Cast-and-Blast Apparel Brand Duck Camp Names rygr Agency of Record

Austin,Texas-based apparel-maker finds a strategic communications partner

AUSTIN, Texas (May 14, 2020) — Duck Camp, the cast-and-blast brand devoted to creating premium outdoor gear that will withstand the test of time in the field, names rygr, an integrated marketing agency, its agency of record. rygr will lead public relations and affiliate marketing efforts for Duck Camp, effective immediately.

“We are excited to be partnering with rygr to share more insight and stories of what Duck Camp was built for—time in the outdoors with friends and family,” says Duck Camp Founder Sim Whatley. “With a growing but strong base of hunters and anglers that have shown interest in what we are creating, we hope to use rygr’s strong reputation and expertise in communication to increase the exposure of the brand to an even wider audience of outdoorsmen who appreciate and need quality apparel and gear for all their misadventures.”

Duck Camp creates premium outdoor gear that will withstand the test of time out in the field, in the duck blind, or out to dinner with friends. The brand designed proprietary Duck Camp camouflage patterns to perform specifically for hunting ducks and birds, blending a classic, old-school look and feel with new-school technology. Duck Camp develops hunting products that are tailored for every blast, from waterfowl hunting in the early season down south to chasing upland birds in the late season up north.

New this spring, Duck Camp delivers warm-weather performance and protection in its 2020 seasonal fishing collection, consisting of breathable button-up shirts, technical shorts and lightweight pants, among other pieces. Inspired equally by bonefishing in the Caribbean and chasing monster trout, Duck Camp, the revered Austin, Texas-based apparel-maker, designed its first-ever Spring Fishing Line to perform on the water and on the town.

“Duck Camp’s product assortment and brand ethos connect in a meaningful way with the modern hunter and angler,” says Greg Fitzsimmons, PR director at rygr. “Beyond thoughtfully designed technical product that is best in class in the cast-and-blast space, this partnership with Duck Camp offers rygr the opportunity to work alongside a brand with a lot of momentum. We truly believe in Duck Camp.”

rygr is an integrated marketing agency for passion brands, which partners with leading active lifestyle companies to orchestrate 360-degree product and brand campaigns. Based in Carbondale, Colorado, rygr’s portfolio of clients includes brands such as Fjällräven, Orvis and Salomon.

For more information about Duck Camp, please visit https://duckcamp.com. Please direct all media inquiries to PR Director Greg Fitzsimmons at: greg.fitzsimmons@rygr.us.

GCI Outdoor Introduces New Freedom Rocker Portable Folding Rocking Chair Available Exclusively At DICK’S Sporting Goods

 GCI Outdoor, creators of portable, durable and comfortable outdoor recreation furniture, is proud to announce, in partnership with DICK’S Sporting Goods, the new Freedom Rocker, a portable folding rocking chair to benefit America’s veterans. For each Freedom Rocker sold in 2020, GCI will donate $1 per chair to both K9s for Warriors and Homes for Our Troops, with a maximum contribution of $50,000 to each charity.

GCI Outdoor is excited to contribute to two organizations that provide assistance to service men and women all over the country. K9s for Warriors trains and provides service dogs and in-house training for military veterans suffering from PTSD, and has paired over 622 service dogs with veterans. Homes for Our Troops builds and donates specially-adapted homes for injured veterans – at no cost to them – that allows them the ability to restore freedom and independence in their lives. 

“The creation of the Freedom Rocker is giving us the ability to partner with two extraordinary nonprofits and give back to service men and women who sacrificed so much protecting our freedoms”, says Jeff Polke, Co-President of GCI Outdoor. “As dog people at GCI, we are grateful that K9s For Warriors is able to provide helpful companions for service members. We are also grateful for the work Homes For Our Troops does to create amazing custom homes for service members as they recover from injuries sustained while protecting our country.”

With its patriotic design, the Freedom Rocker serves as a proud reminder to celebrate and honor our veterans and active service members. The new Freedom Rocker is designed with GCI’s patented Spring-Action Rocking Technology™, which allows users to rock smoothly while enjoying time outdoors. 

Built for camping, tailgating, and even watching fireworks, the Freedom Rocker features a convenient carry handle, beverage holder and mesh backrest for added comfort. Folding down flat, this rocker is easy to open and close with GCI’s patented EAZY-FOLD™ Technology and supports up to 250 pounds. The Freedom Rocker will be the best seat at your favorite campground, a future cookout or around a backyard fire pit.

Available now, the Freedom Rocker will retail for $59.99 MSRP and will exclusively be sold at DICK’S Sporting Goods online and in-store/curb-side pick-up (where available). 

For more information on GCI Outdoor please visit gcioutdoor.com or follow on Instagram @gcioutdoor. 

About GCI Outdoor
Lifelong friends Dan Grace and Jeff Polke founded GCI Outdoor in 1996. Over the last two decades, they have become one of the outdoor industry’s leading innovators of outdoor recreational gear with products that include chairs, camp tables, stadium seats, canoe seats and more. Offering high-quality gear to outdoor lovers of all kinds, GCI Outdoor products can be found at over 3,000 stores worldwide and online at www.gcioutdoor.com.           

Kahtoola’s Virtual Run Raises $25,000 for the Grand Canyon’s Havasupai Tribe

Kahtoola, creator of award-winning MICROspikes® and NANOspikes® footwear traction, is proud to announce the conclusion of its virtual run which raised $25,000 to benefit the Havasupai Tribe’s COVID-19 relief fund. 258 participants from 23 states, along with 624 donors, helped Kahtoola surpass its original fundraising goal of $10,000. 

The virtual event concluded on May 10, 2020 and was designed to encourage people to get active during the Coronavirus pandemic while also supporting a great cause. Runners, joggers and walkers completed either a 5k or 8-mile race. Top winners in each category (fastest individual, slowest individual, fastest family, most elevation gain, top fundraiser and best costume) won awards that also support local Flagstaff businesses.

“On behalf of Kahtoola, I’d like to give a sincere thanks to everyone who joined us for our virtual run,” said Danny Giovale, founder of Kahtoola. “We started with an ambitious fundraising goal and for our community of racers to more than double that is mind blowing!”

Located in a remote region at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, the Havasupai Tribe is particularly vulnerable during the Coronavirus pandemic. The tribe’s COVID-19 relief fund was started to ensure that tribal members would be able to secure access to healthcare supplies and essentials while the tribe’s normally busy tourism business is suspended in an effort to prevent COVID-19 from reaching the remote community.

Following Kahtoola’s virtual run, Carletta Tilousi, Havasupai Tribal Council Member, shared a heartfelt statement with participants and donors: “On behalf of the Havasupai tribal community, we are very grateful for all the support we are receiving during this difficult time. We are humbled and thankful for everyone’s support during this pandemic. The Havasupai elders are very thankful for all the help we are receiving through your fundraising efforts. We feel encouraged to keep our community safe from this pandemic. Thank you to everyone for thinking of the Havasupai people. We will continue to pray for all mankind and our Mother Earth to heal and remain safe. To date, we do not have a positive case in Supai Village. We are working hard to protect our families, animals, and all tribal members across the country. The tribe has been utilizing our own resources to order much needed supplies. With your help, we will continue to supply tribal members who may need help and supplies to remain sheltered in our canyon home. Everyone be safe and our prayers are with all of you and your families. We will all get through this together.”

For additional information on the Havasupai Tribe’s COVID-19 relief fund or to make a donation directly, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/havasupai-tribe-covid19-relief-fund.

About Kahtoola:

Since 1999, Kahtoola has been creating reliable gear that makes the outdoors more accessible and rewarding. Kahtoola’s flexible footwear traction systems, including MICROspikes® and NANOspikes® footwear traction, are built to improve safety and performance in wintry locales around the globe. Every product from hiking crampons to running gaiters are thoughtfully designed and vigorously tested at the brand’s Flagstaff, AZ headquarters high on the Colorado Plateau. Owned and operated by founder Danny Giovale, Kahtoola proudly grants 1% of annual sales to fund projects that support indigenous cultures, investing in community improvements, healthcare, education, resources and the environment. For more information, please visit Kahtoola.com.

World-Class Gravel Race SBT GRVL, Presented by Canyon Bicycles, Cancels August Event Due to COVID-19

SBT GRVL, a world-class gravel bike experience presented by Canyon Bicycles, has cancelled the 2020 event due to COVID-19 concerns. Based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the federal, state, and county governments, and after discussions with local authorities in Steamboat Springs, the SBT GRVL team determined the safest scenario for the community will be to cancel the event this year. 

“The SBT GRVL experience remains rooted in our core values including safety, fun and credibility,” says Mark Satkiewicz, co-founder and race director of SBT GRVL. “Taking these values into account, it became clear to us that the required changes needed to keep every rider, spectator, volunteer, sponsor, vendor and members of our local community safe would result in a significantly compromised version of the SBT GRVL experience.” 

“Like so many folks in the endurance community, we were looking forward to this year’s SBT GRVL experience and all that it offers. We live for these events and the opportunity to support athletes as they challenge themselves on the beautiful gravel roads around Steamboat,” says Brian Vaughan, chief endurance officer of GU Energy Labs. “It’s disappointing to hear that the 2020 edition will be cancelled, but we totally understand that the SBT GRVL team made the responsible choice. We believe that movement is essential, and racing with our friends at events like SBT GRVL feeds our need to move. As a family owned business, we know firsthand that short term sacrifices are essential for long term gains and happiness.”

“The team at SBT GRVL showed courage today to postpone their event which in its introductory year, set a new standard in gravel events: a race, a community gathering and a party done on a world class level putting the riders safety first! As the title sponsor we fully support their decision and we are excited to work with them for years to come,” says Blair Clark, president of Canyon Bicycles. “On a personal level, it was something I was really looking forward to doing, but when it happens again in the future, it will be such a sweet appreciation. I’ll be back for what John Denver described as: ‘The serenity of a clear blue mountain lake…you can talk to God and listen to the casual reply’…to get my ‘Rocky mountain high’ at SBT GRVL!” 

Participants who signed up for one of the four distances in the 2020 event have the option to defer to 2021 or receive a race refund. Participants wishing to defer to 2021 will not need to do anything at this time. Participants wishing for a refund will need to reach out via email to info@sbtgrvl.com and request a refund. 

The SBT GRVL team remains committed to keeping the gravel community connected and providing an experience to look forward to on August 16th. Working with sponsors and pro athletes in different regions, the SBT GRVL team introduces SBT VRTL – a localized plan to connect people all over the world and ride one of the four distances of SBT GRVL together, while apart. 

The SBT VRTL experience will be free and open to everyone to participate. Regional routes will be created for all four distances, easy to find and follow using Ride with GPS. There will be prize giveaways from sponsors and opportunities to continue to support advocacy partners. 

SBT VRTL will continue to work with world class sponsors, including Canyon Bicycles as the presenting sponsor. 

Silver level sponsors include: Colorado Come to Life, ABUS, SRAM, Stages Cycling, GU, ZIPP, ROKA, Smartwool, The Paoli Group, OtterBox, Alpine Bank, iKOR, CTS, Steamboat Orthopaedic and Spine Institute, Panaracer, Primal, Chamois Butt’r, Orange Seal, The Feed, BOCO Gear, Feedback Sports, Town of Steamboat Springs, Steamboat Mountain Resort and Steamboat Wyndham Resorts

Bronze sponsors include: Mountain Tap Brewery, Yampa Sandwich Co, Celestial Seasonings, CAA, People for Bikes, Groove Silverthrone, APIDURA, 305 Spin Inc., Simple Canvas Pants, Splats Sunscreen, Muc-Off, Altra, Steamboat Coffee Company, SANS, Bike Flights, Old Town Hot Springs, Bubs Naturals, Ride with GPS, Amp Human and Yakima.  

For any additional information and to stay up-to-date on SBT GRVL news, please visit sbtgrvl.com or follow along on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

About SBT GRVL

SBT GRVL launched August 2019 as a world-class gravel bike experience committed to Beauty, Inclusivity, Family, Challenge, and Fun. The event enables gravel fans of all ability levels to experience the unmatched gravel roads winding around and through the iconic, beautiful mountain town of Steamboat Springs, Colo. Riders are invited to push their abilities on four-course distances ranging from 37 miles to 144 miles. Those seeking the ultimate challenge can saddle up to 9,400 feet of climbing on the Black 144-mile racecourse—a sought-after title for endurance gravel pros. The Blue Course is a ‘best-of-Steamboat’ experience wrapped up in 103 miles and the Red course is a condensed 64-mile “best of” route offering challenge, beauty and fun. The Green Course is a 37-mile introduction to the area’s unrivaled gravel roads. Come experience high-altitude gravel, a weekend full of events for the whole family and ranch-town hospitality at SBT GRVL.

Leadville Race Series to Cancel All 2020 Leadville-Based Events Amid the COVID-19 Crisis

Life Time, the nation’s premier healthy lifestyle brand which owns the Leadville Race Series, announced today all 2020 Leadville-based mountain bike and run events will be cancelled amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Leadville Race Series is near and dear to us at Life Time, as it is to our athletes and the family and friends that support them, but we have to do what’s ultimately best for the Leadville community and our participants.  Given the decision of the Lake County Commissioners, which we fully support, we will be cancelling the series for 2020, for the health and safety of all,” says Kimo Seymour, President, Life Time Athletic Events.  “Our team will look forward to bringing the events back in 2021 when we get to the new normal, but for now, we’re sure going to miss our athletes and sponsors.  Our sincere hope is that our friends and business partners in the community can survive the financial impact of this difficult decision.”

After the Climax Mine shut down and thousands were left jobless in 1982, the Leadville Trail 100 was created with the sole purpose of impacting the local Leadville community. Since then, the Leadville Race Series has evolved to include 9 Leadville-based events that stretch from June through August. This brings nearly 6000 athletes plus their friends and family to Leadville throughout the summer. In 2019, the series brought $18.5 million in local economic impact to Lake County.

“Believe us when we say that we’re going to miss you, and we’re going to be thinking about all of you, big time,” says Ken Chlouber, founder, Leadville Race Series. “Our team is already starting to prepare to make 2021 something special. We’re so thankful to have the backing of Life Time, who we’ll be working closely with to find solutions to help the Leadville community this year. We can’t wait to see you on the starting line soon.”

For the last few months the COVID-19 pandemic has made waves around the world. The Leadville Race Series staff spent that time working in close partnership with city and county agencies to make the best, safest and most educated decision possible for the wellbeing of the local community as well as those of our participants. Here is the reality:

  • Leadville’s hospital and medical resources are limited and cannot assume the risk of widespread outbreak.
  • Our participants come from 40 countries and 50 states. We can’t control the precautions taken in communities outside of our own, and that comes with risk.
  • Colorado has placed capacities on event gatherings that would greatly impact our event starting lines. It is undetermined when these will be lifted, but we’re told it will not be this summer.

After countless conversations and exploring many options, the Lake County officials voted yesterday, May 12th, in favor of the decision to cancel all special events through the summer of 2020. While it’s tragic and heart-breaking for the Series and community, Life Time fully supports the County’s decision. The events impacted includes the entire Leadville-based events of the Series:

  • Leadville Trail Marathon and Half – 6/13
  • Leadville 100 Run Training Camp – 6/19
  • Leadville 100 MTB Training Camp – 6/25
  • Leadville Silver Rush 50 Run – 7/11
  • Leadville Silver Rush 50 MTB – 7/12
  • Leadville Stage Race – 7/31
  • Leadville Trail 100 MTB – 8/15
  • Leadville Trail 10K – 8/16
  • Leadville Trail 100 Run – 8/22

*Epic Challenges: Silver King & Silver Queen, Leadman & Leadwoman and LeadBoat will not be happening this year.

For more information on available athlete options, visit the FAQs here.

The Leadville Race Series has connected and grown our Lake County community far and wide and we will miss the joy and inspiration that the series brings year after year,” said County Commissioner Mudge. “The race series is part of our identity and has accomplished the goal of sustaining the economy of Leadville. I know we will come back stronger than ever,” followed County Commissioner Marcella.

The Leadville Trail 100 has been an honored tradition in the Labbe family for 31 years.  Whether cycling, running, pacing, crewing or volunteering, we have been involved every year, said Greg Labbe, Mayor of Leadville. “Personally, I have paced 17 different years, have crewed in the midst of that, and have acted as the captain of the Twin Lakes Aid Station for the past six years. Needless to say, this year is a crushing disappointment for me as it is for so many of you who have dreamt and trained in earnest for the chance to participate in one of the greatest athletic events in the world. We will miss you this year but will look forward with glad hearts to seeing you all next year. Keep training, keep the faith and be twice as determined in 2021.”

 The Austin Rattler Run and MTB have previously been postponed to the weekend of November 7 – 8, 2020 and the Wilmington Whiteface MTB in New York has been postponed to October 3, 2020. The Lutsen 99er in Minnesota that was scheduled for June 27, 2020 has also been cancelled. 

On the heels of a successful Dirty Kanza Virtual Camp, the Life Time team will also be offering additional opportunities to support the local Leadville, Colo. community, as well as build virtual engagement to keep the fire burning for the Leadville Race Series run and bike community of athletes. More info on these opportunities coming soon.

The full announcement video from the Leadville Race Series team can be viewed here. For more information, please visit: https://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/2020-lrs-cancellations-faq/.

The Leadville Race Series is owned and produced by Life Time, the premier healthy lifestyle brand. It is among more than 30 premier athletic events owned and produced by the company across the nation, which also operates more than 150 athletic resorts and spas in the U.S. and Canada. Life Time strives to produce exceptional event experiences for both participants and spectators as an extension of its Healthy Way of Life philosophy. 

About Life Time, Inc.

As a wellness pioneer, Life Time is reshaping the way consumers approach their health by integrating where we play, work and live – all with the primary objective of helping people lead healthy, happy lives. In addition to its more than 150 athletic resort destinations in 41 major markets in the U.S. and Canada, Life Time also owns and produces iconic Athletic Events and is expanding its brand through Life Time Work coworking spaces and Life Time Living high-end leased residences. For more information visit lifetime.life.

 About the Leadville Race Series

Started with only 45 runners as the Leadville Trail 100 in 1983, the Leadville Race Series now consists of seven running events and four mountain biking events, plus six events in the Leadville Qualifying Series. The Race Series stretches across three months, and hosts thousands of racers on foot and on mountain bikes in some of the world’s most iconic events. Endurance athletes worldwide now make the pilgrimage to Leadville, Colo., with the single goal of competing in “The Race Across the Sky.” Visit www.leadvilleraceseries.com for more information.

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Verde Brand Communications Releases Digital Marketing Course for Specialty Brands

Verde Brand Communications Releases Digital Marketing Course for Specialty Brands 

More than a year in the making, the Multi-Channel Marketing Academy debuts at a pivotal time for specialty brands navigating COVID-19. 

 

DURANGO, Colo. (May 12, 2020) – Verde Brand Communications, a full-service communications agency serving the outdoor and active lifestyle markets, is bringing its first-ever digital product to market, the Multi-Channel Marketing Academy, on May 12, 2020. 

Led by Kristin Carpenter, founder of Verde Brand Communications and the Channel Mastery podcast, the course is informed by Carpenter’s 20+ years of experience in communications and marketing for specialty brands. The two-month course is built for marketing professionals, business leaders and entrepreneurs; and challenges participants to re-learn what ‘direct-to-consumer’ means through COVID-19 and how to modernize your marketing, messaging and product launches to best serve today’s target consumer.

“It is no secret that trends in consumer behaviour are evolving at an accelerated pace because of COVID-19. It is more important than ever that brands continue to connect with and ultimately serve their target consumer right now,” says Carpenter. “Brand leaders can use the Academy as a guide to modernize their marketing strategy at this pivotal time to ensure they continue to thrive through the pandemic.”  

The course includes seven modules that are designed to help participants: 

  • Modernize their marketing skills
  • Discover the most effective digital, multi-channel marketing strategy for their  brand
  • Become a leader within their organization who owns the consumer + brand relationship
  • Attract more sales and reach more people
  • Report back to their leadership team on which marketing investments are/aren’t working

For a limited time, the Multi-Channel Marketing Academy will be available for $497. Valued at $1,997, the course is being offered at a deeply discounted rate to support businesses and brand leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

For more information about the Multi-Channel Marketing Academy, visit the course page. To purchase the course at the limited time offer of $497, enroll here.  

About Verde Brand Communications
Founded in 2001, Verde Brand Communications is a full-service brand communications agency focused on the outdoor and active-lifestyle markets. It offers a range of integrated marketing and communications services, including brand strategy and positioning, public relations, digital marketing, social media, paid media and content creation. Verde’s experience includes extensive work in the outdoor, snowsports, cycling, endurance, active travel, consumer electronics, pet, craft beer and spirits, and lifestyles of health and sustainability (LOHAS) markets. Verde’s success is tied to the passion its staff has for the industries, brands and media with whom they work. Verde has offices in Durango and Boulder, Colorado, and Jackson, Wyoming. For more about Verde, visit www.verdepr.com

Hillsound Supporting Local Retailers Through Donation of Online Sales

Hillsound Equipment, the leading producer of winter traction equipment and gaiters for urban and outdoor enthusiasts, is making changes across its organization in an effort to support local independent retailers that may be affected by COVID-19.

Hillsound Equipment, recognizing the impact that retailers have on their community, has implemented a way to redirect 15% of their online sales to local independent retailers. Upon checkout, customers shopping on either hillsound.ca or hillsound.com can allocate Hillsound’s donation to a retailer in their community.  Customers can type the retailer’s name in the notes section of the checkout page and can reference the Storemapper page if they are unsure of a dealer in their area. Because this program is intended to help smaller independent retailers, this program does not apply to big box stores or online only retailers. Nominations to these retailers will instead be donated to efforts to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

“Throughout this time, we have had the opportunity to recognize the strong partnerships that we have developed through the years and the strength of our small yet widespread community of the outdoor industry” states YooRa Kang, Marketing Manager for Hillsound Equipment. “Moving forward, we hope there is a swift return to normalcy and time in the outdoors with friends and family in the near future.”

Visit www.hillsound.com to learn more about company products, news, athletes, and happenings.

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About Hillsound Equipment, Inc.:
Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Hillsound offers a range of highly engineered traction devices for a variety of categories, from winter hiking to ice fishing. Hillsound also specializes in the design and manufacturing of durable and comfortable gaiters.

 

 

Outdoor Industry Presses for Federal Investments in Recreation Infrastructure

Letter to Congress Outlines Steps to Encourage Economic Recovery and Help Americans Thrive Outside

BOULDER, Colo. – May 11, 2020 – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and over 60 industry companies today sent a letter to congressional leaders urging them to consider the critical role of America’s public lands and outdoor recreation in upcoming legislative proposals to aid the nation’s economic recovery. Specifically, the letter outlines policies that would aid the recovery of the outdoor recreation economy, which supports 7.6 million jobs, thousands of local businesses and an essential economic force representing 2.2 percent of the nation’s GDP.

“The outdoor recreation economy is a force, connecting people to the outdoors and providing jobs in all 50 states. We are doing everything we can to support people across our country who are increasingly turning to the outdoors to support their physical health and mental wellbeing, but we cannot fully recover without help from Congress,” said Lise Aangeenbrug, executive director of Outdoor Industry Association. “Behind the millions of jobs and billions in tax revenue created by the outdoor recreation industry are businesses small and large and their employees, local communities and families that depend on a strong network of public lands. Federal investment in recreation infrastructure is needed now to ensure families, businesses and the great outdoors can all thrive.”

In the letter sent to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, the outdoor industry leaders wrote, “As we look to recovery in the months ahead, more needs to be done to help our communities and the outdoor industry recover from the current economic shock through investments in recreation infrastructure which will provide more opportunities for all Americans to get outside. The last few weeks have shown that millions of Americans depend upon outdoor recreation opportunities for health and wellness. Now more than ever, we need the mental and physical health benefits that getting outside can provide. Investing in outdoor infrastructure as part of our economic recovery efforts will provide a powerful return for all Americans.”

Specifically, the letter urges Congress to do the following:

  • Pass the Great American Outdoors Act, bipartisan legislation which will strengthen local economies by providing permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and funding for the maintenance backlog across federal public lands
  • Streamline permitting, as included in the Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation (SOAR) Act (H.R. 787/S. 1665) and the Recreation Not Red-Tape Act (H.R. 3458/S. 1967), to help reignite local tourism by removing the red tape faced by guided adventure companies and outfitters
  • Prioritize active transportationfunding, such as the Transportation Alternatives Program and the Recreational Trails Program, to provide people with safe, environmentally sensitive and low-cost forms of transportation and recreation
  • Increase funding and expand the Civilian Conservation Corps to address rising unemployment while restoring and stewarding our public lands
  • Provide funding to states and local municipalities for building parks, trails and other outdoor recreation amenities in underserved and under-resourced communities to address the need for ongoing public local services amidst significantly declining state and local tax revenues
  • Prioritize policies to reduce carbon emissions in any transportation, energy and infrastructure provisions to help mitigate the worst impacts of future natural disasters and protect places to recreate for future generations

More details about these provisions are outlined in the letter.

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About the Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves 1300 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

 

Royal Robbins Announces Key New Sales and Marketing Hires

Royal Robbins announces two executive leadership team hires, effective immediately. Tom Janettas joins Royal Robbins as the new Director of Sales and Anne Soderstrom has been hired as Director of Marketing.

“As we continue to face uncertainty in the world, I’m confident that our new Sales and Marketing team leaders – Tom Janettas and Anne Soderstrom – have the right experience and skillset needed to navigate us through the new demands put on our business,” said Michael Millenacker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Robbins. “I also know they are going to fit in well with our passionate culture,” he added.

Tom Janettas brings 20+ years of outdoor industry experience, most recently as Director of Sales – Specialty at The North Face, to Royal Robbins’ veteran sales team. At Royal Robbins, Tom will oversee all sales activities and be responsible for overall revenue growth. As part of the company’s executive leadership team, Tom also will develop forward-looking strategic plans to ensure sustainable brand growth.

In her role as Director of Marketing, Anne Soderstrom will lead strategic marketing solutions to support the brand’s focus on the outdoor consumer. Anne most recently held the title of Director of Brand Marketing at JanSport where she worked in the marketing department since 2005.

About Royal Robbins®
Founded in 1968 by world-renowned climbers Royal and Liz Robbins, Royal Robbins is a leading designer, manufacturer and retailer of outdoor apparel. The brand has gained worldwide recognition for its high-quality clothing and commitment to environmental and social responsibility. It has built a reputation of integrating technical features for consumers seeking performance-oriented garments, but with the style and comfort to cross over into everyday life. Royal Robbins’ collection of men’s and women’s products can be found in outdoor and specialty retail partners throughout the U.S. and abroad. To learn more, please visit www.royalrobbins.com.

Kris McDivitt Tompkins and Timmy O’Neill to Speak at The Conservation Alliance (at Home) Breakfast

Climber and comedian Timmy O’Neill will interview conservationist Kris McDivitt Tompkins during the first ever Conservation Alliance (at Home) Breakfast taking place on May 21 at 10:00 a.m. PST. This Conservation Alliance event will be live-streamed and available to all registered attendees.

Tompkins and O’Neill are long-time friends who have persevered through extraordinary challenges. Kristine McDivitt Tompkins is the co-founder and president of Tompkins Conservation and the UN Patron of Protected Areas. The former CEO of Patagonia, Inc, she has spent the last 25 years protecting and restoring Chile and Argentina’s wild beauty and biodiversity through creating national parks, restoring wildlife, inspiring activism, and fostering economic vitality as a result of conservation. A key figure behind the establishment of 13 national parks in Argentina and Chile, she has helped to protect approximately 14.5 million acres through Tompkins Conservation and its partners. Along with her late husband Douglas Tompkins, who passed away in 2015, she is considered one of the most successful national park-oriented philanthropists in history.

Timmy O’Neill is a rock climber and outdoor advocate dedicated to ‘adventure impact’ – the combination of outdoor adventure and social impact. He is co-founder and former executive director of Paradox Sports, a nationwide, adaptive-climbing non-profit. O’Neill also volunteers as an ophthalmic tech in sub Saharan Africa with CureBlindness.org and is a brand ambassador with Patagonia, Osprey Packs and Clif Bar. O’Neill is recovering from a recent subarachnoid hemorrhage that took place while traveling in Patagonia, Chile.

The Conservation Alliance Breakfast is a signature event that typically takes place during the Outdoor Retailer trade show. Cancelation of the trade show inspired The Conservation Alliance team to move the event online, making it accessible to both the outdoor community and conservation activists around the world.

“Kris and Timmy are the perfect people to bring our community together during this strange time to be inspired, to laugh, and to take action,” said Brady Robinson, Executive Director at The Conservation Alliance. “Reimagining our breakfast—and what is possible virtually—was a fun challenge, and it will undoubtedly be a memorable event. We will continue to create new opportunities for our community to stay connected and engage in advocacy at home.”

To register for The Conservation Alliance (at Home) Breakfast event, please visit: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5065874887190652427?source=Verde

About The Conservation Alliance:
The Conservation Alliance is an organization of like-minded businesses whose collective contributions support grassroots environmental organizations and their efforts to protect wild places where outdoor enthusiasts recreate. Alliance funds have played a key role in protecting rivers, trails, wildlands and climbing areas throughout North America. Membership in the Alliance is open to all companies who care about protecting our most threatened wild places for habitat and outdoor recreation. Since its inception in 1989, The Conservation Alliance has contributed more than $24 million, awarded 720 grants, helped to protect more than 73 million acres of wildlands and 3,575 miles of rivers; stop or remove 35 dams; designate five marine reserves; and purchase 17 climbing areas. For complete information about The Conservation Alliance, visit www.conservationalliance.com.