Outdoor Industry Leaders Share How Tariffs Hurt the Outdoor Recreation Economy 

Members of the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) joined other industry leaders for a U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship hearing on the outdoor recreation economy 

Boulder, CO (MAY 30, 2025) — Today, leaders in the outdoor industry testified during a field hearing held by the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, “Beyond the Trailhead: Supporting Outdoor Recreation in an Uncertain Economy”, sharing their perspectives on how tariffs are hurting the outdoor recreation economy.  

Travis Campbell, CEO of Outdoor Industry Member (OIA) member Eagle Creek, joined Mike Mojica, Founder of Outdoor Element, and Trent Bush, Founder and Co-CEO of ARTILECT Studio, to discuss the impact of tariffs on the outdoor recreation economy and how their business are navigating the ongoing uncertainty around trade.   

“We are the kind of small business America should be proud of: We pay our taxes. We comply fully with our duties and regulations. We strive to be a responsible employer, a committed partner to our customers, and a steward of the planet,” said Travis Campbell during the hearing. “Yet, in the wake of newly announced tariffs, it feels as though our country is systematically working against businesses like ours –raising our costs dramatically while fueling consumer anxiety that suppresses demand.”  

“Small businesses like mine cannot fix this alone. We need long-term, stable trade policies that recognize the realities of modern supply chains – not punitive tariffs and uncertainty,” Campell continued. “The outdoor industry stands ready to work with you. Our company is prepared to be part of the solution, but we need a clear plan. Because what we’re doing now isn’t working.”  

In a recent survey, 84% of OIA members surveyed said they will be impacted by tariffs, resulting in millions of dollars in financial losses and affecting hundreds of outdoor products. The outdoor recreation industry fuels $1.2 trillion in consumer spending and supports over 5 million jobs. Outdoor recreation is a critical force in the U.S. economy, and OIA remains committed to working with the administration and policymakers to champion a balanced trade agenda that supports industry growth and success.  

You can read Travis Campbell’s full testimony here, and watch the full hearing 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, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth 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. 

 

Wiley X Proudly Sponsors Prevent Blindness Texas Golf Tournament

Frisco, TX – [May 30, 2025] — Wiley X® was honored to once again sponsor the Prevent Blindness Texas (PBT) Golf Tournament, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the organization’s vital mission of safeguarding vision health across the state.

This meaningful event brought together community members, partners, and advocates in a shared effort to fund sight-saving initiatives and promote accessible eye care for all Texans. With dedicated offices in Houston and San Antonio, and the ongoing support of passionate volunteers, Prevent Blindness Texas continues to lead the way in advancing eye health through outreach, education, and vision screenings.

To learn more about Prevent Blindness Texas and how to get involved, visit https://texas.preventblindness.org/.

For more information about Wiley X and its product offerings, visit www.wileyx.com.

 

GOVERNOR AYOTTE TO PROCLAIM JUNE 10th “NH OUTDOOR INDUSTRY DAY”

May 28, 2025 – Governor Kelly Ayotte will officially proclaim June 10, 2025, as “NH Outdoor Industry Day,” recognizing the vital contributions of the outdoor sector to the state’s economy and culture. The ceremonial proclamation takes place at 2 PM in Manchester’s Veterans Memorial Park.

New Hampshire’s outdoor economy ranks 8th nationally for its percentage contribution to state GDP and sustains nearly 32,000 jobs and 1,000 small businesses across sectors like hospitality, manufacturing, retail, tourism, and professional services. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, New Hampshire’s outdoor industry generated nearly $4 billion in revenue 2023, accounting for 4.5% of the state’s total employment. These are the highest levels recorded since the agency began tracking the sector in 2012.

The proclamation ceremony will bring together local and state leaders, business owners, non-profit organizations, and outdoor enthusiasts to celebrate the industry’s vital role in driving economic growth, workforce development, and quality of life in the Granite State. In partnership with Outdoor Industry Day, the Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) will launch the Workforce Toolkit for the Outdoor Lifestyle—a comprehensive resource designed to help New Hampshire employers integrate outdoor recreation assets into recruiting, hiring, and retention strategies.

Alongside the Governor, Outdoor Industry Day speakers will include BEA Commissioner Taylor Caswell and Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry Development (ORID) Director Janel Lawton, Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais, Granite Outdoor Alliance (GOA) Director Tyler Ray, and NEMO Equipment Founder and CEO Cam Brensinger.

“We are excited to launch the New Hampshire Workforce Toolkit for the Outdoor Lifestyle and give employers tangible resources to incorporate the state’s outdoor recreation assets into their workforce recruitment and retention strategies,” said Janel Lawton, ORID Director. “By promoting a culture centered around an active, outdoor lifestyle, New Hampshire companies can attract high-quality talent, reduce turnover, and boost overall productivity.”

Following the Outdoor Industry Day ceremony, Granite Outdoor Alliance (GOA) will host a Rock City Vendor Village pop-up, featuring New Hampshire-based outdoor brands and non-profits. Rock City travels to events across the state to showcase New Hampshire outdoor brands and foster direct connections among community members and industry leaders.

“Rock City is our platform to celebrate the businesses and organizations that are the backbone of New Hampshire’s outdoor economy,” said Tyler Ray, Director of GOA. “These are the brands building gear, creating jobs, and driving innovation in communities across the state. We’re proud to showcase their impact in a visible, public way—and there’s no better place to do that than downtown Manchester on Outdoor Industry Day.”

The NH Outdoor Industry Day press conference and Rock City Vendor Village are free and open to the public. Food and music will be available. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

A series of regional partner events will continue throughout the summer to emphasize industry growth, workforce development, and public engagement, reinforcing the sector’s essential contribution to the state’s economic and cultural identity. To learn more and RSVP for the event, visit Eventbrite or www.graniteoutdoor.org.

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Press Contact Info: Sam Trombley

Granite Outdoor Alliance

sam@graniteoutdoor.org

860-319-9944

About the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs:

The Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) is dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality of the State of New Hampshire while promoting it as a destination for domestic and international visitors. BEA oversees programs in economic development, international commerce, outdoor recreation industry development, planning and community development, travel and tourism, visitor services, and workforce development. For more information, visit www.nheconomy.com.

About Granite Outdoor Alliance:

Granite Outdoor Alliance is a non-profit business alliance that supports New Hampshire’s outdoor industry including brands, retailers, nonprofits, and individuals. With over 130 business members, Granite Outdoor promotes outdoor recreation as a critical anchor to integrate rural and urban economic policies, communities, and industry to enhance life in New Hampshire.

ONIX Pickleball Unveils the Hype X and Hype X Pro, Offering Elevated Control and Power

EVANSVILLE, Ind. [May  28, 2025] — ONIX Pickleball, a leader in the sport of pickleball for two decades, has unveiled the Hype X and Hype X Pro, a duo designed to represent ONIX’s patented Power Frame ThermoFused Technology, enabling players to achieve peak performance at a quality price.

With increased reliability in their paddles’ construction, players can experience the full potential of their power on the court. The high-tech specs of ONIX’s products are made for pickleball players who trust that their skills will never be limited by their equipment.

“As we continue to welcome new audiences to the game, we are thrilled to offer our patented Power Frame ThermoFused Technology to a wider range of players,” said Jay Simmons, Senior Product Manager at ONIX. “This highly advanced technology has elevated our collection since it was first released in 2023 in our high-end paddles, and we are proud to enable a broader range of pickleball players to see the advantages of a unibody construction and how it will improve their game.”

The Hype X and Hype X Pro 14mm paddles feature advanced technology and specifications tailored for competitive players, including:

  • Patented Power Frame technology
  • Thermoformed construction for increased power, a larger sweet spot, and reduced vibration
  • Elongated shape and tennis handle for added reach and power
  • Polypropylene honeycomb core insert for enhanced touch, power, and pop
  • Medium weight: 7.75-8.25 oz
  • Dimensions: 16.4″ length, 7.56″ width, 5.7″ handle length, 8mm core cell size
  • USA Pickleball approved for official tournament play

ONIX showcases the advanced paddle technology created and patented by the brand to bring a high level of playability to pickleball play. ThermoFused Technology molds pickleball paddles to exact specifications with a unibody construction, allowing for a seamless face to handle formation. This innovative design prevents issues of breakage at the handle, allowing for better playability and less vibration. First released in its pinnacle paddles such as the Malice and the Mayhem, ONIX now shares the advantages of Power Frame ThermoFused Tech in Hype X and Hype X Pro at an accessible price for committed players.

Focused on innovating pickleball gear since 2005, ONIX has established itself for two decades as a leading brand committed to creating the most technologically advanced equipment for the sport. Working with top engineers and professional players, the brand is passionate about craftsmanship to bring the best paddle and equipment to the game. With the emergence of patented Power Frame ThermoFused Technology in 2023, Onix revolutionized equipment construction as the paddles are molded to exact specifications and provide a reliable frame to unleash users’ power on the court.

The Hype X and Hype X Pro are now available at DICK’s Sporting Goods and online at OnixPickleball.com. For more information about ONIX and its collection of pickleball equipment and accessories, visit OnixPickleball.com.

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About ONIX Pickleball

ONIX is the leading manufacturer of all performance pickleball products, such as paddles, balls, and accessories, and equips players with technologically advanced equipment that is proven to make the sport faster, more precise, and more strategic. Since its founding in 2005, ONIX Pickleball has dedicated its mission to growing and supporting the sport at a professional level. For more information on ONIX, its products, brands, instruction manuals, retailers, warranty, replacement parts, or customer service, please call 1-800-467-1421 or visit onixpickleball.com.

About Escalade

Founded in 1922, and headquartered in Evansville, Indiana, Escalade designs, manufactures, and sells sporting goods, fitness, and indoor/outdoor recreation equipment. Our mission is to connect family and friends and create lasting memories. Leaders in our respective categories, Escalade’s brands include Brunswick Billiards®; STIGA®table tennis; Accudart®; RAVE Sports® water recreation; Victory Tailgate® custom games; ONIX® Pickleball; Goalrilla™ basketball; Lifeline® fitness; Woodplay® playsets; and Bear® Archery. Escalade’s products are available online and at leading retailers nationwide. For more information about Escalade’s many brands, history, financials, and governance, please visit escaladeinc.com.

Media Contact: Verde Brand Communications | Onix@VerdePR.com

 

 

House Budget Reconciliation Bill Omits Public Lands Sale Provision

Boulder, CO (May 22, 2025) “Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) applauds Congressman Zinke, Congressman Vasquez, and their colleagues who successfully removed the harmful mandate to sell off public lands from the House reconciliation bill,” said Kent Ebersole, OIA President. “America’s public lands are the engine of the $1.2 trillion outdoor economy and should be protected so future generations can continue hiking, climbing, and recreating. This bipartisan leadership reflects a clear understanding that public lands are both a cornerstone of our economy and a shared national legacy that deserves lasting stewardship.”

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, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth 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.