LCI Brands has partnered with Outdoor Industries Women's Coalition (OIWC), which educates companies and employees in the outdoor industry on gender diversification and inclusion in all areas of business.

OIWC is perhaps best known for Pitchfest, a program that allows companies with at least 50 percent female ownership to pitch product ideas. The top finalists receive feedback, media exposure, complimentary membership, and a one day pass to the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. OIWC also hosts networking events, matches female leaders with mentors and connects C-level women at trade shows.

“LCI Brands has been a leader in developing smart products for the adventurous and outdoor consumer. OIWC is proud and excited to include them as a member that joins a growing community of companies that understands that business sustainability is weaved throughout the entire brand, from the end-user to a diverse and inclusive employee engagement culture,” said Deanne Buck, Executive Director at OIWC.

“We also wanted to make the most of our membership with the new OIWC program that includes membership matching through The REI Foundation’s Mary Anderson Legacy Grant. We know that funds raised through corporate partnerships directly impacts the outdoor industry and creates a more sustainable future for our best asset: our people,” added Jen Panattoni, Director of Marketing at LCI Brands.

LCI Brands (formerly known as L.C. Industries, Inc.) is located just outside Chicago and is home to brands such as Lewis N. Clark, Belle Hop, and UrbanGear. With the luggage caddy as its core offering, LCI Brands began operations in 1971, and since then has expanded to offer hundreds of products in categories such as security, comfort, organization, and health.