Grassroots Outdoor Alliance announces awards to members of the outdoor industry

Members of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance gather in Albuquerque, NM, this week to close deals and to celebrate exemplary members of the outdoor industry.

ALBUQUERQUE, NM–At the opening of Grassroots Connect last night, a buying show for invited members of the outdoor industry, GOA said farewell to two outgoing board members, Dana Davis of Summit Hut and Ed McAlister of River Sports Outfitters.

GOA also gave out its annual awards to outstanding members of its community. The winners:

Most Innovative Retailer: Rock/Creek, Chattanooga, Tenn.

Community Involvement Award: Great Outdoor Provision Company, N.C. and Virginia

Reps
9 reps across the country were recognized.
West and Rockies – Alan Adams, Dan Hill, Heidi Vinje
Midwest and North – Sam Powers, Paul Gerten, Tom Lawrence
Southeast – Melissa Steele, Scott Eddins, Chris Summa

Retailer of the Year: Great Outdoor Provision Company

Vendor of the Year: Kuhl

It’s the first time a single retailer, Great Outdoor Provision Company, has been recognized for two awards.

During the ceremony, which was fueled by New Mexican fare and plenty of beer and wine, Wes Allen thanked the community and got choked up as he presided over what will be his last award ceremony as GOA President.

It’s been extremely gratifying to lead GOA these past two years, Allen told SNEWS. “Now it’s time to find my successor, get back to my store [Sunlight Sports in Cody, WY], and spend more time outdoors with my family.”

The GOA Connect Show runs through tomorrow, June 17. The next GOA show is scheduled for November 7-11, 2016 in Knoxville, Tenn.