Outdoor industry awards are back, and OIA is seeking nominations

Remember the Outdoor Industry Leadership Awards that Outdoor Retailer magazine used to bestow each year, honoring one retail, one rep and one manufacturing industry leader with public recognition and a nifty award trophy featuring a replica of a vintage Brunton compass?

Well, after the magazine died, the awards died with it, and there remained no one to pick up the gauntlet until Outdoor Industry Association decided the industry was in need of an award that recognized leadership and industry participation. OIA also noted that the original award concept needed refreshing to be more inclusive of the entire industry.

With that in mind, last week the OIA announced it had established two industry awards.

The Outdoor Industry Innovator Award will recognize an individual from a retailer, manufacturer, supplier or media organization who has made significant contributions toward the continued innovation and growth of the outdoor industry. Either through a dynamic business initiative, the creation and development of new outdoor activity niches, active and responsible promotion of new or existing market areas, or the spearheading of collaborative efforts to initiate innovative and lasting industry partnerships. This award recognizes a business achievement.

The Outdoor Ambassador Award will recognize a company that has made significant and sustainable achievements toward the growth of participation in outdoor activities. Those efforts could include spearheading conservation programs, the development and support of programs or efforts intended to serve as model practices for the industry, the introduction and advancement of responsible tourism practices, outstanding consumer outreach campaigns, or great strides in encouraging youth to develop an active outdoor lifestyle. This award pays tribute to a company that has embraced a worthy cause and made a significant achievement.

The awards are open to anyone in the outdoor industry and OIA will announce the winners at the Industry Breakfast, kicking off Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Jan. 28, 2006.

For more information on nomination criteria, submission guidelines and judging practices, go to www.outdoorindustry.org/pdf/awards.pdf. The deadline for award nominations is Dec. 11, 2005. Nominations should be submitted via email to award@outdoorindustry.org.