Recreational Equipment, Inc. has announced its 2004 Vendor Partnership Awards, including the selection of Keen as REI’s Vendor Partner of the Year.

“REI is fortunate to work with the best companies in the outdoor industry,” said Matt Hyde, REI’s Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Logistics. “Strong partnerships are key to REI’s success, and these winners set a leading example. Keen has raised the bar for all footwear companies in bringing new vision, energy and innovation to the outdoor market. Because of the relevance of their product to REI customers, Keen has sky-rocketed to be one of REI’s largest footwear vendors in just one year of business, and their response to increasing demand is impressive.”

The annual awards program recognizes three key vendors and one overall Vendor Partner of the Year for efforts that have built a strategic and successful relationship with REI. REI’s three merchandising divisions-Camping/Travel, Action Sports and Outdoorwear-nominate companies based on several measures, including financial performance, community and industry involvement and product quality, among others. In addition, REI’s retail stores vote from the slate of nominees to help determine the winners.

The top 2004 vote recipient is Keen, earning the REI Vendor Partner of the Year Award. Keen was founded in 2003 and is based in Alameda, Calif. Keen Footwear is the original hybrid footwear company. Whether for the true adventurer or the urban outdoorsman, for the trails, boulevards or anywhere in between, Keen’s rugged, performance product also provides fashion and fun. The other REI 2004 Vendor Partnership Award winners are:

Camping/Travel Division Winner: Cascade Designs, Inc. (Seattle) was founded in 1972. Cascade Designs’ family of premium brands includes MSR®, a pioneer in innovative backcountry gear; Therm-a-Rest®, the leader in comfortable portable seating and sleeping products worldwide; SealLine®, maker of portable storage products; Platypus®, specializing in flexible bottles and hydration systems; Tracks®, manufacturer of walking staffs and trekking poles; and Varilite®, specializing in wheelchair seating and positioning products.

Action Sports Division Winner: Pearl Izumi (based in Japan with an office in Broomfield, Colo.) is widely recognized as the gold standard of cycling gear and apparel. The company focuses on providing superlative products that rely on innovative fabrics, leading edge designs and unparalleled construction to enhance the performance of athletes at every level.

Outdoorwear Division Winner: prAna (Vista, Calif.), the REI 2003 Vendor Partner of the Year, has worked to establish itself as a leader in both the climbing and yoga communities. Commitment to design, product integrity, a compelling marketing program and a strong focus on giving back through sustainable business practices and to core industries are essential to the brand’s steady growth and success.

Other nominees included Chariot, Columbia, ExOfficio, Gregory, Marin, Petzl, Salomon, Sierra Designs, The North Face and Watermark.