Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and Outdoor Retailer (OR) are bringing a Made in America Product Showcase to OR Summer Market Aug. 6-9 in recognition of the growing interest in domestic manufacturing. The showcase will feature 30 products from American manufacturers to share the story of companies sourcing here in the United States.



Recent reports from the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in 2013 indicate that consumers are willing to pay between 10 and 60 percent more for American-made products, driven by both quality and patriotism, and that global economics increasingly favor domestic manufacturing.

 


“The Benchmade Knife Company team is extremely excited that Outdoor Industry Association is devoting more attention and resources to outdoor brands that manufacture in the U.S., said David Fee, VP of sales and marketing. “We appreciate the support that OIA has provided with legislation, trademarks, promoting our Made in America status, and other issues that are critical to our business. The Made in America Product Showcase, a partnership with Outdoor Retailer, will be a great opportunity for dealers to learn about the brands with domestic product, and for brands to share the products that they have worked hard to craft.”


Products will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis, and Outdoor Retailer is now taking applications online from companies interested in displaying products at the showcase. The showcase will be located near the East Entrance of the Salt Palace Convention Center and will feature educational information about U.S. sourcing and manufacturing, as well as information about participating companies and their products.


Along with the Made in America Product Showcase, a brief educational forum on Made in America trends and challenges will be held on Day 2 at 2:00 p.m. in the New Product Zone at OR Summer Market. This session will include a raffle for many of the Made in America products included in the showcase.

This partnership is presented by the OIA Made in America Working Group, made up of 125 companies. Launched in 2013, this Working Group was established to provide a forum for outdoor companies who manufacture in the United States to connect, share resources and communicate their needs and challenges to OIA. In the past year, the group has discussed such topics as the Federal Trade Commission’s guidelines for “Made in America” labeling, the Berry Amendment and government procurement, databases and resources on U.S. sourcing, and workforce development. Those interested in more information or joining the Made in America Working Group should email Lindsay Bourgoine, Advocacy Manager at OIA.