Heath Riles BBQ Smokes the Competition, Claims Victory at Memphis in May Rib Championship

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (June 3, 2024) — Heath Riles BBQ has emerged as the reigning champion of flavor at the prestigious 2024 Memphis in May Rib Championship. In a sizzling display of culinary prowess, Heath Riles BBQ secured the coveted title, showcasing their dedication to the art of barbecue and their commitment to excellence, winning for the second time in the last 3 years.

The Memphis in May World Championship BBQ Contest, widely regarded as one of the most esteemed barbecue competitions in the nation, drew top pitmasters from across the US and 4 other countries to showcase their skills and vie for glory. Amidst fierce competition and tantalizing aromas, Heath Riles BBQ distinguished themselves with their unparalleled expertise, elevating the art of barbecue to new heights.

“We are thrilled and honored to be recognized as the World Champion of the Memphis in May Rib Category,” said Heath “Ribman” Riles, founder and pitmaster of Heath Riles BBQ. “This victory is a testament to the hard work and passion of our team, as well as the unwavering support of our loyal customers. We pour our hearts into every rack of ribs, and it’s incredibly gratifying to see our dedication rewarded on such a prestigious stage.”

Heath Riles BBQ’s winning entry captivated judges and spectators alike with its succulent texture, tantalizing aroma, and perfectly balanced flavors. Renowned for their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to using only the finest ingredients, Heath Riles BBQ has earned a reputation as a trailblazer in the world of barbecue, consistently setting the standard for excellence.

As champions of the 2022 & 2024 Memphis in May Rib Championship, Heath Riles BBQ continues to solidify their position as a powerhouse in the barbecue community, inspiring enthusiasts and aficionados alike to savor the unrivaled experience of authentic, mouthwatering barbecue.

For more information about Heath Riles BBQ and their award-winning offerings, visit www.heathrilesbbq.com.

About Heath Riles BBQ

Heath Riles BBQ is a renowned barbecue company founded by 75-time Grand Champion Pitmaster Heath Riles. With a passion for authentic barbecue and a commitment to quality, Heath Riles BBQ has garnered widespread acclaim for their championship-winning rubs, sauces, glazes, and seasonings. From competition circuit triumphs to backyard barbecue bliss, Heath Riles BBQ is dedicated to delivering an unforgettable barbecue experience. Grill with confidence, Season like a pro.

Media Contact: Jacob Duke, Social Media Manager, Heath Riles BBQ, (662) 804-7279, jacob@heathrilesbbq.com

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.