Type: OIA Press Room

Summit agenda outlines industry support for vital legislation to drive innovation, job growth, outdoor recreation, and climate action.

BOULDER, COLO [April 17, 2023] — A member-led collective and the outdoor industry’s catalyst for meaningful change, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) will gather in our nation’s capital April 18-19, 2023, to galvanize outdoor industry leaders, policymakers, and elected officials to advocate for critical issues facing the outdoor economy, outdoor participation, and the planet.

During the two-day event, attendees will meet directly with members of Congress and other administration officials to discuss critical legislation that supports the entirety of the outdoor recreation economy, including key topics like trade, climate, access, and equity. Speakers at Capitol Summit include Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres-Small, and more.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for the outdoor industry to be heard,” said Kent Ebersole, President of OIA. “Since our last Capitol Summit in 2019, more than 10 million Americans participated in outdoor recreation for the first time, or for the first time in years. This increase in the number of people spending time outside was not a moment in time for managing stress from lockdown during a global pandemic. We witnessed a multi-generational mind shift around the physical, mental, and emotional health benefits of spending time in nature, as over half of the U.S. population flocked to the outdoors. This massive spike in participation led to greater spending within the outdoor recreation economy, to a whopping $862 billion in 2021, accounting for 1.9 percent of GDP and a record-breaking 4.5 million jobs in the U.S.” said Ebersole.

Throughout the OIA Capitol Summit, industry leaders will urge Congress to pass America’s Outdoor Recreation Act, the largest comprehensive package of recreation bills in a generation that helps ensure that the outdoors are open and accessible to all Americans. Attendees will also work to fuel the innovation and job growth of outdoor businesses by supporting the passing of a package of miscellaneous tariff bills (MTBs) and renewing the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

Continuing to fight on behalf of the planet and the natural landscapes which so many outdoor activities are dependent upon, Capitol Summit attendees will advocate for greater climate action, conservation, and sustainable economic growth while also showing support for state-based offices of outdoor recreation and increased investments in the outdoors at the state and local levels.

As part of the Capitol Summit, OIA will present The Friend of the Outdoor Industry Award to members of Congress in recognition of their legislative leadership around outdoor recreation and their dedication to supporting the outdoor industry. This year, The Friend of the Outdoor Industry Award will be presented to Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE), and Representative Nanette Barragán (D-CA).

OIA will also host the Thrive Outside Community Gathering, an event centered around outdoor access, equity, and inclusion at Anacostia Park. Hosted by Friends of Anacostia Park, Outdoor Industry Association, and Outdoor Foundation, the event will highlight how the outdoor industry and community organizations are working together to erode the barriers to outdoor access through a collective impact model.

“The OIA Capitol Summit is not simply a two-day long convening to talk policy with elected officials. It’s a time for the outdoor industry to get together, to be reminded of our common goals and values, and to get inspired to kick off a year of activation and advocacy across the federal and state levels. More than ever, with urgency and swift action, OIA is committed to using our “outside voice” to advocate for balanced trade policy; sustainable business solutions; and expanded, safe access to the outdoors for this generation and many more to come,” added Ebersole.

 

About the Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. For more than 30 years, OIA has served 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.  For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org

OIA members now have expanded, discounted access to tools that allow them to easily measure their carbon emissions

 

BOULDER, CO [March 28, 2023] — Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is proud to announce its latest partnership with Climate Neutral to make it easier for OIA members to measure their carbon emissions. By partnering with Climate Neutral, OIA is demonstrating its commitment to supporting sustainability in the outdoor industry and providing its members with the tools and resources they need to make a positive impact on the environment.

OIA members can now receive a 25% discount for use of Climate Neutral’s Brand Emissions Estimator (BEE), enabling brands to measure their Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which is the critical first step to setting emissions reduction targets. Climate Neutral prioritizes ease of use and a high integrity carbon measurement approach that can be adopted by companies at any step of their climate journeys. The BEE is a valuable tool that can help businesses visualize their carbon emissions and identify areas where they can take future reduction actions.

“Since Climate Neutral’s 2019 launch, we have enjoyed a close connection to the vision, brands, and individuals in the outdoor community,” said Austin Whitman, CEO of Climate Neutral. “Climate change directly affects everyone’s outdoor experience. Our expanded collaboration with OIA is an exciting way to combine our strengths and get more companies past the hurdles to climate action, and then make climate leadership more visible to consumers.”

This partnership supports both Climate Neutral’s mission to eliminate GHG emissions and OIA’s goal of making the outdoor industry climate positive by 2030. In the long run, the use of the BEE tool and achievement of Climate Neutral certification by a significant number of OIA members offers a tangible milestone on the pathway towards OIA’s industry goal of becoming climate positive by 2030.

“OIA in partnership with Climate Neutral is proud to offer the BEE tool as an added membership benefit. We see this as a highly valuable stepping stone for OIA’s Climate Action Corps to reach our 2030 goal of making the outdoor industry climate positive,” said Sarah Rykal, senior manager of OIA’s Climate Action Corps. “The BEE tool offers outdoor industry companies a user-friendly tool to measure their emissions at a low cost of entry, particularly for companies who are beginning their sustainability journey.”

 

About the Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. For more than 30 years, OIA has served 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.  For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org

 

About Climate Neutral

A 501(c)3 nonprofit, Climate Neutral leads a global movement of individuals and companies to eliminate carbon emissions. Our label, Climate Neutral Certified, is a trusted, independent standard for climate neutrality. It empowers consumers to find brands that are leading on immediate climate action. All companies that get certified must reduce and compensate for their emissions from making and delivering all of their products and services. Climate Neutral works with over 400 companies and their label can be found on millions of products worldwide. Join us at climateneutral.org

 

OIA Board of Directors appoint respected industry veteran to drive member-led collective into the future

BOULDER, COLO [March 21, 2023] — Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Board of Directors has today named industry veteran Kent Ebersole as President of Outdoor Industry Association after serving seven months as the organization’s interim executive director.

An outdoor industry veteran, Ebersole came to OIA in August of 2022 with a broad range of experience in media, business strategy, and non-profit consulting. Combining decades of experience in the outdoors, with his community-driven outlook, Ebersole’s wisdom in all facets of the industry make him well-equipped to lead OIA into the future.

“Every OIA member, staff, board member, or donor is a catalyst for knowledge, sustainability, collective action, inclusion, and connection,” said Kent Ebersole, President of OIA. “Collectively, the outdoor industry is a force of nature and most importantly a force of change. None of the work we do could happen if it wasn’t for our passionate members and collaborators. I thank them and the OIA board for this opportunity to lead our industry forward.”

The appointment of Ebersole as President is a strategic move on behalf of OIA as the organization and its membership look to his guidance, vision, and expertise to drive positive change within the outdoor industry. Ebersole will leverage his industry network to identify new opportunities for economic growth, deliver new programming for clean manufacturing, focus on timely and relevant membership experiences, and increase membership value while also advocating for pragmatic trade policies and inclusive practices.

“Over the past several months, the OIA Board of Directors had the pleasure of seeing how Kent’s leadership, strategic mindset, personal connection, and dedication to collaboration will benefit an industry in change,” said Phyllis Grove, Senior VP of Marketing for Helen of Troy Home & Outdoor and OIA Board Chair. “We are confident in the map he has drawn for us all and we are ready to work alongside him to move the industry forward.”

“I am beyond proud of everything OIA does, from the Climate Action Corps, leading the way to becoming a climate positive industry by 2030, to our multi-year Thrive Outside grants led by partners who already know what their communities need to have access to the physical, mental and emotional benefits of the outdoors,” added Ebersole.

Ebersole hopes to inspire industry leaders and stakeholders to work together toward a more sustainable and equitable future for everyone included in the outdoor industry.

 

About Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. For more than 30 years, OIA has served 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.  For more information, visit  outdoorindustry.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 21, 2023

BOULDER, Colo. – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) President Kent Ebersole today released the following statement praising President Biden’s White House Conservation in Action Summit announcement to establish two new national monuments:

“From Utah – where OIA strongly advocated for the protection of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante – to Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada and Castner Range National Monument in Texas, we are thrilled to see President Biden protecting communities and public lands that honor local businesses, military veterans, and Tribal Nations.

“The Biden administration continues to deliver on the most ambitious land and water conservation agenda to conserve at least 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. The outdoor industry, along with its 100-member strong Climate Action Corps, commends these historic investments and national monument designations to protect and support America’s outdoor heritage. Protecting our local communities and businesses through conservation and preservation is essential to ensuring that every generation of American – present and future – will have guaranteed access to these culturally significant landscapes.”

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About the Outdoor Industry Association 

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. For more than 30 years, OIA has served 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.  For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 16, 2023

 

BOULDER, Colo. – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) interim Executive Director Kent Ebersole today released the following statement celebrating the reintroduction of “America’s Outdoor Recreation Act” in the Senate:

“After building significant support for the legislation in the last Congress with lawmakers, industry leaders and other stakeholders, we are thrilled to see Senators Manchin and Barrasso reintroduce this historic comprehensive outdoor recreation bill. This package would provide meaningful support for outdoor recreation opportunities across the country at a time when a record number of Americans are getting outdoors and benefitting from the mental and physical health benefits these spaces provide.

“Federal outdoor recreation legislation will have a real impact on the ability of all Americans – regardless of zip code – to spend time outside and will bolster the $862 billion outdoor industry and its 4.5 million jobs in communities across all 50 states.

“We applaud these forward-thinking lawmakers for their leadership and commitment to improving access to America’s lands and waters. We also greatly appreciate the strong interest from Houses members—including Reps. Curtis and Neguse—in producing similar bipartisan companion legislation. We were very excited to learn this week of plans for a legislative hearing in the House to consider several bills that could be incorporated into the House version of this legislation. We thank House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Grijalva for prioritizing this legislation and taking action in their committee to move us closer to final passage of this important legislation.”

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About the Outdoor Industry Association 

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. For more than 30 years, OIA has served 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.  For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.