$17 Billion Outdoor Industry Launches "B4W," National Initiative to Protect Roadless Areas

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$17 Billion Outdoor Industry Launches "B4W," National Initiative to Protect Roadless Areas

Outdoor industry sales up 19% since December '99

BOULDER, COLORADO, Feb. 13 -/E-Wire/-- Building upon the momentum of Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, last month's record-setting industry trade show, the $17 billion outdoor industry announced the formation of "Businesses for Wilderness" (B4W), a national initiative supporting the protection of critical roadless areas throughout the United States. Championed by ORCA, the trade association of the outdoor industry, over 4000 businesses will benefit from this comprehensive education campaign.

"It's a myth that protecting wilderness is bad for business," said Frank Hugelmeyer, president of ORCA. "Wild and undeveloped lands, and the special outdoor recreation experiences found there, are essential for the health of the $17.8 billion human-powered outdoor industry. In fact, we were one of the few business sectors that had double digit growth over the past holidays."

According to ORCA's Top-line Retail Report, the outdoor industry reported double digit growth for this past holiday season, up 19% December 2000 over December 1999. Participation in human-powered outdoor recreation remained at an all-time high in the United States last year. More than 111 million people Americans 16 and older participated in one of 14 activities that ORCA tracks.

"Places for people to enjoy the outdoors are increasingly threatened," noted Kathleen Beamer, vice president of public affairs for Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), one of the largest retailers and online merchants of outdoor gear, with 60 stores in the U.S. and Japan. "Our business and customers thrive when the outdoors is protected. Policy makers deserve to know about this."

"The outdoor industry has a significant economic impact on the economy in Utah," said Peter Metcalf, president of Black Diamond, a leading Salt Lake City designer and manufacturer of equipment for rock climbing, alpinism, mountaineering and backcountry skiers. "This industry contributes approximately $46 million to Salt Lake City's economy during the industry's annual trade shows. We must protect our roadless areas for future generations and for business, locally and nationally."

ORCA was founded in 1989 and provides trade services for over 4000 manufacturers distributors, suppliers, retailers, sales representatives, and climbing gyms in the outdoor industry. ORCA's programs include: industry research; representation in Washington; educational programs and cost-saving benefits. ORCA is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado.

Chris Goddard, CGPR, [REDACTED-PHONE], Frank Hugelmeyer, [REDACTED-PHONE] Ext. 23

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