Type: OIA Press Room

BOULDER, Colo. – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today applauded the Departments of Interior and Agriculture’s Fiscal Year 2022 proposal to allocate $2.8 billion in funding for projects authorized in the Great American Outdoors Act.

“America’s public lands and waters are a key part of the lives of millions of Americans by serving as a place that boosts mental and physical health, creates good-paying jobs, and brings economic opportunity to communities across the country,” said Lise Aangeenbrug, executive director of Outdoor Industry Association. “By providing an additional $2.8 billion in funding for the important conservation programs outlined in the historic Great American Outdoors Act, Secretary Haaland and Secretary Vilsack’s proposal would help meet the ambitious goals in President Biden’s America the Beautiful plan and ensure these outdoor spaces can continue to be accessible for all for generations to come. The outdoor industry applauds the administration’s continued commitment to outdoor recreation and business and the conservation efforts that will protect our public lands. We look forward to working with Congress to ensure this funding is secured.”

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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. OIA unites and serves 1,200 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

The Big Gear Show, the outdoor industry’s only business to business event held entirely outdoors, is proud to partner with Outdoor Research to offer the brand’s award winning Face Mask Kit to every show attendee. 

At the start of the pandemic, Outdoor Research stepped up to make PPE for frontline workers as part of the brand’s foundational tenet of providing protection to its customers. The—now—award winning Face Mask kit was designed in just 72 hours, when a more traditional development cycle is 3-to-12 months—highlighting the brand’s agility and innovation. In 2020 during the early stages of the pandemic Outdoor Research donated 8,000 masks to its specialty outdoor retailers to help staff and brand partners return to work safely.  

The Big Gear Show attendees will be able to use and test OR’s award-winning Face Mask kit this summer at the August trade event. The Face Mask, which features a double-layer face mask with an adjustable nose wire and replaceable filters,  is washable, designed with daily wear, endurance activity, and exercise in mind. This mask has quickly become a favorite within the outdoor industry. It was named “best face mask” by Popular Mechanics in their 2021 Gear of the Year awards and “best face mask” in BikeRumor’s 2020 Editor’s Choice Awards. 

“Outdoor Research is honored to be the official mask partner of The Big Gear Show.” says Andy Burke, VP Commercial Sales at Outdoor Research. “As we enter back into much needed personal interactions we want to ensure all attendees can do it comfortably and confidently. We are looking forward to gathering once again.”

The Big Gear Show will be following state-regulated guidelines closely when it comes to COVID-19 protocols. The official Utah mask mandate was lifted on April 10, but masks are still required in many places in Utah. As a completely outdoors event at 7000’ feet in the Wasatch Range, The Big Gear Show will still be implementing safety protocols in line with recent guidance from CDC, Utah, and Summit County. Adding to the safety management practiced by The Big Gear Show team, recent research findings show that in outdoor settings the COVID-19 transmission likelihood is near zero. Read more here.  

The Big Gear Show is scheduled for August 3-5, at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah. The event is an invitation-only, multi-category trade event for the paddlesports, cycling, climbing, camping and outdoor markets. The show will feature a group of 500 hand-selected retailers and 250 brands across these industries, as well as associated media. Getting out in beautiful environments is the foundation of the outdoor industry, so attendees will use Deer Valley Resort to test gear over the course of the 3-day event. 

ABOUT THE BIG GEAR SHOW:

The Big Gear Show is North America’s first open-air trade show taking place in Park City, Utah, August 3-5, 2021. The show is built by and for retailers and offers an integrated, best-in-class demo-driven buying experience serving a curated group of 500 hand-selected retailers and hundreds of brands across the outdoor, cycling and paddle communities. The Big Gear Show is endorsed and co-presented by the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, National Bicycle Dealers Association and People For Bikes. There is simply no better place to discover new brands and products and drive your specialty business forward. 

BOULDER, Colo. – Twelve of the nation’s leading outdoor industry companies sent a letter today to the White House offering their support for President Biden’s American Jobs Plan, specifically as it relates to the plan’s climate change provisions, funding for nature-based infrastructure, investments in the energy workforce, and advancing environmental justice and equity.

The letter outlines the industry’s goal of being climate positive – not only reducing emissions, but removing more than it emits through nature-based projects – through a commitment to measure, plan, and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and share their progress annually. Additionally, the letter applauds the administration’s infrastructure blueprint for connecting climate-smart policies to daily life, making the necessary investments to combat the impacts of a changing climate, and ensuring the long-term economic success.

“The outdoor industry has proven itself to be a resilient and powerful economic force for the nation,” the letter states. “When the outdoors thrives, our industry thrives, and through critical funding for climate-smart policies, the American Jobs Plan would give our $788 billion industry the opportunity to continue to grow and support the economy.”

The letter is signed by Big Agnes, Burton, Hydro Flask, K2 Sports, Klean Kanteen, MiiR, NEMO Equipment, Oberalp North America, The Orvis Company, Outdoor Afro, REI Co-op, and Ruffwear.

Specific elements of the plan highlighted in the letter and supported by these companies include:

• Funding for a new Civilian Climate Corps to advance economic recovery and address the on-the-ground impacts of climate change.
• Restoring nature-based infrastructure like forests, public lands, and coasts to bring climate-resiliency and protection so these spaces can continue to bring opportunity to communities.
• Providing funding for workforce development and manufacturing to alleviate hardships faced by traditional energy communities.
• Emphasizing environmental justice and equity to ensure new projects are community-driven and economically benefit historically underserved communities.

To view the letter in its entirety, click here.

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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. OIA unites and serves 1,200 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation. For more information, visit https://outdoorindustry.org/.

Thrive Outside Initiative Empowers Communities to Make the Outdoors Accessible for All

BOULDER, Colo. (May 24, 2021) —Outdoor Foundation, the organization dedicated to reversing the trend of decreased outdoor participation, today announced its second cohort of Thrive Outside Communities in St. Louis, Missouri; the Twin Cities region, Minnesota; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and the state of Maine. 

The Outdoor Foundation’s Thrive Outside Initiative 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.

“The Thrive Outside Initiative is working to create a more inclusive and accessible outdoor experience for all,” said Stephanie Maez, Outdoor Foundation executive director. “We are thrilled to expand our grants and programming into four additional communities this year and inspire kids and families to experience the powerful transformative benefits of connecting with nature on a regular basis, particularly among youth in diverse communities.”

The Thrive Outside Communities were chosen by the Outdoor Foundation Board of Directors, based on written applications, virtual site visits, in-person interviews and third-party consultant research. Each Thrive Outside Community grant requires the recipient community to provide a 1-to-1 funding match in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of the network. One backbone organization in each community will manage the grant and facilitate the work of the network partners.

“Working with all of our community partners, we are making a significant impact by empowering youth to enjoy spending more time in nature,” said Jen Mull Neuhaus, Outdoor Foundation Board Chair. “The expansion of The Thrive Outside Initiative this year moves us one step closer to our goal of driving positive change in the health, well-being and social fabric of communities across the country.”

Announced in 2019, The Outdoor Foundation’s Thrive Outside Community Initiative made multi-year grants to four communities including Atlanta, Georgia; Grand Rapids, Michigan; San Diego, California; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. To date the Thrive Outside initiative has helped get more than 16,000 youth outdoors while creating stronger networks of equity and inclusion, improving the connections to the outdoors in diverse communities and successfully adapting programming during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the next ten years, the initiative plans to grow the number of regions it invests in to 32.

Continue reading for more information about each new Thrive Outside Community:

Maine

“In our Maine outdoor community, collaboration is key in our approach to increasing outdoor participation. We are thankful for the Outdoor Foundation and Thrive Outside for recognizing this and supporting local initiatives in Maine to provide equitable access to outdoor learning and outdoor gear for youth in both urban and rural areas across the state, said Nathan Broaddus, coordinator of the Nature Based Education Consortium. “This award is a crucial catalyst in addressing barriers that many under-resourced communities face to having transformative experiences in the outdoors, with innovations such as an outdoor equity fund and Maine GearShare, an outdoor equipment lending system.”

Maine Backbone Organization: Nature Based Education Consortium

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

“Instilling a love of nature by ensuring all families can safely enjoy the outdoors is critical to inspiring the next generation of conservationists,” said Collin O’Mara, President and CEO of National Wildlife Federation. “Working with Thrive Outside will strengthen amazing conservation partnerships across the Delaware watershed to overcome the unique barriers our communities experience in getting outdoors. We are excited to team up with Thrive Outside to expand access to the outdoors for Black, Latinx, and frontline communities and implement on-the-ground activities that ensure everyone is able to safely enjoy nature.”

Philadelphia Backbone Organization: National Wildlife Federation

St. Louis, Missouri

“The St. Louis region offers some of the most unique natural spaces and inspiring recreational opportunities anywhere. So why hasn’t every kid in our community kayaked past the Gateway Arch on the Mississippi River or climbed the boulders at Elephant Rocks State Park? Through River City Outdoors, we are activating an inclusive network of community partners that shatters barriers to access and empowers all St. Louisans to experience the transformative power of nature in our own backyard,” said Rachel Bartels, River City Outdoors steering committee member.

“We’ve been working for the past seven years to accelerate the outdoor recreation culture in the St. Louis region through Terrain Magazine, and now with the launch of River City Outdoors, we’re excited to gather that momentum and truly transform St. Louis into a vibrant, inclusive, outdoor community,” said Brad Kovach, editor/publisher of Terrain Magazine and River City Outdoors steering committee member. “This grant, and the additional support and leverage that comes with it, will allow us to maintain the great momentum we’ve gathered and focus it on creating diverse and equitable outdoor programs in our region.”

St. Louis Backbone Organization: River City Outdoor Collaborative

Twin Cities, Minnesota

“Wilderness Inquiry is thrilled to partner with the Outdoor Foundation to support a collective impact approach to youth outdoor engagement in the Twin Cities, breaking down barriers to access to ensure that all youth can learn, grow, and thrive in the outdoors,” said Executive Director Kim Keprios. “Thrive Outside Twin Cities provides an incredible opportunity to build meaningful, equitable pathways to outdoor participation for Minnesota youth and families.”

Twin Cities Backbone Organization: Wilderness Inquiry

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About Outdoor Foundation
The Outdoor Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Outdoor Industry Association, is a national 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to getting people outside for their health, the health of communities and the health of the outdoor industry. Through community investment and groundbreaking research, the Outdoor Foundation works with partners across the country to address equity barriers and help make the outdoors accessible for all. Visit outdoorfoundation.org for more information.

BOULDER, Colo. – Today, Outdoor Industry Association released the following statement after the Biden administration unveiled the Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful report, outlining guidelines for conserving 30 percent of public lands and waters by the year 2030:

“Our outdoor spaces are a place of refuge to safely socialize, not to mention improve physical and mental health,” said Lise Aangeenbrug, Executive Director of Outdoor Industry Association. “Prioritizing conservation of public lands and waters is critical to ensuring the outdoors remains accessible for everyone, mitigating the impacts of the climate crisis, and spurring economic recovery. This is the opportunity for which many of us have been waiting to enact long-lasting conservation goals, equitable access, and climate results that the outdoor industry, our communities, and the economy will depend on for generations to come.

“But as we all know, conservation efforts are not one-size-fits-all – for example, what works in Virginia may not be suitable for a situation in Montana. That is why the outdoor industry is particularly pleased this report puts an emphasis on supporting locally-driven conservation projects across the country. 

“As the Biden administration continues to pursue these laudable conservation goals, this blueprint is an important first step to ensuring these efforts are thoughtful and inclusive. It is essential for the federal government to work in tandem with state governments, private landowners, and all interested stakeholders. We are glad to see that guiding principle prioritized in this report.”

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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. OIA unites and serves 1,200 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation. For more information, visit https://outdoorindustry.org/.

BOULDER, Colo. – Outdoor Industry Association executive director Lise Aangeenbrug today made the following statement after the Senate confirmed the nomination of Brenda Mallory to be Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ): 

“We are very pleased to see the Senate confirm Brenda Mallory’s nomination, and we are confident she will protect the outdoors and the economy. We look forward to working with her to strengthen our outdoor communities, especially as the administration takes on new projects in energy, infrastructure, and the environment.”

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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. OIA unites and serves 1,200 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation. For more information, visit https://outdoorindustry.org/.

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) partners with Sendline and Windrose to offer a unique leadership development program for the outdoor industry. The Leadership Lab is a professional development program bringing together the convenience of virtual with the connections of meeting in-person.

As Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Future Leadership Academy alums, we’ve experienced firsthand the gifts that come with industry-relevant professional learning,” says Thom Schroeder, Founder of Sendline, the outdoor industry’s up-and-coming go-to for professional development programming. That’s why, together with Greer Van Dyck from Windrose, we’ve partnered with OIA and designed The Leadership Lab.” It’s a curated and interactive program that puts a twist on leadership growth. “Our topics are what’s important to the folks who show up. We meet them where they’re at, both in their careers and where they live. Oh, and we have a good time doing what we do.

Leadership development bumps up against a very low ceiling when you’re in ‘listen-only’ mode,” says Greer Van Dyck, Founder of Windrose Coaching. “The thing is, without building meaningful relationships based on trust and respect, leadership development doesn’t work. We want individuals to walk away with more than a set of notes. We want them to walk away with lifelong connections and tangible tools that can empower them to integrate what they’ve learned and step into the leaders they want to be.

That’s why we went about designing this differently.

In order to foster connection and peer learning, The Leadership Lab monthly virtual workshops will be limited to 12 individuals and grouped together based on geographic region. There will be as many groups as needed to meet demand. By scaling with lots of small groups rather than one big group and hosting the workshops regionally, folks can meet for coffee or take some turns together. During the six-month program, participants will become part of a community of industry peers and make lifelong connections to propel them in their careers.

Brehan McDonough, Director of Member Engagement with OIA, states, “Ongoing professional development is key to the success of thriving people and thriving business. OIA and The Leadership Lab identified an opportunity for outdoor, non-traditional, sophisticated leadership training, which can fill the gap that exists around emotional leadership intelligence and create an intimate support system. We hope to build a stronger and more diverse outdoor industry leadership pipeline.”

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Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colorado, with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry and the title sponsor of Outdoor Retailer. OIA unites and serves 1300 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

Sendline

Sendline came from a dissatisfaction with the status quo in professional development. No one looks forward to a management conference. So we had to go about things differently. As mid-career professionals, we asked ourselves what would actually be helpful and get us excited to be a part of? We designed a low-polish, straightforward, and genuine alternative to leadership training for the outdoor industry centered around workshops, retreats, and outdoor events. We call it, simply, ”Leadership in disguise.” For more information, visit discoversendline.com.

Windrose

A Windrose, also known as a Compass Rose, is the part of the compass responsible for directing true north. At the most simplistic level, that represents much of the work I do supporting teams and organizations: aligning on purpose, building unified teams, establishing clear and open communication, collaborating through conflict, and prioritizing peer accountability. I feel passionately that when organizations can be in authentic unison and action on their true north, they have the greatest chance for success. For more information, visit windrosedirection.com

BOULDER, Colo. – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today applauded a new bill to provide $10 billion to create a Civilian Climate Corps. The legislation is based on the framework outlined in President Biden’s American Jobs Plan announced on March 31. 

“Investing in the outdoors provides opportunities for people, businesses, and the environment to thrive. This important measure would create new jobs, help address challenges like catastrophic wildfires and other impacts of a changing climate, and ensure the outdoor economy remains a key part of our country’s economic recovery,” said OIA executive director Lise Aangeenbrug. “It could also help the nation fully realize the tremendous potential of the ‘Great American Outdoors Act,’ which is still in the process of being implemented. We commend the leadership and foresight of U.S. Representatives Joe Neguse and Abigail Spanberger and Senators Chris Coons, Martin Heinrich, and Ben Ray Lujan.”

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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. OIA unites and serves 1,200 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

BOULDER, Colo. – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today commended President Joe Biden on his administration’s sweeping infrastructure proposal. The president’s blueprint includes important provisions for climate resilience and infrastructure, including a $10 billion investment in a new Civilian Climate Corps. The plan would also fund research and workforce development programs for manufacturers and small businesses, and emphasize environmental justice and equity through clean energy block grants and dedicated funding for community-driven projects.

“Combatting climate change is critical not just for our planet, but it is essential to our economy, local communities, and way of life,” said OIA executive director Lise Aageenburg. “We are pleased to see that an important component of President Biden’s new infrastructure plan is a historic investment to address the growing threat of the climate crisis. Comprehensive, solutions-based policies like restoring and protecting nature-based infrastructure and creating jobs through a Civilian Climate Corps are keys to ensuring a thriving planet and a thriving outdoor industry. Climate action and economic recovery go hand-in-hand, and as Congress begins to debate this package, we hope to see these necessary investments included in a final bill.”

OIA is also supportive of additional provisions outlined in the new plan, including:

• Mobilizing the next generation of conservation and resilience workers;
• Creating good paying jobs through electric vehicle manufacturing;
• Maximizing the resilience of land and water resources to protect communities and the environment;
• Establishing the U.S. as a leader in climate science, innovation and R&D;
• Jumpstarting clean energy manufacturing through federal procurement, delivering clean electricity to all Americans, and lowering energy costs; and
• Increasing access to capital for domestic manufacturers.

Close-to-Home Activities with Low Barrier to Entry are Main Drivers for New Participants 

BOULDER, Colo. (March 31, 2021) —Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today released exclusive insights about Americans’ engagement in outdoor activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The special report examines demographics and psychographics of the new outdoor participant — defined as someone who participated in an outdoor activity for the first time during the pandemic or after a significant lapse.

In response to member requests, OIA commissioned the one-time special report from research partner NAXION. The report reveals that these new participants are more likely to be female, younger, living in an urban area and slightly more ethnically diverse than existing participants. These new participants primarily sought socially distanced outdoor activities in order to spend time with loved ones safely, to exercise, stay healthy or to reduce screen-time fatigue. The report also found that new participants are largely motivated by outdoor recreation opportunities with low barriers to entry that are available and accessible within 10 miles of their homes, including walking, running, biking and hiking.

“This one-of-a-kind report further shows the pandemic has brought in new participants as well as some new behaviors. Time outside is an antidote to the stress of the pandemic and can be a continued source of fun, joy, wonder, and a boost to our mental and physical health. The outdoor industry and its partners can serve a growing and changing need for outdoor recreation by championing funding and policies – such as 30×30 conservation initiatives, the ‘Parks, Jobs and Equity Act’ and the ‘Great American Outdoors Act’ – that provide more opportunities for all to experience close-to-home recreation and help everyone recreate responsibly,” said Lise Aangeenbrug, executive director of Outdoor Industry Association.

New participants found the outdoors to be a safe and accessible way to spend time with friends and family amid tight pandemic restrictions that limited indoor gatherings. Additionally, people cited that the pandemic’s impact has inspired them to re-evaluate priorities, seeking positive life changes and reducing screen time.

“Initial findings of the special new participant report show strong overall increases in outdoor recreation by a slightly more demographically and socioeconomically diverse participant base. This highlights the need to ensure equitable access to the outdoors for all. We can do this by helping to create programming, policy and content around close-to-home recreation and geared toward this broader, more diverse audience of new outdoor participants,” said Stephanie Maez, managing director at the Outdoor Foundation.

“Most new participants hold a strong intent to continue their outdoor pursuits while about 25 percent say that travel, resuming other activities and family demands will challenge their free time and ability to continue to recreate as they currently do. Now is the time to embrace new participants and develop programming for them to continue their outdoor pursuits.”

The special report highlights the following opportunities to increase retention of new outdoor participants:

• Create more outdoor recreation opportunities close to home: Parks and open areas near where people live are a crucial part of growing participation. The pandemic has shown that there is a demand for close-to-home outdoor recreation opportunities.
• Invest in programming that engages families in the outdoors.
• Help new participants make their activities more social as restrictions lift.
• Develop programs and services with the specific goal of diversifying the participant base.
• Develop strategies for encouraging people to start with activities such as walking, running, hiking and birdwatching, which have relatively low barriers to entry.
• Position outdoor recreation as:
• an antidote to the mental health consequences of the pandemic.
• a way to get out from behind the screens that have dominated pandemic life.
• a method to maintain the focus on what is important in life.

View the 2021 Special Report in full: The New Outdoor Participant (COVID and Beyond)

Initial research from the Outdoor Foundation Annual Outdoor Participation report reflects data gathered during the 2020, identifying tremendous increases in outdoor participation across all activities including hiking, camping and fishing amid the pandemic. The full 2020 Outdoor Foundation Annual Participation Report will be released this Summer. If you would like to be notified when that report is released, click here.

About Outdoor Industry Association

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry and the title sponsor of Outdoor Retailer. OIA unites and serves 1300 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation. OIA is based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

About Outdoor Foundation

The Outdoor Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Outdoor Industry Association, is a national 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to getting people outside for their health, the health of communities and the health of the outdoor industry. Through community investment and groundbreaking research, the Outdoor Foundation works with many partners to get more people outside more often. Visit outdoorfoundation.org for more information.

About NAXION

NAXION is a broadly-resourced, nimble boutique that relies on advanced research methods, data integration, and sector-focused experience to guide strategic, data-driven business decisions. Built on decades of experience and hundreds of engagements, NAXION has supported some of the world’s largest companies in their brand and enterprise strategy. NAXION provides intelligent analysis and interpretation to guide marketing decisions that matter.