How Outdoor Brands Are Reducing Textile Emissions with Smarter Energy Solutions

Reducing emissions in textile production isn’t just an environmental responsibility—it’s a business necessity. Consumers expect brands to take meaningful action on sustainability, and regulations are pushing companies to reduce their carbon footprints. One of the biggest challenges? The fossil fuel-based heating systems used in textile manufacturing. 

Traditional heating methods rely on coal, gas, or oil, making them a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. The textile and apparel industry alone contributes about 2% of global emissions, and with demand increasing, that number will only grow. If your brand is committed to lowering emissions, tackling the energy sources used in textile mills is a critical step. 

A Practical Solution to Help You Reduce Emissions 

To support this transition, Outdoor Industry Association, in partnership with Global Efficiency Intelligence and OIA member brands like Cotopaxi, L.L. Bean, New Balance, Patagonia, REI Co-op, and W.L. Gore & Associates, have launched the Textile Heating Electrification Tool. This open-source resource helps mills and brands transition from fossil fuels to electric heating by providing data on energy use, cost savings, and emissions reduction. It supports sustainability goals, regulatory compliance, and long-term efficiency. 

Why This Matters for Your Brand 

Sustainability goals can’t be met without action at the manufacturing level. The heating systems used in textile mills account for a significant share of supply chain emissions, and electrification is one of the most effective ways to lower them. 

This tool provides clear, actionable insights to help businesses: 

  • Understand their current heating systems and identify where fossil fuel use can be reduced. 
  • Evaluate electric alternatives that work for different textile processes. 
  • Make informed investment decisions with data on costs, feasibility, and emissions reductions.

Andrew Dempsey, Director of Climate at REI Co-op, explained the importance of this issue: 

“At REI, we believe progress on climate solutions happens through collaboration. Our goal is to cut emissions in half by 2030, but we can’t get there without working closely with our brand and manufacturing partners. Electric heat technologies are essential for decarbonizing textile manufacturing, and this tool gives us the data we need to move forward with confidence.” 

Collaboration Makes Sustainability More Achievable 

Developed under OIA’s Clean Heat CoLab, this tool embodies a collaborative approach to tackling industry challenges. OIA Impact CoLabs help brands and suppliers work closely, advancing sustainability goals more efficiently while lowering costs. 

Julie Brown, Director of Sustainable Business Innovation at Outdoor Industry Association, highlighted the significance of this initiative: 

“The launch of the Textile Heating Electrification Tool marks a major step in our industry’s collective effort to cut emissions in textile manufacturing. This tool combines expertise from across the outdoor industry to provide mills with the insights they need to transition to cleaner, more sustainable heating technologies.” 

How to Get Started 

This tool is designed to help businesses like yours take meaningful steps toward emissions reductions. If your brand works with textile suppliers, this is a resource that can drive real change. 

Watch the webinar recording below and download our one-pager to start using this tool for smarter decision-making in your business. 

Want to go further? Contact sustainability@outdoorindustry.org to get involved in OIA’s sustainability programs and work toward a lower-carbon future. 

 

Collaboration: The Key to Impactful Climate Action

A Letter from Greg Gausewitz, REI Co-Op Senior Manager of Product Sustainability and OIA Sustainability Advisory Council Co-Chair

Happy New Year! As we cross the mid-point of this decade, we’re offered an opportunity to reflect on the current moment and set our sights on the path ahead. Many of our organizations have set multi-year, science-aligned climate targets that come due in or near 2030. That means many of us are near the half-way mark in pursuing our near-term climate goals. What have we learned? What might we change to accelerate and deepen our impact going forward? 

In my role at REI, I have the privilege of working with the world’s leading outdoor brands, many of which are also global leaders in sustainability. Yet, no one organization has all the answers about how to solve climate change. Overcoming this challenge will require a deep commitment to collaboration – and action.  

We’ve seen effective climate collaboration become increasingly commonplace. We need look no further than the OIA’s Climate Action Corps CoLabs to observe this in our industry, and many collaborative initiatives have emerged outside our industry. I encourage any brand looking to build momentum in their sustainability efforts to consider how they can participate in collaborative initiatives with other organizations. 

I’ve been inspired to see so many brands, big and small, rise to the occasion in taking climate action. REI recently partnered with OIA and Change Climate to host climate workshops to provide guidance to brand partners. Some of the most engaged brands were also the smallest. Several mom-and-pop brands, some with only a handful of employees, made massive progress in their climate efforts: measuring their emissions, setting reduction targets, and putting in place action plans to reduce their emissions. It was a powerful reminder that taking action is simply a choice. No brand is too small to have an impact. 

As we look to the latter half of the decade, we have more tools than ever to make meaningful progress in our fight against climate change. We’re seeing the rapid emergence of next-generation materials that offer significant carbon savings. We’re seeing more opportunities to collaborate with our suppliers to transition away from high-emitting manufacturing processes and bring more clean energy online in our supply chains. And we’re seeing new tools like The Climate Label emerge that promise to spur climate action and enable brands to connect with our customers in new ways. 

I’m excited for what’s ahead, and I look forward to collaborating with this community to steward the outdoors we all love for generations to come.  

Greg Gausewitz 

Sr. Manager, Product Sustainability at REI 

Co-Chair, Climate Action Corps Advisory Council 

Solid Economy, Cautious Consumers: Outdoor Retail Confronts Challenges

Despite slowing inflation and a healthier overall economy, the outdoor retail market continues to face challenges. From shifting consumer behavior to cautious spending habits, there remains significant growth opportunities for outdoor industry businesses as we head into the new year. Read on to get a high-level overview of the trends driving the outdoor economy, as detailed in our recent State of the Outdoor Market Report Winter 2024.  

GDP is up, But OUtdoor Retail Sales REmain Low

The U.S. economy is showing signs of growth, with GDP increasing by 2.8% in Q3, low unemployment at 4.2%, and wages steadily rising. Inflation is under control at 2.6%, and consumer sentiment remains high. Yet, despite these positive economic indicators, the outdoor retail market has seen a 5% dip in sales for the July-September period, totaling $6.2 billion. 

Shifting Consumer Behavior: From Big-Ticket Items to Casual Gear

One notable trend is a shift from high-ticket outdoor gear—such as kayaks and camping equipment—to more casual and affordable products. Consumers are prioritizing items like road running shoes, casual apparel, and insulated cups. These products cater to the growing number of casual outdoor participants who enjoy activities like hiking, biking, or park visits, but don’t require specialized gear. 

Holiday Shopping Outlook: Small Retailers Shine

The holiday shopping season presents a potential bright spot for the outdoor market. Interestingly, many outdoor consumers are turning to small retailers this season. Over half plan to shop at smaller stores, seeking personalized service and expertise. For independent outdoor brands, this trend presents a valuable opportunity. 

Challenges in Outdoor Retail Sales

Despite the positive outlook for the holidays, outdoor product sales in September 2024 were down across the board. The decline affected every major sales channel, including large retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods and REI, as well as online sales. Categories such as hiking boots, trail running shoes, and outerwear saw sharp decreases in both units sold and revenue. 

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Outdoor Brands?

While the broader economy remains strong, outdoor retailers face an uphill battle in 2024. The shift toward casual outdoor gear, combined with a more cautious consumer mindset, suggests that sales may remain flat or even dip. For brands to succeed, they’ll need to focus on more affordable products, adapt to the growing number of casual participants, and leverage the trend toward small-business shopping during the holidays. 

Conclusion: A Market in Transition

The outdoor retail market is experiencing a shift, with consumers increasingly opting for casual outdoor gear rather than expensive, specialized equipment. The economic landscape remains positive overall, but inflation and changing consumer behavior are driving a more cautious approach to spending. Outdoor brands that understand and adapt to these trends—by offering more affordable, casual products and tapping into the holiday shopping momentum—will be better positioned to thrive in 2024 and beyond. 

Helly Hansen, Columbia Sportswear, and L.L. Bean Collaborate to Reduce Supply Chain Emissions and Protect the Planet

These outdoor brands came together, in partnership with their suppliers, to reduce emissions across the outdoor industry value chain.

To reach a more sustainable future, we must take bold, collective action against climate change. Helly Hansen, Columbia Sportswear, and L.L. Bean came together through  Outdoor Industry Association’s (OIA) Carbon Leadership Project CoLab to cut carbon emissions across the industry’s supply chain. This collaboration, supported by the Apparel Impact Institute (Aii), focused on jointly reducing emissions across shared member supply chains. The OIA spearheaded the project and identified common suppliers among members, while Aii provided the framework of the Carbon Leadership Project to drive emission reduction efforts. 

“The Carbon Leadership Project guided our manufacturing partners in initiating their decarbonization journey.  Brand peers co-nominated suppliers to participate in the project, maximizing resources and driving momentum in carbon reduction.  Furthermore, the action plans were customized for participants based on their climate target maturity.  As long as the risk of climate change is not mitigated, we will continue to advocate for the Carbon Leadership Project” Ian Lee, Sustainable Manufacturing Program Manager at Columbia Sportswear. 

Aii’s Carbon Leadership Project framework assists suppliers in measuring GHG emissions at the facility level, setting targets, and effectively reducing GHG emissions. This program not only aids members in achieving their climate objectives but also aligns with OIA’s mission to lead the charge in sustainable business innovation so that all people can thrive outside, today, and in future generations. Learn more about the Carbon Leadership Project here. 

Bryant LaPres, senior director of industry engagement at Apparel Impact Institute, adds “Through our work with the OIA, we demonstrated the value of collaboration between brands and suppliers. The OIA played a critical role in bringing this work from concept to action. Their member brands played an equally critical role, emphasizing alliance with shared suppliers rather than going alone. We are excited to move into implementation activities to achieve direct emissions reductions and look forward to the results”. 

The primary goals of the Carbon Leadership Project CoLab were to support shared suppliers across the outdoor industry in measuring their emissions and setting carbon reduction targets. Helly Hansen, Columbia Sportswear, and L.L. Bean nominated two shared suppliers to participate in the CoLab. OIA’s Impact CoLabs are collaborative, pre-competitive emissions reduction initiatives led by OIA and service providers. These initiatives help members meet their sustainability goals more efficiently and cost-effectively by working together. 

Carbon Leadership Project CoLab Steps + Impact

Launched in 2022, the Carbon Leadership Project aimed to work with shared suppliers on setting science-aligned reduction targets and creating reduction action plans to achieve their targets. 
 
CoLab Milestones 

1. Supplier nomination and overlap assessment: Members submitted facilities of interest, OIA completed an overlap mapping exercise to seek shared suppliers to maximize impact  

2. Carbon tech assessment: Aii and their service provider partner, RESET Carbon, completed benchmarking for the nominated facilities to identify carbon saving potential and define next steps  

3. Carbon Target Setting: RESET Carbon collaborated with suppliers to identify their carbon reduction potential and set reduction targets  

4. Reduction Action Plan: A carbon reduction plan tailored to each facility was created 

5. Brand engagement with suppliers to implement reduction action plan (in progress)  

The Carbon Leadership Project CoLab supported facilities in completing a carbon tech assessments to benchmark their emissions and set reduction targets.  The final product was a tailored carbon reduction plan for each facility to reach its target.  Member brands are engaging with their suppliers to implement these reduction action plans. 

“The Carbon Leadership Project CoLab provided organizations with skills and tools to measure, monitor and report on their partnered facility’s carbon emissions. It allowed the organization to establish a clear baseline and achievable targets”, Grace Wong, Senior Sustainability Specialist Traceability, Helly Hansen. 

The decarbonization opportunities identified in the reduction action plans were prioritized based on their total emissions reduction potential and expected implementation timeline. The roadmaps were delivered via an Excel-based tool, where suppliers could input their intent and prioritization for implementing solutions. The tool also provided estimates of costs, return on investment, and tailored considerations to address before implementation to reduce risks. 

Pre-Competitive Collaboration: OIA’s Impact CoLabs  

Climate change is one of, if not the most, crucial issues the outdoor industry faces today. If there is not a thriving environment to recreate in, outdoor businesses do not have a future. Collaboration is necessary to significantly reduce climate impacts in the outdoor industry; the problem is too large for individual companies to solve on their own. Companies must work together to decarbonize the global supply chain, and OIA provides an avenue with a clear path to do just that. OIA’s Impact CoLabs are collaborative, pre-competitive, emissions reduction initiatives led by OIA and service providers to help members meet their sustainability goals in less time and with less cost by working together.  Through OIA’s six Impact CoLabs, 19 OIA members have invested in collaborative emissions reduction projects across their supply chains – working collectively to maximize impact and protect our planet.

 “The Carbon Leadership Project CoLab empowered members to take bold, collective climate action. OIA understands that tackling climate goals and reducing emissions can be daunting for individual companies, but we believe in the power of working together. By uniting to create shared solutions, we can accelerate progress and achieve significant emissions reductions. Through initiatives like the CLP CoLab, OIA supports members in reducing emissions across their supply chains”, said Breana Nehls, OIA Sustainable Business Innovation Manager. “Together, we are catalysts for sustainable growth.” 

 Learn more about OIA’s CoLabs and how you can catalyze meaningful change with us at outdoorindustry.org/sustainablebusiness.

 

 

New EPA Reporting Rule to Require 12 Years of PFAS Data from Manufacturers and Importers

Snowy ascent

By James Pollack, OIA Clean Chemistry and Materials Coalition Legislative Advisor, Attorney at Marten Law

In October 2023, EPA finalized a rule that will require reporting on PFAS in all articles manufactured or imported into the United States from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2022. You can view the rule here.

The final rule, adopted under the Toxic Substances Control Act, establishes this one-time reporting requirement. Manufacturers and importers of any articles containing PFAS must investigate and certify to EPA the amount of PFAS that they have manufactured or imported into the United States during the reporting period. The specific content of the report for each year will include the following information:

1). Chemical information such as:

a). Chemical identity of the PFAS in the article (the specific chemical name, if known, or otherwise a generic name or description of the PFAS if the specific chemical name is confidential business information or unknown)

b). Chemical identification number

c). Trade name or common name, if applicable, of the chemical

d). Representative molecular structure for any PFAS not in Class 1 of the Toxics Release Inventory

2). Import production volume of the imported article (in units or weight)

3). Industrial processing and use of the article, if any

4). Consumer and commercial use of the article, if any (e.g., product category, functional use of category, maximum PFAS concentration in product, whether children are intended users)

The above information reflects a more streamlined form available to article importers. Domestic manufacturers have a more detailed reporting obligation.

Who is covered under the new PFAS Reporting Rule?

The PFAS Reporting Rule covers nearly all importers and manufacturers. It only offers a narrow set of exemptions for products like pesticides, food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, as well as municipal waste importers. Otherwise, reporting is required.

How hard do you have to work to collect this information?

The due diligence standard for collecting information is “to the extent it is known or reasonable ascertainable.” That includes “all information in a person’s possession or control, plus all information that a reasonable person similarly situated might be expected to possess, control, or know.” Manufacturers and importers may also make reasonable estimates based on other information in their possession.  EPA has issued several guidance documents further elaborating the standard.

What can I do about it?

Build a team with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in this search. Appoint a team leader who can coordinate the search. Include a cross-section of business functions that may have knowledge of where to find relevant information—that may include product designers, supply chain relationship managers, marketers, and IT department members. Bring in outside expertise, including legal support, to help engage in this record search as well as to support in the documentation of the search. Make a comprehensive search plan, and document the search and conclusions in case that information is needed in the future.

What if my suppliers have the information?

It may be the case that your brand does not know the chemical content of your product, even if you know (or suspect) that the product contains PFAS. This can particularly be true for article importers, or those who work with specialized chemical suppliers that use proprietary chemistries. The PFAS Reporting Rule provides an entirely new process for joint reporting where a reporter can identify a relevant supplier that would be better positioned to provide EPA with information on the chemical content of the relevant product. Depending on the results of your due diligence efforts, joint submission may be the best path forward to provide responsive information to the agency.

Will my reported information be made public?

EPA plans to make portions of the information public so that state and federal agencies may set priorities for regulation and to help consumers avoid specific products. Whether or not EPA makes records public on its own, submissions may become subject to public records requests. EPA expects that the PFAS data it collects could potentially be used by the public, including consumers wishing to know more about the products they purchase, communities with environmental justice concerns, and government agencies to take appropriate steps to reduce potential risk. As a result, your brand may consider whether to submit a confidential business information (CBI) claim to protect submitted information.

What is the timeline for complying with this rule?

Overall, about 18 months. The submission period opens on November 12, 2024, with the general submission deadline on May 8,2025. Certain small manufacturers and importers will receive an additional six months to comply.

How can OIA support me?

We at OIA are committed to supporting members as they engage in this reporting process. OIA will keep its membership up to date on any developments and is looking to develop a guide to help brands understand their reporting obligations. Look out for that guide in the coming months.

Need support keeping up with chemical reporting rules and evolving sustainability legislation? Join OIA’s Clean Chemistry and Materials Coalition to access advice from legislative and chemicals experts along with a community of other outdoor brands, manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers working to eliminate and replace harmful chemicals from their supply chains.

About James Pollack

James Pollack is an attorney at Marten Law based in Seattle, WA, whose practice focuses on consumer product regulatory compliance, emerging contaminants, and environmental review. James leads the firm’s consumer products regulatory practice and helps consumer product manufacturers in a wide array of industries that are working to understand the complicated and shifting regulatory and litigation environments surrounding emerging contaminants. He has extensive knowledge on PFAS regulatory compliance at the federal and state level. James’s clients include textile and apparel manufacturers, outdoor recreational product manufacturers, food product manufacturers, and retailers. He also works with industry associations to update membership on regulatory developments.

 

 

 

Read more from James on PFAS:

About James

PFAS PHASE-OUT: 5 KEY STEPS FOR YOUR OUTDOOR BRAND

Can Orange Juice Claim to be Green?

PFAS in Consumer Products are Targeted by State Regulators and Class Action Plaintiffs

What Is in EPA’s Billion Dollar PFAS Reporting Rule?

California Bans PFAS in Apparel, Textiles, Cosmetics

Washington is Latest State to Ban PFAS in Consumer Products 

Regulation of PFAS in Consumer Products 

 

History & Accomplishments

History & Accomplishments

The Origins and Leadership of Outdoor Industry Association

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a trade association born out of the industry’s desire to be individually recognized as a business community of strength.  As this new “active outdoor lifestyle” tradeshow grew, it was more and more evident that this was a group without a trade association to represent it. The initial formation meetings for the association (then called Outdoor Recreation Coalition of America, or ORCA) occurred in the late 1980s, but the association was finally incorporated in 1989 and received its 501(c)(6) non-profit status in 1992.

 

The original founders (Adventure 16, Backwoods, Brookwood Companies, DuPont, Eastern Mountain Sports, Elephant’s Perch, JanSport, Patagonia, Rainier Mountaineering, Inc., Recreational Equipment Inc., Sierra Designs, Summit Sports, The North Face, and Wild Country) conceived of an organization that was inclusive and far more than just a manufacturers association. Thus, the word “coalition” was included in the original name to emphasize the importance of a complete spectrum of members in the industry, ranging from manufacturers and sales representatives to retailers and suppliers. This strategic decision represents the recognition that an inclusive membership was essential, and the original agendas of building participation in outdoor recreation and reducing liability were too large to be contained within the numerous smaller segments of the industry.

 

As with most budding associations, OIA operations were initially driven through volunteer efforts. The Outdoor Retailer tradeshow supplied the first significant source of consistent annual funding for the association. From this funding and the growing membership dues, the first staff and programs emerged.

 

Today, more than 30 years later, OIA continues to serve as the trusted convenor, resource, and voice of the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves manufacturers, suppliers, sales representatives, and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation, and outdoor participation. The association provides its members with insights, advocacy, and opportunities for action that support the long-term success of outdoor businesses and ensure the outdoor experience for all.

Who we are

Not A MEMBER?

1989 -1996

  • Incorporated and formed the association (originally as Outdoor Recreation Coalition of America) and received official non-profit, 501(c)(6) status
  • Formed a partnership with the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association’s (SGMA) Washington Office and the SGMA Outdoor Products Council. SGMA provided significant funding for numerous projects, including all of ORCA’s publications and the new State of the Industry Report
  • Started the Climb Smart consumer risk awareness program with posters, public service announcements, stickers, and regional events
  • Entered into an exclusive endorsement agreement with Outdoor Retailer
  • Held the National Summit on Outdoor Recreation, the industry’s introduction to Washington, D.C.
  • Specialty Groups Form and association begins distribution of standards for climbing walls
  • Introduced the Climbing Gym Association (CGA)
  • Introduced the Climbing Wall Industry Group (CWIG) and CWIG
  • Helped form Leave No Trace, Inc., with a generous grant and in-kind support

1996 – 2001

  • Led the movement to oppose and defeat the proposed Backpack Tax
  • Completed the industry’s first Retail Distribution Study
  • Released the first edition of the Accepted Industry Practices handbook, a compilation of gym operating procedures
  • Helped form Americans for Our Heritage and Recreation, a coalition of conservation and recreation groups that support full funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
  • Released the first Climbing Gym Market Data Report
  • Held the strategic planning session that refocused ORCA as a trade association
  • Released the first annual Outdoor Recreation Participation Study
  • Formed the Tornado Emergency Relief Fund and raised over $100,000 to support victims and businesses struck by the tornado during Outdoor Retailer
  • Launched the support of the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), part of the Conservation & Reinvestment Act (CARA) bill
  • Frank Hugelmeyer appointed Executive Director (April 2000)
  • Formed the Outdoor Industry Foundation, a 501(c)(3) to house Pew grant and future youth outreach initiatives
  • Received a $1 million grant from the Pew Charitable Trust to help lead the fight to protect America’s roadless areas
  • The revamped WebNews receives the national 2000 ASAE Gold Circle Award for association marketing excellence

2001 – 2005

  • Changed name to Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and completed repositioning of organization as a focused trade association
  • OIA chairs the national coalition of organizations focused on ensuring the permanent funding of LWCF through the Conservation and Recreation Act (CARA)
  • Launched the Friend of the Outdoor Industry Award for elected officials who demonstrate support for the industry
  • Realized the passage of CARA into law and the initial full funding of the $12 billion CARA legislation
  • Received initial seed grant from REI to begin an industry-wide youth outreach initiative within the Foundation
  • OIA’s State of the Industry Report received the 2001 ASAE Gold Circle Award for best annual report from an association
  • Launched the Roadless Postcard Campaign to help protect America’s last remaining roadless areas, and delivered over 10,000 comments to the administration
  • Challenged Utah Governor Mike Leavitt and his legal settlement with the Department of Interior that established how BLM lands were managed at a national level
  • Provided initial support to the Outdoor Industry Women’s Coalition (OIWC) with co-location, leadership assistance, and a generous foundational grant   
  • Provided launch and separation grants to CGA and CWIG in 2003
  • Hosted the 1st annual OIA Capitol Summit lobby event in Washington, D.C.
  • Launched the inaugural Outdoor Industry Breakfast attracting 500 attendees
  • Launched OIA education seminars at Outdoor Retailer on retail management, B2B, fair labor and marketing
  • Produced Exploring the Active Lifestyle and Participants with Potential benchmark consumer outreach research that identified how to get Americans active and which activities provided a gateway to the lifestyle (Harris Interactive and Yankelovich)
  • Launched and sponsored Get Fit with US Event with Secretary of Interior Gale Norton, Administration and Federal Agencies officials, and introduced the concept to the USFS, BLM and President’s Council on Physical Fitness

2005 – 2009

  • Launched the first-ever industry-wide international outdoor products trade initiatives, successfully defeated a petition to place safeguards on performance outerwear jackets and pants, and reduced performance footwear duties by 27.5 percent
  • In cooperation with a broad coalition of partners, successfully lobbied for the Recreation Trails Program in the 2005 Transportation Bill which increased funding from $250 million over the previous five years to $370 million for the next five, providing dollars for creating and improving trails in all 50 states
  • Released the first-ever Fair Labor Tool Kit and B2B standards for the industry
  • Hosted the first ever Eco Index Forum to develop green and sustainable outdoor product development and labeling standards
  • Launched the following successful youth outreach programs and tools to the industry:
    • Getting Women Active Toolkit for the Trade
    • Getting Youth Active Toolkit for the Trade
    • The Participation Study and Next Generation of Outdoor Participants
    • Hispanic Community and Outdoor Recreation
    • OIF website
    • Teens Outside, the Great American Backyard Campout and Outdoor Idols
  • Completed a 15-year multi-million-dollar strategic partnership sponsor agreement with Nielsen Expositions that doubled the annual investment in industry programs and expanded member input and benefits at the tradeshows
  • Launched the first-ever performance apparel trade bill designed to reduce import duties and invest in sustainable manufacturing techniques
  • In partnership with Secretary of Interior Dirk Kempthorne and the National Parks Conservation Association, successfully passed the $200 million Centennial Initiative designed to prepare the National Parks for the next 100 years
  • Launched expanded Outdoor University retail training seminars at Outdoor Retailer, regional sale rep trade shows and the Outdoor Industry Rendezvous
  • Expanded the Teens Outside programs to 28 locations, introducing over 3000 kids to new outdoor sports adventures
  • Briefed the Republican and Democratic presidential campaigns on outdoor industry policy interests regarding recreation appropriations and international trade
  • Formed the OIA Political Action Committee

2009 – 2013

  • Partnered with AAFA to introduce the Affordable Footwear Act to significantly reduce duties on technical outdoor footwear
  • Established the OIA Internet Counterfeit Task Force to support outdoor industry businesses in fighting the growing threat of online counterfeits and rogue websites
  • Formed the Sustainability & Fair Labor Advisory Council and the International Trade Advisory Council
    • Launched quarterly trade visits to Capitol Hill
    • Completed the development of the first global Eco Index for apparel, footwear, and equipment
    • Developed guidelines and metrics for water, waste, and energy
    • Launched the packaging guidelines
  • Positioned OIA as a major partner with the President’s Green Cabinet and America’s Great Outdoors Initiative, and partnered with Outdoor Alliance to host America’s Great Outdoors Homegrown Listening Sessions to focus on recreation and submitted a report to the Obama administration
  • Outdoor University launched, offering more than 30 webinars and training more than 1500 retail and manufacturer executives
  • Continued expansion of OIA Political Action Committee (OIAPAC) with a 92-percent success rate in the 2010 elections
  • Developed and launched VantagePoint, the official new point-of-sale research for the outdoor industry which provided the first near real-time, full-market view of all channels of distribution (sales data was available monthly and included tracking of nine channels and nearly 10,000 retail doors)
  • Launched Outdoor Nation to engage youth in outdoor recreation, kicked off Youth Summit with 500 youth delegates in New York City, and expanded the program the following year with a five-city tour
  • U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar speaks to more than 750 industry leaders at the 2010 OIA-hosted Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Industry Breakfast
  • OIA joined Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy (BICEP) to show industry support for comprehensive climate change legislation
  • Eco-Index named one of the “Ten Most Hopeful Green Business Stories of 2010” by greenbiz.com; partnerships established with European Outdoor Group (EOG) and Sustainable Apparel Coalition to continue the development, participation, and adoption of the tool

2013 – 2017

  • Established a full-time D.C.-based office for Government Affairs
  • Celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the OIA Sustainability Working Group (SWG), an industry collaboration developed to ensure and continually improve the high standards of environmental and social responsibility that consumers have come to expect of the outdoor industry.
  • The Sustainability Working Group launched new tools for chemicals management, materials traceability and equipment indexing that companies can use to reduce brand exposure and measure and improve the sustainability of their products
  • The Outdoor Foundation exceeded $2 million in annual revenue for the first time and launched the Outsider’s Ball—an industry fundraising event that attracted more than 1,000 industry leaders to the inaugural gala
  • Launched the Made in America working group to facilitate discussion about how outdoor industry companies can manufacture or source more products and/or components domestically
  • Secured significant changes to the short supply list under consideration in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations to ensure outdoor products receive maximum benefits in the pending Pacific Rim trade agreement
  • Provided more than 100 educational sessions to more than 5,000 industry executives through OIA’s education platforms including online offerings, in-person conferences, and Outdoor Retailer seminars through the Outdoor University programs
  • Received a National Leadership Award from the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals (SORP) Award as recognition for OIA’s impact on outdoor recreation and the outdoor recreation profession
  • Frank Hugelmeyer resigned as president, and Steve Barker, founder and former CEO of Eagle Creek, appointed as interim executive director
  • Introduced OIA ConsumerVue, a digital online research tool that showcases findings from a first-of-its-kind, industry-level consumer segmentation study that looks into the world of outdoor through the eyes of the consumer
  • Appointed Amy Roberts as the new executive director of OIA
  • Selected 22 aspiring leaders as the first class of the Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy
  • In celebration of the National Parks Centennial, OIA launched #Parks4Kids in partnership with the Outdoor Foundation to get every 4th grader to a park
  • Reached over 60 colleges and got over 25,000 young people outside through the Outdoor Foundation’s Outdoor Nation Campus Challenge
  • MOU with Sustainable Apparel Coalition(SAC) announced providing shared objectives and goals around HIGG Index adoption, an environmental and social impact tool that is free to all members
  • Over 50 outdoor companies from Brooks Sports to Yakima signed a public commitment statement declaring their intention to use the Higg Index as the primary means to measure and communicate supply chain performance.
  • The bipartisan Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact (REC) Act was signed into law calling for the federal government to annually measure the outdoor recreation economy and the industry’s contribution to our nation’s GDP

2017 – present

  • Launched the Together We Are a Force campaign showcasing the collaborative spirit of the industry by featuring outdoor industry professionals who have come together, even if competitors, to do great things
  • Released The Outdoor Recreation Economy report, the largest and most comprehensive research of its kind, that reported the outdoor recreation economy generates $887 billion in consumer spending annually, sustains 7.6 million American jobs and generates $65.3 billion in federal tax revenue and $59.2 billion in state and local tax revenue each year
  • Launched the OIA Advocacy Center, giving members and constituents key information, access to their congressional elected officials, and actions they can take to influence change
  • Led the March for Public Lands that rallied over 3,000 outdoor industry professionals in front of the Utah State Capitol to show support for protecting public lands
  • Kicked off the Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy, a six-month immersive experience for the next generation of outdoor industry leaders.
  • In collaboration with POW and Mountainfilm, hosted the inaugural Outdoor Industry Climate Leadership Summit to engage the outdoor industry voice in the crucial fight against climate change
  • Led executives from more than 350 outdoor businesses to jointly submit a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke asking him to protect national monuments and public lands that are critical infrastructure for outdoor businesses
  • Released first-ever congressional-level Outdoor Recreation Economy reports for all 435 congressional districts
  • Lise Aangeenbrug, veteran conservation champion, named the Outdoor Foundation’s new executive director
  • Released the State of Sustainability in the Outdoor Industry report surveying 120 individual small, midsize, and large companies in the outdoor industry to quantify the outdoor industry’s sustainability impact.
  • VF Foundation, Patagonia, and Thule kicked off a multimillion-dollar funding effort for the Outdoor Foundation to get more kids and families outside (less than a year later, REI and Wolverine Worldwide joined the founding donors to support the initiative)
  • Released first-ever OIA Congressional Scorecard as a part of the Vote the Outdoors program, highlighting congressional voting records on public lands, climate change, and trade issues
  • Created the 501(c)4 organization Vote the Outdoors to support the election of outdoorists to Congress and governorships across the country
  • Outdoor Foundation launched Thrive Outside Community Initiative, which awards multi-year, capacity-building grants to diverse communities to build and strengthen networks that provide children and families with repeat and reinforcing experiences in the outdoors. This community-led initiative is built with trusted local and national partners and is supported by three years of funding.
  • Held successful Sustainability Bootcamps across the country to help support small to medium-sized outdoor industry organizations to build and grow their sustainability strategies
  • Released the first comprehensive economic report showing that outdoor companies and consumers paid an extra $1.1 billion due to new punitive Trump administration tariffs on Chinese imported goods
  • Through state-level lobbying efforts and industry coalition building, supported the creation of offices or task forces of outdoor recreation in 15 states
  • OIA, REI, and Outdoor Recreation Roundtable joined together to support the creation of the Outdoor Recreation Learning Network to help governors and their staff explore strategies to leverage their unique natural, cultural and historical resources and help promote economic, social, and environmental benefits

The OIA Legacy

There are so many board members and other volunteers who have selflessly given their time over the years. OIA has their vision and leadership to thank for the growth and success of the association and industry. The following industry leaders have served as association chairpersons:

 

1989 to 1993

Board Chairs: Konnie Self, A16; and Denise Friend, REI (exact years unknown)

 

1993 to 1994

Board Chair: Dick Holcombe, Woolrich

 

1994 to 1996

Board Chair: Steve Pfeiffer, President, Mountain Equipment, Inc. (MEI)

 

1996 to 1999

Board Chair: Dunham Gooding, President, American Alpine Institute

 

1999 to 2001

Board Chair: Sally McCoy, President, Sierra Designs

 

2001 to 2003

Board Chair: Steve Barker, President, Eagle Creek

 

2003 to 2005

Board Chair: Lee Fromson, President, Cascade Designs

 

2005 to 2007

Board Chair: Kim Coupounas, CEO, GoLite

 

2007 to 2009

Board Chair: Mike Wallenfels, President, Mountain Hardwear

 

2009 to 2011

Board Chair: Dan Templin, CFO, VF Outdoors

 

2011 to 2013

Board Chair: Will Manzer, CEO, Eastern Mountain Sports

 

2013 to 2015

Board Chair: Jennifer Mull, CEO, Backwoods

 

2015 to 2017

Board Chair: Gordon Seabury, CEO, Toad&Co

 

2017 to 2019

Board Chair: Travis Campbell, GM Americas, The North Face

 

2019 to 2021

Board Chair: Nora Stowell, Fabric Sales and Marketing Divisional Leader, W.L. Gore & Associates

 

2021 to present

Board Chair: Phyllis Grove, Helen of Troy, SVP Marketing (Hydro Flask and OXO)

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