cycling apparel, and launching a professional cycling team. He is also the co-owner of Hotel Domestique, a luxury cycling destination in South Carolina, and hosts the Gran Fondo Hincapie series with his family.

 

 

 

Overland Expo Mountain West, Leading Consumer Overland Event, Draws Over 18,000 Enthusiasts, Capitalizing on Growing Adventure Travel Movement

LOVELAND, Colo. (September 10, 2024)Overland Expo Mountain West, the third in the series of premier U.S. consumer expos, continued its momentum attracting over 18,000 attendees. The show highlighted the rapid rise in adventure travel, showcasing emerging trends such as tech-savvy, feature-rich vehicles and motorcycles; accessories incorporating the comforts of home for mobile camping; cooking in the outdoors with new tools and solutions; and electric RVs and e-motorcycles.

Exhibitors included: Pakmule, debuting its anti-wobble hitch stabilizer; Roamin Home’s USA-made canvas tents complete with center wood burning stove, TAXA’s new lightweight towable trailers and Tufport ‘s lightweight Overlander slide-in camper for full size trucks.

“Overland Expo welcomes new brands, creating inclusive experiences, particularly for women and newcomers,” said Jessica Kirchner, vice president of consumer events for Emerald, owners of Overland Expo. “This event is where overlanding enthusiasts share their expertise and connect with family and friends. It not only nurtures a passionate and diverse community, but also, enables brands to introduce offerings while increasing engagement with their key target audiences. We are immensely thankful to all attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, educators, and partners for making this event a remarkable success.”

Statistics from Overland Expo Mountain West 2024:

  • 18,000 attendees from 49 states and countries including: Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Great Britain, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, South Africa, South Korea
  • 340+ exhibitors including Black Rhino rims, Escapod teardrop trailers, Grounded RV, electric RVs, Overland Chef cookware and meals, Ram trucks, Rhino Rack roof racks, and Sea to Summit camp essentials
  • Over 250 classes, seminars, demos, activities, slideshows, and films; totaling 306 session hours of instruction
  • 89 presenters, trainers, and VIPs

Highlights included:

  • Ram Truck Ride and Drive: Attendees test drove the latest Ram trucks in a special off-road course.
  • Kids Adventure Classes: The Kids Adventure Area featured adventure classes and education covering skills and tips including fire building, first aid, and knot tying.
  • Overland Expo Foundation Raffle Generated $11,000: The Overland Expo Foundation charity raffle raised over $11,000 for the Overland Expo Foundation, promoting responsible outdoor exploration.

“This is my second expo and each time we’ve sold out of the majority of our products,” said Joey Jones, CEO and co-founder at JoGo Straw. “Not only have we had lots of D2C sales, but we’ve also made lots of B2B connections – honestly more than most of the B2B shows I’ve been to. We’ll continue to come back.”

Overland Expo is known for The Ultimate Build for vehicles and motorcycles, when it outfits a late model overlanding vehicle with the latest gear creating the “ultimate” overland vehicle. This year, 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X was selected for the Ultimate Vehicle Build and the 2024 Ural Gear Up Standard was chosen for the Ultimate Overland Motorcycle Build.

The Overland Expo series continues next month with the final event in the series, Overland Expo East, October 4-6, at the Oak Ridge Estate in Arrington, Virginia. For more information, visit overlandexpo.com and follow Overland Expo and #overlandexpo on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook.

About Overland Expo 

Founded in 2009, Overland Expo is the world’s premier event series for do-it-yourself adventure travel enthusiasts. Hundreds of vendors of adventure travel equipment, camping gear, bikes, vehicles, and services convene at every Overland Expo event. Each Expo hosts hundreds of session-hours of classes, including for off-road driving techniques, adventure motorcycling, inspirational programs, roundtable discussions, demonstrations, as well as the Overland Film Festival. Overland Expo is owned and produced by Emerald.

About Emerald

Emerald’s talented and experienced team grows our customers’ businesses 365 days a year through connections, content, and commerce. We expand connections that drive new business opportunities, product discovery, and relationships with over 140 annual events, matchmaking, and lead-gen services. We create content to ensure that our customers are on the cutting edge of their industries and are continually developing their skills. And we power commerce through efficient year-round buying and selling. We do all this by seamlessly integrating in-person and digital platforms and channels. Emerald is immersed in the industries we serve and committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. As true partners, we create experiences that inspire, amaze, and deliver breakthrough results. For more information, please visit www.emeraldx.com

Media Contact:

Charlotte Daher de Garcia, CGPR
charlotte@cgprpublicrelations.com

781-710-7284

Seniq Unveils Refreshed 2024 Fall Line For Modern Outdoor Women Providing More Choices for Active Lifestyles Nurturing Mental Health

COLUMBUS, Ohio – (September 10, 2024) – SENIQ, the outdoor apparel brand built for women by women, is unveiling its refreshed Fall 2024 collection designed for modern outdoor women favoring style, functionality, and versatility. This collection of tops, bottoms and outerwear, infused with new colors, provides more choices for active lifestyles where the outdoors is not just about physical activity, but also, a community platform for nurturing mental health. Priced from $48 to $148, the line is available at seniqbrand.com and at select retailers.

“The outdoor industry is seeing record participation with over 50 percent of those consumers being women getting outdoors for the first time,” said Madison Hilson, co-founder of SENIQ. “The outdoor woman has evolved quickly over the last few years.  Today, she expects her apparel to not only express her personal style, but also, excel on the trail and adapt to her busy lifestyle. We are committed to building distinct products, rich communities, and experiences empowering women to feel and look their best outdoors.”

The Trailmix Pant, inspired by the Swedish military uniform, has: a unique “stay-in-place” adjustable waistband with an elastic back; reliable all day comfort with four-way stretch; and is abrasion resistant, water wicking, and breathable. In addition, it has a signature articulated and flattering leg shape, with pockets in pockets with zip closures for storing valuables. It is priced at $148 and available in the new Zen Garden colorway, along with previous colors Hot Spring, After Dark and Cabin.

The Dirtpop Trek jacket has convertible sleeves to seamlessly adjust to changing temperatures, going from shortsleeve to longsleeve. It features breathable fabric that is moisture wicking and uses abrasion resistant fabric for all day comfort. It is priced at $148 and is available in the new Afterdark colorway, alongside Dew and Hazelnut.

The Oasis Tank, a favorite, provides enhanced breathability. It uses a supersoft lightweight brushed rib fabric and has a built-in powermesh shelf bra with medium support. The Oasis Tank, priced at $74, has two new colorways, Afterdark and Camp, as well as the original Euphoria, Cabin and Dew.

One percent of each purchase goes to Women’s Wilderness, a non-profit enabling girls, women, and non-binary people of all ages and backgrounds to find their place in the outdoors and The Mental Health Coalition, a coalition of organizations, brands, and individuals who joined forces to end the stigma surrounding mental health. Consumers choose which nonprofit to support at check-out. Founders Hilson and Thompson focused on mental health because of their own personal struggles.

For more information, please visit seniqbrand.com.

About SENIQ

SENIQ, launched in 2024 in Columbus, Ohio, is an outdoor apparel brand for women by women with a goal of empowering a community of outdoor enthusiasts to unlock their optimal wellness without compromising their style. Co-founders Madison Hilson and Valentina Thompson, accomplished veteran retailers and designers, have over a decade of experience at iconic brands including Backcountry.com, Outdoor Voices and Victoria’s Secret. SENIQ’s innovative performance wear is intentionally designed to excel at being both technical and trend driven supporting women for their entire lifestyle from street to trail. The brand uses bold, rich colors to stand out in the marketplace, aligning with the adventurous spirit of the modern outdoorswoman. SENIQ’s chief mission is to empower minds through the outdoors and encourage the prioritization of mental health and wellbeing. By connecting mind to movement, the outdoors becomes more than just grounds for physical activity, but more importantly, an oasis for mental reset and growth.

SENIQ donates 1% of sales to various foundations that provide mental wellness resources to underserved communities. Shop the collection and learn more at www.seniqbrand.com

Media Contact: Charlotte Daher de Garcia, CGPR, 781-710-7284

charlotte@cgprpublicrelations.com

Striker Brands Partners With Darby Communications for Public Relations Services

September 9, 2024 – Hudson, WI Striker Brands, producers of industry-leading fishing apparel, proudly announces its partnership with Darby Communications, an Asheville, NC-based PR and marketing agency specializing in the outdoors, active lifestyle, fishing, and hunting markets. Effective immediately, Darby Communications will serve as Striker’s agency of record, working to grow brand awareness in the broad outdoor space through PR and media relations services.

“Darby Communications exhibits all the qualities we were looking for in a PR partner—high levels of success in both the general outdoor and fishing space, and a robust team dedicated to client satisfaction,” says Craig Poucher, President of Striker Brands. “We could not be more excited.”

Founded in 2005, Striker initially focused on premium technical apparel for snowmobilers under the vision of CEO Jim Poucher. By 2010, the brand shifted its focus from snowmobile apparel to fishing gear, leveraging decades of experience and technology. This transition led to the establishment of Striker Brands LLC, dedicated to providing high-quality apparel for anglers. Starting with innovative ice fishing suits featuring Sureflote® flotation liners, Striker quickly became a leader in ice fishing apparel. Today, Striker offers a comprehensive range of apparel, including rainwear, UPF apparel, lifestyle wear, and accessories tailored for various fishing and boating activities nationwide. Trusted by professional bass anglers and everyday fishing enthusiasts alike, Striker continues to redefine fishing apparel with its commitment to quality, innovation, and comfort.

Darby Communications will support new product launches and work to promote Striker Brand’s deep lineup of products through consistent media outreach, brand storytelling, and trade show support. With vast experience in the outdoor and fishing industries, the Darby team is eager to capitalize on connections that will introduce the brand to new audiences and deepen relationships within endemic fishing media.

“It is a true pleasure to work with a brand so deeply focused on promoting satisfaction on the water,” states Darby Communications President Angie Robinson. “With our passionate team of dedicated anglers and outdoor enthusiasts, we are thrilled to represent such a trusted name in the industry.”

For more information on Striker Brands and the latest product releases, please contact Kade Gewanter at kadegewanter@darbycommunications.com.

About Striker Brands:

Striker Brands LLC was founded in 2005 to provide premium technical apparel for snowmobilers before shifting its focus to the fishing industry in 2010. Known for introducing the first ice fishing suits with Sureflote® flotation assist, Striker has since expanded to offer a wide range of apparel for all fishing and marine activities. With a commitment to innovation, quality, and comfort, Striker continues to serve anglers nationwide with industry-leading products designed for every adventure. You can learn more at https://strikerbrands.com/ or follow on social @strikerbrands.

 

 

 

 

Thermos L.L.C. Names JAM Collective Public Relations Agency of Record

SAN FRANCISCO (Sept. 9, 2024) JAM Collective, an accomplished boutique agency specializing in public relations, social media, communications, events and strategic partnerships, welcomes Thermos L.L.C. as its newest partner.

Thermos® Brand, a leading provider of insulated food and beverage containers, started in 1904 when a feat of science became a breakthrough household innovation, developing the first consumer products using vacuum insulation. Thermos Brand products quickly became a staple in the lives of adventurers, explorers, and everyday folks. For over a century, people have loved Thermos products because they make everyday life better.

Through this new partnership, JAM Collective will manage U.S. public relations and affiliate marketing efforts for the Thermos Brand. To build brand awareness and reinforce its legacy as one of the most established companies in the insulated food and beverage container industry.

“We are elated to partner with the Thermos Brand team and to work in tandem to emphasize its brand heritage as a leader in innovative insulation technology,” said Julie Atherton, founder and CEO of JAM Collective.

“The Thermos Brand has long been a trusted name in the market with a strong focus on quality and innovation,” said Julie Henricks, executive vice president of Thermos L.L.C. “As we expand our product offerings, we see a tremendous opportunity to build greater awareness and connect with a new generation of consumers. JAM Collective’s team and expertise amplify the brand and inspire more people to choose Thermos Brand products for their everyday adventures.”

Thermos L.L.C. joins the family of JAM Collective brands, including nationally and internationally recognized clients such as Arc’teryx, LifeStraw, OtterBox, Snow Peak, Vasque Footwear, and Opinel.

ABOUT JAM COLLECTIVE
Founded by Julie Atherton and based in San Francisco, California, JAM Collective focuses on strategic planning, effective social media networking and influential product placement to initiate brand visibility and further connect its clients with consumers. Over the past 20 years, JAM Collective has evolved into a versatile and accomplished public relations and media agency with an impressive roster of nationally and internationally recognized clients while maintaining a deep level of client involvement. Current clients include Arc’teryx, LifeStraw, OtterBox, Snow Peak, and Vasque Footwear. www.jamcollective.net

ABOUT THERMOS L.L.C.

For over a century, families have trusted Thermos® Brand to provide durable, high-performing food and beverage containers for every on-the-go need. No matter what the day may bring, depend on Thermos™ insulation technology to keep food and beverages hotter or colder for longer. Because when it comes to looking after the things that matter most, you shouldn’t have to settle for good enough. Learn more at Thermos.com.