More Changes at Bergans USA. Byron McCann Promoted to Marketing Manager

Bergans USA Promotes Byron McCann to Marketing Manager

Company president Keith Patterson taps McCann for newly created position

LONGMONT, Colo. – March 31, 2016 – Bergans USA today announced the promotion of Byron Caldwell McCann to the newly created position of marketing manager. Previously, Keith Patterson was managing all of Bergans USA’s sales and marketing efforts, but his appointment to president in the wake of Pat Loomis’ recent retirement led to the development of the new role within the company.

McCann has been on board with Bergans USA since its December 2011 inception as a wholly owned subsidiary of Bergans of Norway. As one of three original employees, he’s worn many hats, working as a customer service coordinator and a systems and logistics specialist. As marketing manager, he will spearhead strategic planning and execution of the company’s marketing and communications efforts.

“It’s an exciting time for us here at Bergans and we are poised for some great growth,” said Patterson. “We have an excellent team here and I am really happy that we have the talent internally to fill this position and I look forward to having Byron focused on our day-to-day marketing efforts and brand building.”

In his previous roles at Bergans USA, McCann helped set up the company’s internal and external information systems, managed its website and social media accounts, worked with Bergans internal and external sales force and retailers, and helped coordinate the company’s sales and trade show efforts.

Before joining Bergans, McCann was vice president of business development at Green Guru and the owner of a consultancy firm helping small businesses with strategic planning and brand management. He also earned a bachelor’s of science degree in business information technology, operations management from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 2006.

“During the last five years, I’ve had the fantastic opportunity to see firsthand and be a part of the rapid growth of Bergans in the North American market,” said McCann. “I’m looking forward to working with the team both here and internationally building fun, innovative marketing campaigns that drive awareness at the consumer and retail levels.”

For more information about Bergans of Norway and its products, go to bergans.com. For North American sales questions, contact Keith Patterson at keith.patterson@bergans.com.

ABOUT BERGANS OF NORWAY

Bergans was established in 1908, when Ole Ferdinand Bergan invented the first anatomical backpack. Today backpacks, functional outdoor clothing and tents are part of the portfolio of Bergans of Norway, as well as the ALLY brand of packable canoes. Adventurers such as South Pole conqueror Roald Amundsen, Mount Everest pioneer Sir Edmund Hillary, and heroes of our time such as Polar explorers Rune Gjeldnes and Cecilie Skog trust Bergans equipment on their expeditions.

The Scandinavian brand was established in 1908 by Ole F. Bergan after he invented the anatomical frame pack. During a hunting trip, he cut and shaped a juniper branch to match the curve of his back and attached it to his heavy, loose-fitting rucksack, a design now mirrored in every anatomical backpack produced today, including Bergans award winning Glittertind. The company offers a broad range of backpacks, tents, foldable canoes, and technical and fashionably functional outdoor and ski clothing.

The headquarter of Bergans Fritid AS is situated in Hokksund, Norway, 60 km southwest of Oslo, where 90-plus employees work in development, research, design and sales. Bergans is a market leader in Norway and steadily growing in several export markets in Europe and North America (www.bergans.com).

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Bergans USA, LLC

Chip Smith, o: 801.656.0472 x1, c: 801.597.7515, csmith@soarcomm.com

Beth Cochran, c: 406.579.7909, bethcochran@whatsuppr.com

Bergans of Norway

Christoph Centmayer, o: +47-40 62 40 99, christoph.centmayer@bergans.no