Rock Creek Outfitters of Chattanooga, TN was voted best retailer at the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance 11th annual Early Show, which was held in Ogden Utah from June 13-17.


Other companies recognized at the associations annual awards ceremony were:


* Best Buyer: Travis Zarins, Great Outdoor Provision Co.


* Best Vendor: Patagoina


In addition, an honorary lifetime achievment award was presented to Dave Baker, founder of Summit Hut in Tuscon, AZ and one of the founding members of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance nearly 16 years ago.


Grassroots changed the show location in 2011 to Ogden, Utah to meet the organization’s growing needs. With 42 outdoor manufacturers, nine service vendors and 38 retail members at the show, attendance reached a record 284 people.


The combination of a beautiful facility at the Ogden Eccles Center, a welcoming local community and multiple events made the show busy and productive . Besides buying and selling Spring 2012 products, attendees were able to participate in a local BBQ hosted by Amer Sports, a fund raiser for Ogden local Jeff Lowe, educational seminars on topics of interest to retailers, a Vasque 5K run and the shows annual awards ceremony.


The show stayed true to its mission: to facilitate business and to strengthen relationships between outdoor brands and independent outdoor specialty retailers with a personal atmosphere that makes it unique among tradeshows. As Bshared:


I want to tell you that this was the best show I have attended in 17 years with Ex Officio,” said  Bill Swan, director of operations for Ex Officio. “I had time to have important discussions with virtually every retailer that we met with.”


Swan praised the format, which allowed for two-hour appointments and nearby dining for extended discussions that enable Ex-Officio to truly build on its relationships.


“The thoughtfulness that went into remembering a few that had passed on left a huge impression that although we are in business,” Swan said. “Lets never lose sight of our common humanness and care for one another.”



Grassroots will hold its Fall Show in Atlanta, GA in November, 2011.



Grassroots Outdoor Alliance unites independent outdoor retailers as a strong voice to protect and promote the experience of outdoor enthusiasts across the United States. We enable access to best business practices for our retail members, to the best equipment and apparel brands for the public, and to outdoor recreation for all. To learn more about Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, visit www.grassrootsoutdoors.com