OIA Announces Finalists for 2007 Outdoor Industry Awards

Outdoor Industry Association Releases Finalists for the 2007 Outdoor Industry Ambassador and Outdoor Industry Innovator Awards

BOULDER, Colo., (January 12, 2007) — Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today announced the finalists for the 2007 Outdoor Industry Ambassador Award and Outdoor Industry Innovator Award, as nominated by the outdoor industry and then selected by OIA’s Board of Directors. The award winners will be announced at the Industry Breakfast on Saturday, January 27, 2007 which kicks off the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The Outdoor Industry Ambassador Award recognizes a company that has made significant and ongoing achievements toward the growth of participation in outdoor activities. The finalists are: Atlas Snow-Shoe Company, developer of Explore Winter Women’s Workshops; LEKI, an innovator in the development of trekking poles and Nordic walking; and Jack Turner, founder and president of Snow Monsters and Sports Illustrated for Kids Next Snow Search.

The Outdoor Industry Innovator Award recognizes an individual from a retailer, manufacturer, supplier, media or other industry business who has made significant contributions toward the continued innovation and growth of the outdoor industry. The finalists are: KEEN Footwear President Kirk Richardson; Pemba Serves President Brad Werntz; and Timberland President and CEO Jeffrey Swartz.

“The impressive achievements of these finalists have had a significant impact on advancing our industry and we look forward to honoring them and announcing the winners on January 27th,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president, OIA.

The OIA Industry Award winners will be announced at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market’s Industry Breakfast on Saturday, January 27, 2007 in Salt Lake City, Utah. For information on attending the Industry Breakfast, sponsored by Smartwool, please email imalmberg@outdoorindustry.org.

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About 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. A wide spectrum of leading manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and retailers of outdoor recreation equipment and services, as well as other related business entities make up OIA’s membership. OIA programs include representation in government/legislative affairs, cutting edge market research, member cost saving benefits and outreach initiatives to grow participation in outdoor activities and promote healthier lifestyles. Educational events include the annual Outdoor Industry Rendezvous, Outdoor University, and the Capitol Summit in Washington, D.C., are hosted by OIA. Outdoor Industry Association is the exclusive endorser of the Outdoor Retailer tradeshow. For more information go to http://www.outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353.