The Paddle Council, an ad hoc group formed last year to obtain better terms for paddlesports exhibitors at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, has broadened its membership with the addition of four more industry heavyweights.


New members include Steve O’Meara, CEO of Kokatat; Andy Zimmerman, CEO of Legacy Paddlesports, Travis Nichols, Merchandise Planner for Mountain Gear and Larry Hewett, Director of North American Sales for Thule at the Outdoor Retailer breakfast.

 

The new members officially join the Paddle Council Aug. 1, 2010 on the even of Outdoor Retailer. The council will introduce its new members at a breakfast at 7:30 am on Wednesday, Aug. 4th at The Sand Bar (122 W. Pierpont, just around the corner from the Salt Palace Convention Center). In addition to a great networking opportunity, the breakfast  will provide an opportunity to learn about the Paddle Council's goals and objectives for the 2011 season. The council describes itself as a coalition of top paddlesports manufacturers, retailers and stakeholders, dedicated to the advancement and sustainability of the industry, but has yet to adopt a formal board of directors or bylaws.

“We are very happy to welcome such qualified members to the team,” said Paddle Council member Brandon Koger. “Each individual brings a unique skill set and perspective to the Council and their shared passion for the industry will dovetail nicely into our mission of fostering a healthy and sustainable paddlesports industry.”


Paddle Council members are responsible for bringing their organizational expertise and constructive feedback to the myriad of topics facing the paddlesports industry. Paddle Council members meet monthly via teleconference and in person at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market tradeshow.


The Paddle Council serves as an ad hoc steering committee on industry issues including youth outreach, tradeshows and consumer engagement. Serving as a unified voice for the industry, the Paddle Council works side by side with paddlesports and outdoor trade associations, non-profit groups, suppliers and dealers to address the challenges present in today’s marketplace.


For more information on the Paddle Council or the OR breakfast please contact Brandon Koger at bkoger@ems.com or Sara Knies at sknies@johnsonoutdoors.com


Current council members include representatives from the industry including Confluence Watersports, Wenonah Canoe, EMS, MTI, Aquan Sports, Nantahala Outdoors Center, Johnson Outdoors and Rutabaga Paddlesports LLC.