Industry Breakfast Keynote Walmart SVP, Sustainability Andrea Thomas

Driving Retail Initiatives Around Sustainability at 2011 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market

Outdoor Industry Association and The North Face Host Walmart SVP, Sustainability Andrea Thomas for Industry Breakfast Keynote on January 20

BOULDER, CO, January 13, 2011 – Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) and The North Face today announced the lineup for the industry breakfast kick off at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market trade show on Thursday, January 20, 2011 from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. in the Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown Ballroom. Discovering a path to sustainability is a goal of many companies in the outdoor industry. Walmart Senior Vice President, Sustainability Andrea Thomas will be providing insight into the Walmart journey towards a more sustainable future, how the company plans to support its vendors in sustainable practices and the importance that one of the world’s largest brands places on sustainable solutions in retail.

“Walmart is one of the most recognized companies presently examining the challenges of scalable sustainability in retail. Learning more about the challenges they’ve faced and need to overcome is beneficial to every business in the outdoor industry.” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of Outdoor Industry Association. “The fact that Walmart is serious about sustainability is a sign that significant changes are coming and that we all should prepare.”

As Walmart’s sustainability chieftain, Ms. Thomas is responsible for working across the global organization as well as with external stakeholders to embed sustainability into all aspects of the company. Prior to assuming this new role in September 2010, she led the Global Merchandising Center for the Home, Hardlines and Entertainment businesses for Walmart. She has also led the brand management, product development and co-manufacturing activities for the multi-billion dollar portfolio of private brands in the Grocery, Dry Goods, Health & Beauty, Pharmacy and Pet categories. Before joining Walmart, Ms. Thomas focused on platform innovation, retail marketing and brand management at The Hershey Company and Pepsico.

“The North Face shares a passion and dedication to building sustainable business practices that will impact many retailers in the global community,” said Steve Rendle, vice president, VF and group president, Outdoor & Action Sports Americas. “Understanding how other leading companies plan to build their sustainable supply chains is critical for the specialty outdoor retail community. We’re privileged to share knowledge on an issue that impacts us all.”

For the full line-up of OIA events, educational workshops and activities at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, visit outdoorindustry.org/or.

Outdoor Industry Association

Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) is a national trade association whose mission is to ensure the growth and success of the outdoor industry. OIA provides trade services for over 4,000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives and retailers in the outdoor industry. OIA provides industry-defining resources and support in government/legislative affairs, market and social research, business‐to-business services and youth outreach initiatives. Ongoing education opportunities and strategic business workshops provided by OIA include the annual Rendezvous®, Outdoor University® sessions, and the Capitol Summit. Outdoor Industry Association is based in Boulder, Colorado, and is the title sponsor of the Outdoor Retailer tradeshows. For more information about OIA go to www.outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353.

The North Face®

The North Face, a division of VF Outdoor, Inc., was founded in 1968. Headquartered in San Leandro, California, the company offers the most technically advanced products in the market to accomplished climbers, mountaineers, snowsport athletes, endurance athletes, and explorers. The company’s products are sold in specialty mountaineering, backpacking, running, and snowsport retailers, premium-sporting goods retailers and major outdoor specialty retail chains.