Archives: Press Releases

SEATTLE (June 11 2024) — Since 2002, Astral has led the outdoor industry in designing the highest-performing equipment with the priority of protecting soil and water resources through its production process. Today, Astral proudly unveils its latest innovation in performance and sustainability with the introduction of its first hemp-based apparel collection. Astral’s Performance Hemp line offers a plant-based, lower-impact alternative to petroleum-based activewear while still offering high-performing technical qualities.

Hemp is not a new material for Astral. The brand has been a leader in the shift away from petroleum-based ingredients in favor of nature-based and sustainable materials in its footwear for nearly a decade. Astral was initially drawn to hemp due to the fiber’s inherent performance properties and extraordinary sustainability traits, even compared to other regenerative or plant-based materials. Hemp is grown with very little or no pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, and only needs soil, water, and sun to grow. Requiring 79% less water to grow, hemp yields over double the amount of fiber than cotton while breaking down toxic material in the soil, and absorbing more carbon dioxide per acre than any commercial crop or forest. This launch represents Astral’s commitment to growing its investment in hemp as a material, and incorporating it more broadly into its existing collections of footwear and apparel.

“Technical fabrics have leaned more and more heavily on petroleum-based materials to achieve design and functionality goals. We simply do not think these practices are healthy for the planet or the person wearing it,“ explains Philip Curry, Founder and CEO of Astral. “Hemp as a material and a crop is so often overlooked; it’s so rare to find a material that is actively good for the ecosystem while offering the unparalleled technical benefits that hemp does. It’s the perfect solution for us to uphold and expand our objectives of sustainability while exceeding the high standards we set for technical performance.“

Due to the performance qualities of hemp, Astral’s new apparel collection is naturally cooling, breathable, offers UPF sun protection, and extremely durable. Addressing one of the most common downsides of petroleum-based materials that often feature anti-microbial treatments, Astral’s Performance Hemp line is naturally odor-resistant. Rather than breaking down with washing over time, the performance hemp clothing gets softer as it breaks in without sacrificing longevity. Astral’s Performance Hemp apparel is designed for active and outdoor use and will consist of hooded sweatshirts and shorts with three color offerings for both men and women, respectively.

“Where many incorporate hemp as a minor ingredient in apparel, we wanted to go full bore in producing a true, majority-hemp product that would truly take advantage of the technical qualities and durability of the material,” said Daniel Windham, Astral’s Product Line Manager. “Our goal was to make a technical product with regenerative materials that offers cooling properties, remains odor-resistant, and stands the test of time without breaking down as many treated polyesters are known to do.”

The Performance Hemp collection is exclusively available for purchase directly from Astral. For additional information about Astral and its award-winning collection of PFDs and footwear, please visit astraldesigns.com.

ABOUT ASTRAL
Established in 2002, Astral designs high performance wilderness equipment created in the least toxic, lowest impact ways. Built on decades of experience and experimentation, Astral has assembled athletes, artists, and craftspeople to build the cleanest, most beautiful, and highest performing gear. Astral has significantly reduced toxic PVC foam from the PFD industry, invented breathable life jackets, won awards for their paradigm changing footwear designs, and developed the stickiest rubber ever worn on wet rock. Visit www.astraldesigns.com for more information.

 

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June 7, 2024 – In celebration of the 118th anniversary of the Antiquities Act, a collective force of over 100 outdoor and outdoor-adjacent businesses from around the country have signed on to the Mobilizing for Monuments Pledge (M4M Pledge), a commitment to safeguarding our public lands through the designation and expansion of national monuments. The effort is spearheaded by The Conservation Alliance and Mobilizing for Monuments, a coalition uniting businesses that believe safeguarding our public lands is not only essential for environmental conservation, but also for the prosperity of our economy, preservation of culture, and way of life.

The Conservation Alliance and Mobilizing for Monuments campaign are urging the Biden Administration to protect more than three million acres of public land across the country by expanding and designating national monuments (find their letter of commitment sent to the Biden Administration and Congress here). The Antiquities Act empowers presidents to designate national monuments, ensuring the safeguarding of significant natural, cultural, or scientific sites.

Since this historic legislation was passed in 1906, 18 presidents–including nine Democrats and nine Republicans–have used the Antiquities Act to protect nearly 160 historical, archeological, and public spaces. Many iconic landscapes were first protected under the Antiquities Act, such as Grand Canyon National Park (1908), Great Sand Dunes National Park (1932), and most recently, the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument Expansion (2024).

From the outdoor industry to brewing, sportsmen, and small mom-and-pop retailers, the businesses that have signed the Mobilizing for Monuments pledge represent a wide range of industries that rely on the outdoors for their bottom line. National Monuments are one of the most effective ways to permanently protect public lands. The support of these companies underscores the vital role of national monuments in fostering the $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation economy.

“Businesses continue to provide a critical voice in the protection of our outdoor spaces and wild places. The Conservation Alliance is thrilled to see companies from Maine to Alaska standing up for national monuments. These 100 pledges are a testament to the importance of permanent public lands protection and equitable access to nature for the business bottom line.” – Shoren Brown, Vice President, Public Affairs, The Conservation Alliance

“KEEN is a family-owned and values-led shoemaking brand that understands the importance of protecting wild places and outdoor spaces –not just for people and the planet, but also for our bottom line. We’re thrilled to be part of the Mobilizing for Monuments coalition of like-minded, forward-thinking brands dedicated to supporting grassroots led conservation.” – Kirsten Blackburn, Director, KEEN Effect

“National Monuments are more than just public lands. They tell the story of our country, and its many communities. They protect our most precious ecosystems, and provide world class recreation destinations where people make memories that last a lifetime. The Antiquities Act is one of our country’s greatest conservation tools, and today REI Co-op celebrates the foresight of leaders on both sides of the aisles who have bestowed our country with all the gifts national monuments bring. We are proud to continue the call to support Tribal leaders and local communities in their work to protect more of our precious places as national monuments.” – Alicia Harvie, Government Affairs, REI Co-op

“The Antiquities Act is a tool to protect Tribal lands, places of cultural importance, and diverse ecosystems critical for climate resilience, along with the public lands that provide basic infrastructure for outdoor recreation,” said Hans Cole, Vice President of Environmental Activism at Patagonia. “Not only do public lands power the $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation economy and support millions of jobs, but national monuments also significantly boost the economies of communities nearby by attracting tourists and people seeking adventure.”

“The Antiquities Act is one of the most important tools we have to provide greater protections for public land and water in America. National monuments are enormously valuable to the outdoor recreation community. Many of our country’s most prized national parks and public lands began as national monuments. As representatives for millions of outdoor recreation users across America, Outdoor Alliance strongly supports the Antiquities Act, and is grateful for the many national monuments where our community hikes, skis, camps, mountain bikes, climbs, paddles, and explores.” – Tania Lown-Hecht, VP of Communications and Strategy, Outdoor Alliance

“The Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project thanks the Biden-Harris Administration for their leadership in protecting some of our nation’s most iconic and intact landscapes. The proper protection of places like Castner Range National Monument, Avi-Kwa-Ame National Monument, and Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument will ensure that frontline communities have the opportunity to find solace, comfort, and equitable access to the outdoors. These monument designations recognize just how intertwined our public lands and the environment are with issues centered around justice, race, and equity. As an organization born on the border, Nuestra Tierra is proud to support the Mobilizing for Monuments coalition, and looks forward to the future protection of critical cultural landscapes.” – Ángel Peña, Executive Director, Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project

In the face of escalating pressures on our natural landscapes, from resource exploitation and the undeniable impacts of climate change, there has never been a more urgent call to action for the preservation of our nation’s treasures. National monuments stand as bastions of protection, offering unparalleled opportunities for recreation, conservation, and economic growth.

Businesses signing onto the M4M Pledge are steadfast stewards of the outdoors and they stand united in their commitment to protecting wild places and outdoor spaces as well as preserving the legacy of the Antiquities Act.

About Mobilizing for Monuments:

Mobilizing for Monuments is a coalition of businesses dedicated to advocating for the protection of national monuments. Founded in 2023, the coalition brings together companies from diverse sectors to amplify the importance of preserving public lands for the benefit of both people and nature. The Biden Administration has the opportunity to protect millions of acres via the Antiquities Act.

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, we’ve awarded over $31.9 million in grants and helped protect over 82 million acres and 4,570 river miles, remove or halt 38 dams, purchase 22 climbing areas and designate five marine reserves.

Media Contact: Lilly Zoller, Director of Communications, The Conservation Alliance: Lilly@ConservationAlliance.com

 

 

 

 

Lehigh Valley, Penn., (June 6, 2024) – Gran Fondo Hincapie has created spectacular cycling experiences for over 12 years, and its Lehigh Valley, Penn. event, now in its third consecutive year, took place this past weekend. More than 700 riders, aged nine to 78, residing from 30 states and three countries, participated in this weekend’s Ultimate Cycling Experience.

The format of this weekend’s event gave riders a taste of the European ‘Spring Classics’, one of George Hincapie’s favorite riding styles. Cyclists tackled the short climbs of Flanders, the smooth dirt sections of Strade Bianche, and the iconic velodrome finish of Paris-Roubaix, all in one epic ride. Gran riders ventured out onto the best roads that Lehigh Valley has to offer made up of 13 sectors of ‘Pennsylvania Pavé’, seven bergs (short steep climbs), three covered bridges, and the stadium atmosphere of a finish at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center.

Hosted by former professional road cyclist and Olympian, George Hincapie, and the Hincapie family, Gran Fondo Hincapie events captivate riders of all skill levels with its unique blend of challenging routes, stunning landscapes, and friendly cyclists. Participants of the Lehigh Valley event this past weekend commented on the sense of community that Hincapie events cultivate. They also commented on the impressive expo and family-fun festival (complete with a kids’ water balloon flight),  clear signage and attention to safety,  well-stocked rest stops, and the ‘epicness’ of the course.

Hincapie Gran Fondo events are also acclaimed for the cycling celebrities in attendance. One such celebrity appearance this past weekend was Bobby Julich, ex-pro cyclist and Olympic medalist, who participated in this past weekend’s Hincapie Gran Fondo.

“Bobby is my oldest cycling friend,” said Rich Hincapie, President of Hincapie Sports. “We met at the Olympic Training Center in 1986, and the following year he and my brother George started racing together internationally. Yesterday, Bobby, his daughter Olivia, George, and his son Enzo participated in the Gran Fondo weekend. That’s what these events are all about – bringing families together, building friendships, and helping to inspire and connect people through our love for cycling.”

Cyclists chose to ride the paved roads of Pennsylvania on Saturday, choosing from multiple distance options—a shorter 14-mile Piccolo, a mid-length 52-mile Medio, or a longer 82-mile Gran ride. Gran Fondo Hincapie-Lehigh Valley also featured Speed Zones along the course. Designed to challenge riders, showcase their speed and skill, and keep everyone safe, these timed segments allowed participants to push their limits and vie for top honors in a friendly competition. The Gran distance had four Speed Zones, the Medio distance had two Speed Zones, and the Piccolo had one Speed Zone.

Chris Caruana (age 34, Brampton, ON) took home first place in the Gran men’s category with a combined segment time of 44:03. In second, Ian Anderson (age 24, Grand Junction, Colo.) finished in 44:12, followed by Brad Green (age 25, Schnecksville, Penn.) in third, completing the four segments in 44:27.

In the women’s Gran category, Liza Ray (age 26, Brooklyn, N.Y.) took home first place with a total segment time of 47:12. In second, Chelsea Borden (age 32, Buffalo, N.Y.) finished the four timed segments in 52:45, followed by Jessica Chong (age 38, Allentown, Penn.) who got third place with a time of 58:03.

During the podium ceremony, a few lucky winners also walked away with a brand new Ventum Bike and SpeedHound Recovery Systems. View all of the Hincapie Gran Fondo-Lehigh Valley results here.

The Lehigh Valley event is just one of Gran Fondo Hincapie’s six world-class events; the next will take place in Bangor, Maine (June 21-22). This year, Gran Fondo Hincapie has launched a new event in Bentonville, Ark. that will take place Sept. 7-8.  The final event of the year will take place in Greenville, S.C. (Oct. 18-19), where the Gran Fondo Hincapie events all started back in 2012.

Registration is now open for all 2024 events, including the newest event location in Bentonville. Link to register here.

To learn more about Gran Fondo Hincapie please visit https://hincapie.com/ or follow along on social media on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

About Hincapie

Cycling is our life. It’s what we know, and it’s who we are. But we are not a bike company. We’re a people-who-ride-bikes company. We are cyclists, and we are makers. We are master craftsmen of custom-made, high-performance cycling apparel. Our team is our family. Not only do we design our cycling apparel, but we also make it in our family-run factory. We also create and run upscale cycling events. We have a restaurant and hotel that hosts visiting cyclists from all over the world. We manage a spring series of races. Cycling inspires everything we do, and every day we work even harder to improve the sport, make it more accessible to others and build a strong community for future cyclists. Join us on our journey.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 5, 2024) — Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, led an important hearing today on the renewal of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), a vital trade preference program that facilitates duty-free imports of select goods from developing countries. Since its establishment in the mid-20th century, GSP has stood as a bipartisan and bicameral bastion of successful international trade collaboration. However, since the program’s expiration in 2020, GSP renewal has fallen victim to congressional inaction. It is the Outdoor Industry Association’s (OIA) hope that Senator Wyden’s and the Finance Committee’s leadership will create the needed momentum to pass GSP renewal into law. 

“The GSP program is a hallmark of America’s international trade policies, promoting American values abroad, as well as supporting U.S.-based companies and their workers. However, since the expiration of GSP in 2020, the outdoor industry has been burdened with $1.53 billion in additional tariffs, hindering innovation and job growth, and causing uncertain futures for businesses across the country,” Kent Ebersole, President of Outdoor Industry Association, said. “OIA applauds Chairman Wyden and the Senate Finance Committee for holding a hearing to address this critical issue. We urge Congress to swiftly renew GSP and look forward to working with policymakers to advance this vital trade program.”

Today’s hearing builds off GSP renewal’s successful passage out of the House Ways and Means Committee last month. OIA and its members would like to thank Senator’s Bennet (D-CO) and Cortez Masto (D-NV) for highlighting the impact of GSP on the Outdoor Industry, as well as Senator Young (R-IN) for raising the importance of lifting Competitive Needs Limitations (CNL) as part of renewal.  

The outdoor industry strongly encourages House and Senate leaders to work together to retroactively reauthorize this important trade program and keep the adventurous spirit of American entrepreneurs and innovators alive who have built some of our most iconic outdoor brands into a one trillion-dollar recreation economy.

About the 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

 

Leawood, Kan. (June 5, 2024) – AMC Theatres^®(NYSE:AMC), the largest theatrical exhibitor in the United States and in the world; REI Co-op Studios, the outdoor specialty retailer’s in-house content division; and Mountainfilm, one of North America’s longest-running documentary film festivals, today announced an all-new content and marketing partnership that will bring a collection of festival-favorite short films to AMC locations across the country this fall.

Premiering on September 28-29, adventure lovers can enjoy Mountainfilm Adventure Shorts, presented by REI Co-op Studios, at 100 AMC locations throughout the United States. This special event includes a selection of curated short films, which appeared at the 46^th Mountainfilm Festival during Memorial Day weekend.

Mountainfilm is a festival of films, people, stories, and ideas that celebrate the indomitable spirit. The films will showcase Mountainfilm’s values of embracing adventure, preserving environments, connecting cultures, and celebrating courage. The filmmakers featured in the festival will be compensated by the conglomerate.

Mountainfilm Adventure Shorts, presented by REI Co-op Studios, is the first time these companies have come together. Many AMC theatres and REI retail locations operate in the same retail developments but serve unique customers. Teaming up delivers compelling adventure content on AMC’s big screens for moviegoers and allows all companies to reach new potential audiences.

“We’re excited about this opportunity to work with REI Co-op Studios and Mountainfilm to activate tens of millions of American adventure lovers with compelling content curated by Mountainfilm and appealing to the REI community,” said Elizabeth Frank, EVP, Worldwide Programming and Chief Content Officer, AMC Theatres. “Through this introduction of the Mountainfilm Adventure Shorts event, we see an excellent opportunity to broaden our moviegoing population. It’s another way that AMC is looking beyond traditional content models to bring moviegoers into its theatres.”

“We believe adventure inspires adventure, and outdoor films are among the most evocative mediums to do just that. Our goal is to curate or create the best outdoor stories around and share them as widely as possible,” said Joe Crosby, Director of Brand and Content Marketing at REI. “This collaboration with Mountainfilm and AMC brings together a little of what we all do best, around the shared objective to inspire more people to get out and experience all or some of what the outdoors can offer.”

“Uniting on a project like this with these brands provides a great opportunity to reach new audiences with festival-favorite adventure short films. Mountainfilm celebrates the indomitable spirit and we look forward to elevating filmmakers while sharing these inspiring stories across the country,” said Sage Martin, Executive Director of Mountainfilm.

ABOUT AMC ENTERTAINMENT HOLDINGS, INC.

AMC is the largest movie exhibition company in the United States, the largest in Europe and the largest throughout the world with approximately 900 theatres and 10,000 screens across the globe. AMC has propelled innovation in the exhibition industry by: deploying its Signature power-

recliner seats; delivering enhanced food and beverage choices; generating greater guest engagement through its loyalty and subscription programs, website, and mobile apps; offering premium large format experiences and playing a wide variety of content including the latest Hollywood releases and independent programming. In addition, in 2023 AMC launched AMC Theatres Distribution with the highly successful releases of TAYLOR SWIFT | THE ERAS TOUR and RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ. AMC Theatres Distribution expects to release more concert films with the world’s leading musical artists in the years ahead. For more information, visit www.amctheatres.com.

ABOUT REI CO-OP STUDIOS

REI Co-op Studios develops, produces and invests in stories that challenge the historically narrow depiction of the outdoors so that all people can see themselves outside. Spanning film, podcast and editorial, these stories seek to humanize outdoor retailer REI Co-op’s broader commitments to climate action and racial equity, diversity and inclusion. REI Co-op Studios’ slate includes feature films THE DARK DIVIDE (David Cross, Debra Messing), Kyra Sedgwick- directed SPACE ODDITY (Kevin Bacon, Alexandra Shipp, Kyle Allen) and director Billy Luther’s FRYBREAD FACE AND ME, executive produced by Taika Waititi. Past projects include the award- winning short film trilogy THE TREES REMEMBER and podcasts HELLO, NATURE and CAMP MONSTERS.

ABOUT MOUNTAINFILM FESTIVAL

Mountainfilm is one of North America’s longest-running documentary film festivals, held annually over Memorial Day weekend in Telluride, Colorado. Mountainfilm is a thought- provoking weekend of film, art and ideas, that leaves audiences captivated and inspired to create a better world. The festival offers an immersive experience featuring a wide range of filmmakers, speakers, adventurers and activists in addition to screening cutting-edge, award-winning documentary films from around the world.

 

Media Contacts:

AMC Theatres:

Ryan Noonan Rnoonan@amctheatres.com

REI Co-op Studios Courtney Gearhart cgearha@rei.com