The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) board of directors recently approved the formation of the OIA Political Action Committee. The new political action committee, known as OIAPAC, will support candidates seeking election to Congress or the presidency.


OIAPAC will support candidates for federal office whose policy views and voting records are aligned with OIA’s Policy Agenda, which is approved annually by the OIA Board of Directors and sets forth OIA’s policy work for the coming year.


The 2008 Policy Agenda will focus on securing more government dollars for close-to-home parks and trails as well as support federal funding for public lands. OIA also works to preserve the quality of human-powered recreation opportunities and supports legislation that encourages youth participation in active outdoor recreation. OIA’s trade work in 2008 will include supporting legislation to reduce tariffs on outdoor footwear, apparel, and equipment.


The 2008 OIA Policy agenda can be found on the OIA website at www.outdoorindustry.org/gov.policy.php?news_id=3692&sort_year=2008.


“As the only national trade association representing the complete spectrum of manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, retailers, and media of the active outdoor recreation industry, the OIA-sponsored PAC will represent the diversity of interests, activities and companies within our industry,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president of Outdoor Industry Association.


Under federal election law, OIAPAC can accept only personal contributions from individual employees of OIA member companies who have agreed to allow their employees to participate in the PAC. OIAPAC does not accept corporate funds. OIAPAC dollars would be managed in a separate financial account under the umbrella organization of OIA.


The OIAPAC will be governed by a board consisting of employees of OIA member companies. OIAPAC will publish its activities and contributions to candidates on a soon-to-be developed OIAPAC website.


More information about the OIAPAC will be forthcoming. Members with questions about the new OIAPAC are encouraged to contact Amy Roberts, OIA’s director of government affairs, at 303.327.3511 or aroberts@outdoorindustry.org.