The following is a press release from the Outdoor Industry Association.
OIA is announcing the first annual Together We Are a Force Awards to celebrate the collaborative spirit of the outdoor industry. The awards will recognize individuals who have partnered cross-organizationally to spark innovation and progress through new processes, products, methods, systems, services, tools or other initiatives. Nominations are now open and will close May 14.
Many achievements that make meaningful change in the outdoor industry are accomplished through multi-organization collaboration—often with competitors—in order to achieve a common goal of creating lasting solutions that affect the entire industry.
“OIA’s purpose is to be a convener and leader for the outdoor industry,” said Amy Roberts, OIA executive director. “Part of fulfilling that purpose is shining a light on the truly amazing work our members and partner organizations do. I encourage anyone who has a story of innovation or progress that was made possible through collaboration to submit a nomination.”
The Together We Are a Force Awards are building on the momentum of the OIA Together We Are a Force campaign, created to showcase the collaboration the outdoor industry thrives on.
“Through our Together We Are a Force campaign, OIA has been able to tell some truly inspiring and important stories of the work that the outdoor industry and our members do,” said Jennifer Pringle, OIA VP of marketing and research. “The Together We Are a Force Awards are a way to support that effort and unearth untold stories of pre-competitive, collaborative work that has benefitted the outdoor industry as a whole.”
Winners of the OIA Together We Are a Force Awards will receive recognition at the OIA Industry Breakfast in Denver on July 23 at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Denver. Winning groups will also take part in a custom Together We Are a Force photoshoot, be promoted in print and digital media and get free tickets to Outsiders Ball, the unofficial kickoff party to Outdoor Retailer Summer Market and fundraiser for the Outdoor Foundation.
About Outdoor Industry Association
Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry and the title sponsor of Outdoor Retailer. Outdoor Industry Association unites close to 1,300 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.
