REI launches DEI-focused charity with initial $1 million investment
The REI Cooperative Action Fund will support “nonprofit organizations promoting justice, equity and belonging in the outdoors.”
Author
Eric Smith
Eric Smith is an award-winning business journalist who covers breaking news, economic insights, market trends, and M&A across the outdoor industry. He is a former sportswriter for the Anchorage Daily News and, most recently, a senior business editor for SGB Media. His outdoor business writing also has appeared in Outdoor Retailer’s Snow Show Daily, REI’s Co-op Journal, and Warren Miller’s SnoWorld. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Eric now lives in Louisville, Colorado. Reach him by email, on LinkedIn, Twitter, or at his website.
My Stories
150 outdoor journalists, marketers, and brand reps gather at Outdoor Media Summit
The 5th annual event in Estes Park, Colo., gave outdoor journalists a place to learn, collaborate, and network and a select number of brands to really connect with their message.
Confluence of States officers met at Outdoor Media Summit to collaborate on growing the outdoor economy
The Confluence of States event included the signing of new offices of outdoor recreation and ways that ORECs can work with media and brands to further the outdoor economy.
Gore unveils new membrane for outdoor apparel and gear
The ingredient brand has combined its expanded polyethylene (ePE) with another polymer, polyurethane (PU), to create a new membrane that improves durability and performance.
Maryland becomes the latest state to open an office of outdoor recreation
J. Daryl Anthony will serve as the first executive director of the OREC office of Maryland—the 18th state to add a governmental body for promoting outdoor recreation.
Cotopaxi CEO outlines goal to become billion-dollar brand
Davis Smith detailed his ambitious plans for Cotopaxi following a recent capital raise, including the ways top-line growth can help the company better live its mission.
Eastpak, owned by VF Corp., relaunches in North America
According to company leadership, Eastpak’s relaunch in the U.S. and Canada is unrelated to VF’s recent sale of adventure travel brand Eagle Creek.
Vail Resorts eliminates reservation requirement for 2021/22 season
The global ski resort operator has outlined its safety protocols for the upcoming season. The big changes: Reservations are no longer required, but guests in some restaurants—and all employees—must be vaccinated.
Mike Adams, longtime executive at Salomon and Atomic, to step down
A succession plan will soon be announced to replace Adams, who’s retiring in December but will serve as a senior adviser for Salomon and Atomic's parent company, Amer Sports, until June 2022.
Mammut seeks new CEO after Oliver Pabst’s exit
The leadership move follows the April sale of Mammut to the British private equity firm Telemos Capital.