Mount Airy, NC – May 26, 2026 – Nester is excited to announce the appointment of Jamie Bethke as General Manager and Vice President of Sales for Fox River, the legendary performance sock brand within the Nester portfolio. Bethke, based in Kansas City, Missouri, brings more than 25 years of consumer products and footwear industry experience to the role and will be responsible for driving sales growth, expanding market reach, and building on Fox River’s storied heritage.

Bethke is no stranger to the Nester team. His relationship with Nester CEO Kelly Nester dates back to 2001, when both companies became Licensees with Woolrich; Bethke’s company, Elan Polo, for footwear, and Nester Hosiery for socks. Over the ensuing decades, Bethke built longstanding working relationships with several members of the Nester leadership team, including Gina Ross, EVP of Product, and Chris Nitzsche, SVP of Nester, a fellow Missourian and longtime colleague and friend.

Spending nearly 22 years at Elan Polo International, the St. Louis-based global footwear company, Bethke rose through the ranks to serve as Executive Vice President. While he was there, he led cross-functional teams spanning product development, design, marketing, sourcing, and sales, and helped build strong partnerships with major national and international retailers. He subsequently served as Head of Global Development at Calson Investment Ltd. and, most recently, as Senior Vice President of Product and Sales at The United States Playing Card Co., a Cartamundi Company, the global playing card and board game leader.

“Jamie and I have known each other for over two decades,” says Kelly Nester, CEO of Nester. “Watching his career grow over the years, I’ve always known that we would welcome the opportunity for him to join the Nester team when the time was right. Having Jamie lead Fox River at this time feels like the right fit for the future direction of the brand.”

Nester acquired Fox River in 2025, and Bethke will step in to lead a brand whose heritage spans more than a century and has long been trusted by outdoor enthusiasts, military personnel, and everyday consumers alike.

“I am thrilled to join Nester Hosiery as General Manager and VP of Sales for the Fox River brand,” says Bethke. “Fox River has a legendary heritage, and I look forward to working with this talented team to expand our footprint, leverage our innovation, and aggressively drive market share growth.”

As General Manager and VP of Sales at Fox River, Bethke will be responsible for driving sales strategy, overseeing the brand’s sales force and merchandising direction, and growing distribution across multiple channels. His appointment reflects Nester’s commitment to investing in experienced, relationship-driven leadership to accelerate the growth of its portfolio.

To learn more about Fox River, visit foxsox.com. Media inquiries should be emailed to Abby Harris, abby@darbycommunications.com.

About Nester

Based in Mount Airy, North Carolina, Nester is a leading manufacturer of high-performance merino wool socks and accessories. The company’s family of brands includes Farm to Feet®, Fox River®, Pistil®, and Anywear Essentials®, alongside a broad portfolio of private label, OEM, and licensed offerings that serve major retailers and specialty brands globally. Nester is also an established supplier to the U.S. government, committed to providing the comfort, durability, and performance demanded by those who serve. With more than 30 years of vertically integrated, U.S.-based manufacturing, Nester is recognized for its unwavering commitment to sustainability, performance, and product excellence.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (May 26, 2026) — With less than two weeks until the Connect retail buying show, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, the national organization dedicated to the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail, unveiled its schedule of retailer-focused education sessions that will take place on Connect Education Day Sunday, June 7, the day prior to the four-day Connect show. Along with its twice-annual buying show, one of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance’s core missions is education and business support for its retail members.

Featured sessions at Connect Education Day include practical guidance on integrating AI into independent retail environments, a deep dive into essential store-level KPIs for outdoor retailers, and strategies for more effective inventory planning.

“Along with creating an effective, streamlined venue for line showings, being together at the Connect Show provides a great opportunity for knowledge sharing,” said Gabe Maier, President of Grassroots. “The ability to learn from both peers and experts in the industry continues to be one of the benefits of being a Grassroots Outdoor Alliance member. The sessions at this spring’s Connect were all borne out of discussions we’re hearing at the ground level from our members.”

Scheduled programming for Sunday, June 7, includes the following educational sessions:

• Know Your Numbers: Store Level KPIs For Outdoor Retail, and how to use them — This seminar, led by Dan Mann, President, The Mann Group, will explore the most valuable store-level KPIs for outdoor retailers, including how to track them, interpret them, and use them to make smarter decisions that improve sales, margins, inventory, and overall store performance.
• Applied AI Without the Hype | for Independent Outdoor Retail — Led by Marty Bhatia, Chief Technology Officer, Digital Ninja Consulting LLC, this session will provide independent outdoor retailers insight into where AI belongs in their shops, and a short list of tools worth trying.
• The Next Layer of Retail Analytics: Category, Brand & Assortment Insights — Building on store level KPI’s to category and brand level analysis, Dan Mann will dig deeper into inventory planning by taking a precise look at a category strategy that predicts category performance and addresses the unique needs of different customer types.
• Financial Study Workshop (Grassroots Principals Only) — Presented by Heidi Rasmussen, Director of Finance at Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, this session will be a review of the financial study and working session provided for Grassroots Member Principal/Owners who have a submitted 2025 Financial Study template. Attendees will learn about key takeaways from the 2025 report and have opportunities to dive in and learn more about how to use the financial study to benchmark their financial metrics.
• Applied AI Without the Hype | for Brand Leadership — This vendor focused session led by Marty Bhatia, will take place on Tuesday, June 9. It will provide brand leaders with a clear methodology for assessing AI readiness in their own organization, a working definition of what “documented” actually means at brand scale, and the questions to ask before their next AI investment.

About Grassroots Outdoor Alliance

Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is a retailer-owned network of 100+ independently owned outdoor retailers and vendor partners, working together for the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail. Through data collection and analysis, direct member support, specialty events and deep vendor partnerships, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is creating both a vision and roadmap for the long-term success of independent specialty retail. Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is recognized as a catalyst for the success of its retailers and vendor partners; an advocate for specialty independent retail; a promoter of education and community within the specialty channel; and a key influencer of the national outdoor industry. Grassroots Outdoor Alliance also operates Connect, a twice-annual legacy show experience that spans four days, offering an efficient and structured format for retailers to conduct pre-season line showings and business conversations.

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COSTA MESA, Calif. [May 26, 2026] — Popfly, the creator platform purpose-built for adventure, announced it will fully fund one creator’s dream trip this summer — and spend the rest of the season working towards getting the rest of them sponsored.

Instead of waiting for a brand to post a brief, creators on Popfly can pitch their trips through the platform and ask for what they need to make it happen: gear, funding or both. Hundreds of adventures are already posted — from kayaking the Oregon coast to overlanding in Colorado and thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. Brands get a real adventurer going somewhere worth documenting, and content that actually holds up. Creators get what they need to go.

Popfly will select the most compelling adventure posted and fund it outright. No application process. No committee. Just: post your adventure and make us wish we were going too.

The initiative kicks off at the Basecamp Outdoor × Popfly Kick-off Party on May 28th during Outside Days in Denver, where outdoor industry brands and creators can meet face-to-face and start making trips happen.

“The creator economy is worth billions and most of it goes to polished ads that nobody believes,” said Taylor Hoekstra, Founder and CEO of Popfly. “The most compelling brand content always comes from creators who are out there living real adventures. We’re stoked to be building the place where that happens.”

Popfly’s Adventures feature is the only tool in the creator economy purpose-built for this kind of proactive, trip-based sponsorship. Unlike traditional influencer platforms where brands post briefs and wait for creators to apply, Adventures puts the pitch in the creator’s hands. Creators tell their story, ask for what they need, and go looking for the brands that want to be part of it.

Most platforms ask creators to apply. Popfly asks them to dream bigger. To post an Adventure or sponsor one as a brand, visit popfly.com.

About Popfly

Popfly is redefining digital storytelling in the outdoor space, empowering creators and brands to thrive in the rapidly evolving creator economy. The platform connects outdoor, travel and adventure brands with creators to collaborate on authentic content at scale. From discovery and  to execution, payments, and performance tracking, Popfly streamlines every step of your brand‑creator collaboration so you can scale brand momentum and revenue.

For press inquiries, contact popfly@verdepr.com.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (May 21, 2026) — Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, the national organization dedicated to the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail, today announced its slate of nominees for the 2026 Grassroots Outdoor Specialty Awards.

The awards recognize excellence across the Grassroots community, celebrating retailers, vendors, and industry leaders for achievements in business, advocacy, community impact, philanthropy, and specialty retail innovation.

Winners will be announced at the upcoming Grassroots Connect retail buying show, June 8–11, 2026, in Reno, Nev., where more than 290 exhibitors and more than 150 retailers will gather for line showings and strategic business conversations supporting Spring 2027 order writing. The awards ceremony will take place during lunch on Monday, June 8.

“These awards recognize the people and businesses pushing specialty outdoor retail forward,” said Gabe Maier, President of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance. “Independent specialty retail succeeds because of strong partnerships, innovation, service, and an unwavering commitment to community. The businesses and individuals recognized through these awards represent the very best of our industry — retailers and vendors who continue to lead with passion, resilience, and purpose while helping shape the future of the outdoor specialty channel.”

The nominees for the 2026 Grassroots Outdoor Specialty Awards include:

Retailer Awards

• Retailer of the Year: Bill Jacksons (Pinellas Park, FL); Outdoor Experience-ID (Sandpoint, ID); Pack Rat Outdoor Center (Fayetteville, AR); Skinny Skis (Jackson, WY); The Trail Head (Missoula, MT)
• Community Giveback: Footsloggers Outdoor & Travel Outfitters (NC); Tahoe Mountain Sports (Truckee, CA), The Trail Head (Missoula, MT), Mountain Chalet (Colorado Springs, CO), Chopwood Mercantile (Crested Butte, CO)
• Retailer Growth Award: Causal Adventures (Arlington, VA); High Country Outfitters (Atlanta, GA); Mountain High Outfitters (Multiple Locations); River Rock Outfitter (Fredericksburg, VA); Saratoga Outdoors (Saratoga Spring, NY)
• Retail Wow Award: Bill Jacksons (Pinellas Park, FL); Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus (Grand Rapids, MI); Great Outdoor Store (Sioux Falls, SD); High Country Outfitters (Atlanta, GA); Pack Rat Outdoor Center (Fayetteville, AR)

Vendor Awards

• Vendor Partner of the Year: HydraPak; Patagonia; Rab; Smartwool; Sockwell
• Excellence in Hardgoods & Accessories: EDELRID; HydrPak; LEKI; NEMO Equipment; Nomadix
• Excellence in Apparel and Softgoods: Helly Hansen; Patagonia; Rab; Roark; Smartwool
• Excellence in Footwear: Altra; La Sportiva; Oboz; Salewa; Superfeet

New for 2026, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance will also recognize the Top 25 Independent Sales Representatives in specialty outdoor retail. Honorees were selected through nominations and feedback from both retailers and vendor partners, highlighting the critical role independent reps play in building relationships, supporting brands and retailers, driving product education, and strengthening the specialty marketplace.

“The specialty outdoor industry is built on relationships, and independent reps are often the connective tissue that keeps this community strong,” added Maier. “These individuals work behind the scenes every day to support retailers, represent brands with integrity, and help create meaningful long-term partnerships. We’re excited to recognize and celebrate their contributions alongside our retailers and vendor partners.”

Additional honors presented during the ceremony will include Appreciation for Board Service and Friend of Grassroots.

About Grassroots Outdoor Alliance

Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is a retailer-owned network of 100+ independently owned outdoor retailers and vendor partners, working together for the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail. Through data collection and analysis, direct member support, specialty events and deep vendor partnerships, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is creating both a vision and roadmap for the long-term success of independent specialty retail. Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is recognized as a catalyst for the success of its retailers and vendor partners; an advocate for specialty independent retail; a promoter of education and community within the specialty channel; and a key influencer of the national outdoor industry. Grassroots Outdoor Alliance also operates Connect, a twice-annual legacy show experience that spans four days, offering an efficient and structured format for retailers to conduct pre-season line showings and business conversations.

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MINNEAPOLIS — May 21, 2026 — Just in time for summer adventure seeking, UDisc has released its list of the 25 Best Disc Golf Courses at Ski Areas around the world. Comprised of the highest-rated disc golf courses at downhill ski venues in UDisc’s extensive directory, it’s a definitive, data-driven ranking full of sweeping vistas and top-tier amenities.

Headlined by two destination disc golf courses at Vermont’s Smugglers’ Notch Resort, the list spans several of the United States’ mountain regions, as well as resorts in Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Germany, and Latvia. That distribution is a testament to disc golf’s value to communities and businesses alike – no matter the time of year.

“This list further proves that disc golf is a versatile, durable form of outdoor recreation,” UDisc CEO and Co-Founder Josh Licti said. “Whether it’s a downhill ski area, a campground, or an accessible public park, there’s no need to worry about the offseason when you install a disc golf course.”

The 25 Best Disc Golf Courses at Ski Areas are a follow-up to the successful release of the 100 Best Disc Golf Courses in the World, as well as awards celebrating the best courses in every U.S. state and dozens of countries. These all come amid a surge in the game’s global growth: Disc golf participation has jumped roughly 86% since 2020, with more than 21 million rounds played annually and over 17,000 courses now spanning nearly 100 countries worldwide, according to UDisc’s 2026 Disc Golf Growth Report.

Explore more about how disc golf injects offseason life into ski resorts and download the UDisc app to record your rounds, discover new courses and build your bucket list.

About UDisc

UDisc is the world’s #1 disc golf app, trusted by millions of players to record rounds, discover courses, and measure their progress. UDisc’s mission is to empower the world to play more disc golf by supporting players and organizers worldwide. Now the industry standard for measuring disc golf participation, infrastructure, and reach, the company’s Disc Golf Health Index focuses on the places where new courses can be most impactful. Learn more at UDisc.com.

BREA, Calif. – May 19, 2026 – Aventon, a leader in accessible ebike innovation, today announced the appointment of Jen Whalen as Creative Director. A former procyclist and award-winning creative producer, director, and filmmaker with over 15 years of experience across Hollywood studios and global brand campaigns, Whalen brings a rare combination of high-production storytelling expertise and authentic cycling background to her new role.

Whalen joins Aventon from a distinguished freelance career, where she partnered with brands including Apple, Netflix, Levi’s, Specialized, SRAM, and Hulu across creative direction, production, and storytelling. Prior to that, she spent nearly a decade as a Senior Producer for the in-house creative studio at Warner Bros., producing trailers, promos, and digital campaigns for major global releases, earning Promax and Telly Awards for her work.

Her connection to cycling runs deep. Whalen came up through the fixed gear scene and rode for Aventon’s original pro team during the Red Hook Crit era. She went on to become a competitive road cyclist, winning a California State Championship title and competing at US Nationals. In recent years, she has built a second creative lane in the outdoor industry, producing athlete-driven and documentary-style storytelling, including a docuseries around the inaugural women’s Tour de France Femmes.

Whalen is also the writer, director, and producer of CALI GIRLS, a feature comedy inspired by the world of women’s bike racing, which has earned Best Female Director and Best Sports Film recognition on the festival circuit. The film is releasing this year.

In her role at Aventon, Whalen will lead creative direction and brand storytelling across campaigns, product launches, social content, and athlete partnerships, driving culture-led work that grows Aventon’s brand reach and community connection.

“Jen is a rare find: someone who has genuinely lived inside cycling culture at every level, from the fixed gear underground to the pro circuit, and who also knows how to tell stories that move people,” said Kris Heineman, Senior Brand Director at Aventon. “She brings a creative point of view that is bold, authentic, and deeply human, which is exactly what we need as we continue to grow the brand.”

“Aventon has always been a fun success story to follow, from its fixie roots to where it stands today in the ebike world,” said Whalen. “I want to get more people on bikes and out of their cars. It excites me to bring my ideas and creativity to this team, since I have a natural passion for cycling and it feels serendipitous to bring my energy back to a brand that supported me during my “glory” days of bike racing. Apparently the race isn’t over yet.”

Whalen is based in Los Angeles and joined Aventon in early May 2026.

About Aventon:
Aventon was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Brea, California. Born from a passion for bicycle racing, Aventon has grown into one of the leading ebike brands in North America. The company’s mission is to redefine adventure by combining innovative technology, thoughtful design, and an outstanding riding experience. Aventon controls the majority of its value chain internally and employs hundreds of staff worldwide to shape the future of two-wheeled e-mobility.

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Press Contact:
Tom Sweeney / Affiliate Marketing Manager
tsweeney@aventon.com

HOUSTON (May 19, 2026) – Turtlebox, the maker of rugged, waterproof outdoor speakers, announces the launch of Americana Blue, a limited-edition colorway for the Ranger and Original Gen 3 speakers. Available today, Americana Blue brings a striking new patriotic style to two of Turtlebox’s versatile speakers, celebrating summer and America’s semiquincentennial anniversary.

“The new Americana Blue limited-edition speakers are built for the summer ahead. It’s a color that matches the spirit of the season and will be right at home on the water, the trail or the tailgate,” said Jonathan McKenzie, CMO at Turtlebox. “Americana Blue is a nod to 250 years of the country we call home, the freedom that comes with it and the ability to chase the pursuits that keep us outdoors.”

Americana Blue is a visual statement as rugged and dependable as Turtlebox speakers themselves. The limited-edition color complements the brand’s core identity while delivering the same premium performance and durability that define the Turtlebox lineup.

Ranger Specs:

• Dimensions: 3.15″ L × 3.15″ W × 9.05″ H
• Weight: 2.4 lbs
• Maximum Volume: 105dB
• Battery Life: All-day
• Features: Waterproof, drop-proof, Party Mode, Bluetooth 5.4

Original Gen 3 Specs:

• Dimensions: 12″ L × 10.25″ H × 7″ D
• Weight: 10 lbs
• Maximum Volume: 120dB
• Battery Life: 3-day
• Features: Waterproof, buoyant, drop-proof, Party Mode, Bluetooth 5.4, microphone input

“Whether you’re on the water, in camp or in your backyard, the Americana Blue will fit right in with any adventure you have planned this summer,” continued McKenzie.

For more information about Americana Blue and other Turtlebox products, visit www.turtleboxaudio.com.

About Turtlebox

Turtlebox was born out of necessity after breaking every so-called “loud” speaker on the market during outdoor adventures. Originally built in a garage for personal use, it became clear that nothing else could handle the elements and deliver the volume needed for environments like beaches, boats, and ATVs.

Recognizing the demand, Turtlebox set out to create the world’s loudest, most rugged outdoor portable speaker—built to go anywhere and be heard everywhere. For more information, visit TurtleboxAudio.com.

Boulder, Colo. (May 19, 2026) — Boulder, Colo.-based Backpacker’s Pantry, the family-owned maker of gourmet adventure meals, is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. To commemorate the occasion, the company will launch a multi-channel heritage campaign called “Raised By the Wild,” which aims to engage the outdoor community in the celebration while enhancing its commitment to fueling people’s adventures.

“A lot has changed since 1951, but the reason people take our meals into the backcountry really hasn’t. They want food they can count on after a long day outside. Backpacker’s Pantry has always been built around that idea,” said Aidan Smith, CEO of Backpacker’s Pantry. “For 75 years, we’ve stayed focused on making satisfying meals for people spending real time outdoors, and we’re proud the brand has stayed true to what made people trust it in the first place.”

The Backpacker Pantry story begins in 1951 with Anne Benedict, a Girl Scout trip leader who came home from a grueling backpacking trip carrying a bag full of empty cans and convinced there had to be a smarter way to eat on the trail. She began experimenting in her garage with dehydrating food to reduce pack weight, and from those humble beginnings, Dri-Lite Foods took shape. Nearly two decades later, in 1970, an entrepreneur named Ron Smith stumbled upon Dri-Lite’s meals in a small Southern California ski shop and recognized untapped potential. By 1972, he had reimagined the brand entirely — renaming it Backpacker’s Pantry and introducing freeze-dried ingredients that would dramatically extend shelf life while improving the nutritional value of the meals. Read about the full history of the brand here.

Today, the Smith family legacy continues into a new generation. In 2025, Aidan Smith stepped into the role of CEO, working alongside his brother Talvin to help chart the company’s next chapter. Together, they carry forward the same entrepreneurial spirit their grandfather embodied when he first walked into Jonas’ Ski Chalet in Inglewood, California, more than 55 years ago.

To celebrate the “Raised by the Wild” anniversary campaign, catch the Backpacker’s Pantry team at Outside Days in Denver (May 29–31). Limited-edition anniversary merch, including a hoodie and t-shirt, will be available online, alongside special anniversary packaging.

To learn more and to stay in the loop about all of the company’s anniversary celebrations, please visit: backpackerspantry.com.

About Backpacker’s Pantry

Founded in 1951 and based in Boulder, Colorado, Backpacker’s Pantry produces freeze-dried meals for the outdoor market. The family-owned and operated company focuses on lightweight, easy-to-prepare meals designed for backpacking, camping, and outdoor adventure. Backpacker’s Pantry donates 1% of every sale to conservation and outdoor access nonprofits through 1% for the Planet and operates out of its 100% solar-powered facility in Boulder. The company also invests in sustainability initiatives and programs that support its employees, local community, and the outdoors. Today, Backpacker’s Pantry products are sold through more than 2,000 retail locations across North America, including outdoor specialty, sporting goods, and natural grocery retailers, as well as through Amazon and at backpackerspantry.com. For more information and a complete list of products, visit https://backpackerspantry.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; and Colorado Spice, all-natural and organic artisan spice blends. To learn more, visit: https://backpackerspantry.com

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Media Contacts:

Verde Brand Communications

backpackerspantry@verdepr.com

Downloadable Images HERE (photo credit: Backpacker’s Pantry)