Wiley X Launches New Ultra Lightweight WX Sierra Frame

FRISCO, Texas (June 3, 2024) – Wiley X, the global pioneer and leader in premium protective eyewear, is proud to launch an exciting new frame style: The WX Sierra. This new arrival comes on the heels of a brand refresh in early 2024.

The WX Sierra will be joining the Active 6 series, alongside this year’s earlier releases, the WX Founder and WX Recon. Built thoughtfully for those who prioritize both comfort and safety, the WX Sierra is ultra-lightweight and engineered with comfort in mind. This sleek frame showcases features designed for all-day wear, ensuring you can conquer any adventure.

“The WX Sierra is our latest advancement in innovative eyewear that can provide users with utmost safety while ensuring both style and function,” said Dan Freeman, CEO and Co-Owner at Wiley X. “Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, outdoor adventurer, or simply looking for a reliable pair of sunglasses, the WX Sierra is a must-have.”

Dual-injected rubber temple tips and molded nose pads provide a secure, comfortable fit that won’t budge, even during the most rigorous activities. Furthermore, the built-in lens ventilation helps prevent fogging, keeping your vision clear no matter the environment.

The WX Sierra is also available in RX for customized comfort and clear vision. Like all Wiley X lenses, the WX Sierra will sport shatterproof Selenite™ 6-Base lenses for superior clarity and durability, while WX CAPTIVATE™ lens technology (available in polarized and non-polarized options) enhances the visual experience with improved clarity and color perception. Shielding user’s eyes from harmful UVA/UVB rays, these sunglasses prioritize complete eye protection.

The unique design allows for the included clear ANSI Z87.1+ side shields to be either removable or permanently attached, giving the user the flexibility to customize their protection level based on their needs. With side shields installed, the WX Sierra meets rigorous ANSI Z87.1+ safety standards.

For more information about Wiley X and its range of eyewear products, visit www.wileyx.com.

###

About Wiley X

Veteran-founded in 1987, Wiley X has been producing the world’s most protective eyewear to various markets that rely on impact resistance for over 30 years. Myles Freeman Sr., a military veteran, started Wiley X to protect the eyes of those who protected America. The company’s military heritage helped carve a roadmap for Wiley X in the years to follow for many well-respected weekend warriors. Every adult eyewear style made by Wiley X meets ANSI Z87.1 High Velocity and High Mass Impact Safety Standards, for protection that goes far beyond the harmful rays of the sun. Select styles meet U.S. military MIL-PRF 32432 (GL) or MIL-PRF 32432A standards for ballistic eye protection, a key reason why Wiley X has been a leading provider of vision protection equipment to the U.S. military and law enforcement for more than 30 years.

 

 

TrainingPeaks Partners with AusCycling as Official Software Provider

Louisville, Colo., June 3, 2024 — TrainingPeaks, the industry-leading training app for endurance coaches and athletes, today announced an exclusive partnership with AusCycling — the national sports organization responsible for the development, facilitation and growth of all forms of cycling and riding in Australia.

Under the new agreement, TrainingPeaks is now the official training and coaching software for AusCycling and the ARA Australian Cycling Team.

“TrainingPeaks is the gold standard in training prescription software for endurance cycling sports. As such, it is a cornerstone for our road and track programs,” said Jesse Korf, AusCycling’s EGM Performance. “Our partnership with TrainingPeaks enables our athletes, sport science staff and coaches to best prepare for World Championships, Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games.”

AusCycling currently represents over 54,000 members and 450 cycling clubs across BMX, Mountain Bike, Road and Track, forming Australia’s largest cycling community. The organization represents all levels of the sport, from grassroots to high performance.

AusCycling has partnered with TrainingPeaks to offer all members 20 percent off TrainingPeaks Premium. In addition, all certified AusCycling coaches will be eligible to receive 20% off their monthly TrainingPeaks Unlimited Coach Edition subscription.

“This partnership with AusCycling is a significant step forward in growing our roster with national governing bodies in the sport of cycling worldwide,” said Dirk Friel, TrainingPeaks

co-founder and Chief Evangelist. “We’re proud to support a highly regarded organization like AusCycling and provide more athletes and coaches with the best endurance coaching platform available.”

About TrainingPeaks

TrainingPeaks creates endurance training apps and solutions that help athletes and coaches reach their goals. Featuring the world’s largest endurance training marketplace, athletes can find personalized training plans, accredited coaches and easy-to-use apps and integrations to track their progress and reach their goals. TrainingPeaks is trusted by runners, cyclists, and

triathletes around the world including Tour de France teams, IRONMAN® World Champions and Olympians. Learn more at trainingpeaks.com.

Media Contact

Sean Van Horn, Backbone Media Phone: 970-963-4873 ext. 1806

Email: sean.vanhorn@backbone.media

REI Co-op to open first Kentucky store in fall 2024

SEATTLE – Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op will open its first store in Kentucky this fall in Louisville. Conveniently located in the city’s northeast corridor just off interstates 265 and 71, the store will offer a wide assortment of outdoor gear and apparel for camping, cycling, hiking, running, fitness, climbing, and more. For those who adventure on two wheels, a full-service bike shop will be staffed by certified mechanics.

REI is the country’s largest consumer co-op. Everyone is welcome to shop REI and tap into the vast amount of expertise provided by the co-op’s store staff and online resources. Members who join the co-op enjoy a wide range of benefits, including a used gear trade-in program called Re/Supply; discounts on shop services and experiences; a share of the co-op’s annual profits based on qualifying purchases; and more.

“We have been interested in Louisville for nearly a decade,” said Lindsay Struve, REI regional director. “Even prior to announcing our new store, more than 29,000 REI members from the community have connected with the co-op for their outdoor adventures through our online resources and stores in adjacent states. As we open our doors, we are also excited to develop lasting partnerships with local nonprofits to support their efforts to welcome more people outside.”

Store facts

  • Location: Paddock Shops at 4350 Summit Plaza Drive, Louisville, KY
  • Store size: approximately 31,100 square feet
  • Store features: Full-service bike shop, buy online-pickup in store, curbside pickup
  • REI co-op membership: 29,600 in Louisville and 78,600 members in Kentucky
  • Closest REI stores: Cincinnati, Ohio (95 miles away, opened 2012); Castleton, Indiana (130 miles away, opened 2012); Beavercreek, Ohio (150 miles away, opened 2024); Brentwood, Tennessee (196 miles, opened 1999); and Knoxville, Tennessee (243 miles away, opened 2014)

REI members are part of an engaged community that fights for a life outside. With each new membership purchased, the co-op donates $5 to support the REI Cooperative Action Fund. The community-supported nonprofit is fueled by donations from REI members, customers, employees, foundations, and corporate partners – including the co-op. Each spring and fall, the REI Fund announces new investments that provide unrestricted funding to nonprofits across three specific priorities: connecting people outside, creating space outside and centering health outside. As part of the Louisville store opening celebration, the REI Fund will make a donation to a local nonprofit.

Join the REI team

REI expects to hire approximately 50 employees for the Louisville store. Candidates interested in joining the co-op set up a job alert on the co-op’s career site, REI.jobs, to be notified when positions are posted. New employees will receive a variety of benefits, including generous product and service discounts, competitive pay, and retirement contributions. Health insurance is also offered to both full-time and part-time employees.

About the REI Co-op

REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 24 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. If you can’t visit one of our many stores, you can shop at REI.comREI Outlet or the REI shopping app. Everyone is welcome to shop REI, but members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits. More than a retailer, REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all.

IMBOX Protection, World’s Only In-Store Footwear Protection Tech, Strengthens Collaboration with Dillard’s Elevating Consumer Experience

CHICAGO (May 29, 2024) – Imbox Protection, the world’s only in-store footwear protection system, today announced it strengthened its collaboration with Dillard’s, among the nation’s largest fashion retailers focusing on delivering style, service and value. Dillard’s is well-known for its superior service, extensive product offerings and its high level of personalized experiences. Following a successful pilot program, Dillard’s increased the number of IMBOX Protection units to 111 across multiple states, including Alabama, California, Florida, and Texas, among others. IMBOX Protection, the only system holding global patents, delivers footwear protection in one minute at the point of purchase for consumer and retailer convenience, priced at $7-$8.00 per pair, per treatment.

“Dillard’s customers appreciate having a one-stop shop for all things footwear, often returning to the store to re-treat their shoes,” said Francisco Lopez, manager of North American sales at Imbox Protection. “Many customers bring in shoes purchased online for a quick IMBOX treatment, leaving the store with an entirely new in-store experience, feeling empowered to wear their newly protected shoes.”

The treatment in IMBOX Flagship, the choice utilized by Dillard’s, is PFAS-free and has received CE (European Union safety/performance approval) and UL (Global safety/performance approval) approval, signifying a commitment to high-quality standards in shoe protection. Additionally, the IMBOX treatment process is Allergy Certified and has a proven track record with no reported instances of allergies.

“Our technology exemplifies Dillard’s commitment to putting the customer experience first, embracing best in class solutions enhancing the customer’s experience,” Lopez continued. “We appreciate the opportunity to work with Dillard’s, a respected U.S. retail brand that truly walks the talk by consistently prioritizing high-quality customer care.”

IMBOX Protection was recently awarded the Red Dot Award for Product Design 2024, one of the most esteemed symbols of design excellence worldwide. The Red Dot Award builds upon IMBOX Protection’s achievement of performing 150 million treatments since its founding and having a presence in 33 countries.

Laura Beever, Dillard’s corporate vice president for shoes, commented, “This collaboration underscores our ongoing commitment to continually elevate the shopping experience. Even before leaving our stores, our customers may now take a step to effortlessly extend the life of their purchase in a comfortable, convenient setting.”

About Dillard’s

Founded by William T. Dillard in 1938 in Nashville, Arkansas with an $8,000 investment in a hometown department store. Today, Dillard’s, Inc. ranks among the nation’s largest fashion retailers – operating 245 Dillard’s locations and 29 clearance centers spanning 30 states and an Internet store at www.dillards.com. The company focuses on delivering style, quality and value to its customers by offering premium fashion apparel, beauty and home collections from both national and exclusive brand sources. Dillard’s complements this curated merchandise assortment with exceptional, client-focused customer care.

About Imbox Protection Inc.
Launched in 2011 in Denmark as a more sustainable and convenient alternative to protecting shoes, IMBOX Protection is the world’s only in-store footwear protection technology service using a safe and environmentally friendly treatment to protect against water damage, dirt, stains, and color fade. Imbox Protection has more than 7,500 units in retail stores globally selling more than 35 million treatments a year with trusted footwear retailers and partners. Based on surging demand in Europe and Japan, IMBOX Protection has expanded availability in the U.S. with a North American headquarters in Chicago. The PCT patent-protected technology is designed, developed, and manufactured in Denmark. Retailers can learn more about IMBOX Protection and its in-store footwear protection solution at https://imboxprotection.com/us. For more information on Dillard’s and Imbox Protection, please contact Oliver H. Hede, Vice President of Sales, at ohh@imboxprotection.com or via phone at +1 (872) 400 6774.

 

 

Outdoor Alliance names new Grasstops Advocacy Director to lead first Grasstops Collective cohort

Washington, D.C. (May 29, 2024) — Today, Outdoor Alliance announces the hire of Taylor Rogers as Outdoor Alliance’s new Grasstops Advocacy Director. Rogers will guide 20 members of the first cohort of its Grasstops Collective, a leadership and advocacy development program that trains grasstops advocates to build relationships with policymakers and advocate for conservation priorities.

The Grasstops Collective program will train these community leaders on conservation-based advocacy skills, such as building meaningful relationships with decision-makers, including policymakers and their staff; identifying opportunities for others in their community to advocate for public lands and outdoor recreation; and legislative terminology and process. Advocates who graduate from the program will go on to advocate for conservation and recreation policy for years to come.

“There are many engaged individuals committed to public land and outdoor recreation advocacy, and this program aims to help amplify their efforts through their larger networks,” said Adam Cramer, CEO of Outdoor Alliance. “We see this program as a means for generating a ripple effect in the outdoor community that inspires more people to pair their adventure pursuits with civic engagement.”

This cohort of 20 grasstops advocates come from across the country, with various backgrounds, outdoor recreation pursuits, and leadership roles. They include leaders of local climbing organizations, executive directors of mountain bike, recreation, and trail running organizations, Indigenous leaders, outdoor business leaders, and a 10th-generation West Virginian. View the 2024 Grasstops Collective cohort here.

Rogers has worked in policy and advocacy targeting decision-makers from local city councils to global leaders, most recently having worked as the Senior Legislative Aide for a Colorado state senator. She completed a master’s in development studies specializing in Power, Participation, and Social Change from the University of Sussex in England, centering her career around facilitation, community building, and volunteer engagement.

“Grasstops leaders are unique for their meaningful voices in their communities, whether in business, nonprofit, or local government. They are the unofficial mayors who know everyone at the crag, trailhead, or put-in,” said Rogers. “I’m very excited to help coordinate Outdoor Alliance’s first-ever Grasstops Collective cohort and help train these grasstops leaders on outdoor policy and advocacy, so they can move the needle on conservation, recreation, and climate policy.”

If you’re interested in Outdoor Alliance’s advocacy work and how to get more involved, you can sign up to learn more here.

To learn more about Outdoor Alliance, please visit www.outdooralliance.org.

About Outdoor Alliance

Outdoor Alliance is the only organization in the U.S. that unites the voices of outdoor enthusiasts to conserve public lands. A nonprofit coalition comprised of 10 national advocacy organizations, Outdoor Alliance’s members include American Whitewater, the American Canoe Association, Access Fund, the International Mountain Bicycling Association, Winter Wildlands Alliance, the Mountaineers, the American Alpine Club, the Mazamas, the Colorado Mountain Club, and the Surfrider Foundation. By working with its member coalitions and helping mobilize the involvement of individuals to protect public lands and waters, OA helps ensure public lands are managed in a way that embraces the human-powered experience. Outdoor Alliance — conservation powered by outdoor recreation. Learn more at OutdoorAlliance.org.

 

##

 

OrthoLite® and Cirql™ Partner with The Conservation Alliance to Support and Protect North America’s Wild Places

AMHERST, Mass. (May  29, 2024) – OrthoLite®, the global leader of branded, high-performance, comfort footwear solutions, and its sustainable materials solutions subsidiary Cirql™ are proud to join The Conservation Alliance (TCA). In joining TCA, OrthoLite and Cirql support the organization’s grantmaking, corporate advocacy and communications programs that protect wild places and outdoor spaces in North America, shifting the landscape of conservation.

Through the partnership, OrthoLite and Cirql join more than 270 like-minded companies championing public lands conservation, and solutions that balance the best interests of the land, water, wildlife, and people. With the support of its members, The Conservation Alliance has awarded more than $32.6M through 972 grants for conservation projects across North America since 1989.

From the very first OrthoLite insole in 1997, every OrthoLite product has been engineered with a technology that repurposed rubber waste, which set the precedent for using recycled rubber in billions of OrthoLite insoles ever since. OrthoLite and Cirql are both vertically integrated, with seven manufacturing facilities located on four continents. OrthoLite and Cirql have a stalwart commitment for continual improvement with its sustainable manufacturing processes, products, and circular material solutions. Joining The Conservation Alliance enables both brands to extend a commitment to lessening impact on the environment to include place-based conservation.

OrthoLite’s subsidiary Cirql is a sustainable materials solutions provider intent on introducing new products that are either fully recyclable or biodegradable to global footwear brands. The big picture goal of Cirql is to help move the footwear industry toward true circularity, by enabling footwear brands to reduce product carbon footprints by offering more sustainable materials solutions and eliminating the use of hazardous chemicals in the manufacturing process.

“The Conservation Alliance is doing important work to protect the outdoor places where our brand partners, end consumers, and our own OrthoLite team members recreate and enjoy the outdoors. We couldn’t be more proud to join the ranks of other like-minded businesses within The Conservation Alliance,” said Glenn Barrett, founder and CEO of OrthoLite.

“We are thrilled to welcome OrthoLite and Cirql as members of The Conservation Alliance,” said Conor McElyea, Senior Director of Membership and Partnerships at The Conservation Alliance. “Partnering with companies that share our dedication to conservation continues to drive efforts to protect our wild places. Together, we provide the much-needed funding to community-based campaigns working to protect the places we recreate.”

OrthoLite kicks off its partnership with The Conservation Alliance as the sponsor of the organization’s upcoming networking happy hour event at the Outside Summit on the eve of the inaugural Outside Festival. The OrthoLite-sponsored networking happy hour will take place at the Denver Art Museum (100 W 14th Ave Pkwy) on May 31 at 5:00 p.m.

To learn more about The Conservation Alliance and how it is protecting wild places and outdoor spaces, visit ConservationAlliance.com.

About OrthoLite®
OrthoLite® is the world’s leading supplier of open-cell foam technology, and the innovator and creator of Cirql™, the sustainable materials solutions provider that provides footwear brands and their factory partners with the most sustainable, circular choice in materials. OrthoLite is found in more than 550 footwear brands across all categories of footwear. The company also has a long-standing history of meaningful partnerships and sponsorships that demonstrate a dedicated commitment to supporting its customers, consumers, brand partners and the footwear industry. OrthoLite is a member of The Conservation Alliance, The European Outdoor Conservation Association, and is a founding supporter of the Two Ten Foundation. Stay up to date with company news by visiting OrthoLite.com and following OrthoLite on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. To learn more about the benefits of OrthoLite, visit www.ortholite.com.

About The Conservation Alliance
The Conservation Alliance (TCA) 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 – the outdoor industry to brewers, bankers, sportsmen, and renewable energy – TCA takes bold steps to conserve wild public lands and waters. Since 1989, they’ve awarded over $31.5 million in grants and helped protect over 81 million acres and 3,580 river miles, remove or halt 38 dams, purchase 22 climbing areas & designate five marine reserves. For complete information about The Conservation Alliance, visit www.conservationalliance.com.

###

 

 

MeatEater Announces Moultrie Mobile As Official Trail Camera Partner

Birmingham, AL – MeatEater, one of America’s top brands in outdoor media and consumer products, today announced the Official MeatEater Partnership Program, designed to elevate the relationship between MeatEater and Moultrie Mobile while being aligned with MeatEater’s mission to bring Americans closer to nature. Moultrie Mobile will be integrated across MeatEater’s video, website, marketing, and events.

As the official trail camera partner of the MeatEater crew, Moultrie Mobile will offer a unique line of its innovative cellular trail cameras in collaboration with MeatEater, which will be available at themeateater.com and in MeatEater’s flagship retail store in Bozeman, MT. As a part of their participation in the Official MeatEater Partnership program, Moultrie Mobile will also serve as the presenting sponsor of future MeatEater content including a new Whitetail 101 series featuring Wired to Hunt’s Mark Keyon and Tony Peterson. Throughout the series, viewers will be able to learn tips, tricks and best practices for incorporating cellular trail cameras and the feature-rich Moultrie Mobile App into their scouting and hunting efforts.

“MeatEater is the pinnacle of outdoor media because they connect with their audience in a real and genuine way,” says Daniel Wilson, Moultrie Mobile’s General Manager. “They could have partnered with anyone, but they chose Moultrie Mobile because we are the leader in cellular trail camera innovation. Moultrie Mobile is excited to partner and grow with the MeatEater team.”

Moultrie is trailblazing the path in the hunt-connected ecosystem with its reliable and trusted cellular trail cameras, connected feeders, and powerful app. Moultrie Mobile doesn’t just deliver images, it delivers the intel hunters need.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Moultrie Mobile to the MeatEater family,” says Andrew Barge, MeatEater’s Chief Content Officer. “The multitude of shared values between our organizations — product innovation, customer service, and commitment to conservation, to name a few — provide an excellent foundation for success. From content to commerce collaborations, we look forward to a strong partnership for years to come.”

About Moultrie Mobile:

Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Moultrie Mobile is the leader in cellular trail camera innovation, building products used by hunters, property owners, and others for real-time remote monitoring. Moultrie Mobile is a business unit of PRADCO Outdoor Brands. PRADCO’s hunting brands include Whitetail Institute, Texas Hunter, Summit, Knight & Hale, and Code Blue. PRADCO Fishing manufactures and markets products for freshwater and saltwater anglers under 20+ brands, including Rebel, YUM, Booyah, War Eagle Custom Lures, Lindy, and Bomber.

 

Astronaut Foods awarded STEM.org authentication

BOULDER, Colo. (May 28, 2024) – Astronaut Ice Cream, the original source for freeze-dried astronaut ice cream developed with NASA in 1974 is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious STEM.org Authenticated™ trustmark. STEM.org is the leading and exclusive third-party validator of STEM toys, games, and other learning resources. This recognition not only validates the educational value of Astronaut Foods, but also opens up new opportunities in the rapidly growing educational and STEM markets. The timing for receiving the authentication this year also coincides with the brand’s 50th-anniversary celebration.

“We are excited by the opportunity to expand further into STEM, which is especially timely as we celebrate half a century of Astronaut Foods and three generations of family ownership,” said Soraya Smith, President of Astronaut Foods. “Astronaut Ice Cream has helped inspire millions to think big and this authentication aligning with our anniversary is not just about what we’ve accomplished over the past 50 years; it’s about the future and the next generation of space enthusiasts and ice cream lovers. We look forward to reigniting this spark for the next generation through creative and hands-on initiatives.”

With a mission to provide engaging educational experiences, Astronaut Foods is poised to explore the development of educational kits for both home and classroom environments. The STEM.org trustmark, which will be proudly displayed on Astronaut Foods products, enables the company to connect with new audiences, forge partnerships, and secure retail placements.

“Astronaut Foods isn’t just a delicious nostalgia-packed snack, their products have been helping push the boundaries of space exploration, discoveries, and sparking curiosity of planetary sciences amongst students for the past 50 years,” said Andrew Raupp, Founder, and CEO of STEM.org. “We are excited to issue Astronaut Foods with the STEM.org Authenticated™ trustmark for their commitment to helping nurture quality educational experiences through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.”

Benefits of the STEM.org Authenticated™ trustmark for Astronaut Foods include:

  • Retail Partner Fast-Tracking & SEO Optimization: The Authenticated™ trustmark facilitates faster integration with retail partners and enhances internal Search Engine Optimization, serving as an attribute filter on retailer
  • Extensive Educational Network Access: Astronaut Foods gains access to a complimentary CAN-SPAM list with data on over 5,000 top-performing US K-12 STEM schools, reaching an audience of over 400,000
  • Promotion through STEM.org Channels: The authentication brings promotional opportunities through @stemdotorg social media channels and daily/weekly newsletters, reaching tens of thousands of followers.
  • Anti-Counterfeit Measures: The org Trustmark serves as an anti-counterfeit measure, ensuring the authenticity and quality of Astronaut Foods products in the market.

Astronaut Foods is excited about the possibilities that the STEM.org authentication brings, solidifying its commitment to education and creating a lasting impact on the future of STEM learning. To read more about this authentication, check out the blog post here.

For more information on Astronaut Foods, please visit: https://astronautfoods.com/

About Astronaut Foods

Founded in 1974 in conjunction with NASA and based in Boulder, Colorado, Astronaut Foods is the original source for freeze-dried ice cream — an out of this world treat. Today, the company sells freeze-dried ice cream sandwiches and freeze-dried fruit. Astronaut Foods can be found in museums, toy shops, amusement parks, and outdoor stores all across North America, Europe, and Asia. Additionally, Astronaut Foods is dedicated to supporting people and organizations whose goal is to push the boundaries of space exploration and discovery. For more information and a complete list of products, visit astronautfoods.com.

About American Outdoor Products

American Outdoor Products (AOP) is a food manufacturer located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, CO. Established in 1951, American Outdoor Products remains an independent, privately held, family-owned, and operated company distributing products throughout the world. Inspired by a passion for unique cuisine and exciting adventures, the company produces Backpacker’s Pantry, adventure food for the outdoors; Astronaut Foods,

out-of-this-world novelty treats; Chef Soraya grab-and-go plant-based meals; and Colorado Spice, all-natural and organic artisan spice blends. To learn more, visit: https://backpackerspantry.com

-###-