Reporting on the Business, Art and Culture of the Active Lifestyle
by James Edward Mills
Parks Paid Forward
Learn MoreConsidering how late I went to bed last night, I’m up pretty early this morning. I wanted to make sure these photographs we’re sorted, edited and uploaded for you to enjoy. The Outdoor Industry All-Star Jam went off last night to a roaring crowd watching friends and colleagues strumming, drumming and singing their hearts out. With a day left to go at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market this twice-annual event is my personal favorite of all the goings-on in Salt Lake City. As seven amateur bands take the stage our gathering of outdoor professionals and enthusiasts elevates to a fever pitch that is the ultimate celebration of the joyful active lifestyle we all share.
I believe that business can be an active force for good. And as I’m gearing up for the 2011 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market I’m excited about several emerging initiatives that blend commerce and philanthropy to achieve positive social change. By adding benevolent acts of good to their bottom line companies large and small can effectively contribute to the preservation of wilderness and the betterment of human lives.
A grand ideal to be sure but since 2004 a marketing firm from my home base in Madison Wisconsin has contributed more $1.8 million in goods and services to support the work of over 100 non-profits. Knupp, Watson and Wallman (KW2) created a unique promotion vehicle to quickly build high quality advertising materials to help these charitable organizations tell their stories. Called Goodstock the annual event conjures up frantic storm of enthusiasm that is inspiring to behold. And I’m thrilled to announce that in 2012 the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market will host Goodstock as a four-day marketing experience live on the show floor.Many of us have a deep fascination with rock climbers. Big wall climbers in particular captivate our wonder and attention as we marvel that their daring feats of courage. And in the movie Alone on the Wall from Sender Films fans are introduced to a new breed of climber and the most breathtaking alpine style of all. Alex Honnold is one of those guys who has distinguished himself as a climber doing amazing things. Climbing the Yosemite big wall of Half Dome without a rope is what he’s best...
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