Type: Articles

Groups will be awarded $100,000 to fund community efforts over the next two years

 The Conservation Alliance (TCA), the leading conservation group organizing businesses to protect land and water, is excited to announce the launch of the Confluence Program for 2022. TCA will award four multi-year grants to groups led by Asian, Black, Brown, Hispanic, Indigenous, Latin American, or additional communities who identify as people of color working to protect a natural place. Each grantee will receive $50,000 in 2022 and another $50,000 in 2023 for their efforts to protect or conserve land and/or water to foster a planet where natural places, wildlife and people can thrive together.  

“Great things happen when a diverse coalition of voices and perspectives come together to champion solutions that balance the best interests of land and water, wildlife and people,” said Josie Norris, grant program director, TCA. “Our network of partners includes few groups representing historically racially excluded people and it’s critical that we intentionally connect with these groups for the protection of natural places.”

The program name “Confluence” represents the merging of private businesses making up the 270-member network and the diversity of organizations doing conservation work. Under the guidelines of the Confluence Program, a committee of seven advisory members will review proposals and select grantees by the end of 2022. To qualify for funding, groups and projects must meet the following criteria:

1. Applying groups must self-identify as led by historically racially excluded people (Asian, Black, Brown, Hispanic, Indigenous, Latin American, or additional communities who identify as people of color). Applications from organizations working with mixed status immigrant families are welcome.
2. Projects must protect or conserve land and/or water in their efforts to foster a planet where natural places, wildlife, and people can thrive together.
3. Projects must be able to demonstrate how they are centering solutions led by impacted communities.
4. Group should be less likely to receive money from mainstream funders, with a maximum organizational operating budget of $500,000.

“People of color are leading incredible work across the country to protect natural spaces that are often under the radar from mainstream funders,” said Janelle Hillhouse, Confluence Committee co-chair and program officer at REI Cooperative Action Fund. “As a result, this year’s advisory committee is prioritizing conservation groups led by people of color with annual revenues of less than $500,000. We’re excited to be a part of a program helping to create a more vibrant and inclusive conservation movement led by impacted communities.”

New to the program this year, TCA will prioritize projects that include an intersectional approach to conservation that addresses the social and environmental needs of a community; nearby nature initiatives that are accessible by public transportation; projects where communities come together to honor ancestral lands; and groups working in collaboration with others to protect land or water.

“Everyone deserves the right to clean air and water. Our goal for the Confluence Program is to leverage the strengths of this conservation movement and ensure that diverse voices in the communities who are doing the work are not only being heard but are also being included and invested in with everyone else,” said Shoren Brown, interim executive director, TCA.

The application period for the Confluence Programs opens on September 13, 2022. To learn more about the grant program or to apply, please visit: https://www.conservationalliance.com/confluence/

About The Conservation Alliance: 

The Conservation Alliance is an organization of 270 like-minded businesses whose collective contributions support grassroots environmental organizations and their efforts to protect wild places where outdoor enthusiasts recreate. Alliance funds have played a key role in protecting rivers, trails, wildlands, and climbing areas throughout North America. Membership in the Alliance is open to all companies who care about protecting our most threatened wild places for habitat and outdoor recreation. Since 1989, we have contributed more than $27,370,000 in grants to conservation organizations whose collective efforts have helped protect 73 million acres of land and 3,580 miles of rivers; stop or remove 37 dams; acquire 21 climbing areas; and designate five marine reserves. For complete information about The Conservation Alliance, visit www.conservationalliance.com. 

 

This fall, award-winning camping equipment manufacturer Sierra Designs will proudly sponsor two expeditions to Mount Everest Basecamp: one with multi-platinum singer-songwriter Mike Posner led by brand ambassador and alpinist Dr. Jon Kedrowski in October, and another led by Kedrowski in November. Unlike other treks to Everest Basecamp, these expeditions will include guided breathwork and meditation sessions, acoustic performances, and cultural enrichment while also benefiting the local communities by employing local guides, porters, and teahouse owners. Ensuring all participants have the quality gear necessary for a technical trek, Sierra Designs will provide Whitney Hoodies for all trekkers, guide staff, and porters for both expeditions. Additionally, trekkers will get deep discounts on other select items needed for the adventures. 

 

Since 2009, Grammy® nominated singer and songwriter Mike Posner has quietly become one of the world’s most successful and recognizable voices. He’s also a budding alpinist. After 18 months of rigorous training, at 4:35am on June 1st, 2021, Posner reached the top of Mt. Everest guided by Dr. Jon Kedrowski, Dawa Dorje Sherpa, and Dawa Chirring Sherpa. In support of the climb, Posner raised over $250,000 for the Detroit Justice Center, which aims to reduce poverty, end mass incarceration, and build thriving communities in his hometown of Detroit, Michigan. Transformed by his experience, the multi-platinum artist became determined to share this life-changing trek with his fanbase, and put out a call for participants. After reviewing over 500 applicants, 18 were chosen to participate in the expedition, and one was offered a full sponsorship for the program. Sierra Designs ambassador and accomplished alpinist Dr. Jon Kedroswki will guide the trek this October. “After working closely with Mike over the past couple of years, it was an absolute honor to help him reach the top of the world and experience such a powerful journey during that preparation for Everest,” says Kedrowski. “We hope to cultivate the same type of journey from that adventure, but bring it into this trip. Mike and I are really using this Everest Basecamp trekking experience to enrich the lives of all of our participants. I’m super excited to see how this type of curated adventure brings everyone together and allows each of our participants to leave with many life changing moments along the way.” 

As owner and founder of Dr. Jon’s Adventures, which leads expeditions to all corners of the globe, Dr. Jon Kedrowski has guided and climbed 6 of the 7 continental summits, including 5 expeditions to Mt. Everest between 2012-2021, as well as numerous 8000m peaks. Together, Posner and Dr. Kedrowski have combined their expertise in fitness, exploration, safety, positivity and guidance to design an immensely well-rounded trip that will hit all the notable Nepalese sights and places along the way. The trek will offer unparalleled opportunities, including guided Wim Hof method breathwork, acoustic performances, meditation sessions, massage therapy, outdoor yoga, and more with an emphasis on inner-peace, motivation, and the beauty of life. “We’re excited to be partnering with a team putting together such a unique trekking experience,” says Alexandra Black-Paulick, Marketing Manager for Sierra Designs. “This trip is a great fusion of experiencing rich cultural traditions and remarkable high alpine hiking, while focusing on enhancing the mental and emotional benefits of exploring outside. We are confident that all of the participants will come away from the expedition rejuvenated.”

 

Dr. Kedrowski will also lead another Everest Base Camp Trek in November. The trip starts in Kathmandu with a flight to Lukla, where the group will trek up to Everest Base Camp over 8-9 days, enjoying the scenery and culture of mountain villages along the way. There are two spots remaining for this trip — find more information or sign up here. For more information on Sierra Designs and brand ambassador Dr. Jon Kedrowski, contact Katie Richter at Katie@darbycommunications.com.

 

About Sierra Designs:

Born in California and bred on the trail, Sierra Designs has been on a mission to redefine how people interact with the outdoors since 1965. Today, that means creating equipment and apparel that is functional, beautiful, and most importantly, attainable. Our team believes that adventures should be within everyone’s reach, because it’s not only about the destination, it’s about the journey you take along the way. Find more information at www.sierradesigns.com.

 

 

525-Mile Charity Ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles Benefits the One in Four Americans with Arthritis

Arthritis Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Steven Taylor joined riders of The California Coast Classic + Arthritis Challenge Experience presented by Amgen as it rolled out from Fisherman’s Wharf last Saturday. The ride is making its way down Highway 1 currently and will conclude September 17 at a Finish Line Celebration in Los Angeles.

Taylor, who began leading the Arthritis Foundation eight months ago, took up road cycling to support the Foundation’s flagship fundraising event and show his solidarity with its 250+ riders and volunteers. “The CCC is like nothing I’ve ever seen,” he said. “I’m so inspired and impressed by this group’s dedication! I just had to experience it myself.”

Now in its 22nd year, the California Coast Classic is a boutique, bucket-list bicycle tour that showcases the scenery of one of the world’s most fabled coastlines and travels the iconic California Highway 1. This year, there are 267 participants from 24 U.S. states, Canada, and Great Britain. The group’s 2022 fundraising total is currently $1.06 million, with more donations expected through the November 1 end of the campaign.

Each rider must meet a minimum fundraising goal to participate in the tour, which supports the 60 million Americans and 300,000 kids and teens with arthritis. The funds allow the Arthritis Foundation to increase quality of life with advocacy, improved access to health care, kids’ summer camps, arthritis conferences, and more – and to support research for better treatments and a cure for arthritis. Many CCC riders either have arthritis or are riding for a loved one with the autoimmune disease that affects one in four Americans.

Throughout CCC’s long history, presenting sponsor Amgen, one of the world’s preeminent biotechnology companies, has provided financial support for the ride and encouraged its employees to participate in it. This year, Team Amgen comprises 25 riders from seven states.

Additional partners of the 2022 California Coast Classic Bike Tour are: Champion-Level Partners GO Sleeves, Horizon, Visit Cambria, Cycle Central Coast, DePuy Synthes, and Pfizer and Prestige-Level Partners Safeway Foundation and Setpoint Medical.

More information about the bike tour, including its detailed itinerary, is available at the California Coast Classic website and in this short video. The self-paced pedaling adventure is open to cyclists of all levels and welcoming of e-bike riders. It is Gran Fondo Guide’s “Best Charity Bike Tour” and has been named one of “The 30 Best Road Biking Trips” by Outside Magazine.

The dates of the 2023 California Coast Classic are September 30 – October 7 and registration is available at this link.

About the Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is fighting for all people who live with arthritis. As a Champion of Yes, the Arthritis Foundation’s mission is to turn the obstacles arthritis causes into opportunities. The Arthritis Foundation champions life-changing solutions and medical advancements, and provides ways for people to connect, break down barriers in health care and join the fight for a cure — uniting hearts, minds, and resources to change the future of arthritis. To join the fight to cure arthritis, visit arthritis.org.

About the California Coast Classic Bike Tour
The Arthritis Foundation’s California Coast Classic Bicycle Tour Presented by Amgen, “The Ride of a Lifetime”, is the winner of Gran Fondo Guide’s Best Charity Bike Tour Award. It began in 2001 and is the flagship fundraising bike tour of the Arthritis Foundation, raising over $1 million dollars annually for resources and research to find better treatments and a cure for arthritis. Beginner and experienced cyclists are encouraged to join the 8-day, fully-supported, 525-mile journey down the coast of California from San Francisco to Los Angeles from September 30 – October 7, 2023 and registration information can be found here. Supporters who cannot come to the in-person tour are invited to join the Arthritis Challenge Experience, a choose-your-own adventure that connects participants to the vibrant CCC community. For more information, visit arthritis.org/californiacoastclassic.  

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Norrøna, the four-season Norwegian outdoor brand known for its sustainably built, premium outerwear, announces its goal to create a catalyst for change in environmental and social responsibility with 10 transparent and ambitious responsibility goals across all parts of the business to align with its upcoming 100-year anniversary. This 2029 Responsibility Roadmap takes the entire value chain into account when measuring, tracking progress, publishing and making forward-thinking steps toward decreasing Norrøna’s environmental impact and creating a best-in-class workplace.

“We aim to be fully transparent about our goals and how we’re working to achieve them. By sharing our learnings and implementing an aggressive responsibility standard, our objective is to benefit the greater outdoor industry and reduce our impact on the planet,” says Norrøna CEO Jørgen Jørgensen. “We are taking both baby steps and giant leaps toward our 100-year anniversary, which involves 100% employee involvement. We don’t have all the answers, but we have the right mindset and right people leading us toward an even more responsible future at Norrøna and across our industry.”

“Since establishing our responsibility roadmap in 2014, Norrøna has embarked on a journey to improve as a business and make the least amount of impact across our industry and on our environment,” says Brad Boren, chief sustainability officer and director of innovation at Norrøna. “Creating products makes an impact, but our aim is to find solutions we can implement both internally and externally with partners like suppliers, as well as other brands, to minimize these impacts. This includes producing the most durable products, built with tested  materials with the lowest environmental impact, offering repairs when needed and creating the least amount of waste in the process.”

2029 Responsibility Roadmap Goals

Zero carbon footprint

Commitment to use specific science-based targets to measure greenhouse gas emissions and offset Norrøna’s carbon footprint with CO2 quotas, with a target of full carbon neutrality by 2029.

100% responsible materials

100% of materials will come from recycled, organically grown, sustainable bio-synthetics, waste bi-products, reprocessed materials, or responsible animal-based materials—all with third party validation.

Zero waste

100% of leftover material used to make Norrøna products will be reused, recycled, or reprocessed, utilizing a circular business model to prevent materials from going to waste.

100% of products will respect proper land use and biodiversity 

Norrøna aims to protect the biodiversity of all land and wildlife connected to its products to ensure business practices don’t lead to a reduction of forest, grasslands, soil erosion and wildlife disruption.

100% of products will respect animal freedoms

Norrøna will respect the five animal freedom clauses, including: freedom from hunger or thirst, freedom from discomfort, freedom from pain, injury, or disease, freedom to express normal behavior and freedom from fear and distress. All materials used will respect the Five Animal Freedoms and will have a valid third party verification.

100% of products are transparent, traceable and accountable

100% of products will be traceable, accountable and communicated by the use of third party verified tools, utilizing the most up to date science-based measuring systems to provide consumers with full transparency.

Zero hazardous chemicals

No hazardous chemicals will be released in the air, soil or water across the product supply chain, with all materials being chemically certified while using science-based mapping to measure chemical usage.

100% transparency and admirable working conditions for all workers

All workers in Norrøna’s value chain will earn a salary level that represents a fair living wage, and Norrøna will provide equal opportunities and treatment among women and men, a secure form of employment and safe working conditions with social protection. These actions will be consistently and clearly communicated with the public.

100% of workers will have their voices heard

All workers will be free to organize and participate in decisions that affect them and have access to grievance mechanisms. Norrøna will continue to be fully transparent about the value chain and verification from third-party auditors to document labor standards.

100% of sales will provide 1% to improve the planet and communities

1% of sales will support projects that significantly improve Norrøna’s social and environmental impact. Norrøna will contribute to causes dedicated to protecting nature and the wilderness, giving back to local communities and funding research that promotes sustainable innovation.

For more information and behind-the-scenes details on how sustainability has been a key element in Norrøna’s brand vision and growth from the very beginning, please visit https://www.norrona.com/en-GB/about-norrona/responsibility/roadmap-2029/how-we-work/.

For media inquiries, please contact Rob Steffens at rob.steffens@rygr.us.

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About Norrøna: In 1929, Jørgen Jørgensen, a Norwegian outdoor enthusiast, set Norrøna’s bearing: to search for the best in technical advancements, to create the ultimate in performance product. Today, four generations later, Norrøna is still a privately-held and family-operated company based in Oslo, Norway, seeking to redefine the meaning of fit, function and finish in sustainably sourced and built technical outerwear. www.norrona.com

DURANGO, Colo. (Sept. 8, 2022) — Visit Durango is excited to announce its inaugural Spoketober, a community cycling event that will take place throughout Durango and La Plata County, Colo. for the entire month of October 2022. Spoketober is a celebration of Durango’s tight-knit and passionate cycling community, highlighting the decades of dedication and sweat equity its residents have committed to make Durango one of the top cycling destinations in the nation  featuring over 300-miles of singletrack trails and being home to numerous Olympians. 

Spoketober Durango will bolster this cycling legacy and feature a wide variety of inclusive cycling centric events for all levels and disciplines, organized by local organizations, cycling teams, and retailers.

Spoketober is designed to be inclusive of all members of the cycling community and will include events such as a bike commuting empowerment group ride, a bicycle recycle and upcycle clinic, a costume bike parade with DEVO and a community cruise with the Adaptive Sports Association. Additional activities to participate in throughout the month include sweepstakes and giveaways, virtual events, bike races and other organized rides open to the community.

“Spoketober aims to bring together all aspects of Durango’s multi-faceted cycling community. We hope to create a fun month of programming for locals and visitors alike, all amid a time when Durango and La Plata County is flourishing with  incredible fall colors,” said Rachel Brown, Executive Director of Visit Durango. 

Spoketober will kick off on Oct. 3rd at 5 p.m. at Mountain Bike Specialists featuring a Meet & Greet with Durango Cycling Legend Ned Overend, Todd Wells, Payson McElveen, Howard Grotts, Ellen Campbell and other local pro riders. Other notable events include “Share the Love Cycle” Bicycle Recycle & Upcycle Event benefiting the Navajo Nation at Buckley Park on Oct. 7 – 9 and a Group Ride from Fort Lewis College to Buckley Park on Oct. 9. The month will finish with Durango Devo’s Kids Halloween Bike Parade on October 28 and a Homegrown Adventure Film Fest at the Durango Welcome Center on October 31. A full calendar of events can be found here. 

“Durango is a very special place for cyclists because of the trails we have and our cycling community. Our extensive trail system welcomes riders of all levels, beginners to professionals. Our cycling community is diverse, supportive and inclusive. Whatever bike you enjoy riding, Durango is a lovely place to be a cyclist!” said Rotem Ishay, Director of Team Durango Segment 28, a local development race team named after Segment 28 of the Colorado Trail which finishes in Durango.

• Oct. 3rd – Durango Cycling Legends Meet & Greet |  Mountain Bike Specialists | 5-7 p.m.
• Oct. 7-9 – “Share the Love Cycle” Bicycle Recycle & Upcycle Event | Buckley Park | 9 am – 3 pm
• Oct. 9 – Group Ride from Fort Lewis College to Buckley Park “Share the Love Cycle” Event | 12 pm Meet up at Fort Lewis College | 1 pm departure of the group ride
• Oct. 19 – Durango En Masse: Cycle Commuting Empowerment Group Ride | Meet at the Durango Welcome Center and Ride to Ska Brewing  |  5:30  – 7:30 pm
• Oct. 27 – Durango DEVO Kid’s Halloween Parade | Parade departs from the Rec Center at 4:00 pm and ends at the Durango Powerhouse for a Halloween Party and Fundraiser | 4 – 6:30 pm
• Oct. 28 – Bicycle Karaoke | 8th Ave Tavern | 9 pm – 1 am
• Oct. 31 – Homegrown Adventures Film Fest |  Durango Welcome Center | 6 – 8 pm

Participating organizations include: Durango Trails, the Adaptive Sports Association, Fort Lewis College Cycling Team, Team Segment 28, Bike Durango, the Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships, Durango  DEVO, Durango Hot Springs, and Mountain Bike Specialists. 

Enter to win a $7,000 Durango cycling adventure vacation package by entering the Spoketober Sweepstakes running from Sept. 7-Oct. 30. The prize package includes a 3-night hotel stay in Durango, a 3-day guided tour of Durango’s world class singletrack, a bike shop shopping spree, bike and helmet rentals for two, a trip to the Durango Hot Springs for 2, plus travel and meal  expenses. More details about entry can be found here. 

Be sure to follow Spoketober @SpoketoberDurango and use the #SpoketoberDurango hashtag to keep up to date with the latest events and giveaways. 

Images, b-roll, and logos can be downloaded here. 

To learn more and see the full schedule visit: SpoketoberDurango.com. 

About Spoketober Durango 

Spoketober Durango is an annual cycling celebration created by Visit Durango in 2022 with the mission to showcase the local community and commemorate their dedication and passion that made Durango, Colorado one of the top cycling destinations in the nation. Spoketober takes place the entire month of October and features a wide variety of cycling centric events organized by local organizations, cycling teams, and retailers. To learn more and see the full schedule visit: SpoketoberDurango.com. 

About Visit Durango 

Visit Durango is an independent nonprofit organization operating with the mission to promote Durango and La Plata County’s multitude of tourism attractions, events and services. The unbeatable combination of the iconic San Juan Mountains, art galleries, culinary fare, cultural and historic sites make it the perfect base of operations to explore Southwest Colorado. Experience Visit Durango’s full-service visitor center at the Durango Welcome Center, located at Main Avenue and 8th Street in the heart of historic downtown Durango, or online at durango.org. Follow @visitdurango on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

Inspirational and celebrated two-time World Champion big mountain skier and member of the USA Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame will share stories of his incredible career at Snowbound Expo, November 18-20, Boston Hynes Convention Center 

 (Sept. 6, 2022) – Chris Davenport has confirmed his attendance at Snowbound Expo, joining an incredible line up of inspirational speakers across three days at Snowbound Expo. Previously known as the Boston Ski & Snow Show and rebranded under new event organiser Raccoon Events in partnership with Snowsports Industries America (SIA), Snowbound Expo will return November 18-20, 2022 at the Boston Hynes Convention Center.

The World Champion Big Mountain skier will headline the Inspiration stage Saturday to share incredible feats from his career set to inspire visitors to the show. Affiliated brands, Peak Ski Company and SCARPA have confirmed their attendance at the expo November 18-20 and will be joined by Chris for VIP meet & greet at their booths. 

This news follows the announcement that Chris Davenport has joined Peak Ski Company’s executive leadership team as Senior Director of Skiing and Product Innovation. Earlier this year, Peak Ski Company cofounders, Bode Miller and Andy Wirth, launched the company and its 2022/23 lineup of high-performance Peak by Bode Miller alpine skis.

Davenport, a celebrated two-time World Champion big mountain skier and member of the USA Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame, has achieved multiple first descents on peaks around the world and is an experienced ski guide of more than 20 years. He has skied and led trips on all seven continents and many of the world’s highest peaks, including Denali and Mt. Everest. The first person to ski all 54 of Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks in less than a year, Davenport has also been featured in over 30 ski films by Warren Miller and Matchstick Productions and has served as a commentator for ESPN, ABC Sports and Outside Television, including as an Olympic and World Cup ski racing announcer. In addition to his remarkable success as a mountain athlete, Chris Davenport has served as an integral member of the SCARPA product development team for many years.

Davenport will join an impressive Snowbound line-up of Olympians, record breaking athletes and mountaineers set to share their career stories, adventures and skills across two stages including Olympic Alpine Skier Bode Miller, North Face rock climber & American mountaineer Conrad Anker, pioneer of extreme skiing, Dan Egan, athlete and storyteller Dani Reyes Acosta, Disability Access Strategist and athlete, Vasu Sojitra and more to be confirmed before being added to the full speaker list.

Plans for the hugely anticipated Snowbound Expo are ramping up and is set to be the biggest meet up for the ski and snowboard community since 2019. The expo is a chance for thousands of visitors to buy the latest gear, apparel, boots and tech all at discounted show prices. There will be free coaching, technical advice, plus chill out zones to meet up with friends before the season starts. 

Visitors will see The Seirus Inspiration Stage & Snow Skills Cabin sponsored by Boston.com, where an all-star line-up of speakers will share stories from their careers including Olympians, adventurers, and world record breakers. Visitors to the show can meet the VIPs to get photographs and autographs after their talks at the show as well.

Attending brands include Blizzard, Burton, Head/Tyrolia, Helly Hansen, Nordica, Salomon, Tecnica and many more. The full list can be seen on the show website www.snowboundexpo.com

Other features, free for visitors whilst enjoying a full day out, include an Indoor Slope to hone skills and technique, a Balance Board Area to trial different movements and test agility, Action Sports Live, and the Ikon Pass Alpine Bar for visitors to meet up with the community.

Day tickets are $15 but weekend passes (including Friday, Saturday & Sunday) are available for $30. Children under the age of 16 attend free – Tickets for Snowbound Expo in Boston from ShowClix 

If you are interested in exhibiting or sponsoring the show, please contact Stuart Dacre – stuart.dacre@raccoonevents.com 

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For all media enquiries contact Senior Marketing Manager, Chloe Hyland chloe.hyland@raccoonevents.com 

About Raccoon Events

Raccoon Events is a dynamic, high-growth events business focused on health and wellbeing markets. Our events are well-timed, community-driven, tightly focused and passion-led. They bring buyers and sellers together to see cutting edge innovations in a fun and exciting way. We set up Raccoon because we wanted to create exhibitions that offer something new and different in underserved markets that we understand and that we love. We believe that great events are about Community, Fun, Innovation and Excitement. Over the last 14 years we’ve run hundreds of exhibitions and conferences in key locations all over the world.

About Peak Ski Company, LLC 

Proudly born of the mountains of Southwestern Montana and from the vision of its co-founders, Andy Wirth and Bode Miller, the Peak Ski Company is rooted in innovation. On April 6th, Andy Wirth and Bode Miller announced the new venture, Peak Ski Company, LLC, a direct-to-consumer, high-performance ski and brand platform that is leading with a line of six all mountain and side-country skis for the 2022/23 ski season. The lineup of Peak’s high-performance all mountain skis for 2022/2023 includes four models, with each model delineated by the measurement (in millimetres) underfoot: The Peak 88; Peak 98; Peak 104, and Peak 110. Developed and tested in the Montana backcountry, the company has also developed a line of high-performance “sidecountry” skis, Peak SC by Bode Miller, including Peak 98SCs 98’s and Peak 104SCs. While Peak is the first, at-scale, direct-to-consumer ski company in the United States, the entire company and its affiliate partners are focused on developing advanced materials, manufacturing processes and equipment and integrating technologies into skis with an intense cadence and a focus on performance. Peak’s 2022/23 line of skis have already been declared among the best skis available in the market, based on the ingenuity and experience of the product design and development team led by legendary alpine ski racer, Bode Miller. Learn more at www.peakskis.com.

HOOD RIVER, Ore. (September 7, 2022) — Slingshot Sports, industry-bending innovators and manufacturer of watersports equipment, today announces the hiring of Jonathan Thesenga as its new Director of Marketing.

In his new role, Thesenga  will be responsible for aligning the marketing department operations with Slingshot’s global business goals and initiatives; optimizing Slingshot’s marketing unit into a modern, nimble, best-in-class operation that fully supports all facets of the brand, business, and community; and creating and managing a more holistic go-to-market plan and process.

Thesenga has spent nearly three decades in the outdoor industry as a marketer in content and sports management, four of which were spent as a copywriter for Slingshot Sports and Ride Engine, and another ten were spent as a content and marketing manager at Black Diamond Equipment. Five years ago, he started Dragonfly Kite Safaris, a luxury kiteboarding tour business in Egypt before making his way back to Slingshot once more.

“Along with an existing knowledge of our brand, Jonathan’s experience working directly with users, retailers and media has given him an unparalleled  arsenal of knowledge” said Jeff Logosz, CEO, and Co-Founder of Slingshot Sports.  “This will be so valuable in executing on our priorities as a brand and we seek to step into and develop new sectors of the industry, such as Wing Foiling.”

“Coming directly from a user-facing experience, I’ve seen firsthand the value of effective  community engagement, especially when it’s rooted in a core passion for the sport.” said Jonathan Thesenga, Slingshot’s Director of Marketing, “Slingshot serves as a model example  in the way they’ve engaged with budding sectors of the industry to empower new and existing users, and I look forward to expanding on their legacy of progress in our community”

For more information about Slingshot Sports , its products and initiatives, visit: https://slingshotsports.com/. To learn to Wing Foil, visit: https://www.foil-academy.com/

About Slingshot Sports

Founded in 1999 by brothers Jeff and Tony Logosz, Slingshot Sports has always been about tinkering, exploring and finding the next great adventure. Growing up around the ski slopes of Utah, Jeff and Tony were on a constant search for their next rush of adrenaline. Fast forward to today, Jeff and Tony instill that same spirit in the entire crew at Slingshot. We continue to experiment with new shapes, new toys and new technologies – all in an effort to find the next great adventure.

 

Business NH Magazine Names the Top 30 Companies in NH

NEMO, the award-winning, independent designer of outdoor gear and accessories built to improve the adventure experience, has been named one of the best places to work in New Hampshire by Business NH Magazine. For 25 years, Business NH Magazine has recognized businesses that go out of their way to create engaging workplaces and understand that fulfilled employees are more productive. This year’s competition attracted a record number of applicants. 

Each company completed an employee engagement survey administered by an independent their party, as well as an extensive employer survey, detailing benefits and workplace practices. A panel of HR executives judged the company culture responses on the employer survey to determine the winners. 

“NEMO has experienced exceptional growth this past year and with our decision to continue as a hybrid workspace, it is vital to keep the team connected and growing together,” said Jill Holt, PHR, NEMO’s People, Culture, Office Manager. “Our dynamic benefits package supports the complete employee from health and wellness to paying for their fishing license to providing time to spend with family and friends. Together, we have created experiences in and out of the office to keep our team motivated and engaged. Group camping trips, winter ski outings, cooking competitions and movie nights have provided balance and camaraderie.”

Over the course of the past two years, NEMO has nearly doubled its team. The objective with each hire is to build a thriving team that reflects diversity, protects the places we all depend upon for outdoor recreation, and works to create equitable and inclusive access to the outdoors. For more information on open roles, please visit https://www.nemoequipment.com/pages/about-us#open-roles. 

“After 13 years of working for some great outdoor brands across several different departments, it felt like the opportunity at NEMO was a perfect fit,” said Darren Josey, Vice President of Marketing who has been with the brand for two years. “I and so many of my BIPOC peers often feel like the moment will never come. However, my time at NEMO has not only fulfilled my personal career goals, but I’m asked, ‘what do you need from us to accommodate more diversity and inclusion?’ As a proud Puerto Rican and Black outdoor enthusiast, I’m personally and professionally motivated to make places where we recreate safer, while also inviting others from the BIPOC community to join in our industry’s corporate HQ’s.”

About NEMO
NEMO is a Dover-based outdoor gear company known for creating award-winning products that are built to last, comfortable and fun to use. Named the fastest growing camping brand in 2021 by NPD Group, NEMO has also been recognized by New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility as a small business leader for the environment, and recently won the 2021 Sustainability Slam for its 100K Polybag Elimination Project which commits to removing 100,000 polybags from the brand’s product line by 2023. NEMO’s reputation for design innovation across its product lines—tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp accessories and furniture—is an outgrowth of its design philosophy to never bring anything to market that doesn’t offer a meaningfully better experience. NEMO’s team of designers and engineers are motivated by a passion for outdoor adventure and sustainability.

Adventure Anywhere. Adventure for Anyone. Adventure Forever. 

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prAna, a leader in sustainable, outdoor apparel, announced today its Adventurer Program, which has been three years in the making. This collective of unique individuals represent prAna’s ethos and share experiences of adventure, wellness, and mindful living with a wide audience.

In 2019, prAna reevaluated its long-held Ambassador Program and transformed it into today’s Adventurer Program, which evolved organically through one-on-one relationships. The brand will collaborate with the Adventurer Team through paid partnership to create meaningful stories to inspire and educate adventure seekers across a variety of outdoor pursuits with plans to expand the team in the future with additional skilled storytellers and digital content creators from diverse backgrounds.

About the 2022 prAna Adventure Team:

Benjamin T. Ono is a director, cinematographer and photographer who lives and creates on the North Shore of O’ahu, Hawai’i. He has dedicated his career to supporting a healthy planet by communicating the beauty of the Earth and its inhabitant’s journey towards a sustainable future.

Chris Sharma is an American professional athlete and entrepreneur from Santa Cruz, California. He has been part of the prAna family for over 20 years as one of the original brand ambassadors. At age 14, Sharma won the Bouldering Nationals and opened the hardest climb in America a year later. Since then, he has been on a global odyssey in search of the planet’s most difficult and beautiful rock climbs; sending multiple 5.15 routes, bouldering V15, onsighting 5.14b, and establishing deep water solo routes at the highest grades.

Chelsea Yamase is a Hawaii-born creative who travels the world photographing, hiking, freediving, and seeking extraordinary experiences all through a lens of mindfulness and eco-innovation.

Johnna Ward is a breathwork and cold exposure Instructor based in San Diego, California, who is dedicated to helping others learn how to be present, take back control, and strengthen their body and mind.

Julia Marsh is the CEO and co-founder of Sway, a San Francisco-based company that makes home-compostable packaging derived from seaweed. Julia is a designer and creative director with over a decade of experience building brands and packaging systems.

Kate Buntenbach is a marathon runner, certified run coach, and blogger based in San Diego, California. Over the last 15 years, she has run a dozen marathons and recently hit her personal best time.

Mahna Ghafori is a Persian-American full-time adventure travel lifestyle photographer and content creator, born and raised just outside Washington DC.

Mario Rigby is a Canadian Turks and Caicos Islander adventure explorer, author, speaker, and former professional track and field athlete currently based in Toronto, ON. From 2015 and 2017, he completed an epic two year long walk across Africa, from Cape Town to Cairo entitled Crossing Africa.

Matt Mayes is the COO and co-founder of Sway, a San Francisco-based company that makes home-compostable packaging derived from seaweed. Matt’s career has centered around improving the environmental, economic, and social sustainability practices of major organizations.

Meagan Martin is a professional rock climber and American Ninja Warrior women’s champion based in Sacramento, California. As an ESPN commentator for USA Climbing events and a climbing analyst for the 2020 Olympics, Meagan has dedicated her career towards helping the sport grow.

Paul Robinson is an American professional rock climber who specializes in bouldering. He has established and repeated several bouldering problems at the V15 difficulty rating, in such areas as Hueco Tanks, the Buttermilks, and Magic Wood.            

Follow along with the prAna Adventure Team on prana.com, Instagram (@prana), Twitter (@prana), and Facebook (@prana).

 

About prAna
We inspire you to chase adventure, thrive, and stay active in your unique way. We strive to responsibly outfit those adventures with respect for the planet and its people. We commit to education and exploration in the name of progress. Whether you’re commuting to work or wandering the globe, rest assured we’ve been there and used those moments to design better and sustainably made product. prana.com

Dragon Eyewear, a leader in the performance eyewear space with deep roots in the action sports world, rounds out its extensive google lineup with the addition of the RVX Mag OTG – newly improved with the power of magnets.

Dragon’s groundbreaking Swiftlock Magnetic has been augmented with magnetic contact points coupled with a one-sided release lever to create a secure and quick lens-changing solution. Additional features include over-the-glasses (OTG) compatibility, expansive Lumalens Color Optimized technology, and Dragon’s Patented Frameless Design.

 

“When we first launched the Swiftlock system in Fall of 2015 it was wildly popular,” said Lauren Makofske, Vice President, Proprietary Brands of Marchon Eyewear, Inc. “Adding magnets to the Swiftlock system was the next step to make for the smoothest transition possible, so these goggles can adapt alongside whatever nature throws your way.”

Since 2020, the Swiftlock technology has enabled a faster and more secure way to switch out lenses on the fly when conditions change. The addition of magnets builds on Dragon’s legacy of industry-leading design and performance while setting a new standard for convenience and versatility. Built for all ability levels, this goggle is engineered to keep you focused on enjoying yourself in the mountains.

The new RVX MAG OTG (MSRP $270) is available in a variety of strap designs and Lumalens® Color Optimized technology lens options– including a signature ‘22 model by Dragon athlete Jossi Wells.

The RVX MAG OTG will be available Fall 2022 at select retailers worldwide and online at dragonalliance.com.

About Dragon
Born in San Clemente, California, Dragon is internationally recognized as a leading performance eyewear brand for those seeking progressively designed products, high-level performance, and innovative technology. Since 1993, our world-class collection of athletes and ambassadors helped pioneer and inspire our wide range of products, while our heritage in surf and snow culture illustrates our ongoing celebration of an active, impassioned lifestyle. For more information on Dragon’s premium goggles and eyewear, visit dragonalliance.com

About Marchon Eyewear, Inc.
Marchon Eyewear, Inc. is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and distributors of quality eyewear and sunglasses. The company markets its products under prestigious brand names including Calvin Klein, Columbia, Converse, DKNY, Donna Karan, Dragon, Flexon, Karl Lagerfeld, Lacoste, Lanvin, Liu Jo, Longchamp, Marchon NYC, MCM, Nautica, Nike, Nine West, Pilgrim, Pure, Salvatore Ferragamo, Shinola, Skaga, Victoria Beckham and ZEISS. Marchon Eyewear distributes its products through a global network of subsidiaries and distributors, serving over 80,000 accounts in more than 100 countries. Marchon Eyewear is a VSP Vision™ company, which is focused on its purpose of empowering human potential through sight and connecting its more than 85 million members to affordable, accessible, high quality eye care and eyewear. Marchon Eyewear has a proud history of commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives – EYES ON TOMORROW™ For more information, visit www.marchon.com and follow @marchoneyewear.

 

SOCIAL MEDIA: @DragonAlliance