Archives: Press Releases

OLYMPIA, Wash., PUYALLUP, Wash. and CARRBORO, N.C. (Dec. 26, 2024) — Fleet Feet, the largest franchisor of run specialty stores, has announced the acquisition of two key locations in Olympia and Puyallup, Washington. Following the retirement of South Sound Running founders Greg Klein and Joan Marchioro, Wade and Julie Pannell have acquired the Olympia and Puyallup locations, marking a new chapter for Fleet Feet in the region.

The South Sound Running locations are scheduled to reopen as Fleet Feet Olympia on Jan. 2, 2025, and Fleet Feet Puyallup on Jan. 10. With six existing stores throughout Washington, including Bonney Lake, Spokane, Spokane North, Spokane Valley, Tacoma and Richland, the acquisition positions the Pannells to make Fleet Feet the go-to running store across the Puget Sound region, further strengthening their presence in Washington.

“We are honored to carry on the exceptional work of South Sound Running and deepen our connection with the Olympia and Puyallup communities,” said Wade Pannell. “With our experience in Tacoma and Bonney Lake, we have the local knowledge and experience to build upon their legacy, provide outstanding service and foster a welcoming space for runners and walkers of all levels.”

Founded in 1998, South Sound Running has been an integral part of the South Sound running community. Fleet Feet will honor this legacy while introducing its signature fit id® outfitting experience, which uses 3D foot scanning technology to assess the size, shape, and movement of each customer’s feet. This personalized, expert-led approach allows outfitters to offer the right fitting footwear and accessories for each customer.

Additionally, Fleet Feet will expand the range of footwear available, adding popular brands like HOKA, Altra, and On, to complement the existing selections.

As part of the transition, Fleet Feet will continue the Capital City Marathon Training Program that has been a staple at South Sound Running and expand offerings to include 5K programs, long-distance training and trail running, serving runners of all levels. The Pannells bring their proven training programs to the region, which have already helped over 3,500 people reach their fitness goals.

“Wade and Julie have built strong, genuine connections with their customers and communities across every market they serve,” said John Moloznik, vice president of retail development at Fleet Feet. “With over a decade of experience, the Pannells have consistently driven growth and excellence. We’re thrilled to continue growing alongside them and know their passion for running will make this new chapter a great success.”

Fleet Feet Olympia and Puyallup are hiring new employees. If you’re looking to turn your passion into your career in a fast-paced, fun, and customer-centric environment, apply at jeremiah@fleetfeettacoma.com.

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®.

###

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.

 

 

 

 

SOUTHPORT, Conn.  – Dermatone, a trusted leader in skincare and sunscreen since 1981, introduces Lips & Face Biodegradable Glitter Kits, a skin care collection combining creativity, and effective skincare for outdoor enthusiasts and sports fans. Priced at $15.99, this kit uses eco-friendly glitter that biodegrades naturally and is available at dermatone.com.

Formulated with high-quality ingredients suitable for all skin types, Dermatone’s Lips & Face Biodegradable Glitter Kits are cruelty-free, paraben-free and made with cosmetic-grade ingredients keeping skin hydrated and protected from the sun, wind and cold. Customers can choose from seven unique stencil designs, including themes like festival, football, marathon, numbers, patriotic, sailing, and snow/ski. The kits include two Dermatone mini lips and face sticks to apply the glitter, and two three-ounce glitter pots along with custom stencils. Additionally, the Mini Biodegradable Glitter Pots ($5.99) allow customers to choose from a selection of eight colors.

“Our new Glitter Kits bring a little more fun to outdoor events enabling consumers to express their personal style while still protecting their healthy skin,” said Doug Metchick, president of Dermatone. “It reinforces our mission to combine high-quality skincare with eco-conscious solutions. With outdoor participation on the rise, Dermatone continues to inspire consumers to get outside and do the activities they love while enjoying nature responsibly.”

Proudly made in the USA, each kit is available in a variety of shimmering shades to match every mood and occasion. The formula is easy to apply and dries quickly. Dermatone’s Lips & Face Biodegradable Glitter Kits are designed with a formula that adheres securely to the skin without causing irritation or discomfort. There is no use of parabens, phthalates, or harsh chemicals, ensuring a gentle experience even for the most sensitive skin.

For more information and to shop the full collection, visit dermatone.com.

###

About Dermatone

Since 1981, Dermatone has been the trusted choice for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers seeking high-quality skincare solutions. Our specialized, science-backed formulas are designed to be effective in all types of extreme conditions including sun, wind, dry, cold and frostbite. Crafted with clean, premium ingredients, Dermatone’s innovative products protect, hydrate and restore your skin all year long. After more than 40 years, Dermatone still maintains a reputation as the go-to brand for those committed to maintaining healthy skin and who demand high performance, quality and reliability in their skincare routine. Dermatone products are proudly made in the U.S.A.

 

Media Contact:

Lindsey Clinkingbeard, CGPR

lindsey.clinkingbeard@offmadisonave.com

602-432-1667

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (Dec. 19, 2024) — RECCO, a leading manufacturer of advanced rescue technology, has announced a placement of a helicopter detector in Newfoundland, Canada. Operated by Newfoundland Helicopters in Deer Lake, this new addition will support Gros Morne National Park Visitor Safety and Provincial Search and Rescue (SAR) teams in the region. With this deployment, the RECCO SAR network now spans coast to coast across Canada, featuring a total of five helicopter detectors nationwide.

Rescue teams underwent training in the fall, and the unit is now fully operational and ready to support search missions year-round. This advanced capability will enhance the efforts of SAR teams in locating missing outdoor enthusiasts in the region.

“We’re excited to have the RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector system operational in Newfoundland,” said Fredrik Steinwall, CEO at RECCO. “There are large areas to cover for the SAR teams in the area. The addition of the helicopter detector will hopefully have an improved impact on the search and rescue missions in these regions year-round.”

The RECCO helicopter system is used to search for missing people outdoors year-round. The helicopter detector can quickly search large areas, covering a square kilometer in six minutes. Along with helping reduce search times for missing people, the helicopter-based detector can reduce the time and risk exposure for rescue workers during missions.

“The system is a real-life saving device, and I can see where it would enhance our search capabilities by enabling us to search larger areas in a fraction of the time it would take on the ground,” said Darren Williams, Team Leader of Deer Lake SAR. “In our training session, we detected the lost hiker even before we had a visual on them. Great piece of equipment and should be incorporated in all search and rescue efforts.”

The RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector system was launched in 2016, drastically expanding the system’s applications from avalanche scenarios to year-round search and rescue missions.  The helicopter detector makes it easier to search for all outdoor enthusiasts including hikers, runners, cyclists and hunters by allowing searchers to comb through larger areas more efficiently.

To be searchable by professional rescue teams, one must be equipped with a RECCO rescue reflector. Reflectors are integrated into apparel, helmets, backpacks, running vests, shoes and climbing harnesses by more than 150 brand partners. Reflectors are also available as stand-alone products to be attached to a helmet or a backpack or worn as a belt.

Currently, there are 38 RECCO SAR Helicopter Detectors globally, with 13 located in North America and 25 units deployed across Europe.

About RECCO

RECCO® advanced rescue technology makes outdoor enthusiasts searchable to rescuers in case of an avalanche accident or when lost in the outdoors. The technology builds on a two-part radar system. Rescuers carry RECCO® detectors that send out search signals which are echoed by RECCO® reflectors, carried by the user. RECCO® detectors are used worldwide at more than 900 ski resorts and mountain rescue organizations in 32 countries. RECCO® reflectors are integrated into select apparel, helmets, protection gear and boots manufactured by more than 150 leading outdoor brands. RECCO AB was founded in 1983 in Sweden and is owned by its founder Magnus Granhed and the publicly traded investment company Traction AB (listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm). More info at recco.com.

Media Contact

Siena Teare

Verde Brand Communications

(307) 200-7003

siena@verdepr.com

– X X X –

 

Washington, D.C. (Dec. 19, 2024) — Following a 10-year advocacy campaign to modernize outdoor recreation policy, today the U.S. Senate passed by unanimous consent the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, a first-of-its-kind bipartisan package that improves outdoor recreation on America’s public lands and waters. The EXPLORE Act passed the U.S. House earlier this year. It will now go to the president’s desk for signature.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the passage of the EXPLORE Act today,” said Adam Cramer, CEO of Outdoor Alliance, one of the organizations that envisioned and advocated for the EXPLORE Act. “We are deeply grateful to the many champions of outdoor recreation who made this possible, including Senator Manchin, Senator Barrasso, Representative Westerman, and Senator Wyden, whose leadership laid the groundwork for this recreation package. The EXPLORE Act will significantly enhance outdoor recreation on our public lands, which is especially vital as participation continues to grow each year.”

“The passage of EXPLORE sends a clear message that outdoor recreation and our public lands are bipartisan priorities,” Cramer said. “Signing this bill into law represents a meaningful investment in our shared outdoor heritage and the vibrant outdoor recreation economy it sustains. We look forward to continuing to advocate for the protection and enhancement of outdoor recreation and public lands for generations to come. And we are very grateful to members of the public who took the time and effort to let their representatives know how important it was to them to pass this meaningful legislation. That helped make the difference.”

Highlights of the bill include:

• The Biking on Long Distance Trails Act (BOLT Act) identifies and creates more long-distance bike trails
• The Protecting America’s Rock Climbing Act (PARC Act) safeguards Wilderness climbing
• The Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation Act (SOAR Act) improves recreational permitting for outfitters and guides
• Codifies FICOR and the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership, which funds parks and green spaces in neighborhoods that need it most

A new report released recently 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, the EXPLORE Act will take important steps to expand and improve outdoor recreation opportunities, including improving access, creating more trails, and protecting the outdoors.

“As outdoor recreation grows in popularity, we need more tools to get people outside safely and responsibly. The EXPLORE Act will streamline the federal recreational permitting process to enable more people to experience the outdoors through organized group experiences facilitated by outdoor leaders and educators,” said Tom Vogl, CEO of The Mountaineers. “The Mountaineers is thrilled to see Congress pass the EXPLORE Act, and is grateful to Representative Westerman and Senators Manchin and Barrasso for their leadership to help connect more people to their public lands and waters.”

To learn more about Outdoor Alliance and their work, 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.

 

##

 

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (December 17, 2024) — Moultrie, the leading innovator in trail camera and feeder technology, embarked on a unique employee experience with its first-ever “Field to Fork” event, hosted in partnership with the National Deer Association (NDA), designed to introduce first-time hunters to the art and tradition of deer hunting.

The event featured six first-time hunters from the company’s staff, who were each paired with an experienced hunter serving as a mentor. Mentors consisted of Moultrie and NDA employees, ensuring a supportive introduction to hunting, emphasizing conservation, skill development, and outdoor engagement. The “Field to Fork” event represents Moultrie’s commitment to outdoor education and creating meaningful experiences in the field. By offering this opportunity, Moultrie and the NDA hope to foster a deeper understanding of hunting as a conservation tool and a time-honored outdoor tradition.

“This is more than just a hunting trip,” said Mark Olis, Senior Brand Communications Manager at Moultrie. “It’s an immersive experience where Moultrie employees get to put themselves in the customer’s boots. They get the full experience of hunt planning, marksmanship, scouting, and the adrenaline rush of seeing their first deer while hunting. It’s instrumental for our team to connect their professional work to the hunter who relies on our products in the field.”

“Introducing people to deer hunting through the motivation of sourcing local, organic, and healthy meat is part of our mission at the National Deer Association,” said Jenifer Wisniewski, Chief Marketing Officer at the National Deer Association. “We were so excited to get to take out people that work for hunters and introduce them to the sport that they work to support. Getting to sit in the woods with a software engineer who had never seen the sunrise from the woods is so rewarding. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Moultrie to support hunters.”

The “Field to Fork” program is designed to teach adult non-hunters how to go afield and source their protein while promoting sustainable hunting practices. Through this event, first-time hunters learned essential skills, including hunting techniques, ethical practices, and the importance of conservation, while experiencing the camaraderie and excitement of hunt camp. Moultrie is a proud partner with the NDA and working together on a common goal like this only advances the relationship. There are already plans to team up and make this an annual event.

“The Field to Fork event was an incredible experience,” said Katherine Nance, Product Associate at Moultrie. “From the very start of the weekend hunt, it became clear just how unique and special this opportunity was. I’m so grateful to Jenifer Wisniewski and the National Deer Association for their efforts in facilitating this experience and to the mentors at Moultrie for their patience and dedication. I learned so much about hunting whitetail deer, from the science behind it, the skills needed to be successful, and the strong sense of community that makes it such an incredible tradition.”

Moultrie’s dedication to the outdoors extends beyond technology—it’s about fostering a culture of stewardship and respect for nature. This event underscores the company’s mission to inspire more people to engage responsibly with the great outdoors. To learn more about Moultrie, its products, and its values, visit www.moultrieproducts.com.

###

About Moultrie

Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Moultrie is the leader in deer feeders and cellular trail camera innovation, building products used by hunters, property owners, and others for real-time remote monitoring. Moultrie is a business unit of PRADCO Outdoor Brands. PRADCO’s hunting brands include Ani-Logics, Whitetail Institute, Texas Hunter, Summit, Knight & Hale, and Code Blue. PRADCO Fishing manufactures and markets products for freshwater and saltwater anglers under 20+ brands, including Rebel, YUM, BOOYAH, War Eagle Custom Lures, Great Lakes Finesse, and Bomber.

 

 

 

SALT LAKE CITY (Dec. 11, 2024) — DPS Skis, the U.S.-based ski manufacturer known for pioneering aerospace-grade carbon technology, announces Pisteworks®, a dramatic redefinition of the alpine carving ski. Pisteworks® represents the first, full carbon fiber on-piste ski from the carbon ski experts, DPS. The characteristics of carbon—lively recovery, efficient energy transfer and tremendous durability—are ideal for a high-performance carving ski. Pisteworks® utilizes premium proprietary carbon fibers and when combined with state-of-the-art lab and on-snow testing, these skis push the boundaries of high-performance carving ski design, manufacturing, and performance.

“For decades, frontside carving skis have relied on metal and fiberglass in the construction for stability and comfort. Our goal was to challenge this norm by delivering the same stability with carbon while also utilizing carbon’s inherent agility,” says Thomas Laakso, Senior Vice President at DPS Skis. “Carbon represents the pinnacle of performance material in every other high-performance application and carving skis are no different.”

An extremely limited release of the first Pisteworks® model, the Pisteworks® 79, is available today for pre-order in 160, 167, 174 and 181cm lengths at https://www.dpsskis.com/products/pisteworks-79, shipping in February 2025. The Pisteworks® 79 comes standard with the revolutionary base treatment, PHANTOM Glide, that provides a permanent snow-glide solution without wax. Pre-ordering the 13.5 meter turn radius Pisteworks® 79 is the only way to guarantee early delivery for this ski season. Additional Pisteworks® models will be available ahead of the 2025/2026 ski season.

The new Pisteworks® carving skis were developed utilizing both static lab testing and dynamic, on-snow data acquisition to fine-tune ski performance throughout every turn. Four-time Olympian and World Cup ski champion, Ted Ligety, spearheaded design and testing for the Pisteworks® skis. DPS also engaged the world’s preeminent carbon fiber lab to enhance its already-proven carbon fiber technologies used in its all-mountain, powder and touring skis.

“Skis that can handle high G-Force turns while maintaining maximum traction and responsive feel have always been the goal of high-performance carving skis,” says Ted Ligety, DPS Ski’s Head of Product Performance. “By analyzing real-time data during turns and optimizing the feedback loop, we’ve developed a ski that delivers a planted yet thrilling ride throughout the entire turn.” To learn more about Pisteworks®, please visit https://www.dpsskis.com/products/pisteworks-79. For more information on DPS, contact account manager Ryan Silven at ryan.silven@rygr.us

About DPS Skis:

Located at the base of the Wasatch Mountains in Salt Lake City, Utah, DPS designs the world’s most advanced ski products by fusing space-age carbon technology with groundbreaking shapes. DPS is responsible for the world’s first and only pure pre-impregnated carbon fiber sandwich ski, the first 120mm-waisted powder pintail, the first rockered ski with sidecut, and PHANTOM, a paradigm-shifting permanent, one-time application base-coating that forever eliminates the need for waxing skis and snowboards. DPS products are sold on five continents and are the trusted brand of choice for serious skiers worldwide. www.dpsskis.com

Media Contact:

Ryan Silven Ryan.silven@rygr.us

970-924-0704 ext. 2114