Kokatat is accepting entries for the 2013 American Made Outdoor Gear Awards – the first-annual award that raises a glass to leaders in American made quality, craftsmanship and creativity in the outdoor world.
“We all have reasons why we do or don’t produce products in America, and we want to celebrate the can do spirit that we all have, especially those keeping domestic manufacturing alive and well,” said Jeff Turner, Kokatat sales and marketing manager.
The company with the best “made in America” story will receive one-year ownership of the ‘Sassy’ travelling trophy – a hand carved, 3-foot-tall, redwood Sasquatch from Humboldt County, CA. Runners up will receive miniature versions of the award and all entrants will receive a certificate of participation.
“By bringing this handmade Sasquatch into the spotlight, we hope to play our own small part in keeping the bright stories in American manufacturing from becoming a myth,” added Turner.
In 1971 Kokatat began making paddlesports gear in Arcata, CA. Its founder and president, Steve O’Meara, recognized from the start that keeping production local was necessary in order to control quality and continually develop the finest and driest paddling apparel in the world.
“I’m constantly asked by companies interested in starting domestic manufacturing how to do it,” said O’Meara, “The Sassies are a chance for those who are doing it to share their stories for all of us to learn from.”
Targeted to the outdoor industry, the 2013 American Made Outdoor Gear Awards are open to all companies with a solid commitment to American manufacturing/sourcing and a compelling story to tell.
Applications for the Sassy award may be completed online or downloaded at http://www.Kokatat.com/Sassy. To receive applications by mail send a request to Kokatat Inc. attn: 2013 Sassy, Kokatat Inc., 5350 Ericson Way, Arcata, CA 95521.
Applications must be received by October 31, 2012. Winners will be announced on Friday, November 23, 2012, and an official “Sassy” presentation will be made on Thursday, January 24, 2013, at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in Salt Lake City, UT.
