Merrell Commits $500,000 to Conservation Alliance Legacy Fund

Stepping up the company’s commitment to protecting the sacred open spaces in North America, Merrell announced it will commit $500,000 to the Conservation Alliance Legacy Fund, a new initiative securing a reliable source of funding for operations for the organization. The Conservation Alliance announced the Legacy Fund at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market today in Salt Lake City during its annual breakfast.

“As Merrell’s heritage is deeply rooted in the outdoors, we feel a responsibility to do whatever we can to protect it,” said Scott Sible, president of Merrell. “The Conservation Alliance, a long time partner of ours, is a leader in taking the initiative in looking after nature’s treasures and has a very strong record. We have all benefited from their hard work. We applaud their efforts and will continue to do our part in protecting our playground.”

Merrell joins CamelBack, Kelty, Patagonia, REI, The North Face and The Forest Group as pledge members in the Legacy Fund. The Legacy Fund currently has over $1.5 million in commitments and will build on these early commitments by seeking contributions from member companies. Once fully funded, the Legacy Fund will permanently cover the current operating expenses for the Alliance and will enable it to fund a greater number of conservation projects.

About Merrell:
Merrell® is a brand within the Outdoor Group, a division of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. that also includes Patagonia Footwear. Wolverine World Wide, Inc. is headquartered in Rockford, Michigan. The company’s portfolio of highly-recognized brands includes: Bates®, Hush Puppies®, HYTEST®, Merrell®, Sebago and Wolverine®. The Company is also the exclusive footwear licensee of the following popular brands: CAT®, Harley-Davidson® and Patagonia®. The Company’s products are carried by leading retailers in the U.S. and globally in over 180 countries. Merrell, 9341 Courtland Drive, Rockford, Mich. 49351. Phone: (800) 789-8586; Fax: (888) 746-3329.

About the Conservation Alliance:
The Conservation Alliance is an organization of outdoor businesses whose collective contributions support grassroots environmental organizations and their efforts to protect wild places where outdoor enthusiasts recreate. Alliance funds have played a key role in protecting rivers, trails, wildlands and climbing areas. Membership in the Alliance is open to companies representing all aspects of the outdoor industry, including manufacturers, retailers, publishers, mills and sales representatives. The result is a diverse group of businesses whose livelihood depends on protecting our natural environment.

Since its inception in 1989, the Alliance has contributed more than $6 million to grassroots environmental groups. Alliance funding has helped save over 38 million acres of wildlands; stop or remove 26 dams; and preserve access to more than 16,000 miles of waterways and several climbing areas.

For complete information on the Conservation Alliance, see www.conservationalliance.com

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