In keeping with a long-standing tradition, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and Timberland partnered on Thursday to host the OIA Rendezvous Timberland Service Project in Portland.
“At Timberland, community engagement and outdoor stewardship are at the heart of who we are as a brand and who we are as people,” said Mark Bryden, vice president and general manager of North America for Timberland. “I know these values are shared by many in the outdoor industry, which is what makes the Rendezvous service project such a powerful event. We are honored to continue to be a part of this endeavor, and look forward to working with the community of Portland to help enhance some of their most treasured outdoor assets.”
After nearly two days of conference sessions, leaders from companies such as Timberland, Columbia, Patagonia, Keen, Merrell, Leatherman, Mountain Hardwear, Yakima, JanSport and dozens of others will tackle a wide range of hands-on volunteer projects, such as trail repair, bridge work, invasive weed removal, graveling and painting.
Featuring a new format from prior years, The OIA Rendezvous Timberland Service Project will now benefit five local organizations, including Forest Park Conservancy, Wapato Access Greenway, Portland Children's Museum, Audubon Society of Portland and Portland Parks and Recreation.
“The OIA Rendezvous Timberland Service Project is a unique opportunity for the passionate leaders of the outdoor industry to give back to the local community,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of Outdoor Industry Association and host of the OIA Rendezvous®. “Portland is well-known for its active outdoor lifestyle, and the industry is honored to be here and support the local community.”
As the largest leadership conference for the outdoor industry, OIA Rendezvous travels annually to the four corners of the country, drawing hundreds of outdoor executives from retail, manufacturing and the supply chain. Each conference has included a community service day where conference attendees invest time in giving back to the local community. 2011 marks the first year OIA Rendezvous will be held in Portland.
Timberland has sponsored the OIA Rendezvous Service Project for the past 13 years.
