Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and Timberland are teaming to present the OIA Industry Breakfast, which will focus on the connection between our growing urban communities and how they experience the outdoors.

 

The event, entitled Home(town) Security and featuring leading eco-entrepreneur Majora Carter, kicks off Outdoor Retailer Winter Market on Wednesday, Jan. 23, from 7:00 to 9:00 am at the Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek.

 

Carter is an internationally renowned urban revitalization strategy consultant, real estate developer and Peabody Award-winning broadcaster. Her consulting company focuses on climate adaptation, urban revitalization, and leadership development strategies for business, government, foundations, universities, and economically under-performing communities. She has a long list of awards and honorary degrees, including one from John Podestas Center For American Progress, a MacArthur Genius Fellowship, and a Liberty Medal for Lifetime Achievement from Rupert Murdochs New York Post.

 

The relationship people have with the outdoors begins in their home communities, said Carter. My Home(town) Security theory starts by looking at how we strengthen the fabric of our communities, and where we can grow from there.

 

The outdoor industry has a tremendous opportunity to connect with consumers first in their backyards, and then extend the relationship farther afield, said Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of OIA. Carters insights will help outdoor retailers and brands deepen these connections in order to build a growing and engaged customer base.

 

Timberland is the presenting sponsor of the OIA Industry Breakfast.

 

As an industry, its important that we recognize that ‘outdoor can have many faces, depending on where you live and what kind of access you have to outdoor recreation, said Diane Woods, vice president and general manager, Timberland North America. The important thing is instilling a love of the outdoors, and creating that connection with the consumer. Were excited to be presenting the Industry Breakfast to spark dialogue around this important issue.

 

The event is free and open to all Outdoor Retailer Winter Market attendees. No RSVP required.