Archives: Press Releases

CHICAGO, Ill.  – Opinel USA is pleased to announce its collaboration with monbento and the launch of the monbento x Opinel On-the-Go Meal Kit. Made in France, the On-the-Go Meal Kit is practical for all activities from hikes and picnics in the great outdoors to everyday lunches.

The exclusive collaboration between these two French brands brings together Opinel’s award-winning Picnic+ Set and monbento’s best-selling MB Original Outdoor Lunch Box to create a smart and sustainable foodware solution.

Opinel’s Picnic+ Set eliminates the need for disposable cutlery with its ingenious design that utilizes the brand’s classic No.08 Folding Knife and interchangeable fork and spoon inserts, which slide into the folding knife and lock into place with the knife’s Virobloc® safety ring. For this exclusive collaboration, the Opinel No.08 Stainless Steel Folding Knife features a hornbeam handle showcasing a limited-edition topographic design, a nod to the mountainous regions Opinel and monbento hail from, printed on the handle with mustard yellow accents. The set also features a microfiber napkin/carrying case in a fresh colorway – anthracite and mustard. monbento’s best-selling MB Original Bento Lunch Box features two tiered airtight compartments – each holding 16.9 fl oz – and is ideal for keeping meals perfectly organized. As with the Opinel No.08 Folding Knife, a topographic design unique to this collaboration can be found on the lid of the lunch box. Made with PBT, a high-quality plastic known for its durability and recyclability, this dishwasher and  microwave-safe lunch box is perfect for everyday use.

The complete monbento x Opinel On-the-Go Meal Kit (MSRP: $94.95) includes:
● Monbento MB Original Outdoor Lunch Box with two airtight containers (34 fl oz capacity)
● Opinel Picnic+ Cutlery Set (fork and spoon attachments, microfiber napkin/carrying case)
● Opinel Limited-Edition No.08 Stainless Steel Folding Knife

The monbento x Opinel On-the-Go Meal Kit is now available to purchase on opinel-usa.com

ABOUT OPINEL USA
Based in the French Alps, Opinel has been making pocket knives and kitchen tools in France since 1890. The brand launched its US subsidiary in 2016. To view the collection, visit www.opinel-usa.com or follow @opinelusa.
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Gunnison, Colo., (April 13, 2023) — Gunnison Rising – a new mixed development in the heart of Gunnison committed to providing ample housing, business opportunities, new trails, and a Maker’s District for entrepreneurs – has chosen Verde Brand Communications to lead its public relations, integrated communications and strategic development efforts. At least 1,700 unique housing units, commercial space, a government campus, green initiatives and more will be part of the New Urbanist-inspired development, providing key infrastructure to promote housing and business opportunities that will reinforce Gunnison’s burgeoning identity as the best place in Colorado to work, live and recreate.

Situated on the southeast side of Gunnison County, the Gunnison Rising community offers businesses and individuals the ultimate playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Housing options in the community will feature a range of options to meet the needs of families, couples and individuals, with single-family homes, spacious duplexes and triplexes, community-oriented cottage clusters and amenity-rich, multi-family buildings all in the works. Gunnison Rising also offers rich commercial opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs who wish to call Gunnison home.

Gunnison Rising is also the perfect place to adventure close to home, with walking-oriented neighborhoods, easy access to parks, and myriad trails connecting local outdoor hubs. Living accommodations are just one staple of the community, as Gunnison Rising offers

recreationists abundant outdoor options. Within just a few miles, residents can discover nature with fly fishing and nature walking around Tomichi Creek, rafting at the Gunnison Whitewater Park, hitting the links at Dos Rios Golf Club, climbing at Hartman Rocks Recreation Area and more. The Gunnison area is also home to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Blue Mesa Reservoir, the largest lake located entirely within Colorado.

Gunnison’s traditional mountain lifestyle also affords an ideal setting for Western Colorado University students, cornerstone businesses, and entrepreneurs already taking advantage of the area’s all-in-one business resource center, ICELab, making it the de facto hub for innovative thought and leadership in South Central Colorado. In addition, the community is already home to the Bureau of Land Management’s Gunnison Field Office (GFO), which is responsible for the management and stewardship of over 600,000 acres of public land in the upper Gunnison River Basin of southwestern Colorado, and a new 38,000 sq. ft FedEx distribution center.

“We’re looking forward to working with Verde to help us shine a long overdue light on why the Gunnison area is an outdoor enthusiasts dream,” says Jeff Prosapio, Development Manager for Gunnison Rising and President of FiveFour, LLC. “From what Gunnison Rising will provide – housing-wise, work-wise, and recreationally – we’ve thoughtfully taken into account the pain points that have plagued sustainable growth in other small mountain towns, and have the pieces in place to ensure Gunnison can provide more for its residents while remaining the idyllic enclave that it’s been for generations.”

“Gunnison Rising offers so much to those looking for a change of pace and a higher quality of life. We look forward to working closely with the team at Gunnison Rising to help promote this amazing community and all it has to offer,” said Julie Evans, CEO + Partner of Verde Brand Communications.

For additional information on Gunnison Rising, including real estate opportunities, local resources,  and updates on the development, please visit GunnisonRising.com.

 

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About Gunnison Rising:

Gunnison Rising is the premier destination for people, businesses, and entrepreneurs that harbor a love for the natural world, and wish to live, work, play and raise a family in an environment that fosters a commitment to community and the lands which surround it. Its proximity to Western Colorado University, a thriving downtown, the Gunnison Airport and a wealth of outdoor recreational areas makes Gunnison Rising a truly unique and exciting place to call home. To learn more about the mountains of opportunity Gunnison Rising can bring to you or your business, please visit gunnisonrising.com. 

 

About Verde Brand Communications. 
Verde is a specialty brand-focused media relations, digital marketing, experiential events, content, and full-service communications firm, with a team of 20+ practitioners. Verde’s award-winning integrated digital marketing and communications services include: brand strategy and positioning, public relations, experiential events, digital marketing, social media, paid media, YouTube channel management, content creation and corporate social responsibility consulting services. Verde’s consumer-first, results-driven approach catalyzes growth and success for specialty brands and retailers in the outdoor, snowsports, cycling, endurance, active travel, RV, overland, consumer electronics, pet, craft beer and spirits, and lifestyles of health and sustainability (LOHAS) markets. Verde has offices in Durango and Boulder, Colorado, and Jackson, Wyoming. For more information, please visit www.verdepr.com.

Lake Oswego, Ore. (April 12, 2023) – Yakima – the innovative manufacturer of cargo and gear management solutions – announces RibCage, a high-capacity, externally-mounted track system for 4-door JK and JL Jeep Wrangler hardtops that greatly increases off-road carrying capacity. The heavy duty roof top track system provides versatility of mounting options, while the rugged internal supports ensure the roof is safe for long-term use carrying heavy loads such as roof top tents, recovery gear and a wide array of other off-road accessories. RibCage comes in two models, RibCage JL 4DR, which is compatible with the 2018-current Jeep Wrangler JL 4dr Hardtop; and RibCage JK 4DR, which is compatible with the 2007-2017 Jeep Wrangler JK 4dr Hardtop.

Both RibCage models are permanent hardtop installations and are identical except for the specific components that mount to the Wrangler’s internal supports. Yakima Skyline Towers – paired with a Landing Pad #26 or Yakima TrackTowers – are both compatible options for installing a rack system to the tracks. Attaching to the internal roll cage means that RibCage users can more safely manage heavy loads without fear of cracking the roof.

The system is off-road rated up to 330 pounds for dynamic loads and up to 825 pounds for static loads. RibCage’s parts do not interfere with passenger or cargo space, and users can remove the Freedom Panels with the system installed. The hardtop is still easily removable by unbolting the internal supports.

“With RibCage, we listened to Jeep owners who were seeking a product that’s made specifically for demanding off-road use,” says Todd Scott, Category Manager. “RibCage raises the bar of capacity way above the competition, and our rigorous in-lab and real work testing methods back that up. It’s an ideal pairing of low-profile utilitarian track and robust internal supports that we know Jeep owners have been looking for.”

RibCage’s 48-inch HD Track sections allow for 2- or 3-crossbar setups or numerous tower configurations with the LockNLoad platform, each of which are sold separately of the RibCage track system. Four towers will support up to 220 pounds of weight, while six will ensure the full 330 pound weight limit.

The RibCage JL and JK retail for $600 and are available on Yakima.com and from Yakima retailers. Complete the setup with the SkyRise rooftop tent, RoadShower portable shower, MajorShady awning, or other Yakima accessories.

 

About Yakima

Based in the Pacific NW, Yakima Products Inc. has been a pioneer of cargo and gear management solutions since 1979.  We connect people with their passions to bring them closer to nature with our innovative, rugged and dependable products.  Yakima Products, Inc. is headquartered outside of Portland, Oregon. For more information about Yakima products, visit yakima.com.

The diverse lineup will help promote the brand in a variety of spaces across the world

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. – Big Agnes, the Steamboat-Springs-based outdoor equipment brand, is excited to announce its team of ambassadors for 2023. The group of ten adventurers embody the brand’s ethos and will be representing Big Agnes across the globe this year.

“We are excited to have such an amazing group of ambassadors who will represent Big Agnes in 2023,” said Bill Gamber, co-founder and president of Big Agnes. “These individuals are not only talented athletes but also great human beings who care about the environment and the community. We are proud to support them in their endeavors and share their stories with our customers.”

The ambassador team will be tackling a multitude of adventures this year – from paragliding in Nepal and climbing Orizaba to hosting bikepacking trips for Navajo youth and community on ancestral lands.

The 2023 Big Agnes ambassadors include:

• Ann Driggers – Originally from the UK, Driggers is a weekend warrior and backcountry bon vivant who lives to hike, ski, and paddle but mostly bikepack in the mountains of western Colorado.
• Ben Weaver – A songwriter and poet who travels by bicycle, Weaver uses music and poetry to strengthen relationships and culture between humans and their local ecosystems.
• Cherrise Tuttle – An avid adventurer who has spent the better part of her life living in the mountains with her wolf dog, Astro, as her main adventure companion. Tuttle prioritizes projects with social and environmental impact and currently sits on the board of The Cloudbase Foundation, a global nonprofit dedicated to social entrepreneurship and humanitarian projects.
• Erick Cedeño – Known as the Bicycle Nomad, Cedeño is an explorer and historian. Recently inducted into the 2022 class of The Explorers Club 50, Cedeño is recognized as one of the year’s 50 explorers changing the world who the world needs to know about.
• Jalen Bazile – An outdoor facilitator, organizer, and outdoorsman, dedicated to creating spaces that welcome and affirm Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in the outdoors. Bazile is the founder of Travl Wide, a bikepacking outfitter, helping people develop relationships with themselves, their community, and the land around them.
• Jon Yazzie – A full-blooded Dine (Navajo) and aspiring adventure cyclist, Yazzie runs tours through his company Dzil Ta’ah Adventures, providing backcountry cultural experiences through bikepacking and raft-packing, with a focus on mentoring Navajo youth and community engagement.
• Justin Reiter – A retired professional snowboarder, an Olympian, a World Cup Champion, a Vice World Champion, and a ten-time National Champion. Reiter chooses to inspire others in their pursuits of excellence, and he continues his adventurous life in the woods, on his snowboard, and in the saddle all over the world.
• Rebecca Rusch – A multi-decade, multi-sport, seven-time world champion, Mountain Bike and Gravel Hall of Fame inductee, and professional athlete – with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Rusch’s grit, determination, and perseverance have earned her the moniker “Queen of Pain” for a reason.
• Tommy Danger – Danger runs a nonprofit called More Than Just Me, which uses an array of adventures to drive awareness to causes around the world. In his current project, More Than Just Mountains, Danger is climbing the Seven Summits to shine a light on Cystic Fibrosis.
• Trevor Hahn – A dad, artist and outdoor enthusiast on a journey reaching into the unknown with every sense except sight. Hahn strives to be an inclusion advocate, finding purpose in collaborating with others facing barriers to explore.

For more information on Big Agnes’ ambassador program, see www.bigagnes.com/pages/ambassadors.

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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 celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2021. The company produces award-winning sleeping bags, pads, tents, packs, insulated apparel, camp furniture and now backpacks. For more information, visit www.bigagnes.com or call 1-877-554-8975.

 

Majority of American consumers would be more likely to use a 3D body and foot scanning app based on FDA-cleared tech with medical-grade precision over one without this credential

BOSTON (April 11, 2023) – Online shopping has been around for 20 years, yet consumers still struggle to find the right size in clothing and footwear. Existing solutions like size charts and quiz-based size recommendation tools do not significantly alleviate the problem; in fact, more than 60% of consumers buy more than one size, according to Business Insider. Not surprisingly, consumers – who are likely frustrated with sizing issues – are open to new, higher tech alternatives for finding the right fit. According to a new Harris Poll commissioned by NetVirta, a fit technology leader and creator of Verifyt®, 62% of American consumers would be likely to use 3D smartphone scanning for their body and feet to determine the correct apparel and footwear sizes when shopping online. That number jumps to nearly 78% among American consumers ages 18-44.

It’s clear that credibility of the scanning technology plays a role in consumers’ openness to using such apps. When shopping online for clothing and footwear, nearly 7 in 10 American consumers (69%) would be more likely to choose a scanning app based on FDA-cleared technology with medical-grade precision over another app without this credential. The Verifyt app, which derives a user’s 3D body shape in under a minute, was adapted from NetVirta’s proprietary CurveCapture^® technology. This medical scanning solution provides thousands of physicians in 13 countries the ability to scan their patients using a smartphone. Today, CurveCapture^® is the world’s only FDA-cleared smartphone technology for 3D body shape scanning.

“The Harris Poll/NetVirta results indicate people are now ready for such technology,” said Jeff Chen, CEO and co-founder of NetVirta. “It’s clear that consumers value Verifyt’s medical origins – a testament to its credibility. Our precision provides consumers the confidence to choose the right size from home, and ultimately results in a seamless shopping experience with fewer returns and happier customers.”

Verifyt, the world’s only solution capable of 3D scanning the full body, feet and head, is compatible with most smartphone models (released since 2017). It helps reduce returns and increase conversions in many different product categories, including intimates, footwear, sports equipment and apparel. Beyond these immediate benefits, Verifyt provides a bridge to future applications including virtual try-ons and the metaverse.

Survey Method: This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Netvirta from March 14-16, 2023 among 2,052 U.S. adults ages 18+. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval.  For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.8 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact charlotte@cgprpublicrelations.com.

Visit: www.netvirta.com

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — In a historic event today, the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition announced a campaign calling on President Biden to establish the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument using his Executive authority under the Antiquities Act. Baaj Nwaavjo means “where tribes roam” to the Havasupai, and I’tah Kukveni means “our footprints” for the Hopi.

For more than a decade, tribal leaders have been fighting to protect the Grand Canyon region from uranium mining threats. The proposal for the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument would include 1,102,501 acres around and adjoining Grand Canyon National Park. These lands form an integral part of the Colorado River’s Grand Canyon watershed and are where traditional practices, cultural knowledge, and spiritual ceremonies have taken place for millennia.

The national monument designation would honor the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition Members’ deep cultural ties to the Grand Canyon and protect the area by making the temporary 20-year mining moratorium permanent, while also securing the cultural, natural, recreational, and scientific resources of the region. Twelve Tribal Nations who have called Grand Canyon their home since time immemorial, are unified in their bold efforts to continue the movement to permanently protect their traditional homelands under the Antiquities Act.

Through the prevention of further uranium mining development and improved management of waters and forests, the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument designation would have the capacity to increase climate resilience by safeguarding the waters of the Colorado River in the context of aridification, reducing wildfire severity, limiting groundwater loss and disruption associated with uranium mining activities, and protecting unique biodiversity including endangered California Condor and endemic and culturally important plants, from threats such as habitat loss and toxic pollution.

“Kahtoola stands firmly behind the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition and their steadfast dedication to preserve, protect and steward the lands in and around the Grand Canyon area. As a local business that values indigenous heritage and perspectives, we support the tribal led coalition’s proposal to create this monument for the protection of the landscapes, waterways, wildlife, cultural values, clean water and respectful outdoor recreation. We strongly encourage the Biden administration to acknowledge the critical work of the Tribes, who are the original inhabitants and stewards of these lands through the President’s authority to designate Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument,” said Danny Giovale, Founder/Owner, Kahtoola.

“Wild Arizona offers deep thanks and our steadfast support to the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition for their monumental effort to safeguard the Grand Canyon and its rimlands, and acknowledges their many generations of stewardship and protection of the lands, waters and wildlife of this beloved region. The Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument proposal shows the vision of regional Tribal leaders for the health and beauty of this living cultural landscape and its vital ecosystems, sacred Tribal lands and waters, and sustaining economic benefits, set against the devastating impacts of uranium mining. Wild Arizona urgently requests the Biden Administration to swiftly advance their historic proposal and ensure that the Grand Canyon’s cultural connections and natural legacy be preserved and healed to honor all generations: past, present and future” said Kelly Burke, Executive Director, Wild Arizona.

Today we stand together firmly as supporters of the 12 Tribal Nations and their proposed Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument. In addition, we want to show our deepest and sincerest appreciation to all 12 Tribes for their courage, strength, and dedication as they continue the proud work of stewarding these lands, not just for themselves, but for all people and for generations to come.

The Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition consists of leadership representatives of the Havasupai Tribe, Hopi Tribe, Hualapai Tribe, Kaibab Paiute Tribe, Las Vegas Band of Paiute Tribe, Moapa Band of Paiutes, Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, Navajo Nation, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, Yavapai-Apache Nation, Pueblo of Zuni, and the Colorado River Indian Tribes.

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Wild Arizona is a statewide organization with nearly 3000 supporters/members working since 1979 to protect, unite, and restore wildlands and waters across Arizona and beyond. We pursue this mission for the enrichment and health of all generations and to ensure Arizona’s native plants and animals a lasting home in wild nature.

Kahtoola was founded on the idea that giving back is a responsibility we have as an outdoor business. And for over two decades, we’ve proudly invested in organizations that are making a real difference in the lives of others—organizations that inspire us and that share our core values around preserving Indigenous cultures, building outdoor community and protecting our environment.

 

Tukwila, WA, USA – Morakniv launched their all-new Ash Wood Outdoor Collection, made from bright ash wood from European FSCⓇ certified forests and blades made of recycled Swedish stainless steel.

With the understanding that different outdoor enthusiasts have different needs, Morakniv developed four different knives as part of the Ash Wood Outdoor Collection. From the bushcrafter to the day-hiker, each knife is designed with unique features that enhance the experience of its user.

“With the help from selected focus groups around the world who have provided valuable input, we have been able to navigate our way to four new outdoor knives that, together, make the Ash Wood Outdoor Collection,” says Thomas Johansson, Industrial Designer at Morakniv.

The four knives are Finn, Wit, Lok, and Rombo, named after former Morakniv knife makers Finn-Anders Andersson, Wit-Anders Eriksson, Lok-Anders Mattsson and Rombo-Anders Eriksson Ström. The Anders name as long dominated the men’s first names in the Mora area, where Morakniv knives are made to this day.

The Finn is a small hiker’s knife that fits perfectly in your pocket and is ready to take on your next excursion. The Wit, slightly bigger than the Finn, is perfectly crafted for a variety of demanding and unexpected situations and specifically designed for precision work. The Lok is a robust knife built to withstand the most demanding and heavy-duty situations. And the Rombo was created for the culinary artist who is looking to improve their outdoor cooking skills and deliver a consistently superb culinary experience. 

The FSC label on the Ash Wood collection is considered a trusted mark for sustainable forestry. FSC means zero deforestation, a fair and safe workers experience, protection of plants and animals, and respect of local communities rights and resources.

Building on more than 400 years of Swedish tradition, Morakniv has produced knives of unparalleled quality for hunters, adventurers, fishermen, farriers, chefs, craftsmen and other skilled trades and hobbyists since 1891. Thoughtfully designed for precision and power, Morakniv products are still produced in their factory in Mora, Sweden. Morakniv is distributed in the U.S. and Canada by Industrial Revolution, a Seattle-based company that manufactures and distributes products enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. For additional information, visit moraknivusa.com or industrialrev.com.

Founded in 1971 as UCO Corporation – a parts manufacturer for notable brands including Boeing, K2, Lange, and Jansport – the Seattle-based company has been known as Industrial Revolution since 2005. Industrial Revolution has grown to become a leading manufacturer and distributor of inventive products that promote fun, safety, and comfort in the outdoors, including Candle Lanterns™, Stormproof Matches™, Ice Cream Balls, and the UltraPod™ tripod. Industrial Revolution includes two owned brands – UCO and Pedco – and two distributed brands – Sweden-based Morakniv® knives, as well as German-based Esbit solid fuel stoves and cookware.

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