Sport Obermeyer recently received a $2,000 grant from the City of Aspen. The award is part of a $5,000 total given by the city’s Transportation Department to Aspen-based companies in connection with its annual Summer Commuting Competition. The grant recognizes Obermeyer’s existing employee transportation program as well as its goals for increased awareness and use of alternative transportation company-wide. “The award underscores Obermeyer’s commitment to the local environment and the values Klaus Obermeyer instilled here since the company’s inception,” acknowledges Bill Post, president of Obermeyer.

Jeri Durnan, who applied for the grant on behalf of Obermeyer, said she wants “to help raise awareness of alternative transportation options within Obermeyer, but also serve as a model for other companies in the Aspen community to encourage similar programs.” Durnan notes the company’s goal to convert at least six of their remaining single car drivers to alternate commuting options two or three days a week. Currently, Obermeyer runs a van service to employees living as far as Carbondale and offers discounted or free RFTA passes to those who live beyond. Alternate methods being promoted internally include walking, biking, carpooling and riding the bus to work.

Employing forward-thinking, ecologically focused ideas is not a new concept at Obermeyer. Throughout the company’s history, Obermeyer has opted for ways to use alternative energy systems. In 1979, when Obermeyer headquarters was built, the company included a trum wall in its design to heat air and water; it was one of the first attempts to harvest solar energy in the Roaring Fork valley. At their Denver warehouse, Obermeyer also eliminates the need for conventional air conditioning by using a system engineered to exchange hot air (accumulated throughout the day) for cool air (drawn in during the night).

Durnan is charged with the task of distributing the grant funds at Obermeyer. Unsure as to how, exactly, they will divvy them up, Durnan is now looking to the employees themselves for ideas that work for them. The company hopes to reward those who are currently doing something in the way of alternative transportation, but also entice those who aren’t.