Audio Outdoorist: Campfire Conversation: How Specialty Retailers Are Reopening, Repositioning or Reinventing After Pandemic

Three specialty retail shop owners across the country and an expert in consumer trends and retail strategy gather around the fire to discuss the immediate aftermath of the COVID “shutdown,” the steps they’re taking to reopen or reposition their businesses, the safety precautions they’re using and how they’re recouping their losses. From day-to-day operations adjustments (adjusted hours, curbside pickup, delivery) to staffing changes; creative inventory strategy to quick-start e-commerce solutions, they’ve responded on the fly and without a roadmap.

Continue reading

COVID-19 Webinar: Special Session for OIA: Coming Out of Crisis

When: Tuesday, June 2, 11:00 a.m. (MT)
Speaker: Shawn Rhodes, Shoshin Consulting

As COVID-19 and its after effects rock our communities, profitability and business plans, the outdoor industry finds itself in unprecedented times. Shawn Rhodes has made it his life’s work to study teams who found ways to survive – and even thrive – in the most challenging and dangerous environments on the planet. We’ve asked him to specifically address dealing with the aftermath of this current crisis for our members. In a special virtual session, Shawn will walk us through the following:

  • Recapturing lost profitability in our businesses
  • Planning for an uncertain workforce composition while not sacrificing performance
  • Creating contingency and continuity plans so we can weather the current (and future) storms of COVID-19

 

Download the Presentation Slides ▸

 

About the Speaker:
Shawn Rhodes leveraged his former life as a war correspondent to become an international expert in how the best teams pivot when change enters their plans. He’s a Tampa-based TEDx speaker, a former National Park Ranger and his work studying teams in more than two dozen countries – some the most dangerous places on the planet where he relied on the products of our members to survive and thrive – has been published in news outlets around the world including TIME, CNN, NBC, Forbes, the Wall Street Journal and INC. His clients have included Deloitte, ConAgra, Coca-Cola and dozens of similar businesses. Shawn is also a nationally-syndicated columnist with the Business Journals and author of the new book “Pivot Point: Turn On A Dime Without Sacrificing Results.”

Audio Outdoorist: Campfire Conversation: Bouncing Back – How Resiliency Can Help the Outdoor Industry Move Forward

Outdoor industry businesses and employees have been overwhelmed by the impacts of the COVID-19 situation for months now, trying to stay safe while keeping themselves afloat. But as we begin to realize that COVID-19 will be part of our lives for some time, how do individuals and businesses in the outdoor industry move from treading water to being agile and successful in our “new normal?” Join us around the campfire as we discuss how members of the outdoor industry can create resiliency to adapt to the changing landscape, stay true to their core values, and even thrive while navigating an uncertain future.

Continue reading

The Outdoor Industry’s Future Leaders Come Together to Move Us Forward

Class 5 of the Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy (FLA) started much like every other class. Participants kicked off the program at Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show at a meet-and-greet event with their mentors, followed by a happy hour celebration with past FLA participants who are now part of the Future Leadership Alumni Group (FLAG). They spent the following weekend getting to know each other, rock climbing and participating in their first set of leadership development activities.

Photo from the FLA January 2020 retreat.

 

But in early March, with COVID-19 restrictions in place, OIA made the decision to cancel FLA’s hallmark program event: a five-day, in-person retreat in Granby, Colorado. That’s when program director, Kristen Freaney, and this year’s 36 class participants had to get creative and lean into the real-time leadership lessons this crisis provided.

“People need community now more than ever to deal with the uncertainty, stress and social isolation that we’re all experiencing on some level,” said Freaney. “This is also totally uncharted territory, professionally speaking. We’re all navigating new scenarios around managing teams remotely, having difficult conversations about the health of our businesses and creating a culture of transparency and psychological safety for our employees.”

Unlike previous FLA classes that graduated in June at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, this year’s class will extend their learning through late-October, in hopes of holding that in-person retreat on the back end of the program. “While this year’s FLA class will look a bit different from past classes, they’re reaping the benefits of this tight-knit support system and sounding board at a time when it’s really needed,” says Freaney.

That sentiment is echoed by Class 5 participants, who are leveraging leadership lessons to meet real-time challenges. They’re finding community and support while navigating the realities of an economic downturn.

For some participants, it’s all about developing leadership skills. “Being part of the FLA Class 5 community couldn’t have come at a better time,” says Rachael Nichols of Sea to Summit. “I have learned how I can be a source of stability and an outlet for my team in a time of isolation. Through guidance from my FLA program mentor and our True Colors personality working session, I learned how to play toward my strengths in strategic organization. I built a new plan that prioritized what our team needs to get after the rest of the year, providing structure and stability for the team in this time of uncertainty.”

For others, FLA has been a way to build community and share resources. “I have found that in this time of extreme uncertainty, it’s remarkably helpful to have an outside group of individuals to turn to for support, advice and guidance,” says June Shen-Epstein of Burton. She added, ”From my program capstone team to the weekly large group calls to my mentor calls, getting the perspective of people who are all around the country and in different aspects of the industry has been so helpful to my mental health.”

Jess Smith of Outside PR adds: “I feel incredibly lucky to have this group of peers and advisors who are willing to band together and share information, create a network of strength and swiftly pivot to engage with and understand the situation at hand.”

To support participants in real time, the FLA program has pivoted much of its content. “I have been able to take ideas and concepts that we have shared in our FLA campfires, webinars and happy hours and apply them directly to my current position and own team,” says Smith. “We now have a stronger emphasis on personal check-ins, which gives our team time to share any thoughts or issues that might not be directly related to work but are impacting their emotional and mental health during these difficult times. We have also added a JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) program to our capabilities as a PR agency, formulating a taskforce dedicated to consulting and advising on issues within the space for our clients and media.”

Because of the global situation, many outdoor industry businesses have been directly and financially impacted. A number of FLA participants’ careers have taken unexpected turns. Some have been temporarily furloughed, others have had hours significantly reduced and a few have been forced to explore new opportunities entirely.

Natalie Colvin of Toad&Co, a small privately held outdoor clothing company that was hit hard by the closing of retail partners, says, “The program became even more important after I was furloughed, providing me a support system and sounding board during the craziness of COVID-19. FLA has given me the opportunity to stay engaged and excited about our industry.”

While Madalen Moore of Oros Apparel hasn’t lost her job, her approach to daily work life has had to shift. “I am trying to hold onto the take-charge-of-my-career attitude I was gaining before everything changed,” says Moore. “I’m trying not to become a victim of this unprecedented situation and reframe my skills and what I’m learning in FLA for a post-pandemic world. It’s a privilege to think critically about industry-wide topics a few times a week while also dealing with the day to day.”

While the future is uncertain, it’s clear that our post-pandemic world will rely even more upon community and strong leadership—cornerstones of the FLA program. For participant Kaitlin Tripi of REI Adventures, the program provides hope for the future. “I’m thankful to have the whole FLA crew during this really challenging time. We’re all weathering this thing together, and I know we’ll come out the other end stronger for it.”

 

 

COVID-19 Webinar: How Mystery Ranch Maintains Quality Standards During Market Disruptions

Speakers: Luke Boswell, Director of Product at Mystery Ranch and Colleen Grass, Regional Sales Director at Centric Software®
Sponsor: Centric Software®

In “normal” times, achieving high product-quality standards takes dedication, focus and diligence. In today’s fast-changing, uncertain world, this is more challenging—and more important—than ever for companies like Mystery Ranch.

The backpack and load carriage system manufacturer has a long and impressive history of innovation and upholding exceptional standards of quality. The company started in 2000 in the outdoor retail space but was approached in 2004 by the Navy SEALS to create custom packs, leading to a new business model and design strategy.

Discover how Mystery Ranch has fueled its growth while staying committed to quality. As the company evolved, it turned to Centric Outdoor PLM allowing it to streamline new style development, reduce errors, improve product documentation for suppliers and gain efficiencies.
Luke Boswell, director of product at Mystery Ranch, will give attendees an inside look at the following:

  • How people’s lives can depend on their packs’ functionality, durability and comfort
  • Mystery Ranch’s high standards of quality and vast documentation about materials, patterns, construction details and more
  • Building a technological foundation for success in all types of markets

 

Centric Software®, proud sponsor of this webinar. More than 370 companies making products for over 1,250 iconic brands trust Centric Software, including Ariat, Burton, Crocs, Skechers, Pearl Izumi, KEEN Footwear, Klim, tentree, Lolë, Outward Hound, CamelBak, Royal Robbins, Giro, Bell, On Running, Safariland, Vionic and many more.

Colleen Grass is Regional Sales Director at Centric Software®. Prior to Centric, Colleen spent 20 years in technology sales and marketing working with companies across many sectors including fashion, e-commerce, and digital communications to help brands and retailers prioritize their technology roadmaps.

COVID-19 Webinar: Overcoming Challenges: Collecting in the Outdoor Industry Amidst a Global Crisis

When: Tuesday, June 9, 11:00 a.m. (MT)
Speakers: Leah Skye, Dan Grenemyer and Mike Welliver from Altus

With premature mountain resort and retail closures and the outdoor industry at an unexpected halt, join North America’s largest B2B receivables management firm for an educational webinar offering guidance to assist you with staying ahead of collection issues on the horizon. Creditors are now faced with the difficult decision of either shouldering a potentially disastrous financial burden or pushing their customers for payment and jeopardizing relationships that took years to cultivate. As we navigate through these unprecedented times, we need to adapt to a quickly changing financial climate. Unfortunately, many small businesses lack the cash reserves to make it to the other side of this crisis, so we want to give you the tools to stay ahead of what’s to come. Open to all. Active OIA membership not required.

COVID-19 Webinar: From the Inside Out: Transitioning Retail Experiences to Keep Shoppers Safe

When: Tuesday, May 26, 11:00 a.m. (MT)
Speaker: Chris Hogue, LiveArea

Influenced by evolving safety procedures and changing attitudes about in-store experiences, smart retailers are looking at new ways to engage customers. For now at least, the days of meandering up and down store aisles are over. The trick will be to help shoppers get in and out quickly – or help them to shop without stepping foot inside. Even as stores reopen there’s a surge of investment in fulfillment tactics like buy online, pick-up in store and curbside pickup.

How do you go about implementing these and other engagement alternatives? How much time and investment is required? Get answers from Chris Hogue, head of strategy and product for LiveArea, a global commerce experience agency that works with hundreds of retail brands around the world. Find out how the agency has helped clients transform retail experiences in a time of great disruption and digital opportunity.

Sign on Letter: Supporting the Outdoor Recreation Economy and Recovery

The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker, United States House of Representatives
1236 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

The Honorable Kevin McCarthy
Minority Leader, United States House of Representatives
2468 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

The Honorable Mitch McConnell
Majority Leader, United States Senate
317 Russell Senate Office Building</br
Washington, D.C. 20510

The Honorable Charles Schumer
Minority Leader, United States Senate
322 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

Re: Supporting the outdoor recreation economy and recovery of individuals, communities, and outdoor companies in any upcoming pandemic response legislation

Dear Speaker Pelosi and Leaders McCarthy, McConnell and Schumer:

Our outdoor recreation economy generates $887 billion in consumer spending and 7.6 million jobs annually. The outdoor industry comprises 2.2 percent of the United States GDP and, prior to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, was growing faster than the economy. In addition, communities with access to outdoor recreation assets like trails, waterways, and parks of all types are attracting and retaining business investments, as more and more businesses rely on quality of life to attract employees.

Our system of parks and public lands being open for public use is critical for small and large retailers and outdoor businesses, along with the supply chain that serves them. Plus, these natural places bring quality of life to communities across the nation. Every part of this system has been interrupted by COVID-19, impacting the health and wellness of individuals, companies, and communities.

Outdoor Industry Association and our 1,300 member companies write to ask for your support for including provisions that will aid economic recovery for the outdoor industry and communities across the country in any upcoming rounds of pandemic economic response legislation.

Thank you for the actions you have already taken to support these businesses through the CARES Act. Many of our members were able to access CARES programs, including the Paycheck Protection Program that bought them some badly needed time, but their fates hinge in large part on the ability of their current and potential customers to get back outside.

As we look to recovery in the months ahead, more needs to be done to help our communities and the outdoor industry recover from the current economic shock through investments in recreation infrastructure which will provide more opportunities for all Americans to get outside. The last few weeks have shown that millions of Americans depend upon outdoor recreation opportunities for health and wellness. Now more than ever, we need the mental and physical health benefits that getting outside can provide. Investing in outdoor infrastructure as part of our economic recovery efforts will provide a powerful return for all Americans.

Specifically, we would like your support for the following:

Permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and funding for the maintenance backlog across federal public lands: Pass the Great American Outdoors Act, which would finalize bipartisan and bicameral legislation that provides dedicated funding to the Land and Water Conservation Fund and resources to reduce the maintenance backlog on our public lands. This funding will have a long-term economic impact and will increase the visitor experience – a needed benefit for local tourism. Investing in LWCF has proven to double its investment in local economies and create thousands of jobs. Congress was close to passing this legislation due to extraordinarily broad bipartisan support. It makes even more sense now, with the public demand for outdoor recreation during the pandemic and with the economic, social, and health benefits that recreating outdoors provides.

Include permit streamlining: We support incorporating the Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation (SOAR) Act (H.R. 787/S.1665) and the Recreation Not Red-Tape Act (H.R. 3458/S. 1967) into any legislative stimulus package. Streamlining the federal permitting system is important to the health of the guiding and outfitting communities, which have been financially harmed by the ongoing pandemic. These bills would provide more access to outdoor recreation for millions of Americans who annually enjoy the outdoors via guided adventures. By reducing current regulatory red tape, guides and outfitters will more easily kick-start local tourism once Americans are able to access public lands.

Fund active transportation: We appreciate your commitment to infrastructure as an economic growth opportunity and, in doing so, would encourage you to include provisions that would increase funding for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. This type of funding helps local economies and provides people with safe, environmentally sensitive, and low-cost forms of transportation and recreation. We support the Transportation Alternatives Program and the Recreational Trails Program (among others) and are hopeful that any additional infrastructure funding would significantly increase funding levels for these important economic drivers.

Increased funding/expansion of Civilian Conservation Corps: Additional funding for expansion of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) will provide a combination of jobs for Americans and restoration and stewardship of our public lands. The program could be further expanded to reach more youth and more outdoor places and to include opportunities on state lands. This program could immediately be brought to scale to meet the needs of recently unemployed workers from various affected industries. The CCC could be rapidly deployed via existing cooperative agreements with federal agencies and state and local agencies.

Funding to states and local municipalities for building parks, trails, and other outdoor recreation amenities in underserved and under-resourced communities: Local and state tax revenues are significantly declining, yet the public needs local services. With the need to recreate close to home for health and wellness, the majority of Americans need access to parks, trails, and open spaces within a 10-minute walk or drive of their homes. This type of program is badly needed to help address the current inequities surrounding those who live near and reap the benefits of outdoor recreation, trail, and natural areas – and those who do not.

Prioritize policies to reduce carbon emissions: In consideration of transportation, energy, and infrastructure provisions, we would encourage you to use the opportunity to ensure policies are in place to reduce carbon emissions. Our industry relies on a healthy environment for those who love the outdoors to experience it to the fullest. Green infrastructure solutions not only sequester carbon and help mitigate the worst impacts of future natural disasters but also serve as places to recreate. We ask that you take a long-term view and work to ensure stewardship of our lands and oceans for future generations to enjoy.

As Congress moves forward with response and helping with the recovery from the ongoing pandemic and its economic impacts, we ask that you consider the critical role our public lands and the opportunities for outdoor recreation play in our country’s recovery. Together, we can help make a meaningful contribution to pandemic recovery efforts.

Sincerely,

[panini-row layout=”row-third” ]
[panini-column spacing=” “]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Lise Aangeenbrug
Executive Director
Outdoor Industry Association

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column spacing=” padding-x-5″]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Michael West
CEO
686 Technical Apparel Co.

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Matt Wade
Advocacy & Policy Director
American Mountain Guides Association

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[/panini-row]

[panini-row layout=”row-third” ]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Chris Valiante
Owner
22 Designs

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column spacing=” padding-x-5″]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Clay Haller
President
Advanced Elements, Inc.

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Penn Newhard
Founder/Partner
Backbone Media

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[/panini-row]

[panini-row layout=”row-third” ]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Tim Koehler
Chief Financial Officer
Backpacker’s Pantry

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column spacing=” padding-x-5″]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Tag Kleiner
VP of Marketing
Far Bank Enterprises
(Sage, Redington, RIO Products, Fly Water Travel)

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Craig Mackey
Principal
Mackey Partners, LLC

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[/panini-row]

[panini-row layout=”row-third” ]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Bill Gamber
President and Co-Founder
Big Agnes

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column spacing=” padding-x-5″]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

David Koorits
Co-Founder
Good To-Go

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Matthew McClain
Executive Director
Mammoth Lakes Recreation

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[/panini-row]

[panini-row layout=”row-third” ]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Brad Werntz
President
Boulders Climbing Gym

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column spacing=” padding-x-5″]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Matt Holmes
Executive Director
Groundwork Richmond

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

John Wentworth
CEO/Board President
Mammoth Lakes Trails and Public Access Foundation

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[/panini-row]

[panini-row layout=”row-third” ]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Jenn Swain
Global Senior Sustainability Manager
Burton

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column spacing=” padding-x-5″]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Larry Witt
President of Housewares (Hydro Flask & OXO)
Helen of Troy

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

David Dragoo
Founder
Mayfly Outdoors

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[/panini-row]

[panini-row layout=”row-third” ]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Ali Kenney
SVP – Global Strategy & Insights
Burton

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column spacing=” padding-x-5″]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Alyssa Ravasio
Founder & CEO
Hipcamp

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Bob Mignogna
President
Mignogna Consulting, Inc.

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[/panini-row]

[panini-row layout=”row-third” ]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Matt Lyon
Board Chair
California Outdoor Recreation Partnership

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column spacing=” padding-x-5″]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

John Kirk
Director of Communications
International Sportsmen’s Expos

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Cam Brensinger
CEO & Founder
NEMO Equipment, Inc.

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[/panini-row]

[panini-row layout=”row-third” ]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Peter Bragdon
Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel
Columbia

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column spacing=” padding-x-5″]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Jeff Turner
Director of Sales
Kokatat, Inc.

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Chris McKleroy
CEO
Nocs Provisions

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[/panini-row]

[panini-row layout=”row-third” ]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

David Feinman
Government Affairs Director
Conservation Lands Foundation

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column spacing=” padding-x-5″]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Rhonda Swenson
CEO
Krimson Klover

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Drew Saunders
Country Manager
Oberalp North America

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[/panini-row]

[panini-row layout=”row-third” ]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Coral Darby
Founder
Darby Communications

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column spacing=” padding-x-5″]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Shawn Gorman
Executive Chairman
L.L.Bean

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Chris Rischke
Director of Operations
Oboz Footwear

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[/panini-row]

[panini-row layout=”row-third” ]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Jennifer Pelkey
Sr. Marketing Director
Outdoor Retailer

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column spacing=” padding-x-5″]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Brian Cox
President
Lightspeed Outdoors

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Louis Geltman
Policy Director
Outdoor Alliance

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[/panini-row]

[panini-row layout=”row-third” ]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Rose Marcario
President and CEO
Patagonia

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column spacing=” padding-x-5″]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Nick Sargent
President
Snowsports Industries America

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Fred Ferguson
VP, Public Affairs and Communications
Vista Outdoor

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[/panini-row]

[panini-row layout=”row-third” ]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Jenn Dice
Chief Operating Officer
PeopleForBikes

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column spacing=” padding-x-5″]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Jennifer Savage
California Policy Manager
Surfrider Foundation

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Ashley Korenblat
CEO
Western Spirit Cycling

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[/panini-row]

[panini-row layout=”row-third” ]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Tom Adams
COO
Petzel America

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column spacing=” padding-x-5″]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Michael Stewart
Founder/Director of Partnerships
Sustainable Surf

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Todd Walton
Executive Director
Winter Wildlands Alliance

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[/panini-row]

[panini-row layout=”row-third” ]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Eric Artz
President and CEO
REI Co-op

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column spacing=” padding-x-5″]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

David Polivy
CEO
Tahoe Mountain Sports

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Ryan Martin
CEO
Yakima Products, Inc.

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[/panini-row]

[panini-row layout=”row-third” ]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Wendy M. Carey
VP/CFO
Seirus Innovative Accessories, Inc.

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column spacing=” padding-x-5″]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Brady Robinson
Executive Director
The Conservation Alliance

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Craig Flax
Founder/President
Youth Transportation Organization (Yoots)

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[/panini-row]

[panini-row layout=”row-third” ]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Steven Frisch
President
Sierra Business Council

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column spacing=” padding-x-5″]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Arne Arens
Brand President
The North Face

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Steven Frisch
President
Sierra Business Council

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[/panini-row]

[panini-row layout=”row-third” ]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Gordon Seabury
CEO
Toad&Co

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column spacing=” padding-x-5″]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Tony Post
CEO & Founder
Topo Athletic

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Ben Christensen
Vice President, Operations
Simms Fishing Products

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[/panini-row]

[panini-row layout=”row-third” ]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Brian Vargo
President/CEO
Vargo Outdoors, Inc.

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column spacing=” padding-x-5″]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Ben Warner
President
Skeleton Key Agency/Coast Film Festival

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Steve Rendle
Chairman, President and CEO
VF Corp

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[/panini-row]

[panini-row layout=”row-third” ]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Seraph White
Interim Executive Director
Outdoors Empowered Network

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column spacing=” padding-x-5″]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Kristin Hostetter
Editor In Chief
SNEWS | The Voice

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Jon Jay
Digital Content Editor
SKI Magazine

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[/panini-row]

[panini-row layout=”row-third” ]
[panini-column ]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Tori Peglar
Co-Brand and Content Director
National Parks Trips

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[panini-column spacing=” padding-x-5″]
[paniniblock template=”basic/html” attribute-data=”name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
[content name=”html” label=”Raw HTML”]

Andrea Kupfer
VP, Managing Director
Catapult Creative Labs

[/content]
[/paniniblock]
[/panini-column]
[/panini-row]

Thrive Outside Atlanta: Connecting With the Outdoors During COVID-19

In its first year, The Outdoor Foundation’s Thrive Outside Community Initiative has made multi-year grants to four regions across the country (San Diego, Oklahoma City, Atlanta and Grand Rapids) to build and strengthen networks focused on providing children and families with repeat and reinforcing experiences in the outdoors. Our communities are finding unique ways to positively impact their communities during the COVID-19 crisis.

We’re proud to share the ways one Thrive Outside Atlanta organization, West Atlanta Watershed Alliance, are continuing to connect with and serve their local youth.

 

 

“Providing accessible, sensory-based, outdoor programming through technology”

With a curriculum that typically encourages the use of our senses for learning and exploring, shifting to online curriculum initially seemed to be a daunting task for us at West Atlanta Watershed Alliance (WAWA).

At WAWA, we believe that the power of play, inquiry instruction, social constructivism and cultural relevance are foundational principles of environmental education pedagogy. We quickly identified a crossroads between our pedagogy and technology in order to offer sensory-based livestreams in lieu of O-ACADEMY, our spring break camp.

When developing content for digital audiences in response to COVID-19, there were a few important factors to consider including digital accessibility, exercises that can be completed outdoors, and sensory-based engagement with youth. Because some residents in our community struggle with access to technology to complete daily tasks such as school-based distance learning, we decided to use accessible social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram to host content, because we know many of our constituents utilize these channels. With COVID-19 anchoring us all at home, we chose programs that could be done outdoors and with little supplies. Lastly, we wanted to ensure the programs feel participatory, and so, we encourage families to grab household items and participate in programming that draws on our senses to enhance our understanding of the outside world.

One of our programs “Sensory with Soils” provides youth a learning opportunity from simply playing in the dirt. During this program, we encourage the touch and observation of soil types to understand the benefits and best uses of each soil.

We also generated a survey among our online communities to determine if the increased digital content was useful or overwhelming. The results of this survey will help us to determine how we continue developing digital content and through which platforms we deliver it. WAWA will continue to provide accessible, sensory-based outdoor programming for digital audiences throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and we look forward to adding more digital offerings to our environmental education moving forward.

Anamarie Shreeves,
Environmental Education Programs Manager,
West Atlanta Watershed Alliance (WAWA)

Trade Alert: New China Tariff Exclusions – Hydration Backpacks, Duffels, Bikes, Messenger Bags

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) recently announced that it approved another group of tariff exclusions for products hit by the List 3 China 301 tariffs, including several outdoor products. As a result, any company can gain tariff relief on items that match the product description approved by the USTR. We are writing to provide you with the details on these exclusions to ensure that OIA members are able to take advantage of this opportunity to reduce their tariff costs.

To learn more about this exclusion process and how to take advantage of it to reduce your tariff costs, join us for a webinar this Thursday, April 30, at 3 p.m. (ET).

The group of product exclusions is retroactive to Sept. 24, 2018, and will be valid through Aug. 7, 2020. Here are some examples of the products included:

  • Backpacks with hydration packs
  • Bikes
  • Duffel bags
  • Messenger bags

In order to claim this exclusion, your product must match the product description, and you should use Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code 9903.88.45 when importing your product.

Again, any importer can benefit from a granted exclusion if the product matches both the subheading and the exact specifications of the granted product description. If your product matches the written description but is not currently classified under that provided HTS, we recommend that you check with your customs broker or counsel to review its applicable classification.

To claim duty refunds using a product exclusion, importers can either submit a post-summary correction (PSC) or file a protest. For future imports, the Chapter 99 number assigned to that product exclusion must be used on entries and entry summaries. Guidance on this process issued by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can be found here.

We will keep you updated on any future developments on China 301 product exclusions.