This year outdoor industry organizations were busy with their own consolidation efforts, some of which were successful, and others which are still shaking out.

In January, OIA acquired Outdoor University and began a transformation process for the program that matured in December. Previously, the program was designed exclusively to help retail floor staff learn about gear and retail floor sales strategies. Now, the program will be re-focused to fill a vital gap in the talent pipeline between floor staff and management. The 2007 Outdoor University programming will focus on management and higher level specialty retail staff, where training resources will improve business infrastructure.

TAPS and PPA were also deeply involved in discussions for the better part of the year concerning a potential merger between the two organizations. Both organizations kept things relatively quiet throughout the year, although there was certainly a buzz floating through the rumor mill concerning the merger.

In December, with Michael Pardy taking over as executive director of TAPS, the organization stated that the merger will not happen, but TAPS and the PPA will continue to work together to ensure the health of the paddlesports industry
Finally, Retailers of the Outdoor Industry, a group that was previously a buying group for retailers, changed its name. Now known as The Grassroots Outdoor Alliance the group also changed its mission statement to be more inclusive and allow retailers to join the organization even if they do not meet the criteria to join the buying group.

The real vision for Grassroots is to help independent outdoor retailers engage their local communities in issues that are important to the health of the outdoor industry.

The changes in structure, merger talks, and acquisitions among the trade organizations did not slow down their efforts to be proactive for the industry, but now with these changes behind them, 2007 should allow more focus on operations and making even more of a difference for their members.