Outdoor Industry Association ia making a call for nominations for the 2007 Outdoor Industry Ambassador Award and Outdoor Industry Innovator Award. OIA will present the awards at the Industry Breakfast on Saturday, January 27, 2007 which kicks off the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in Salt Lake City, Utah. Open to anyone in the outdoor industry, the deadline for nominations is Friday, December 15, 2006.
“OIA has established these awards to honor those who share our mission of ensuring the continued growth and success of the outdoor industry,” said Hugelmeyer. “The vitality of our community is reliant on those companies and individuals who not only embrace the spirit of innovation, but also are committed to sustainability.”
The Outdoor Industry Innovator Award recognizes an individual from a retailer, manufacturer, supplier or media who has made significant contributions toward the continued innovation and growth of the outdoor industry. Those contributions can be either through a dynamic business initiative, the creation and development of new outdoor activity niches, active and responsible promotion of new or existing market areas, or the spear-heading of collaborative efforts to initiate innovative and lasting industry partnerships. This award recognizes a business achievement.
The Outdoor Industry Ambassador Award recognizes a company that has made significant and ongoing achievements toward the growth of participation in outdoor activities. Those efforts could include spearheading conservation programs, the development and support of programs or efforts intended to serve as model practices for the industry, the introduction and advancement of responsible tourism practices, outstanding consumer outreach campaigns, or have made great strides in encouraging youth to develop an active outdoor lifestyle. This award pays tribute to a company that has embraced a worthy cause and made a significant achievement.
Last years recipient of the Outdoor Industry Innovator Award was Gary Erickson, founder and owner of Clif Bar. Last years recipients of the Outdoor Industry Ambassador Award were Backpacker magazine and River Sports Outfitters.
