Coleman Supports National Effort to Get People Outside

WICHITA, Kan. – Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius signed on May 24 a new proclamation announcing June as Kansas Great Outdoors Month. She joins 20 fellow governors and more than 50 national organizations in celebrating our outdoors legacy and getting people outside to benefit from healthy, active lifestyles.

The designations are part of a campaign, supported by city, state and federal government agencies, as well as outdoor trade associations and The Coleman Company, Inc. of Wichita. The month-long celebration will feature outdoor events at locations across the country, designed to attract people to the fun that the outdoors has to offer for all ages.

According to Coleman President and CEO, Gary A. Kiedaisch, this is an important step toward raising Americans’ awareness and appreciation of the outdoors. “The country is beginning to respond to the outdoor message. It’s coming from many public and private sector sources, among them our company’s current marketing campaign, entitled ‘Let’s Go Outside.’ It includes TV, print, outdoor advertising and promotions. The American Recreation Coalition (ARC), a major trade association for the outdoor industry, is also working hard to deliver the message through its new GO USA/Get Outdoors USA! initiative.

“We’re happy to see Governor Sebelius and other governors from across the country, joining in this important effort. It will make a real difference in Americans’ quality of life. Regardless of how old you are, the outside is where the fun is. It’s gratifying to see that people are getting the message, ” Kiedaisch said.

Some of the many outdoor events planned for June include:

·Presentation of the 19th Sheldon Coleman Great Outdoors Award in Washington, D.C.;
·More than 1000 volunteer trail projects across the country on June 2 – National Trails Day (www.americanhiking.org/events/ntd/);
·Free fishing days in most states during National Fishing and Boating Week, June 2-9 (see www.takemefishing.org/nationalfishingboatingweek);
·The Great Park Pursuit and Campout, begun in Connecticut and now under way across New England (www.nochildleftinside.org/pursuit/); and
·The Great American Backyard Campout on June 23 (www.backyardcampout.org/).

For further information about the celebration of June as Great Outdoors Month, see www.greatoutdoorsmonth.org.

Kansas Great Outdoors Month Proclamation

WHEREAS; Kansas State residents have a proud tradition of both safeguarding the environment and enjoying the outdoors; and
WHEREAS; a clean and sustainable environment contributes to our quality of life; and
WHEREAS; outdoor recreation promotes health, fitness, and environmental awareness; and
WHEREAS; outdoor recreation is an ideal way to exercise and enjoy memorable experiences with family and friends; and
WHEREAS; it is up to all of us to maintain and enhance our legacy of environmental stewardship and enjoyment of the great outdoors; and
WHEREAS; it is our duty to leave a well-tended legacy to those who will follow us;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kathleen Sebelius, Governor of the great state of Kansas, do hereby proclaim June 2007 as Great Outdoors Month in Kansas, and I urge all citizens to take the time to enjoy our state’s various state parks and outdoor activities, to share them with family and friends, and to make outdoor activities a regular part of their lives.

The Coleman Company, Inc. is an international leader in the innovation and marketing of outdoor products, including its legendary lanterns, as well as stoves, tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, coolers, furniture and grills. Its products are sold and used all over the world. Coleman embraces its leadership role as an advocate for the outdoors, contributing to outdoor causes and inspiring people to get outside. Founded in 1900 and based in Wichita, Kan., Coleman is a wholly owned subsidiary of Jarden Corporation, and can be found online at www.coleman.com. Consumers can contact Coleman by phone at 800-835-3278 or by e-mail at consumerservice@coleman.com.

Note to media: Electronic images are available upon request. Coleman also maintains a newsroom with downloadable news releases and photos at www.coleman.com/newsroom.

Jarden Corporation is a leading provider of niche consumer products used in and around the home. Jarden operates in three primary business segments through a number of well recognized brands, including: Branded Consumables: Ball®, Bee®, Bicycle®, Crawford®, Diamond®, First Alert®, Forster®, Hoyle®, JavaLog®, Kerr®, Lehigh®, Leslie-Locke®, Loew- Cornell® and Pine Mountain®; Consumer Solutions: Bionaire®, Crock- Pot®, FoodSaver®, Harmony®, Health o meter®, Holmes®, Mr. Coffee®, Oster®, Patton®, Rival®, Seal-a-Meal®, Sunbeam®, VillaWare® and White Mountain™; and Outdoor Solutions: Abu Garcia®, Berkley®, Campingaz®, Coleman®, Fenwick®, Gulp®, Mitchell®, Stren® and Trilene®. Headquartered in Rye, N.Y., Jarden has over 20,000 employees worldwide. For more information, please visit www.jarden.com.