The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) announced that the new OIA Business Advisory Council (OIABAC) will be chaired by Marc Berejka, director of government affairs for REI.
OIABAC is based on the successful model of the OIA Trade Advisory Council (OIATAC) and will address a broad spectrum of issues, ranging from e-Retailing to the promotion of outdoor products that are Made in America. Council members will provide strategic advice to OIA government affairs staff and industry guidance for OIAs policy initiatives. The first formal meeting of OIABAC will be in March with monthly conference calls to follow.
I am really excited that Marc will be leading the new OIA business advisory council, said Alex Boian, senior director of government affairs for OIA. His wealth of experience in both policy and business matters make him an ideal leader to launch this important new committee.
Berejka has been with REI for the last year and a half, and he will continue to represent the company on the OIATAC. Before joining REI, he was a senior advisor to the secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce, and for the 12 years before that, a policy expert and advocate at Microsoft. He is a graduate of Princeton University and Georgetown Law.
OIA launched OIABAC to better support its members on business issues. The new council complements OIATAC as well as the newly created OIA Recreation Advisory Council (OIARAC), which will engage the industry on issues related to access to and funding for recreation on public lands and waters.
