Petzl and Utah Open Lands (UOL), a non-profit land trust conservation association, are once again joining forces at this years Southwest Land Trust Conference to be held in Park City, Utah.
John Evans of Petzl America and Wendy Fisher of Utah Open Lands will present a workshop entitled “Land Acquisition and Cause Related Marketing”, sharing experience and expertise in creating mutually beneficial alliances between businesses and non-profits.
The conference provides focused learning experiences for businesses and conservationists through a series of workshops and seminars dedicated to this years theme, “Cultivating Conservation Close to Home”.
The Southwest Land Trust Conference will be held this Thursday, May 15th through Saturday, May 17th, at The Yarrow Resort Hotel and Conference Center located at 1800 Park Avenue, in Park City, Utah.
Wendy Fisher, Executive Director at Utah Open Lands, will present the story of how the outdoor industry played a large role in the preservation of the base lands of Castleton Tower – a hard fought two-year campaign to save 221 acres of red rock desert which encompasses the 400-foot spire, garnering international attention. Profiled in the book “Fifty Classic Climbs of North America”, Castleton Tower is arguably one of the most famous desert formations in the world, revered by climbers and photographers alike. When the Tower's base lands were threatened by development, a number of partners joined Utah Open Lands to fight for preservation. Over $640,000 was raised to protect the Tower's base lands, campground and public access forever.
Wendy Fisher, Executive Director at Utah Open Lands, will present the story of how the outdoor industry played a large role in the preservation of the base lands of Castleton Tower – a hard fought two-year campaign to save 221 acres of red rock desert which encompasses the 400-foot spire, garnering international attention. Profiled in the book “Fifty Classic Climbs of North America”, Castleton Tower is arguably one of the most famous desert formations in the world, revered by climbers and photographers alike. When the Tower's base lands were threatened by development, a number of partners joined Utah Open Lands to fight for preservation. Over $640,000 was raised to protect the Tower's base lands, campground and public access forever.
“Petzl and the support of the Outdoor Industry was instrumental to Utah Open Lands' preservation of Castleton Tower,” says Fisher. “Beyond dollars, companies can provide a multitude of resources to land protection efforts.”
Fisher and Evans joined forces for the Southwest Land Trust Conference workshop believing that other land trust leaders can benefit from understanding how the Castleton Campaign garnered so much attention and support from the outdoor industry, and how Castleton continues to benefit from the business and land trust partnerships fostered by the original campaign.
“The outdoor industry is at the forefront of cause marketing trends which, in the broader business world, is really still in its infancy,” said Evans. “We're really honored be able to present some of our experience to this group of dedicated individuals.”
John Evans, Marketing Director at Petzl America, was invited to discuss current trends in cause related marketing and best practices for non-profits when teaming with business. Petzl played a large role in The Castleton Tower Preservation Initiative, and continues to work closely with Utah Open Lands and other land trust organizations toward further conservation. Last year, Petzl worked with the Red River Gorge Climbers Coalition to raise $33,000 for the Pendergrass-Murray Preserve in Kentucky, successfully protecting more than 700 acres of land from potential oil development.
“Cause related marketing is a proven way to build brands and create real affinity with your customers,” added Evans. “It's also good for the community, the environment and contributes to company morale.”
Petzl America has been recognized for other philanthropic and environmental efforts by Rock & Ice magazines Sprout Award, and the HERA (Health Empowerment Research and Awareness) Power of One Award. Petzl has also received accolades for an outstanding work environment, recently acclaimed among Outside Magazines “Best Places to Work” and by the 2006 Utah Work-Life award, which honors “Utahs Best Places to Work”.
