Merrell Increases Commitment to Conservation Alliance

Continuing to expand its commitment as a leader in outdoor conservation and education, Merrell, a partner of the Conservation Alliance since 2001, will become a Pinnacle Member this year. As such, Merrell will contribute $100,000 annually to provide a solid financial foundation for the Conservation Alliance’s grants this year. Since its inception, the Alliance has contributed more than $8.8 million to conservation projects, and its funding has protected more than 50 million acres of land and 17,700 miles of rivers.

“Merrell’s brand cause is about getting people outside,” said Craig Throne, vice president of global marketing for Merrell. “To help drive that effort we make protecting our natural places a priority as they will inspire current and future generations to recreate in the outdoors. The Conservation Alliance is leading this effort and we are proud to extend our support to a Pinnacle level to help defend our natural outdoor playground.”

“Merrell has been a rock-solid member for nearly a decade, and we’re thrilled that the company has stepped up to the Pinnacle Member level,” said John Sterling, executive director of The Conservation Alliance. “Merrell is a leader in our industry, and with this commitment, they demonstrate an above-and-beyond commitment to protecting the wild places so important to outdoor consumers.”

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.

About Merrell:
Merrell® is a brand within the Outdoor Group, a division of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. that also includes Chaco and Patagonia Footwear. Merrell believes in encouraging everyone to get outside, be active and have fun, and is the largest outdoor brand partner of the National Park Foundation. Wolverine World Wide, Inc. is headquartered in Rockford, Michigan. The company’s portfolio of highly-recognized brands includes: Bates®, Chaco, Cushe®, Hush Puppies®, 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 nearly 180 countries and territories. Merrell, 9341 Courtland Drive, Rockford, Mich. 49351. Phone: (800) 789-8586; Fax: (888) 746-3329. FACEBOOK http://www.facebook.com/#!/merrell?ref=nf. TWITTER: @merrelloutside.

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