Archives: Press Releases

AMHERST, Mass. (November 25,  2024) – OrthoLite®, the global leader of branded, high-performance,  comfort footwear solutions, has expanded its OrthoLite India (OIN) facility in Ambur, Tamil Nadu India, and opened a new sales office in Chennai, all thanks to recent growth under new leadership.

The new building expands the footprint of OIN by three times and enables increased capacity to two million pairs of insoles per month. It also bolsters OrthoLite’s leatherwork capabilities; OIN is now fully equipped to make  leather footbeds. The new facility makes OrthoLite India the largest insole manufacturer in South Asia.

OrthoLite India opened its doors in June 2021 and is one of six of OrthoLite’s vertically integrated, global facilities. Through increased investments to the region as well as key new hires in supply chain management and operations, OIN is poised to expand local capacities to meet the needs of OrthoLite’s growing number of brand partners in the region.

In June 2023, OrthoLite announced Vikash Bajargyan as the new General Manager of OrthoLite India. In his position, Bajargyan has been managing overall operations at OIN, which has included leading manufacturing and business development, as well as establishing and managing relationships with brands and  Tier 1 factory partners. His leadership has been instrumental in this expansion.

“Vikash has been a strong leader in helping us grow our business quickly to meet our growing demand in this important region,” said Glenn Barrett, founder and CEO of OrthoLite. “India is a thriving market both for our domestic consumer and export business. OrthoLite’s expanded facility will also serve  as an important hub for leather insole craftsmanship and other forthcoming innovations within our company.”

Under Bajargyan’s leadership, OrthoLite India is growing its team. Sweta Kannan has been tapped as OIN’s Operations Manager. With a BA and MBA in Business Administration, Kannan most recently spent the past 10 years as General Manager and running operations for a textile factory in Ambur. She also has significant experience in running lean line manufacturing.

Earlier this year, OIN welcomed Sureshbabu Seenivasagam and Anbu Sundaram who possess over 25 years of experience in merchandising and global supply chain and warehousing logistics in footwear.

OrthoLite India is a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that catalyzes local-for-local production and service. Sixty-one of OrthoLite’s 550+ global brand partners produce in India, and the region represents part of OrthoLite’s global production strategy to align its factories and provide efficient and exemplary service directly to local partners and T1s.

Like all of OrthoLite’s vertically-integrated, global manufacturing facilities, OrthoLite India brings consistency and capacity and delivers on the company-wide values of quality, sustainability, and continuous improvement.

For additional information on OrthoLite, please visit ortholite.com.

About OrthoLite®
OrthoLite is the world’s leading supplier of open-cell foam technology, and the innovator and creator of Cirql™, the sustainable materials solutions provider that provides footwear brands and their factory partners with lower impact, circular options in materials. OrthoLite is found in more than 550 footwear brands across all categories of footwear and is the first name in comfort and performance foams. OrthoLite has a stalwart ommitment to an ongoing journey toward producing excellence with less-impactful manufacturing practices. The company also has a long-standing history of meaningful partnerships and sponsorships that demonstrate a dedicated commitment to supporting its customers, consumers, brand partners and the footwear industry. OrthoLite is the Official Insole sponsor of the New York Yankees, supporter of The Conservation Alliance, The European Outdoor Conservation Association, Textile Exchange, and is a founding supporter of the Two Ten Foundation. Stay up to date with company news by visiting OrthoLite.com and following OrthoLite on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. To learn more about the benefits of OrthoLite, visit www.ortholite.com.

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New Hampshire’s outdoor industry drives nearly 32,000 jobs and $3.9 billion to the economy.

November 21, 2024; The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released annual data exhibiting that outdoor recreation continues to be a major economic force for the U.S., generating $1.2 trillion in economic output and supporting 5 million jobs in 2023 – 3.1 percent of all employees in the country. In New Hampshire, outdoor recreation accounts for $3.9 billion, or 3.4 percent of the state’s gross domestic product (GDP), with the Granite State ranking 8^th in the country for outdoor recreation as a percentage of GDP. This is the largest recorded measurement for New Hampshire since the BEA started collecting this data in 2012.

“From hiking and skiing in the White Mountains to boating on Lake Winnipesaukee to enjoying the beaches on the Seacoast and everywhere in between, outdoor recreation and its small businesses are a big part of what makes New Hampshire so special. They’re a powerful economic driver, and today’s report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis further underscores the benefits of outdoor recreation for communities across the nation,” said Senator Shaheen, chair of the U.S. Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee. “I was proud to lead the legislation that made this annual report possible, and I hope that it continues to inform policies that help our small businesses and local economies thrive.”

For employment and compensation, New Hampshire’s outdoor recreation sector accounts for 31,917 jobs, covering 4.5 percent of the state’s workforce and adding $1.7 billion in wages. Workforce recruitment and retention programs developed by the state and industry leaders are in the works to further strengthen career pipelines and enhance the outdoor employment landscape.

“The latest BEA data highlights the vitality of our outdoor economy, with increased jobs and participation in sectors like snow sports, hunting, boating, fishing, and cycling,” said Janel Lawton, Director of New Hampshire’s Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry Development. “Our diverse landscapes and outdoor activities play a key role in strengthening communities, enhancing quality of life, and boosting the statewide economy. By preserving and supporting our outdoor resources, we can ensure New Hampshire remains a unique and thriving place for future generations.”

BEA’s 2023 findings emphasize the importance of investing in infrastructure and implementing policies that enhance outdoor access. Although the outdoor recreation sector remains resilient, especially in rural areas, the slower year-over-year growth underlines the need for focused policy advancements and strategic initiatives, such as the passage of the EXPLORE Act.

“Today’s data reveals that while outdoor recreation is driving significant economic prosperity in New Hampshire, we must engage the supply side of the outdoor industry – the business community – and the public sector to ensure protection of our air, water, and lands,” said Tyler Ray, Director of Granite Outdoor Alliance. “As a statewide business alliance, we implore policymakers, from the seacoast to the North Country, to see the outdoor industry not as a passive participant, but as a dynamic and important player in the statewide economy that warrants prioritization and support.”

Despite the impacts of warming winters and increased operational costs for recreation providers, New Hampshire’s snow sports sector remains highly competitive, ranking 7th for value added among states with $250.65 million. For value added by activity, the top activities in New Hampshire are RV’ing ($250.7 million), snow activities ($250.65 million), hunting, shooting & trapping ($209 million), boating & fishing ($191.8 million), and climbing, hiking & tent camping ($72.9 million).

Jessyca Keeler, President of Ski New Hampshire, the state’s ski area trade association, noted the industry’s adaptability in response to the Northeast’s unpredictable weather patterns. “New Hampshire resorts have made significant investments in snowmaking and trail grooming to remain resilient,” she stated. “We are focusing on fostering collaboration and advocating for robust climate and sustainability policies at state and federal levels to safeguard the future of snow-reliant businesses and organizations.”

This year’s progress reaffirms outdoor recreation’s significant role in driving both national and local economies. As the outdoor industry normalizes from post-pandemic peaks, its sustained impact in creating jobs and revenue reveals the enduring appeal of outdoor experiences and their economic power across diverse regions. For more information and to access the full report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, visit https://www.bea.gov/news/2024/outdoor-recreation-satellite-account-us-and-states-2023.

About Granite Outdoor Alliance

Granite Outdoor Alliance is a non-profit business alliance that supports New Hampshire’s outdoor industry including brands, retailers, nonprofits, and individuals. With over 120 business members, Granite Outdoor promotes outdoor recreation as a critical anchor to integrate rural and urban economic policies, communities, and industry to enhance quality of life in New Hampshire.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Washington, D.C. (Nov. 20, 2024) — With recently released economic and participation data showing ongoing rapid growth in outdoor recreation, public lands are in dire need of infrastructure improvements and additional financial support to manage those increasing levels of use, according to Outdoor Alliance, a non-profit that works on behalf of the human-powered outdoor recreation community to protect public lands and waters. The EXPLORE Act, a first-of-its-kind package of legislation championed by Outdoor Alliance, could foster some of those improvements. Voicing direct public support to legislators in December may help it pass.

A new report released today from the  U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) shows outdoor recreation in the U.S. generating $1.2 trillion in economic output (2.3% of GDP) and 5 million jobs. With outdoor participation growing, it’s important that Congress prioritize sound policy that would improve access, create more trails, and protect the outdoors, according to Outdoor Alliance. The EXPLORE Act takes important steps to expand and improve outdoor recreation opportunities, according to Outdoor Alliance and its partners, a coalition of nonprofits representing different types of outdoor recreation.

Last week, more than 300 outdoor recreation organizations and businesses signed on to a letter to members of Congress asking them to make sure EXPLORE is passed by the end of the year. In April, the House passed the bill unanimously, and leadership in the Senate has already advanced a similar bill (America’s Outdoor Recreation Act or AORA) out of committee. Now, a number of lawmakers, including Senator Manchin and Rep. Westerman are working to get the final bill text of EXPLORE passed by the end of the year.

The public can help move this legislation forward by contacting their representatives and asking them to pass it before the end of the year. Outdoor Alliance has established a quick-action form to help people send personalized letters to their lawmakers.

Highlights of the bill include the Biking on Long Distance Trails Act (BOLT) to identify and create more long-distance bike trails, the Protecting America’s Rock Climbing Act (PARC) to safeguard Wilderness climbing, the Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation Act (SOAR) that will improve recreational permitting for outfitters and guides, and permanent direction for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership and FICOR.

“Millions of Americans get outside each year, and the EXPLORE Act will improve management for climbing and mountain biking, enhance how agencies manage outdoor recreation and invest in parks where they are needed most with the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership,” said Louis Geltman, VP of Policy and Government Relations at the Outdoor Alliance.

To learn more, please visit www.outdooralliance.org.

About Outdoor Alliance

Outdoor Alliance is the only organization in the U.S. that unites the voices of outdoor enthusiasts to conserve public lands. A nonprofit coalition comprised of 10 national advocacy organizations, Outdoor Alliance’s members include American Whitewater, American Canoe Association, Access Fund, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Winter Wildlands Alliance, the Mountaineers, the American Alpine Club, the Mazamas, the Colorado Mountain Club, and the Surfrider Foundation. By working with its member coalitions and helping mobilize the involvement of individuals to protect public lands and waters, OA helps ensure public lands are managed in a way that embraces the human-powered experience. Outdoor Alliance — conservation powered by outdoor recreation. Learn more at OutdoorAlliance.org.

 

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FERNDALE, Wash. (Nov. 19, 2024) — Superfeet, the global leader in performance insoles, is thrilled to announce it has been recognized as one of The 50 Best Places to Work in 2024 by Outside Magazine. This esteemed recognition highlights Superfeet’s ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of empowerment, flexibility and community engagement for its team of more than 150 employees.

The award, a mark of excellence shared with other industry-leading organizations, such as GoPro and Stio, is the result of an extensive evaluation process, including anonymous employee surveys and a thorough review of workplace practices. The recognition is a testament to Superfeet’s dedication to creating an environment where employees are valued, motivated and equipped to excel.

“We’re thrilled to be recognized as one of Outside’s Best Places to Work,” says Trip Randall, CEO of Superfeet. “Superfeet is a people-first organization, and we are deeply committed to building a culture of respect, inclusion and innovation, where all team members feel supported and empowered. This award validates our approach of prioritizing people, purpose and positive impact, and we’ll continue to build on this momentum, investing in our employees to drive growth and success.”

This recognition reflects the company’s dedication to a supportive and collaborative culture. Superfeet team members participate in cross-departmental committees, engaging all-company meetings and annual strategic planning sessions that encourage involvement from employees at every level. An overwhelming majority of employees report feeling respected, empowered and confident in the company’s future direction.

Superfeet’s approach to employee satisfaction is also evident in the benefits and opportunities offered. Employees enjoy a dog-friendly corporate office, flexible hybrid work schedules and a supportive environment that emphasizes work-life balance. With a dedicated time set aside for professional development for every employee—a minimum of 40 hours each year—Superfeet invests in its team’s future, fostering a culture of growth and innovation.  Additionally, each employee receives $1,000 annually to donate to a non-profit organization of their choice, along with two days of paid volunteer time, underscoring the company’s commitment to social responsibility.

As Superfeet continues to grow, the company remains committed to enhancing its people-first workplace culture, empowering its team to shape the future of the industry.

If you’d like to join the Superfeet team, check out open employment opportunities at https://www.superfeet.com/pages/careers.

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ABOUT SUPERFEET WORLDWIDE, LLC 
Founded more than four decades ago, Superfeet Worldwide emerged from the sports medicine division of Northwest Podiatric Labs and has become a global leader in high-performance insoles. Known for its groundbreaking designs that support athletes in the most demanding conditions, Superfeet continues to advance insole technology to enhance athletic performance. The company donates 1% of sales and countless volunteer hours to community initiatives, striving to create a healthier, more sustainable future. For more information, visit superfeet.com.

For media inquiries: 
Andrea Green
Senior PR Account Manager
andrea.green@rygr.us

rygr.us

PHOENIX (Nov. 19, 2024) – Lectric eBikes, the makers of the most popular eBike in America, the Lectric XP^TM 3.0, today announced the launch of the new and improved off-road eBike, XPeak 2.0. Tested to the most aggressive ISO 4210 eMTB standards, the XPeak is designed for peak all-terrain performance with 26-inch by 4-inch wheels, an exceptional RST Renegade front suspension fork, and a new in-house designed torque sensor.

The Lectric XPeak 2.0 is now available with a launch special for pre-order at $1,399, which includes $365 in free accessories at LectriceBikes.com.

“With the RST Renegade fork, excellent componentry and an industry-leading low price, we knew the XPeak would be a hit,” said Lectric eBikes co-founder and CEO Levi Conlow. “While the 2.0 version gets even better with a torque sensor and bigger battery options, most importantly, we knew we had to give our riders what they expect from Lectric: the same low price as the first model.”

The Lectric XPeak 2.0 features a 750-watt Stealth M24 motor (1,310W peak) for a powerful yet hushed motor experience with 85Nm of torque to deliver power and speed. Combined with a removable 15Ah lithium-ion battery integrated on the down tube of the frame, the Lectric XPeak has additional power and efficiency to leave the pavement behind.

XPeak 2.0 comes with a variety of upgrades, including:

• Torque sensor that provides an exceptional riding experience with intuitive and controlled power delivery with each pedal stroke
• Black stanchions on the 80mm RST Renegade suspension fork
• Newly designed hydroformed frame
• Larger 203mm front disc brake rotor for maximum stopping power
• Integrated color display
• Lock-on grips
• 8-speed Shimano drivetrain
• New battery options, including a Standard 15 Ah battery with 60 miles of range and a Long-Range 20 Ah battery with 80 miles of range
• New colors, including Tempest Grey for the High Step frame and Stratus White for the easily-mountable Step Thru frame

The Lectric XPeak 2.0 also comes with features that current riders know and love, including hydraulic mineral oil brakes, five levels of pedal-assist, and a below-the-bar trigger throttle to take on any terrain as a Class 1, 2, or 3 eBike*. For maximum safety and security, the Lectric XPeak 2.0 was put through the rigorous ISO 4210-10 eMTB standard testing process by a U.S.-based bicycle testing lab to prove the handlebars, frame, fork, and stem can handle off-road conditions ride after ride. In addition, Lectric XPeak 2.0 is compliant to UL 2849, a bi-national accredited consensus standard for the U.S. and Canada that covers micromobility devices like eBikes and takes a holistic electrical system approach to the safety of battery packs and battery management systems in order to minimize the potential risks associated with battery usage.

During the exclusive pre-order, which starts today, Lectric XPeak 2.0 with a Standard 15 Ah battery is available for $1,399 and includes $365 in free accessories, with a Rear Rack, Fenders, Elite Headlight, Bottle Shaped Bike Lock, and Suspension Seat Post. A wide variety of additional accessories are compatible with the XPeak 2.0 and available at LectriceBikes.com.

*Where permitted by state law.

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About Lectric eBikes

Lectric eBikes is one of the fastest growing electric bike companies in the nation, selling more than 500,000 eBikes in just five years. The company is known for its dedication to producing quality products at affordable prices. Its flagship XP^TM models are exceptionally designed so that everyone can ride, delivering all the high-quality features of an elite eBike, offered at an industry-shattering low price. More information is available at lectricebikes.com.

Contact

Tim DeClaire, Director of Communications

Lectric eBikes

tdeclaire@lectricebikes.com

480-828-4862

 

Andrew Meehan, Account Manager

InGoodTaste

andrewm@igtstudio.com

435-659-7348

 

 

 

CARRBORO, N.C. (November 18, 2024) — Fleet Feet, the largest franchisor of run specialty stores, today announced a new vendor partnership with hylo athletics, an innovative, emerging footwear brand dedicated to performance, sustainability and environmentally-conscious design.

Fleet Feet’s vendor partner program, which includes 19 footwear, apparel and accessories brands, has a deep history of helping launch emerging brands, including HOKA, Karhu and On. The partnership with hylo athletics reflects Fleet Feet’s ongoing commitment to providing customers with a wide assortment of products that allows them to find the best-fitting footwear to accomplish their fitness and movement goals.

“Our vendor partner program has evolved over the years to align with the changing landscape of the running industry,” said Joey Pointer, president and CEO at Fleet Feet. “While we’ve increasingly leaned towards mature, well-established brands in recent years, we’re thrilled to partner with hylo athletics in the spirit of supporting emerging, innovative brands. This partnership is a great opportunity to test how we can help bring hylo’s products, sustainability mission, and unique story to life across our communities, connecting with our customers who are passionate about both performance and environmental responsibility.”

Hylo athletics, founded on the principles of combining performance with sustainability, has been gaining attention for its high-quality, eco-friendly products that push the boundaries of what is possible in running footwear. By using responsibly sourced materials, cutting-edge design, and a dedication to reducing environmental impact, hylo athletics is poised to reshape the landscape of performance-driven running shoes.

“We are excited to join Fleet Feet’s vendor partner program, furthering our commitment to the specialty running channel in North America,” said Michael Doughty, co-founder of hylo athletics. “Fleet Feet’s position as the leading run specialty retailer will allow us to continue on our mission to inspire runners to run like the world depends on it and to reduce the impact that running shoes are having on our environment.”

The new partnership will allow Fleet Feet to offer hylo footwear to customers at select brick-and-mortar stores and online. Through this collaboration, Fleet Feet will also help elevate the brand’s story, focusing on how hylo’s mission to build more sustainable products can positively impact the running community and the planet.

For more than 48 years, Fleet Feet owners, operating partners, and employees have created welcoming environments that allow runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities to conquer their goals at every level, on every surface, at every distance with personalized solutions, knowledge, and empowerment. Fleet Feet’s nationwide network of community-based retail stores are a place of inspiration, showing people how Running Changes Everything®.

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About Fleet Feet

Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated run specialty stores. With more than 275 Fleet Feet stores in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, N.C., Fleet Feet is committed to providing runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts with outfitting expertise, robust training programs, community support and rewards. Fleet Feet believes that RUNNING CHANGES EVERYTHING® and has been recognized in Fast Company’s Brands That Matter, the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies and Best in Business, Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Retailers and America’s Best Online Shops, and PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.

About hylo athletics

Established in the UK in 2020, hylo athletics is a community of passionate runners on a mission to protect the planet they run on. Their footwear is crafted at the intersection of high performance and low environmental impact, enabling runners to “run like the world depends on it.”