Archives: Press Releases

Outdoor retailer broadens educational offerings to inspire all members of the family to explore the adventure and wonder in nature this summer

Orvis, the family-owned outdoor retailer that specializes in fly fishing gear and education, introduces a new weekly summer camp platform offering lessons and activities for kids of all ages who are homebound by the COVID-19 pandemic. Orvis Summer Kids’ Camp seeks to highlight outdoor skills and engage kids in their local ecosystems with topics covering navigation, wildlife, fly fishing, dog training, and conservation.

Beginning today, Orvis Summer Kids’ Camp will release free weekly curriculum that challenges kids of all ages to explore their local environments. The six-part series will feature videos, skill sessions and plans for adventure-driven activities that families can do at home, or close to home.

“Education and a love for the outdoors have been at the core of our brand for over 160 years,” says Orvis President Simon Perkins. “At a time when families are spending a lot of time at home, and many summer camps are canceled, we want to provide resources to encourage kids to get outside and explore their local environments. We hope that Orvis Kids’ Summer Camp will help to facilitate a lifelong relationship with the natural world and inspire the next generation of conservationists.”

For more information on Orvis Summer Camp, visit https://www.orvis.com/summer-kids-camp.

Additionally, Orvis is committed to sharing educational opportunities for all ages, offering virtual education options in addition to Orvis Summer Kids’ Camp, including fly-tying workshops and fly fishing how-to videos. Orvis’s full collection of video content is available on The Orvis Company YouTube channel at bit.ly/3ibszYH.

Moreover, Orvis began offering Virtual Casting Instruction in May, providing individualized feedback on casting and technique through video analysis and one-on-one discussion with an instructor from the Orvis Fly Fishing Schools. For more information on virtual instruction opportunities, visit https://www.orvis.com/fly-fishing-schools.

About The Orvis Company: Founded in 1856, we believe the most meaningful experiences are created by sharing the love of nature and being inspired by its endless possibilities. Orvis pioneered the mail order industry in the United States, operates more than 80 retail stores in the U.S and the U.K., and maintains a network of over 400 dealers worldwide as a trusted source of discovery and adventure in the natural world. We promise to open the door to extraordinary outdoor experiences, and to protect nature by committing 5% of our pretax profits each year to conservation efforts worldwide. www.orvis.com

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Bend, OR (July 1, 2020) – Hydro Flask, the award-winning leader in high-performance, insulated stainless steel flasks and a Helen of Troy Limited (NASDAQ, HELE) brand, is excited to launch its new #RefillForGood campaign, underlining the brand’s continued global efforts to reduce single-use plastic consumption and waste.

 

Beginning July 1, 2020, to coincide with Plastic Free July, #RefillForGood encourages consumers to start with small choices that over time lead to big impacts for the planet and future generations – such as choosing reusable containers for beverages and food. The ongoing campaign will launch on Hydro Flask’s official website at www.hydroflask.com/refill-for-good, as well as across the brand’s social media channels.

 

“We’re thrilled to share #RefillForGood as our rally cry to encourage others to make the switch from single-use plastics to a more sustainable solution,” said Lucas Alberg, PR & Communications Manager at Hydro Flask. “Hydro Flask has been offering reusable products since 2009 and we are continually striving to reduce our plastic footprint and do our part to protect and preserve green spaces everywhere. Choosing reusable alternatives to single-use bottles and containers is a simple and achievable step for all of us.”

 

“Our #RefillForGood initiative is more than just refilling Hydro Flasks to help eliminate single-use plastics,” said Yiorgos Makris, Hydro Flask Director of Marketing. “It is about refilling for the good of the our health, our bodies and our minds, and for the good of future generations in knowing that the removal of single-use plastics will help preserve parks and public lands to enjoy for years to come.” 

 

In conjunction with the campaign, Hydro Flask will announce its #RefillForGood Advocates – a team of ambassadors, thought leaders and athletes who each take action and advocate for the elimination of single-use plastics through their work and life choices.  The advocates include scientists and thought leaders whose goal is to remove single-use plastics from our environment: California-based oceanographer Dr. Sarah-Jeanne Royer; professional surfer and chemist Dr. Cliff Kapono; UK ambassador Laura Sanderson, a Welsh outdoor swimmer who recently conducted a research expedition to collect water samples for micro-plastics analysis while swimming nearly 1,000 km through all 15 of the UK’s national parks; professional surf athletes Lakey Peterson, Paige Alms and Ace Buchanon; professional mountain biker Hannah Barnes; and professional musician Ron Artis.

 

As part of the campaign and ongoing initiatives Hydro Flask will continue to work with key partners to further amplify awareness, including U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, the U.S. Surf Team and the World Surf League (WSL) – whose joint global efforts aim to eliminate single-use plastics from events, raise awareness through professional athletes, and improve the health of the planet’s oceans. #RefillForGood will also draw attention to the important work of non-profit organizations whose missions align with Hydro Flask’s Parks for All program.

 

“Our consumers and industry peers recognize that eliminating single-use plastics helps to protect and preserve our environment, which ultimately supports people living healthier, happier and more fulfilled lives,” said Indigo Teiwes, Associate Director of Corporate Responsibility at Hydro Flask. “We’re proud to rally behind #RefillForGood as part of our overarching commitment to build, preserve, maintain and provide better access to public green, and blue, spaces.”

 

 

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About Hydro Flask

Hydro Flask® is the leader in high-performance insulated products that help people enjoy the things they love to do in the places they love to be. From the number one-selling water bottle to soft good innovations like our Unbound Series™ Soft Coolers and Journey Series™ Hydration Packs, Hydro Flask’s delightfully simple designs and go-anywhere durability always deliver the perfect temperature when you need it. Founded in 2009 in Bend, Oregon, Hydro Flask inspires active outdoor lives with two simple words: Let’s Go! Its charitable arm, Parks For All, supports the development, maintenance, restoration and accessibility of public green spaces so people everywhere can live healthier, happier and more fulfilled lives. To learn more about Hydro Flask, Parks for All, and to see our full lineup of award-winning products, visit www.hydroflask.com.

 

About Helen of Troy Limited

Helen of Troy Limited is a leading global consumer products company offering creative solutions for its customers through a strong portfolio of well-recognized and widely trusted brands, including OXO, Hydro Flask, Vicks, Braun, Honeywell, PUR, Hot Tools and Drybar. All trademarks herein belong to Helen of Troy Limited (or its affiliates) and/or are used under license from their respective licensors.  For more information about Helen of Troy, please visit www.helenoftroy.com.

 

New AC Lite, Futura Air Trek and FLYT backpacks are free of harmful PFCs and feature bluesign® materials

Today, Deuter—the global leader in backpacks and outdoor equipment—announces the launch of its new collection for Spring 2021, delivering the comfort, durability and function that its products are known for with redesigned, modern aesthetics. The assortment includes a top-down redesign for the popular AC Lite daypacks as well as the all-new Futura Air Trek trekking pack and FLYT pack for mountain biking. Like all Deuter products, the entire product range is free of perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and includes bluesign® approved materials, reflecting the brand’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.

“At Deuter, we take our passion for the mountains seriously. Since our 1898 founding, our core values of sustainability, social responsibility, German craftsmanship and innovative design have driven how we approach our products and our business, and we’ve continued to be the forefront of the category as a result,” says Jonathan Degenhardt, managing director for Deuter USA. “We’re excited to launch a new spring collection that builds upon 120 years of experience and shows off the comfort, durability and function that we’re known for, but with new modern aesthetics that are perfect for anyone and everyone looking to hit the trail in style.“

The AC Lite ($100) is one of Deuter’s most popular hiking packs, designed for the go-getting peakbaggers, casual hikers and everyone in between thanks to its unmatched comfort, lightweight yet durable materials and innovative back system. For Spring 2021, the AC Lite collection gets a fresh redesign, delivering even lighter materials, improved ventilation and a long zipperfor easy front access. The AC Lite boasts the Aircomfort carry system, which allows effective ventilation for all wearers as well as unparalleled comfort and fit customization, as well as exterior loops for gear like trekking poles and helmets.

Also new for Spring 2021 is the all-new Futura Air Trek ($250) trekking pack, featuring the unique VariSlide customizable fit system, which allows for easy adjustments on-the-go so that all body types can comfortably hit the trail. Coupled with Deuter’s Aircomfort mesh back system, which offers unmatched ventilation on even the hottest days, and the frontal access zipper for easily grabbing clothing and gear on-the-move, and you have the ideal companion for the next backpacking escape.

Also new for Spring 2021 is the FLYT ($200) pack, designed for ambitious mountain bikers in need of a lightweight, comfortable pack with maximum protection. In 1990, Deuter introduced the world’s first bike-specific backpack, the Deuter Bike 1, and since has continued to push the category forward. The FLYT builds upon this foundation, offering a best-in-class back protector which provides extra support through high or low impact crashes as well as free replacements should the back protector become deformed taking on the impact of a crash. Along with this extra protection, the FLYT boasts extra ventilation, the comfortable Airstripes carry system, and plenty of stowable space for a helmet, repair kit and additional protection equipment.

The Spring 2021 collection from Deuter will be available in March at www.deuter.com and select retail partners. For more information, please contact Senior Account Manager Emily Banks: Emily.Banks@rygr.us

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About Deuter:  From backpacking to bike commuting, alpinism and travel, to child-carrying and family adventures, Deuter creates better and more comfortable packs for everyone and everywhere. With over 121 years of pack building experience, Deuter has played a vital role in shaping mountaineering history since its 1898 founding in Germany. Its values of sustainability, passion, family, pioneering and meisterlich—German for excellence at one’s craft—have driven Deuter to be a leading global backpack brand. From developing the first framed pack in 1930, to being the pack of choice for the first ascent of the north face of the Eiger by Anderl Heckmair in 1938, to inventing the original bike-specific backpack as well as the very first ventilated mesh back system in its Aircomfort packs, Deuter innovations have shaped the pack industry since the beginning. https://www.deuterusa.com/. 

German mountain brand launches Dry Pack series, Westalpen 3L Jacket and Piz Duan Swisswool Jacket purpose-built for three-season adventures

ORTOVOX, the global expert in avalanche safety equipment and technical wool for mountain sports, celebrates its 40^th anniversary with the launch of its Spring 2021 collection. Founded in 1980, ORTOVOX has long been a leader in the year-round pursuit of alpine activities. The new line builds upon these areas of expertise and includes new Dry Series backpacks, the Westalpen Hardshell, and the Piz Duan jacket.

“Our values at ORTOVOX are rooted in the protection of both people and the environment in the mountains. Our brand is known for its snowsports and mountainwear apparel built to excel in the harshest winter conditions and this ethos extends to our expanded spring collection in 2021,” says Tom Mason, U.S. brand manager at ORTOVOX. “Our Spring 2021 collection highlights our commitment to safety, comfort, versatility, and sustainable wool, and we are proud to introduce the new Westalpen, Piz Duan and Dry series, all perfectly suited for mountaineers, climbers and alpinists alike.”

ORTOVOX has been designing premium backpacks for alpine pursuits since 1985, delivering high-quality innovations that have continued to push the category year over year. For Spring 2021, ORTOVOX delivers performance improvements to a range of its most popular packs, introducing waterproof versions of the Peak 40 Dry ($320) and the Traverse 30 Dry ($240), which were developed for demanding high-alpine pursuits and variable conditions. While days above tree line are best (and most safely) spent in the sunshine, weather can roll in fast, and the Peak 40 Dry and Traverse 30 Dry packs’ weatherproof exteriors ensure that your gear is covered rain or shine.

The Westalpen collection is ORTOVOX’s most versatile spring mountainwear collection, equipped with functional, technical pieces well-suited for all-season mountain exploration in any weather. New for the collection in Spring 2021 is the Westalpen 3L Jacket ($600), a rugged and fully equipped hardshell jacket with a high-reach performance fit developed to protect mountaineers from extreme weather conditions. This premium piece is highly breathable, has a durable water resistant (DWR) finish to make it waterproof and windproof, and incorporates merino wool for extra temperature regulation where you need it. At only 492 grams, this jacket is a must-have for any serious mountaineer or alpinist.

Also new for Spring 2021 is the Piz Duan Swisswool Jacket ($290), a lightweight insulated layer that offers breathable warmth and comfort for alpine pursuits, featuring ethically harvested Swisswool insulation. The Piz Duan also features a wind- and water-resistant outer layer that is free of harmful Perfluorocarbons (PFCs), a stretchy, active fit for on-the-go comfort, and a streamlined aesthetic, making it an easy choice for cold ridgeline scrambles.

The ORTOVOX Spring 2021 collection will be available in March at www.ortovox.com and at select retail partners. For more information, please contact Emily Banks, senior account manager: emily.banks@rygr.us.

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About ORTOVOX: ORTOVOX is a four-season mountain brand headquartered in Germany known as an expert in avalanche safety equipment and wool apparel designed specifically for ski touring, freeriding, mountaineering, alpine climbing and alpine touring. Since its founding in 1980, ORTOVOX has stood for a sophisticated approach to protection and comfort in the mountains, characterized by the responsible treatment of people and nature. As pioneers in avalanche safety, ORTOVOX has played a key role in the development of emergency equipment and targeted training measures for mountain sports, with protection as the brand’s most important value. This protective ethos extends to include safe and fair working conditions for its employees, setting the highest standards of animal welfare on the brand’s Tasmanian merino farms and ensuring environmentally friendly manufacturing of its products. www.ortovox.com  

Ombraz Sunglasses, the mastermind behind the world’s most practical and durable sunnies, is thrilled to announce its partnership with fellow dynamic business Darby Communications. As Ombraz’s PR agency of record, Darby Communications will amplify the brand’s lineup of stylish armless shades, increasing its media exposure in the outdoor, active, and mountain lifestyle industries.

In early 2012, a fateful mistake atop a camel in the Thar Desert of India led Jensen Brehm down the entrepreneurial path. After accidentally crushing the arms of his fancy new sunglasses, Jensen was left with a predicament of monstrous proportions—spend the remaining safari sunglass-less and squinting into the blazing sun, or quickly innovate atop his noble steed. A quick-thinking Brehm used twine to MacGyver some makeshift armless sunglasses, saving his eyes and unknowingly turning the sunglass industry on its head.

After years of wearing his MacGyver’d Aviators, Brehm partnered with Nikolai Paloni in 2016 to bring Ombraz to life. Brehm and Paloni spent two years perfecting the Ombraz design, crafting brand aesthetic and voice, and preparing to show the Ombraz Classic to the world. In 2018, Ombraz Sunglasses launched, garnering over $200k in pre-orders with the help of a world-class crowdfunding video. Since inception, Ombraz has gathered an impressive list of accolades and a dedicated following of armless sunglass converts. 

With the Classic flourishing, Ombraz is ready to introduce two new styles to the market with the help of Darby Communications. “We’ve been fine-tuning Ombraz for two years and we now have a dialed, scalable, high-performance sunglass that fits incredibly well and looks fantastic on everyone. Our biggest obstacle has been discoverability in this current saturated sunglass market. We are stoked up to work with Darby Comm to introduce this stellar product to the outdoor world,” says co-founders Brehm and Paloni.

“We’ve been watching the innovation from Ombraz for a while now. Jensen and Nikolai have built an impressive brand that combines innovation, style, and top-notch content marketing. These entrepreneurs do it all, from product design to construction, packaging to shipping—they’ve rolled up their sleeves and accomplished a lot in a short amount of time. Darby Comm is thrilled to partner with a brand that understands its customers and continues to push the boundaries in an industry in need of innovation,” says Suzanne Hermann, Media Relations Director at Darby Communications.

In addition to its groundbreaking sunglasses, Ombraz is committed to fighting climate change. Through its Ombraz Shade Project, Ombraz has become a leader in carbon sequestration, planting more than 163,000 mangrove trees to date. With the help of its partner Eden Reforestation Project, Ombraz plants 20 mangrove trees for every pair of sunglasses sold. A member of 1% For the Planet and Carbon Neutral Certified, Ombraz sequesters 330x more carbon than it takes to produce and deliver each pair of sunglasses.

To learn more about Ombraz Sunglasses, its products, and its commitment to being carbon negative, visit Ombraz.com or contact cory@darbycommunications.com

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About Ombraz Sunglasses

Ombraz Sunglasses is challenging the sunnies industry, asking the simple question—What happens when you dare to create good-looking, high-quality sunglasses, without sidearms?  The answer—No Sidearms. No Problems. Since the introduction of the Ombraz Classic in 2018, Ombraz has built carbon-negative, armless sunglasses that solve a problem and serve a purpose. Whether on the river, trail, slopes, or single track, Ombraz can be worn for hours, combining comfort, performance, and durability. Additionally, through the Ombraz Shade Project, and with the help of its partner Eden Reforestation Project, Ombraz plants 20 mangrove trees for every pair of sunglasses sold. A member of 1% For the Planet and Carbon Neutral Certified, Ombraz sequesters 330x more carbon than it takes to produce and deliver each pair of sunglasses. Now, Ombraz is ready to introduce two new styles to the market: the Dolomite and the Leggero. Learn more about the full line-up of armless sunglasses, visit Ombraz.com or follow @Ombraz.

About Darby Communications 

Darby Communications is a boutique PR & digital marketing agency serving the outdoor, fitness, and wellness industries through impactful content creation, media placement, email marketing, and social media management. Headquartered in Asheville, NC with a coast-to-coast portfolio, Darby Communications takes a team approach to everything they do for clients and have worked with many of the outdoor and fitness industries’ most respected companies. Their current client roster includes: 360 Adventure Collective, Appalachian Gear Company, Astral, Feetures, Hyland’s, Ignik, Industrial Revolution, Johnson Outdoors, LifeSaver, Nantahala Pisgah Forest Plan Partnership, Outdoor Economy Conference, Sierra Designs, Tarpestry, and Wildwater. Learn more at www.darbycommunications.com or follow on social @darbycomm. 

Unlike water filters, RapidPure® water purifiers remove viruses, working up to eight times faster to remove pathogens 100 times smaller than competitors’ water treatment systems

Adventure® Medical announces the launch of RapidPure®, its collection of water purification products promising best-in-class flow rates, advanced purification technology with virus protection and lightweight, easy to use designs. Available in five options to fit the needs of any outdoor adventurer, RapidPure® water treatment products remove over 99.99% of viruses, bacteria, cysts, and protozoa using a trademarked electroadsorption process called UltraCeram®. RapidPure® purifiers offer all the advantages of a purifier and are as easy to use as a typical water filter.

“The RapidPure products treat water to eliminate viruses and bacteria at an industry-leading speed, delivering unrivaled convenience,” says Aaron Baumgarten, brand manager for RapidPure. “The UltraCeram® advanced technology acts as more than a filter by providing access to clean water for camping, hiking, travel and everyday use.”

RapidPure’s UltraCeram technology works like a magnet to clear water of harmful pathogens. The active ingredient is a crystal structure whose bonds “relax” when exposed to water, generating an electropositive field. Waterborne pathogens like viruses, bacteria and parasites let off electronegative charges. As water passes through UltraCeram’s porous membrane, the positive charge attracts and traps the negatively charged pathogens like a magnet. Water is a neutral compound, so it passes freely through the membrane, leaving harmful viruses, bacteria, parasites, and other contaminants behind.

This results in safe drinking water free of taste and odor with an unmatched flow rate of up to 5 liters per minute—more than twice that of competitors.

“Our company mission is to inspire outdoor adventure by providing innovative products to safely enjoy time outside,” says Garrett Cox, senior VP of marketing at Adventure Ready Brands, the New Hampshire-based parent company. “The RapidPure product line bolsters the Adventure Medical portfolio of best-in-class outdoor medical kits, providing fast access to clean water in the backcountry with effective protection against harmful viruses.”

The RapidPure product line includes adaptors for water bottles and hydration packs, and gravity-style camping accessories.

Ideal for treating water at camp or on the go, the Trail Blazer Gravity Purifier (MSRP $99.99) features the fastest flow rate of any gravity water filter on the market, purifying and filtering up to 5 liters of water per minute. The gravity filter works without batteries, pumping, priming, or any special maintenance and has a 9-liter capacity.

The award-winning compact Pioneer Straw (MSRP $29.99) water purifier weighs 2.2 ounces and is ideal for camping, hiking and travel.

The Scout Hydration Pack Purifier (MSRP $29.99) pairs with most hydration pack systems with an inline adaptor for easy water purification on-the-go.

The Universal Purifier Bottle Adapter (MSRP $44.99) turns wide-mouth water bottles, such as Nalgene, CamelBak, Hydro Flask and Klean Kanteen, into advanced water purifiers.

The Intrepid Bottle (MSRP $59.99) has a flip-top lid to prevent cross contamination, an ergonomic design and holds 25-ounces of water.

RapidPure products are available for purchase on Amazon.com and at select retailers nationwide including REI, EMS, Bass Pro and Sportsman’s Warehouse.

Please direct all media inquiries to Account Manager Ethan Peck at ethan.peck@rygr.us.

About RapidPure: RapidPure water purification products were created to provide adventurers and travelers access to clean water wherever life takes them. With their innovative and patented design utilizing UltraCeram purification technology, all RapidPure products are classed as water purifiers and are 3^rd-party certified to exceed US EPA standards. RapidPure products do more than just filter your water; they purify it by removing more than 99.99% of viruses, parasites and bacteria, providing safe, great tasting water with unrivaled protection.

About Adventure Ready Brands: Founded in 1973 in the heart of New Hampshire’s iconic White Mountains, Adventure Ready Brands has always operated with a simple, unified goal: To inspire outdoor adventure, no matter the condition. With innovative products from the organized-by-injury Adventure® Medical Kits to the category-leading After Bite® insect sting treatment, Adventure Ready Brands has—and continues—to make good on that promise. www.adventurereadybrands.com

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Kevin’s Natural Foods, makers of Paleo and Keto-certified sous-vide entrées, sauces, and seasoning blends, is providing much needed food to those in need in the Modesto, CA region. The brand donated 40,000 pounds of chicken, sauce, rice and potatoes worth $120,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank June 25. 

“Since the beginning of March, the effects of the pandemic have been significant. Here at Second Harvest Food Bank one of our biggest challenges has been receiving healthy food options from many of our corporate partners.” Commented Keenon J Krick, CEO, Second Harvest. “It’s through tremendous support and donations from businesses like Kevin’s Natural Foods that help us feed those impacted most. We take great pride with being able to respond to this pandemic by providing the healthiest of meals, and the 20 tons of donated meals will certainly be a welcomed item by the thousands of people we serve at SHFB.” 

This is the second donation this year to the Second Harvest Food Bank, in February the brand donated 6,500 meals to the organization.

“We are proud to be able to work with Second Harvest and help in the important work they do in our community.” Said Kevin McCray, Founder, Kevin’s Natural Foods. “We understand that food is not equitable. We hope that providing healthy and delicious meals to food insecure members of our local area can provide not only nourishment, but also a sense of hope.”

The Second Harvest Food Bank is committed to fighting hunger by providing and distributing food to those in need and feeding hope by recognizing the diversity of those they serve through treating each individual with dignity and respect.

For more information about Kevin’s Natural Foods, please visit kevinsnaturalfoods.com.

For more information about the Second Harvest Food Bank visit localfoodbank.org. 

For media inquiries, please contact Kate Schmieding, Kate@Groundswellpr.com.

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About Kevin’s Natural Foods: Kevin’s Natural Foods was co-founded by Kevin McCray, who battled a severe auto-immune disorder for years. When conventional medicine wasn’t doing the trick to keep him healthy, he turned to the Paleo diet––a move that would cure him of his ailment and motivate him to share his story with others. After talking with hundreds of people, Kevin was convinced that making it easy to cook delicious food is the key to truly helping people eat clean over the long term. Thus, Kevin’s Natural Foods was born.  Offering Paleo & Keto-certified sauces, seasoning blends and sous-vide entrées, Kevin’s provides all the essentials needed to take clean-eating to the next level.  For more information, please visit www.kevinsnaturalfoods.com.

Under the leadership of Teresa Baker, In Solidarity Project  is launching a grant program to support underrepresented, underserved and marginalized communities in the outdoors. The In Solidarity grant program will award $500 every month and is open to individuals and nonprofits in service of people of color, LGBTQ+ community members, people with disabilities, and people of size.

The grant cycle begins July 1, 2020. Applicants must reside in the United States and can apply by visiting tinyurl.com/insolidaritygrants and providing a short description of their work (75 words or less) and a link that shows their work (a website, article, or social media platform). The first recipient will be announced July 6, 2020.  

Baker said, “Let us commit to moving forward In Solidarity. May we be exhausted, may we be weary, may we be determined, and may we all rise victorious in the process.”

Baker is also inviting companies to match the monthly grants. For more information about this matching opportunity, companies should email outdoorceopledge@gmail.com.

ABOUT IN SOLIDARITY PROJECT – Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge

In Solidarity Project – Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge works to build a better, stronger, more diverse outdoor industry. They work closely with industry partners to sign The Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge and to facilitate and lead DEI-focused consulting projects, training workshops, and speaking engagements. They focus on enhancing representation across staff and executive teams, media and marketing, and athletes/ambassadors. By building a relationship of support, empathy and understanding, versus external skepticism and internal stress, they are moving the outdoor industry towards authentic inclusion. Insolidarityproject.com

IN SOLIDARITY BIO

Teresa Baker

Teresa Baker is the founder of the Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge, which pairs leading outdoor brands in one-on-one relationships with inclusion advocates to advance representation for people of color across the industry. The organization is focused on enhancing representation across staff and executive teams, media and marketing, and athletes/ambassadors. By building a relationship of support, empathy and understanding, versus external skepticism and internal stress, they are moving the outdoor industry towards authentic inclusion.

EXPED USA has hired outdoor-industry veteran, Tracy Collins, as Sales Director. As of July 1, Tracy will join the growing team at the Tacoma, Washington based subsidiary of EXPED AG, Zurich, Switzerland. 

 

For the past five years, Tracy has worked as Senior Category Merchandise Manager at REI. Prior to that, he spent three years as Patagonia’s Western Regional Sales Manager and nine years in outdoor specialty retail, purchasing and general management. 

 

“Adding Tracy to our staff elevates the EXPED USA sales team to a position of forward-leaning strength as we move to anchor, grow and extend our relationships with our specialty, digital and major accounts in the US market.  There is much work to do for the remainder of 2020 and setting the table for 2021 and beyond” said Ted Steudel, President of EXPED USA. “We’ve worked across the table from Tracy for years, so we know the kind of care and professionalism he brings to business relationships. We’re very excited to make his industry expertise available to our retail partners and build our mutual businesses.”

 

“Over the past few years, we’ve made a number of key additions to our team and the Director of Sales position is no exception, says EXPED USA Vice President, Josh Espinosa. “Tracy has the background and strategic vision we’ve been looking for to make sure we’re doing everything we can to make EXPED a key contributor to our retailers’ success.” 

 

Tracy Collins can be reached at tracy@expedusa.com. 

 

 

About EXPED:

 

EXPED builds expedition equipment for outdoor adventure. Based in Zurich, it is our Swissness that compels us to tinker to perfection and refine every detail, delivering comfort anywhere. EXPED helps its customers to thrive, not merely survive in the outdoors.  EXPED is based in Zurich, Switzerland with a subsidiary, EXPED USA, in Tacoma, WA.