Outdoor Industry Association Invites Brands to Join Finance and Business Operations Benchmarking Study 

Participating brands gain access to trusted insights to rise above the competition.

BOULDER, CO (April 4, 2024) – A member-led collective and the outdoor industry’s catalyst for meaningful change, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today announced a new Outdoor Brand Benchmarking Study, which focuses on key finance and business operations benchmarks to help brands understand their position in the market compared to competitors and make informed decisions to drive growth and profitability.

Participants will receive the full results from the study in OIA’s Outdoor Brand Benchmarking Report, which includes:

  • Financial Performance: Key financial ratios and detailed indicators across Profit and Loss, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow statements, such as revenue growth, profit margins, inventory turnover, and cash cycle.
  • Business Operations: Benchmarks focus on metrics such as SKU count, sales channel mix, marketing mix and ROI, sourcing mix, number of employees, and sales per employee.
  • Actionable Best Practices: Tailored strategies cover revenue and profit optimization, asset management, marketing and sales, sourcing and manufacturing, employee productivity, and innovation.
  • Targeted Insights: Groupings by company size and product line help pinpoint opportunities within specific industry segments and compared to top performers.

“In an evolving and dynamic market, it’s crucial to know where your business stands versus the competition. Participating in this study provides brands with the strategic intelligence needed to drive growth, efficiency, and profitability,” said Kent Ebersole, President of OIA. “Our report ensures decision-makers have access to relevant data for all major business functions so that they can gauge the effectiveness of business operations, set internal goals, and be an industry leader.”

Participating in the study is easy and secure. As the sole and trusted source for finance and business operations benchmarks in the outdoor industry, OIA ensures that information is held confidential and anonymized by third-party survey administrator Qualtrics. Entering company data is straightforward through a secure survey link and takes just 90 minutes to complete. Participants have the flexibility to pause and resume the survey at their convenience and share it within their organization for collaboration.

OIA invites brands to join the benchmarking study to access data worth tens of thousands of dollars, unavailable anywhere else, and position their brand for success. Brands do not have to be OIA members to participate. The deadline to complete the study is May 8th, and participation is free. Interested brands can learn more and sign up here.

About Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policymakers, and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth and climate positivity while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

OROS Labs®, creators of Solarcore® insulation, secures $22 million in Series B funding led by Airbus Ventures

PORTLAND, Ore. (April 3, 2024) – OROS Labs- www.oroslabs.com, an innovative thermal solutions company, announced the closure of its Series B funding round, raising $22 million to support the company’s expansion in consumer, commercial and government industries. The round of funding was led by Airbus Ventures, with participation from REI Co-op Path Ahead Ventures, Platinum Mile Ventures, Culper Ventures, Crumpton Ventures, Iron Gate Capital Advisors, Enlightenment Capital, CTK and the Goldwin Play Earth Fund, among others.

Solarcore®-www.solarcore.tech,  leverages the thermal properties of Aerogel, the world’s lowest thermally conductive solid, to revolutionize insulation for a multitude of applications – from structures and packaging to cold weather apparel and footwear. By combining cutting-edge technology with innovative design, Solarcore sets new standards for thermal efficiency, along with being durable, versatile and applicable to many different product categories.

“The support from our investors in this Series B funding round strongly reflects our ambition to reinvent a field that has seen limited innovation,” said Michael Markesbery, co-founder, and CEO at OROS Labs. “This investment opens doors for us to pursue strategic partnerships, bolster our manufacturing capabilities, scale our product offerings, and advance our research and development efforts to continue introducing groundbreaking materials to the market.”

“The confidence of our new investors, dedicated to strengthening our networks within the aerospace, defense and heavy industry verticals broadly, will help equip us with the expertise necessary to revolutionize the once stagnant thermal insulation category,” added Rithvik Venna,  co-founder and COO at OROS Labs. “Bringing along our partners for this next phase of our strategic growth will be critical in advancing our team, products and results.”

“From our earliest exchanges with Michael and Rithvik, we were instantly attracted by Oros Labs’ potential to serve a wide array of dual-use applications. With the flexible design of its thermal product suite, Solarcore represents the most versatile aerogel materials ever made ,” remarks Nicole Conner, Airbus Ventures Partner. “We are proud to lead OROS Labs’ Series B round, and to bring the OROS Labs team into the Airbus Ventures portfolio.”

Solarcore continues market expansion through key strategic partnerships with the U.S. Department of Defense and renowned consumer footwear brands, such as Merrell and L.L. Bean, showcasing the advantages of its technology across government and consumer industries. Examples of those partnerships include:

  • In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense, Solarcore is set to transform the Army’s cold weather tactical shelters, offering enhanced heat retention, reduced weight, and improved efficiencies in transportation and setup. With the Defense Department investing billions annually in heating and cooling tactical shelters, the adoption of Solarcore presents significant cost-saving opportunities, operational and carbon footprint benefits.
  • In the consumer sector, at the most recent Fall 2023 ISPO trade show, Solarcore received a Textrends award selection highlighting the most innovative materials and innovations in the sport and outdoor industry. Solarcore can be found in a variety of footwear products at Merrell, LL Bean and others.  Solarcore will continue to prioritize the expansion of partnerships with footwear, apparel, and accessory brands that recognize the remarkable advantages of the Solarcore ‘More warmth. Less Bulk’ promise.

Additionally, OROS Labs has recruited an incredible team of advisors and leadership, including Jim Ryan, former CEO and Chairman of WW Grainger; Mike Brown, former CEO of the Defense Innovative Unit; Happ Klopp, founder of The North Face; Hank Crumpton, CEO of Crumpton Global LLC and former head of the CIA’s National Resource Division; Rodney Faraon, Partner and Chief Creative Officer at Crumpton Global LLC; and Jeff Jordan, general partner at Andressen Horowitz.

Solarcore has built an impressive leadership team, with deep experience in materials, innovation, business development and marketing from industry leading companies, including Teledyne Flir, The North Face, Icebreaker, Columbia Sportswear, Adidas and more.

For more information, please visit: oroslabs.com. For media inquiries, please contact Senior PR Manager Kevin McCormack kevin.mccormack@rygr.us

About OROS Labs®: OROS Labs is a materials technology company developing the most advanced thermal insulation on the planet.  We took NASA’s well known Aerogel technology and patented ways to infuse into products that deliver best-in-class thermal efficiency.

About Airbus Ventures: Headquartered in Silicon Valley, with offices in Toulouse and Tokyo, Airbus Ventures is a fast-moving, early-stage venture capital company that independently funds and supports startups set to shift both the aerospace industry and our planetary system to a sustainable future. Airbus Ventures has helped aspiring innovators reach new dimensions of achievement since 2015.

Contact: Kevin McCormack

970.924.0704 ext. 2101

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Outdoor Research drops its first dedicated MTB apparel line, adds four ride-focused athletes

SEATTLE (April 3, 2024) — As outdoor-apparel manufacturer Outdoor Research releases its first dedicated collection of mountain bike gear for Spring 2024, the Seattle-based brand is expanding its athlete roster with four riders who will provide product category expertise and feedback as OR leans fully into the category.

Trail and freeride athletes Georgia Astle, Bas Van Steenbergen, Tom Van Steenbergen and Damon Iwanaga join the Outdoor Research athlete roster aligned with the release of OR’s eight-piece Freewheel product collection, currently available at retail and direct from OR.

The Freewheel collection brings the technical design expertise and materials innovation leadership that has defined Outdoor Research products for more than 40 years to a category that is a core activity for a large segment of its existing customer base. Watch the Freewheel collection brand video here.

“Many of our longtime customers are already mountain bikers — it’s right there with hiking, climbing and skiing as core sports for them,” said Chris King, VP of Brand for Outdoor Research. “Combined with the fact that many riders have already been using versatile OR products like the Helium Rain Jacket, the Ferrosi Overshort and the Echo tops, pushing further into this space represents a very natural evolution for us. Georgia, Bas, Tom and Damon will be excellent ambassadors to help us show both existing and new customers what OR brings to this category.”

Georgia Astle lives and rides in Whistler, Canada and began her career with downhill and enduro racing. In recent years she has evolved into the freeride space where she continues to push the progression of the sport. Her recent wins include first at Crankworx Whistler in SCOR Air DH, third at Crankworx Innsbruck in Whip Off and second at Crankworx Rotorua in Whip Off. Astle will be competing at Crankworx Innsbruck, Poland Polska Fest Jump Jam and Crankworx Whistler this year.

Bas van Steenbergen and Tom Van Steenbergen grew up in The Netherlands before moving to Canada as kids. Both brothers started their racing careers doing BMX before switching to mountain biking racing and then freeride. Bas focuses on World Cup and Crankworx events, where he recently had back-to-back King of Crankworx World Tour victories, while Tom is focused on events like Red Bull Rampage where he placed second last year. Tom will be competing at the Cam Zink invitational, Crankworx Whistler and Red Bull Rampage this year. Bas just finished competing at Crankworx Rotorua and will be at Crankworx Whistler later this year.

Damon Iwanaga is currently living in Incline Village, Nev. and began his path to pro mountain biking on the motocross track before he switched to freeride mountain biking. Still competing in events, Iwanaga also spends his time volunteering in the mountain bike community through coaching, trail building and fundraising within his local community. Iwanaga is slated to compete at the upcoming Sea Otter Classic as well as TDS Enduro, Cam Zink Invitational, Crankworx Whistler and Fest Series Huckfest this year.

The Freewheel collection brings in proven technology from OR’s outerwear and sportswear collections, including DuraPrint®, a 3D printed overlay. DuraPrint delivers extra abrasion resistance in high-wear areas without adding weight or impeding flexibility in the fabric — a natural fit in the bike category. It also offers extended and inclusive sizing options, up to women’s 4X Plus and men’s 42. The new collection includes:

The Freewheel Collection is now available online at www.outdoorresearch.com/freewheel and outdoor retailers.

About Outdoor Research

Since 1981, Outdoor Research has created trusted apparel, accessories, and equipment for you to thrive outside. Our award-winning outdoor gear is meticulously researched and tested for outdoor enthusiasts and military users around the globe. Grounded in our values of curiosity, passion, innovation, collaboration and community, we strive to create space for all in the outdoors. We celebrate wins outside at every level together with our ambassadors, non-profit partners and employees. Join us at outdoorresearch.com.

Media Contact: Verde Brand Communications | (970) 235-0268 | or@verdepr.com

Images here. Credit Outdoor Research.

LEKI USA Announces New Sales Representation in Great Lakes Territory

BUFFALO, NY (April 3, 2024) – LEKI, a leader in innovative skiing, trekking, and trail running poles, announces the appointment of Specialty Sports Reps (SSR) to cover the Great Lakes trekking and outdoor retail territory, effective immediately. Specifically, SSR will be responsible for Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. In addition to LEKI, SSR manages elite brands such as Osprey, Astral, LL Bean, Hydroflask, and Grayl.

Daniel Miller, Owner and Principal Rep for Specialty Sports Reps based out of Lexington, Kentucky, is an outdoor enthusiast who has been backpacking and rock climbing since he was young. In 2007, Miller joined the outdoor industry as a buyer and manager at GOA retailer J&H Lanmark. He then moved to SSR as a sales rep for Kentucky, Indiana, and southern/central Ohio in 2013 and assumed ownership a few years later. In his spare time, Miller can be found on a river with a fly rod in hand, mountain biking, hiking, or on the hunt for delicious bourbons.

A native of Southeastern Michigan, Joe Giordano is the servicing rep for accounts in Michigan, northern Indiana, and northern Ohio. He has 26 years of experience in the outdoor industry as key account manager at Osprey and a buyer at Mast General Store. In his spare time, Giordano shares his passion for paddling, mountain biking, finding the best breweries in any city he visits, and hiking and lounging with his family.

“Both veterans of the outdoor industry, Daniel and Joe, bring a rich collection of skills and experiences to the Great Lakes territory,” said Chris O’Donaghue, Sales Director for LEKI USA. “SSR is passionate about specialty retail and brings practical experience from the perspectives of buyers, reps, and vendors. We are excited to welcome them to the LEKI family.”

SSR replaces Mike Donnelly and Karen Strough, who have covered the Great Lakes territory for LEKI for many years. “We want to thank Karen and Mike for their time and service to LEKI and wish them the best in their future endeavors,” said O’Donaghue.

Contact Daniel Miller at SSR: 859-381-7549.

ABOUT LEKI USA

Founded in 1948, LEKI is the leading manufacturer of Skiing, Trekking, and Trail Running poles and gloves that are German-engineered and mostly produced in the company’s Czech Republic factory. This in conjunction with extensive research and independent testing, makes the best products featuring quality, value, and technology. LEKI equips over 1,000 of the world’s best athletes and brand ambassadors in the disciplines of alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, trail running, ski mountaineering, mountain guiding, and alpine climbing. Headquartered in Buffalo, NY, LEKI USA, Inc. is the sole distributor of LEKI brand products in the United States. For more information, please visit https://lekiusa.com/ or call 800.255.9982.

Salomon Moves to Category Dedicated Sales Teams

Ogden, UTAH (April 2, 2024) — Today, Salomon announces a strategic business change within the North American organization to support its accelerated growth focused on footwear, apparel, and gear with the addition of softgoods-specific sales teams. Previously, sales agencies serviced all Salomon sports categories across both hardgoods and softgoods. This new dedicated approach will provide focus in driving expertise and allow the brand to best serve partners and consumers, particularly in the run specialty and outdoor specialty channels.

“As Salomon continues to grow its footwear business, we knew it was essential to have teams dedicated to the category, ensuring we can best serve our wholesale partners and consumers,” said Steve Doolan, Salomon’s President of the Americas.

To support this change, Salomon as appointed brand veteran Lance Taylor to the role of US Business Sales Director, Outdoor and tapped John Meadows, previously of HOKA, to step in as the U.S. Business Sales Director, Run. Together, Taylor and Meadows will oversee the softgoods sales agencies supporting the run & outdoor channels across key accounts and specialty.

“I admire the legacy that Salomon has established in the world of winter sports and trail running,” shared Meadows. “Getting the opportunity to build off that heritage and cement ourselves as a running brand, is exciting. It won’t be easy, but we’re ready to do the work.”

Salomon, a heritage brand in the hiking and trail running footwear categories, expanded its range with the addition of road running products that have caught the attention of run specialty accounts and media with products like the S/LAB Phantasm 2 and the Aero Glide 2.

“Salomon has been a big player in trail running for decades,” shared Thomas Neuberger of Believe in the Run. “Recently, their road product has been making noise with our team. Salomon challenges the status quo and has introduced innovative offerings like the S/Lab Spectur, one of the best new shoes we have tried in 2024. We have loved partnering with Salomon to bring the running community together and share Salomon’s vision for the sport through product.”

The addition of softgoods specific sales agencies comes as the brand enters the Spring/Summer ’25 selling season. The nine new agencies will oversee territory sales across the following regions:

  • Snowden & Co – WEST COAST
  • Cordillera Sales – ROCKIES
  • South Back Sales – PNW
  • S.I – NORTH CENTRAL
  • Ekiden – SOUTH CENTRAL
  • Vert Outdoors – NORTHEAST
  • JAL & Associates – SOUTHEAST

Having a dedicated sales and field marketing presence across the U.S. will continue to be a long-term focus for the brand as it aims for significant grow over the next five years within its run categories.

“We’re excited to see Salomon put the same energy into run specialty as they have in the other channels that they’ve dominated,” shared Pam Hess, Owner of The Loop in Austin, TX. “With their momentum in sportstyle, their athletes performing in trail, plus the strong internal team they’ve assembled for run, we’re excited for what’s ahead. No doubt, they’re taking all the right approaches.”

For more information, please contact John Meadows at john.meadows@salomon.com or Lance Taylor at lance.taylor@salomon.com.

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About Salomon: Salomon is the modern mountain sports lifestyle brand creating innovative, premium and authentic footwear, apparel and winter sports equipment in the French Alps. At the Annecy Design Center, designers, engineers and athletes intersect to shape the future of sports and culture. At Salomon, we exist to unleash the best in people through mountain sports.

Rumpl Bets Big on Summer Camp through New Partnership with American Camp Association

PORTLAND, OR. (April 2, 2024) Rumpl, the category leader in premium outdoor blankets, is pleased to announce a new partnership with the nonprofit American Camp Association® (ACA). The American Camp Association® has been helping camps across the US create quality experiences that inspire growth and belonging in campers for more than 100 years. A unique facet of the partnership includes Rumpl’s ACA-sponsored camp ambassador program where staff and counselors from ACA member camps can participate in Rumpl’s outdoor community and receive complimentary gear, exclusive perks, and pro deals for their support on social media. Interested counselors can now apply for the program at rumpl.com/pages/camp-ambassador-program-rumpl through May 10, 2024.

“The summer camp experience is near and dear to my heart, but also an important and underappreciated introduction to the outdoors for many young people, children, and families,” said Josh Weichhand, Rumpl’s vice president of global brand marketing. “Partnering with ACA to support camps and their staff places Rumpl in a unique position to positively impact the summer camp experience, while driving visibility and awareness for our brand and products in the process.”

Rumpl’s Camp Ambassador Program, designed in partnership with ACA, is a unique approach to the influencer and ambassador space, as the brand refines its focus to a grassroots level. The program will comprise authentic, enthusiastic camp counselors and staff members who are making a positive impact in children’s lives at summer camps. Upon approval, program members will receive a Rumpl gear care package, access to Rumpl discounts, opportunities for sales commission through custom affiliate links, early access to new brand launches, and more. In exchange, members are asked to create and post content to their social channels about their experiences at camp and with Rumpl gear.

The new partnership allows Rumpl to invest in counselors, campers and families throughout the US, helping ACA and its members create safe and fun experiences for over 26 million campers of all backgrounds.

“Rumpl is taking an innovative approach to supporting summer camps across the US by approaching camp staff with the opportunity to share real stories from camp, highlighting the value of camp experiences for all youth of school age,” said Kelley Freridge, chief marketing officer for the American Camp Association. “Together, we’re optimistic that this program will help inform parents on the incredible benefits of camp experiences — where we actively promote community and individual well-being while providing opportunities to develop the skills needed to thrive beyond camp in the classroom.“

The Rumpl Camp Ambassador Program application is currently open here through May 10, 2024. For more information on ACA and Rumpl, please reach out to Lauren McMillin (pr@ACAcamps.org) and Corinne Baud (corinne.baud@rygr.us) respectively.

About American Camp Association: The American Camp Association® (ACA) is a national organization serving the more than 15,000 year-round and summer camps in the US that annually serve 26 million campers. ACA is committed to collaborating with those who believe in quality camp and outdoor experiences for children, youth, and adults. ACA provides advocacy, evidence-based education, and professional development, and is the only independent national accrediting body for the organized camp experience. ACA accreditation provides public evidence of a camp’s voluntary commitment to the health, safety, risk management, and overall well-being of campers and staff. For more information, visit ACAcamps.org.

About Rumpl: Born of van life and enjoyed by adventure seekers everywhere, Rumpl exists to enrich the outdoor experience through versatile, high-performance comforts. Rumpl is the inventor of The Original Puffy Blanket and the originator of the technical blanket category. The brands’ products enhance places and pursuits, from mountains to beaches and every adventure in between. Rumpl’s vision is to get more people outdoors, stay comfortable and be prepared for whatever unfolds. Made For Whatever Unfolds.™ rumpl.com

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American Camp Association Contact:

Lauren McMillin

pr@ACAcamps.org

 

Rumpl Contact:

Corinne Baud

corinne.baud@rygr.us

970-924-0704, ext. 2109

 

 

New SCARPA Moraine light hiking shoes make wearers searchable in backcountry

BOULDER, Colo. (April 2, 2024) — This spring, SCARPA, maker of premium high-performance footwear for mountain sports, unveils its new Moraine light-hiking shoe, which introduces a first in the lightweight-hiking category — a technology that makes its wearer searchable in the unlikely event of a rescue. In addition, the Moraine is manufactured without using PFAS in its materials.

The Moraine — a premium waterproof light hiker available in mid and low cuts — will be the first light hiking shoes on the market to integrate RECCO technology, which offers an added safety component in the backcountry.

Though known more in the worlds of ice climbing and paragliding, mountain athlete Will Gadd — who is a SCARPA ambassador — said a technology like RECCO that helps the general public increase safety margins is a game changer.

“I am really excited to see RECCO reflectors in SCARPA’s new hiking boots,” Gadd said. “If we look at the search-and-rescue calls that come through, most of them aren’t for climbers or skiers, but for hikers. It can be very hard to find a lost hiker under the trees or in heavy brush, but if we have RECCO reflectors in our hiking boots it allows them to be found faster. The reflectors also weigh close to nothing and don’t compromise footwear performance, so why not add them into the product? There’s really only an up-side. I’ve been putting reflectors into my gear for years now. I hope I never have to rely on them, but — if I do — I have full confidence that I will be found faster.”

RECCO, a leader in advanced rescue technology for the last 40 years, has pioneered a system of tiny passive reflectors that can be integrated into partner brand products and help the wearer become searchable in case of emergency. Rescuers then use an active RECCO detector to bounce a signal off someone wearing a passive reflector, helping locate them more quickly. RECCO’s global network includes 500+ ski resort partners, 400+ search and rescue partners and now 36 helicopter bases.

The RECCO system in the past has been known more as a tool for avalanche rescue, but the development of the RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector in the past few years has allowed professional rescuers to perform fast and efficient searches for missing people in the outdoors year-round, with the capacity to cover a square kilometer in six minutes. Along with helping reduce search times for missing people, the helicopter-based detector can reduce the time and the exposure to risk for rescue professionals.

The new Moraine WP and Moraine Mid WP shoes are equipped with a RECCO reflector in the cuff of the shoe that adds an extra layer of security and protection for hikers as they venture onto the trails this summer.

Other notable features of the Moraine lighter hikers are lightweight construction paired with a highly stable and supportive midsole/sole package. On the upper, the Moraine pairs a premium oiled nubuck leather with a 100-percent recycled synthetic mesh fabric and a PFAS-free waterproof membrane for weather protection. In the midsole, a dual-density EVA midsole integrates nylon inserts for support as well as an externally molded TPU heel counter for stability. Underneath, SCARPA’s PRESA outsole has excellent traction thanks to SuperGum rubber. The Moraine is available in men’s and women’s fits at $169 for the low cut and $179 for the mid cut.

About SCARPA and SCARPA North America

Founded in 1938, SCARPA builds performance footwear for climbing, hiking, skiing, mountaineering, trail running and other outdoor pursuits from its headquarters in Asolo, Italy. SCARPA has been owned and operated by the Parisotto family since 1956. In 2005, SCARPA opened its North American headquarters in Boulder, Colo., staffed and directed by veterans of the North American outdoor industry, to oversee sales, marketing and distribution in the U.S., Canada and South America. For more information about SCARPA footwear, visit www.scarpa.com.

About RECCO:

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

Media Contacts:

SCARPA: Dave Simpson

E-mail: scarpa@verdepr.com

RECCO: Siena Teare

E-mail: siena@verdepr.com

The Conservation Alliance Announces Search for Executive Director

April 2, 2024 – The Conservation Alliance (TCA) is planning to hire a new Executive Director (ED)  that will work closely with the staff and Board of Directors  as the organization’s strategic and operational leader charged with  ensuring sound strategic positioning and the execution of The Conservation Alliance’s mission.

“The appointment of a new Executive Director  comes at an  important and exciting time for The Conservation Alliance.” said Annie Nyborg, Head of Environmental and Social Impact at Peak Designs and Chair of the TCA Board of Directors, “TCA recognizes that the conservation landscape is shifting, including the need for more effective policy solutions to address ever-changing environmental and conservation priorities and challenges.”

The next Executive Director will lead the effort to push TCA into a new era of impact. Key to delivering on the organization’s needs will be the collaboration of the Board and staff on the path forward through a significant and robust strategic planning effort that is focused on growth. Through this process, the Executive Director will have the ability, in partnership with the Board, to shape the future of the organization, and position it for greater success.

The new ED will serve as the key strategic and operational leader overseeing the administration, programs, strategic planning, and financial management of TCA. The position reports directly to the Board of Directors (BOD), and key responsibilities will include Board management and engagement, strategic and annual planning, fundraising and financial management, staff management, and external relations and public affairs.

To learn more  about The Conservation Alliance,  visit www.conservationalliance.com. To learn more and  apply for the role, please visit this link.

About The Conservation Alliance

The Conservation Alliance is a coalition of over 270 like-minded member companies who pool resources to fund and advocate for the protection of North America’s cherished wild places and outdoor spaces. Through the collective power of their membership – companies from a range of industries from outdoor industry to brewers, bankers, sportsmen, and renewable energy – take bold steps to conserve wild public lands and waters. Since 1989, they’ve awarded over $31,900,000 in grants and helped protect over 82 million acres and 4,570 river miles, remove or halt 38 dams, purchase 22 climbing areas & designate five marine reserves.

conservationalliance.com

 

 

Nomadix Lowered Its Carbon Footprint by 80% in 2023 According to Recently Released Social Purpose Corporation Report

San Clemente, Calif. – April 2, 2024 – Nomadix, a social purpose corporation and makers of The Only Towel You Need®, made from post-consumer recycled plastics, announced today the results of its 2023 Social Purpose Corporation Report. Notable 2023 accomplishments include: diverting over 18,200,000 plastic bottles from landfills (the most in the company’s history), lowering the company’s carbon footprint by 80% since 2021, and supporting more than 15 organizations by investing in its cause partnership with 1% for the Planet.

“Understanding the full spectrum of our business’ impact is crucial, everything from sourcing materials to selecting packaging and transportation methods for delivering our products to customers,” said Mia Helminiak, Director of Community Engagement at Nomadix. “By tracking and quantifying our emissions, we are able to clearly see the areas that need improvement. For example, our analysis revealed that packaging materials surprisingly made up the biggest portion of our emissions. Armed with this knowledge, we swiftly implemented changes, overhauling our packaging within a matter of months and lowering our emissions by a significant amount.”

In addition, the report details progress specific to Nomadix’s 2023 Climate Commitment including:

  • Partnering with The Change Climate Project (formerly Climate Neutral) to measure and certify the company’s carbon footprint
  • Switching its master cartons to FSC-certified recycled materials
  • Updating its forecasting methods to avoid last-minute air shipments from its factory
  • Changing its e-commerce standard shipping option from 2-day air to ground shipping

Recognizing the importance of building community to advance sustainability, Nomadix invested in more than 15 partner organizations in 2023. Some of those organizations include:

  • 1% for the Planet: On a mission to certify $1,000,000,000 in lifetime giving to environmental organizations by 2027—and they’re more than halfway there.
  • Brave Trails: Provided $123K in financial assistance to its LGBTQIA+ campers which directly resulted in 900+ hours of therapy provided to its community of teens and their families.
  • The Ecology Center: 100,000 pounds of food donated to local families facing food insecurity.
  • The Conservation Alliance: $2.1M awarded to 49 organizations to protect 11.7M acres & 40 river miles, 1 dam removed, oil & gas leases canceled in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
  • The Billfish Foundation: Worked worldwide to advance the conservation of billfish and other species.

Nomadix’s wide range of product offerings are made from post-consumer and recycled materials to further reduce its impact on the planet, including the new Robe, Tiny Towel, and Fanny Pack. To see the brand’s entire product line or for more information about its Social Purpose Corporation Report, visit nomadix.co.

ABOUT NOMADIX

California-based Nomadix launched in 2015 with The Only Towel You Need® – a multi-purpose towel that performs for any activity, including travel, yoga, boating, and at the beach. Nomadix understands that the environmental footprint of the products people buy will have an impact on the planet that lasts longer than we will. A commitment to discovering durable, multi-purpose, responsibly manufactured solutions that will leave the planet better than we found it is part of its ethos – Own less. Do more. Nomadix is a member of 1% for the Planet and is Climate Neutral Certified. Today, Nomadix is carried in major retailers in the United States and is distributed in 31 countries around the world. Visit www.nomadix.co for more information.

 

 

 

Get a Whiff of Victory with Fleet Feet’s Exclusive New Line of Candles

CARRBORO, N.C. (April 1, 2024)Fleet Feet is proud to launch ‘Candles That Éndúre,’ an exclusive line of scented candles designed to help runners recall their most important and smelly memories. These designer candles have been half-heartedly hand-crafted by overtrained runners, who mix sweat, pain and elation to produce signature aromas that bring us back to our favorite running moments.

“Runners are a unique bunch,” says Ashley Arnold, director of brand marketing at Fleet Feet. “Smells can evoke powerful memories, bringing us back to a particular event or place. These candles allow you to have your most cherished running scents on demand without unearthing week-old salt-stained shorts from the bottom of the hamper. With the Candles That Éndúre line, everyone in your household can enjoy these running-inspired fragrances with you, whether they want to or not. It’s truly a win-win.”

The spring line of candles includes a variety of aromas designed to inspire, and terrify, runners of all abilities. The ‘Race Day Jitters’ candle offers exciting notes of freshly roasted coffee, morning dew, and the subtle scent of a steamy port-o-john. Light up ‘Race-Day Jitters’ for the perfect anticipatory mixture of anxiety, self-loathing and delusions of grandeur.

Runners can kick back and relax with the ‘Finish Line’ candle, featuring soothing scents of bananas, euphoria and space blankets. Rounding out the line is the ‘Turkey Trot,’ offering a savory blend of sweet potato, cranberry, rosemary and gravy to help runners relive their favorite holiday race with the in-laws.

In addition to this collection, Fleet Feet is also launching a special collaboration candle with Boston Marathon champion Desiree Linden. ‘Scent of A Champion’ has bold and dynamic notes of espresso, bourbon barrel and Boylston Street. It’s designed to inspire runners to be their best selves, bringing them back to a place where they felt strong, powerful and exhausted. Fleet Feet advises users to avoid burning this candle around children, as it can induce a strong desire to consume high-end whiskey.

These limited and seasonal offerings will be complemented by year-round staples such as ‘I Think I Can Wear These Shorts Again,’ ‘Spilled Post-Run Beer,’ ‘One Too Many Race Gels,’ and ‘No Shower Lunch Run.’ The research team is currently developing other offerings that cater to the eccentric tastes of runners, including sweat-soaked gummy bears, shorts designed to chafe, and a pill that replicates the sensation of the quadricep implosion that occurs at mile 20 of a marathon.

For more than 47 years, Fleet Feet owners, operating partners, and employees have created welcoming environments that allow runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities to conquer their goals at every level, on every surface, at every distance with personalized solutions, knowledge, and empowerment. Fleet Feet’s nationwide network of community-based retail stores are a place of inspiration, showing people how Running Changes Everything®.

View the launch video, which goes live on Instagram April 1, here. Browse the collection on Fleet Feet’s website here.

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About Fleet Feet

Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated run specialty stores. With 270 locations in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, N.C., Fleet Feet is committed to providing runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts with outfitting expertise, robust training programs, community support and rewards. Fleet Feet believes that RUNNING CHANGES EVERYTHING® and has been recognized in Fast Company’s Brands That Matter List, and Inc.’s Best in Business List and PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.