Archives: Press Releases

Backbone Media, the country’s leading active lifestyle media agency, is working with Bank of the West to increase awareness that Bank of the West has the strongest environmental stance of any major US bank. Drawing on the bank’s long-standing values of sustainability, diversity, and global impact, Backbone will assist with public relations, social media management, and association marketing to further enhance the bank’s reach.

Bank of the West has set itself apart by taking action to help build a sustainable future. By restricting the financing of fossil fuels, big tobacco, palm oil and other activities harmful to the planet, Bank of the West has taken the strongest environmental stance of any major U.S. bank. It is also the only major bank that has been accepted as a member of Protect Our Winters (POW) and 1% for the Planet, two organizations Bank of the West will team up with for a significant product launch later this summer.

“Backbone Media’s extensive work with key leaders and brands in the active lifestyle industry as well as their network in the sustainability space made them our top agency of choice to amplify our commitment to the planet,” says Ben Stuart, CMO of Bank of the West. “We have an opportunity to make the connection between how banks invest their money and the impact that creates in the world. But, by educating our customers and the active lifestyle and sustainability communities that their money doesn’t need to aid in extracting the last drops of fossil fuels from the planet, Bank of the West will succeed.”

Backbone Media has more than 20 years of experience working with sustainably-focused organizations and outdoor industry leaders. The team will support Bank of the West on initiatives educating consumers about the importance of responsible banking, and stirring the question, “what is your bank doing with your money?” In addition, Backbone will work in tandem with Bank of the West, POW and 1% For the Planet to launch an exciting product later this summer.

“Bank of the West shares a common goal of sustainability with many in the outdoor and active lifestyle communities,” says Backbone Media founder Penn Newhard. “They are leading the way in demonstrating that investments in activities that are harmful to the planet are not necessary to make a profit, and we’re glad to open our network to them. We look forward to a long working relationship together where we significantly move the needle on the positive impact that banks can have on the environment.”

For more information on Bank of the West’s commitment to sustainability, visit www.bankofthewest.com/change.

About Backbone Media 

Backbone Media targets, engages and inspires the active lifestyle market through public relations, media planning and buying, and social media. For more than 20 years, Backbone has worked with leading outdoor gear, apparel, technology, food and beverage brands, as well as tourism destinations around the world. Backbone has offices in Carbondale and Denver, Colorado, and has consistently been named one of Outside magazine’s “Best Places to Work.” For more about Backbone Media, visit www.backbonemedia.net.

The consumer goods rental service allows users to rent Primus cooking equipment in five curated kits for various outdoor cooking experiences

Primus, the Swedish heritage outdoor equipment brand established in 1892 known for its reliable, safe and innovative cooking products, has partnered with The Shed to provide outdoor enthusiasts the ability to rent camp cooking equipment in the Denver and Richmond, Va. metropolitan areas. Through the creative partnership, Primus will offer five different kits to The Shed’s users to rent for camping and outdoor cooking.

“With the sharing economy booming and more people looking for new ways to experience the outdoors, the decision to partner with The Shed was clear,” says Chris Clark, director of sales and marketing for Primus. “We want users that are interested in going camping or backpacking to have the opportunity to rent great cooking equipment. Our rental program provides users with access to the gear they need to get into the outdoors and The Shed is helping us to accomplish that with their full-service, customer-centric model.”

Primus makes equipment suitable for different outdoor cooking experiences including car camping, backpacking, cooking a meal at a local park, or tailgating at a picnic area. Starting at $14 per day, the kits that Primus is offering through The Shed include a Camping Grill Kit, a Camping Stove Kit, a Backpacking Kit for Two, a Camp Furniture Kit, and a Camp Place Setting Kit to provide the critical pieces for a great outdoor meal. The Shed is the first rental marketplace that provides rental in all categories—from camping to carpet cleaners to tools—customers rent online and The Shed offers delivery or pick-up options including same day.

“Adding premium outdoor brands like Primus to our diverse inventory supports our mission to transform the rental experience with great brands across eight categories available for delivery or pick-up,” says Daniel Perrone, chief executive officer of The Shed. “We’re thrilled to have a comprehensive offering of Primus products that outdoor users of any level can appreciate.”

The rental economy continues to gain popularity in the retail landscape by offering consumers an alternative to the cost of ownership through a commitment-free and convenient use of consumer goods. Through the program with The Shed, Primus is able to reach the growing segment of the sharing economy with thoughtfully curated premium outdoor cooking kits.

“The assortment we’re offering through our rental program will allow people to rent everything they need—including the fuel—to cook a great meal in the outdoors and have it delivered directly to their door,” says Clark.  “This concept is a way for us to enter an exciting and new channel for outdoor users and will allow us to provide added accessibility for entry to mid-level participants who don’t already own this type of gear.”

For more information on Primus, please direct media inquiries to Account Manager Eric Hockman at eric.hockman@rygr.us

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About Primus: Primus has powered expeditions and fueled pioneers since 1892, including the first ascent of Mount Everest in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Primus products are engineered in Sweden with an emphasis on technology, innovation and sustainability, resulting in reliable equipment that serve as life-long companions on any outdoor adventure—from summit bids to weekend picnics. Primus AB, based in Solna, Sweden, is an independent unit of Fenix Outdoor AB and is distributed in North America by the U.S. compass manufacturer, Brunton Outdoor Inc., out of Louisville, Colorado. Primus products are sold in more than 70 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit www.primus.us.

About The Shed: Based in Richmond, Va., The Shed is the first consumer goods rental platform where consumers can rent hundreds of items – from the expected to the unexpected – all from one place. The sharing economy is one of the fastest growing business sectors and is expected to reach $335 billion by 2025. The Shed plans to enter additional markets in 2020 as part of its mission to get the most out of the world’s stuff. For more information on The Shed, please visit www.ished.com.

Today, Salomon announces a partnership with the Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC) in which the outdoor brand will donate a portion of sales to the cause to support the trail community. As part of the giveback program, Salomon will donate $5 for every Odyssey hiking shoe sold from May 21, 2020 through August 31, 2020 to the CDTC.

 

“The CDTC’s goal of building a community of supporters who strive to protect the trail perfectly aligns with Salomon’s approach to protecting the areas in which we recreate in order to enable people to play outside now and into the future,” says Becky Marcelliano, outdoor marketing manager for Salomon in North America.  “This incredible non-profit helps to complete and protect the Continental Divide Trail. They provide up-to-date information and resources to the public, work to finish the last 5% of the trail, and support CDT Gateway Communities and sustainable outdoor recreation economies. The CDTC maintains the trail; the Salomon Odyssey will take you the distance.”

 

This new partnership reflects a step in Salomon’s Play Minded Program, an initiative which addresses the outdoor brand’s immediate and long-term commitment to operate its business in a more sustainable manner. It is based on the belief that the more people understand and appreciate their outdoor surroundings and their impacts on it, the more they will value it and care for it. Partnering with organizations like the CDTC that share this belief is an instrumental part of the initiative.

 

Salomon chose the Odyssey, the brand’s pinnacle long distance hiking shoe, as the product with which to launch this giveback program. The Odyssey was originally designed in 2017 as a solution for thru-hikers—like those that tackle the 3100-mile Continental Divide Trail—who would typically trek in trail running shoes due to the comfort and lightweight, but who also needed something more durable that could stand up to long days on the trail. Today, the Odyssey continues to deliver on that promise, providing a comfortable, lightweight and durable shoe perfectly suited for day hikers, thru-hikers and everyone in between.

 

Starting May 21, for every pair of Odyssey shoes purchased on www.salomon.com or www.backcountry.com, Salomon will donate $5 directly to the CDTC.

 

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About Salomon: Born in the French Alps in 1947, Salomon is committed to pushing the boundaries of mountain sports through the creation of innovative equipment that allows people to play, progress and challenge themselves in their chosen outdoor sports. The company produces and sells premium footwear, winter sports and mountaineering equipment, hiking equipment, and apparel specifically designed for all of those disciplines. Products are developed in the company’s Annecy Design Center, where engineers, designers and athletes collaborate to create innovative solutions that continually improve the outdoor experiences of those who see nature as a vast playground.   

360 Adventure Collective, the trusted member association that has brought focused, regional events for sales reps and retailers for over 30 years, has decided to cancel the 2020 New England and Mid-Atlantic regional trade shows due to safety concerns related to the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The three cancelled regional trade shows were originally scheduled for June and July: the Mid-Atlantic Summer Expo (June 9-11 in Edison, NJ), the New England Summer Expo (June 16-19 in Manchester, NH), and the Mid-Atlantic Summer Market (July 8-9 in Ellicott, MD).

“After much consideration and input from our board members and members in the northern areas, we’ve made the difficult but right decision to cancel these specific summer shows,” notes newly appointed 360 Adventure Collective Executive Director Stacey Gellert. “Initially, we discussed postponing these shows until the fall, but the massive impact the virus has had on these regions and the safety of our members and attendees is our top priority and so our focus is onward to Winter 2020- 2021.”

Three 360 AC summer trade shows will still take place in August: The Southeast Summer Expo in Greenville, SC; the Alabama Summer Expo in Birmingham, AL; and the New England/Mid-Atlantic Paddle Sport show in Sturbridge, MA. The team is continuously monitoring COVID-19 progression and will follow all recommended guidelines in place at the time of these shows by the CDC and state and local Health Departments. 

For a full schedule of events, visit www.360adventurecollective.org/event-calendar.

To learn more about 360 Adventure Collective, visit www.360adventurecollective.org or email Mandy Giles at mandy@darbycommunications.com.

About 360 Adventure Collective

EORA (Eastern Outdoor Reps Association) and NESR (New England Sports Reps) united in 2017 to create 360 Adventure Collective, a greater organization boasting a combined 40 years of success in connecting the most comprehensive offerings in outdoor and ski apparel, footwear, accessories and hard goods to the industry’s retailers who matter the most.  By hosting smaller, more conveniently located expos and markets than the national alternatives, 360 Adventure Collective is the traveling sales rep’s most trusted support system for maximizing connections with retailers and vendors.  360 Adventure Collective has over 675 members with 14 annual shows, and services over 2,900 retailers.  For more information or to become a member visit https://360adventurecollective.org/

Third generation to assume leadership of family-owned, 160-year-old outdoor retailer

Orvis, the family-owned outdoor retailer, announces the appointment of Simon Perkins to president, effective immediately. Perkins will assume full strategic and operational leadership of the company as president, and is the third generation of the Perkins family to lead Orvis since 1965. Outgoing president/CEO Bill McLaughlin, who has worked closely with Perkins on the Orvis executive team, will act as an advisor through the transition period.

“We have worked hard over a decade to position Orvis to thrive in the omnichannel retail environment of the future. Simon is the ideal leader to drive our brand forward, continuing to inspire our customers, associates, and partners to lead more fulfilling lives rooted in our core pursuits of fly fishing and wing shooting with dogs at our sides,” says Marka Hansen, Orvis chair. “Since joining Orvis in 2012, Simon has served as a unifying leader across departments and categories, overseeing significant growth in our Orvis Adventures business, and acting as a leading voice in the evolution of product innovation, brand storytelling, and purpose-led business initiatives. I have enjoyed working closely with Simon and I am thrilled to see where he takes this company in the future.”

As chief operating officer since August 2018, Perkins has overseen the execution of the company’s long-term strategic planning. Perkins started at Orvis in January 2012 as the e-commerce merchant for fly fishing and hunting, with channel responsibility for the brand’s direct-to-consumer sales of core sporting products. He has since filled leadership roles across the merchandising, adventures and brand marketing teams, serving as vice president of brand marketing prior to his appointment as COO.

Before joining Orvis, Perkins spent 11 years as an upland hunting and fly fishing guide in Montana, sharing his love of the outdoors, fishing and hunting with clients. In his time at Orvis, Perkins has championed projects aimed at diversifying the sport of fly fishing, such as the 50/50 on the Water initiative and the Breaking Barriers Award, which highlights individuals broadening the fly fishing audience. Perkins also serves on the board of Trout Unlimited Headwaters, and has been a driver of Orvis’s involvement in advocacy for conservation projects in locations such as Bristol Bay, Alaska, and Florida’s Everglades.

Simon Perkins is the son of Leigh “Perk” Perkins, former Orvis CEO, and grandson of Leigh H. Perkins, who purchased The Orvis Company in 1965.

“This company has meant so much to me throughout my life as I’ve watched it grow into the brand it is today. Over the past 160 years, Orvis has gone from a catalog mail-order company to a globally recognized fishing, wing shooting, and lifestyle apparel brand that is deeply invested in education and conservation,” says Perkins. “Orvis has the ability to make this world a better place, to inspire others to get outside, explore and connect with the outdoor wonders of the world. I look forward to working with our incredible team and partners to continue providing best in class products and service to our customers, and guiding the company and our community into the future.”

In addition to the appointment of Perkins, the board of directors for The Orvis Company recently named Marka Hansen chair and Roger Farah vice chair and special advisor to the president, effective immediately. Hansen is a former executive with The Gap and Banana Republic, and currently serves on the board of Stitch Fix and J.Jill. Farah has previously worked as a consultant and executive with retail brands including Tiffany & Co., Tory Burch and Ralph Lauren. Both Hansen and Farah have a deep appreciation for the Orvis lifestyle. Hansen is a devoted angler, hunter and dog lover, while Farah is passionate about bird hunting and sporting clays. “Perk” Perkins and David Perkins, who previous held the chairman and vice chairman roles, will retain at-large seats on the board of directors.

 

Please direct media inquiries to Madeline Fones at madeline.fones@rygr.us. 

 

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

Today, Salomon announces the WMN Virtual Half, in partnership with Strava, which will take place during the May 29th weekend. This virtual event replaces the inaugural Salomon WMN Trail ½ Marathon, which was cancelled like many spring races. In light of the cancellation, Salomon pivoted to put together the WMN Virtual Half to give all runners—both men and women—an option to run their solo race but still get to be a part of the #SalomonWMN community.

“On top of everything that’s been going on, race cancellations have been another mental setback for all of us. At Salomon, we believe it’s crucial to maintain not just our mental and physical health during this time, but also our sense of community. That is why we put together this virtual event and opened it up to both men and women to encourage inclusivity and community at a time when we need it more than ever,” says Erin Cooper, run marketing manager for Salomon in North America. “So, whether you’ve trained hard for a race this season or just want to tackle a new challenge, this event is for you.”

For the originally-planned race, Salomon set out to create a new all-women’s event intended to encourage female participation in trail running by offering a fun and inclusive environment for women to come together during the Lake Sonoma 50 race weekend. With female participation in trail running growing but still significantly lower than male participation numbers, Salomon looked to offer more than just a competitive race with added opportunities like female-led workshops, childcare, prize money and more. When the event was cancelled, Salomon put together the WMN Virtual Half to keep the spirit and community of the event alive by opening up the race to more runners and encouraging everyone to follow safe, local guidelines for COVID-19 social distancing.

To participate, runners must run 13.1 miles on May 29, 30, or 31 to earn a Strava Salomon WMN Virtual Half digital badge as well as 30 percent off at Salomon.com, good toward any online purchase including Salomon’s all-new road and trail running footwear products. Completing the WMN virtual race also enters finishers to win one of 50 prize packs which includes a custom WMN finisher necklace, 1 Lauren’s Mega Nuts Picky Bar, and a limited-edition Salomon WMN hat. Runners must reside in North America in order to be eligible for the prize.

Learn more about the WMN Virtual Half Marathon here: https://bit.ly/3g4RpZ3

For more information about the Beauty Box contest, please visit: www.salomon.com/salomonwmn

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About Salomon: Born in the French Alps in 1947, Salomon is committed to pushing the boundaries of mountain sports through the creation of innovative equipment that allows people to play, progress and challenge themselves in their chosen outdoor sports. The company produces and sells premium footwear, winter sports and mountaineering equipment, hiking equipment, and apparel specifically designed for all of those disciplines. Products are developed in the company’s Annecy Design Center, where engineers, designers and athletes collaborate to create innovative solutions that continually improve the outdoor experiences of those who see nature as a vast playground. 

After converting its onshore manufacturing facilities over the last 60 days to address the national shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the medical and defense communities, Outdoor Research, a longtime leader in outdoor and tactical apparel, is unveiling a program through which retailers and consumers can purchase face masks that integrate a protective and replaceable filter. 

The Outdoor Research Essential Face Mask program will launch with masks available to retailers and consumers by early to mid June. 

The Essential Face Mask Kit is designed around a proprietary and replaceable filter integrated in a form-fitting, fully customizable fabric face mask. Designed with both outdoor activities and everyday use in mind, components of the Essential Face Mask system include: 

• A high-quality made-in the USA filter provides basic bacterial filtration and sub-micron particulate protection, paired with superb breathability.  A 3-pack of filters come with the Essential Face Mask Kit. Refills can be purchased separately in packs of 3 or bulk of 25.
• The mask is treated with HeiQ NPJ03 to provide resistance to microbes and germs, it can be laundered up to 30 times while maintaining 100% effectiveness.
• The mask offers a fully customizable fit. Adjustable ear loops and a nose wire provide comfort with a tight seal.
• The mask is washable, durable, water and stain repellent, and microbe-resistant.

The kit includes a fully adjustable fabric face mask and three replacement filters in a reusable zippered pouch. Masks will be available through Outdoor Research retailers and available at OutdoorResearch.com. 

Along with the launch of the program, Outdoor Research is donating 8,000 masks and filters to its specialty retailers and their staff to ensure the brand’s partners can return to work safely and confidently. 

Outdoor Research is also launching a bulk packaged version of the program for organizations trying to outfit their employees with protective face masks. The Bulk Mask and Filter Pack Program is intended for large and small organizations that need a cost-effective and safe solution for their staff. 

In the fall, OR will also offer a collection of cold-weather face masks that will be launched in September 2020. That will include three products with two different weight offerings (light and mid), all treated with HeiQ NPJ03.  Products include the Essential Uber Tube neck gaiter and Essential Balaclava, which are designed with OR’s proprietary filter element. These will be offered with three replacement filters and a reusable zip pouch.  OR will also offer the Essential glove, designed for daily use or as liners, in two weights. 

Launch of this consumer and retail program follows Outdoor Research converting a large part of its onshore manufacturing facilities in Seattle to producing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the medical community in response to the COVID-19 crisis. New equipment installed over the last month will eventually allow Outdoor Research to produce up to 200,000 masks per day. 

For more than a month, Outdoor Research has been producing fabric face masks, which consist of a fabric mask containing a replaceable filter that provides basic bacterial filtration and sub-micron particulate protection. So far, Outdoor Research has produced close to 300,000 of those with production ongoing daily. It has been delivering those face masks to a number of federal and state agencies. 

Over the last two weeks, Outdoor Research received specialized new manufacturing equipment to begin producing ASTM level 3 surgical masks. It is currently in the ramp-up process to be able to produce 140,000 of those masks per day, as announced in March. In recent weeks, Outdoor Research has begun hiring for more than 100 new positions to support this production effort. Additional equipment that will arrive by the end of June will allow OR to begin producing N95 Respirators. Eventual production will increase to 50,000 day once that equipment is installed. 

Over the last two years Outdoor Research has made significant capital investments designed to improve and modernize its Seattle factory. These investments allow Outdoor Research to take advantage of the company’s global knowledge of design, materials, and innovative manufacturing techniques while producing the next generation of outdoor and tactical products at its facilities. 

For more about Outdoor Research, visit www.outdoorresearch.com. 

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After pivoting its premium cycling apparel production to make face masks and face shields for first responders and medical providers in Western North Carolina eight weeks ago with support from the Dogwood Health Trust, Kitsbow is pleased to announce the launch of a new face mask product, this time in collaboration with a team from Wake Forest Baptist Health, led by the health system’s Chief Wellness Officer, Dr. Bill Satterwhite. This effort produced a new face mask design that provides long-wearing comfort where protection is essential, especially for front line workers in critical industries.

“Our first priority with personal protective equipment is protecting front line workers, and now we’ve kicked it up a notch by combining our expert apparel design and manufacturing with Wake Forest Baptist Health’s deep experience in community health, wellness, and infection prevention,” said David Billstrom, Kitsbow CEO. “Just like our cycling apparel, our face masks are designed to fit so well that you stop thinking about wearing it, almost as if it disappears.”

The  Wake ProTech by iQ Healthtech™ Reusable Face Mask adds long-wearing comfort where protection is essential, especially for Front Line workers in critical industries. The easily adjustable straps help to achieve a high-quality fit, especially across the cheekbones, which is important to minimize fogging of your glasses. 

“The health of the community is our top priority,” said Dr. Bill Satterwhite, Chief Wellness Officer, Wake Forest Baptist Health.  “We are so delighted by our partnership with Kitsbow, which combines their design and manufacturing expertise and with our clinical and professional input, enabling us to develop a comfortable, attractive mask that we have confidence in as specialists in public health.”

The  Wake ProTech by iQ Healthtech™ Reusable Face Mask consists of four layers, starting with an exterior layer of premium jacquard fabric milled just for Kitsbow, in North Carolina, followed by two layers of protective filter media (sewn into the mask), and finished with an inner layer of 100-percent cotton muslin. Every component of this mask is made in the U.S. except the cord locks that secure the mask to the user’s head.

The mask is offered in six sizes ranging from extra small (XS) to double extra-large (XXL) to help ensure a comfortable and more uniform fit around the face without gaping. 

Kitsbow already offers the Kitsbow Face Mask, Reusable, HEPA Type which it began shipping in March as one of the first commercially-produced reusable fabric face masks in the U.S. Initially, Kitsbow’s production capability meant that sale was restricted exclusively to first responders and medical providers via a partnership with the Dogwood Health Trust in Western North Carolina. 

Recently Kitsbow began making this face mask available to the public, in limited quantities, at Kitsbow.com/PPE. 

The Kitsbow Face Mask utilizes a replaceable HEPA-type filter inserted into a pocket of the two-fabric layer mask. Like the Wake ProTech by iQ Healthtech™ Reusable Face Mask, the original Kitsbow Face Mask is also reusable, reducing unnecessary waste and reducing the aggregate cost of protection compared to disposable filters. Replacement filter media for this face mask are available for purchase from Kitsbow.

Important Information: These products are not a surgical mask or FFR (filtering facepiece respirator), and Kitsbow does not make any particular claims of particulate filtration or antimicrobial protection. These face masks should not be used in any surgical setting, or where significant exposure to liquid, bodily or other hazardous fluids may be expected. It should not be worn in the presence of a high-intensity heat source or flammable gas.  The FDA has confirmed it does not object to the distribution and sale of face masks of this type (FDA Enforcement Policy for Face Masks and Respirators During the Coronavirus Disease, Revised, April 2020). See www.kitsbow.com/PPE  for more information on the PPE products.

About Kitsbow

Kitsbow was established in Sonoma County, California eight years ago by dedicated mountain bikers and apparel industry veterans. Because its designers have logged years in the saddle, each detail is obsessively considered. Every element — down to zippers and reflective piping — is vetted for quality, style, and durability. Relocating its manufacturing to Old Fort, North Carolina in 2019, Kitsbow is committed to a Made to Order manufacturing model, minimizing waste and maximizing flexibility to serve the customer. Kitsbow already makes over 50% of its products in the U.S.A. and is on track to be making all of its products in-house by 2021. To learn more about Kitsbow, visit www.kitsbow.com.

About Wake Forest Baptist Health 

(www.wakehealth.edu) is a pre-eminent academic health system based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Wake Forest Baptist’s two main components are an integrated clinical system – anchored by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, an 885-bed tertiary-care hospital in Winston-Salem – that includes Brenner Children’s Hospital, five community hospitals, more than 300 primary and specialty care locations and more than 2,500 physicians; and Wake Forest School of Medicine, a recognized leader in experiential medical education and groundbreaking research that includes Wake Forest Innovations, a commercialization enterprise focused on advancing health care through new medical technologies and biomedical discovery.

About Innovation Quarter, home to iQ Healthtech Labs

 Innovation Quarter is a vibrant, mixed-use innovation district located in downtown Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Anchored by Wake Forest School of Medicine, it is home to a community of more than 3,400 workers in 90 companies and four other institutions of higher learning where almost 1,800 degree-seeking students come to learn every day. In addition to more than 1,100 residential units, the Innovation Quarter also features a dynamic urban park, publicly accessible greenway and free community events that make this a true “Live.Work.Learn.Play” community. It is also home to iQ Healthtech Labs, a virtual and physical partnership hub that leverages the unique, world-class intellectual anchors that exist within the Innovation Quarter and seeks to pair them with industry and commercial partners to advance breakthrough ideas into the marketplace.

About Dogwood Health Trust 

Dogwood Health Trust is a North Carolina nonprofit corporation with the sole purpose of dramatically improving the health and well-being of all people and communities of Western North Carolina. Dogwood Health Trust became operational upon the sale of Mission Health’s assets to HCA Healthcare and is the recipient of the net proceeds of the sale. To learn more, please visit www.dht.org.

Wildwater, the premier whitewater rafting and adventure outfitter of the Southeast, is excited to announce that it has resumed activities at all five of its adventure centers, with new social distancing and health guidelines in place.

Currently celebrating its 50^th season on the river, Wildwater decided to suspend all activities in mid-March as the US entered its struggle with COVID-19. With locations in four states across the Southeast (South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee), Wildwater has closely monitored the situation in each state, and has acted in accordance with orders and guidelines set out by those states’ governors, as well as the CDC and the White House. As each of those four states have entered the first phases of their respective re-opening plans, Wildwater has followed suit and decided to reopen with the necessary health precautions advised by the CDC.

“We’ve kept a close eye on this from the beginning, and the wellbeing of both our Guests and staff has always been of great importance to us,” said Director of Marketing Woody Woodruff. “With many statewide restrictions being lifted, and people itching to get outside, we felt that the time is right to resume our operations.”

Woodruff recognizes that Wildwater’s offerings of outdoor adventure activities will appeal strongly to families who are wary of international or cross-country travel, and will be looking to vacation regionally and stimulate local economies. “We’re excited to get back to giving our Guests the best adventure they can have, but we want them to be assured that we are following best practices and doing everything we can to prioritize health and sanitation,” he added.

Measures Wildwater is enacting at its facilities in response to COVID-19 include:

• Encouraging increased handwashing and sanitizing
• Using online waivers to decrease touchpoints
• Asking that only group leaders report to the office for check-in
• Limiting capacity inside of facilities
• Implementing extra cleaning procedures for equipment
• Adjusting bus loading procedures to decrease contact

 

In addition to these new procedures, Wildwater will also offer the option of private tours for any guests concerned about crowds. To inquire about a private tour, call the reservation office at 866-319-8870. For more information on Wildwater’s re-opening procedures, visit the COVID-19 response page at https://wildwaterrafting.com/reopening-guidelines/

 

For media inquiries, please reach out to Katie Richter at katie@darbycommunications.com.

About Wildwater

Founded in 1971, Wildwater is the oldest outfitter in the Southeast. Known for its whitewater rafting, ziplining, lodging and more, Wildwater has elevated the standard for family recreation with five locations throughout Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee. Family-owned and operated, Wildwater seeks to provide people of all ages and abilities with resources necessary to connect in the great outdoors. To learn more about Wildwater, visit www.wildwaterrafting.com.

BOULDER, Colo. (May 21, 2020) – Matador Packable Adventure Gear, the award-winning producer of minimalist travel gear, today introduced the SEG42 One Bag Travel Pack, a 42-liter, carry-on backpack featuring a patented architecture for optimal organization. The innovative segmented design offers access to five external zippered compartments, which allow organization by type, day or activity, and an oversized clamshell pocket allows separation of large items or dirty clothes.

“With the SEG42, we’ve combined the best assets of backpacks, duffle bags and packing cubes to deliver an unprecedented level of organization,” said Chris Clearman, Founder and CEO of Matador. “While packing cubes require rifling through layers of clothes in order to fish something out , the SEG42 has multiple compartments that can be accessed quickly and easily, all from the exterior. It’s 42 liters of pure travel organization.”

In addition to the SEG42’s five main compartments and the full-access clamshell pocket, the backpack offers an external-access padded laptop sleeve and sleek endcap pockets, all featuring water-resistant zippers. The bag can be used as either a backpack or a duffle, with rugged handles on three sides and stowable shoulder straps with an adjustable sternum strap. Burly materials, reinforced construction and aluminum hardware ensure the SEG42 can stand up to the elements, and a UTS coating adds up to 30 percent increased tear strength.

“With airline baggage fees becoming more restrictive, one-bag travel is becoming the norm,” continued Clearman. “The SEG42 makes it easier than ever, and it is a must-have as we segue back into traveling.”

The SEG42 (MSRP: $189.99) is available now at select retailers and online at www.MatadorUp.com.

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About Matador Packable Adventure Gear

Matador is a proudly-bootstrapped startup nestled in the recreational mecca of Boulder, Colorado. With its launch in 2014, Matador created a brand-new market niche – packable adventure gear. Each product is designed in-house by a team of passionate adventurers and then thoroughly tested in the great outdoors. For more information about Matador, visit www.MatadorUp.com.