As SGB Media reported yesterday, the outdoors world got a jolt with the news that Jerry Stritzke, president and CEO of REI Co-op, had resigned after a board-initiated investigation into his admitted “personal and consensual” relationship with “the leader of another organization in the outdoor industry.” But what impact, if any, will this development have on the industry?
Category: Outdoor

Always Good Times: Jeff Mechura Dishes On Elan’s U.S. Growth
Jeff Mechura, head of global brand development and marketing for Elan Skis, spoke with SGB Media at Outdoor Retailer Snow Show about what’s been driving the company’s growth in the U.S. and why Elan remains the “good Catholic boys” when it comes to the retail channel.

Senate Votes To Reauthorize Land And Water Conservation Fund
The U.S. Senate passed a sweeping public lands package. The bill designates more than one million acres of wilderness for environmental protection and permanently reauthorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

California Outdoor Industry Leaders Fuel California’s $92 Billion Outdoor Recreation Economy
Spearheaded by a board of directors and comprised of outdoor industry professionals experienced in launching and managing profitable businesses, California Outdoor Recreation Partnership (CORP) is making progress in advocating on sustainable economic development in California’s growing and vibrant $92 billion outdoor recreation economy.

Danner Opens First Store In Bend, OR
Danner announced the opening of its fifth and newest store, Danner at the Box Factory, in Bend, OR.
Honey Stinger Announces Ambassador Team
Honey Stinger announced its new elite athlete team for 2019: Hive Gold.

Industrial Revolution Hires New President
Industrial Revolution, the Seattle manufacturer and distributor of essential outdoor accessories, announced the addition of Drew Keegan as its new president. Before coming to IR, Keegan spent 18 years at Cascade Designs.
Sportsman’s Warehouse To Open Murfreesboro, TN, Store In Summer 2019
Sportsman’s Warehouse is planning to open a new store in Murfreesboro, TN, in the summer of 2019.
OIA Names Amy Horton as Senior Director of Sustainable Business Innovation
Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) on Wednesday announced that Amy Horton will join the OIA executive team as senior director of sustainable business innovation.
Thule’s Q4 Sales Climb 15 Percent
Thule Group reported revenues rose 15 percent in the fourth quarter although operating income declined slightly.
Shimano’s Revenues Expand 3.6 Percent In 2019
Shimano reported operating income rose 2.1 percent in 2019 as sales improved 3.6 percent.
Kelty Announces Senior Management Promotions
Kelty on Tuesday announced two senior management changes. The brand named Russ Rowell senior vice president and general manager, and Vincent Mares senior creative director, overseeing Kelty product design and visual direction.

Christoph Engl Seeks New Heights For Oberalp’s ‘Passionate Mountaineers’
Christoph Engl, who last fall was appointed CEO of Oberalp Group—parent company of Salewa, Dynafit, Pomoca and Wild Country—spoke with SGB recently about his goals for the Italian-based company as it looks to grow market share in North America.

REI CEO Jerry Stritzke Resigns Over Investigation Into ‘Personal, Consensual Relationship’
REI President and CEO Jerry Stritzke resigned February 11 after the company’s “investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding a personal and consensual relationship between Jerry and the leader of another organization in the outdoor industry.”
Wolverine Sets New Stock Buyback Program, Raises Dividend
Wolverine World Wide announced a number of actions that reflect its continuing commitment to enhance shareholder value. These include a new share repurchase program, a substantial increase in the company’s quarterly dividend, and further details on the recent amendment to its credit agreement and improved capital structure.