Issue No. 14: ☁️ Cloudy Skies for Vista Outdoors
🌲🏕️ Hey Outsiders! Here is your weekly insight into the business of the outdoors. Each week, we cover the most important, and interesting developments impacting the world of the outdoors. This includes business and environment, health and wellness, government, gear, tourism, and more! So grab your Nalgene and let's dive into Issue No. 14. 🌞📰
In this week’s edition:
The view for Vista Outdoor is socked in the cloud at the moment 🌁
⛷🏂 US Ski & Snowboard adds new partners and members to their Hall of Fame
And more!
— Scott Crowder
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🎯 Vista Outdoor's (NYSE: VSTO) view is a little cloudy ☁️:
🔮 Stocknews.com upgraded Vista Outdoor’s stock to a "Buy" rating last week 📈 but then a lot happened.
The company, known for its outdoor sports and recreation products, announced a major cost-cutting effort to save over $50M 💰. Vista plans to close Bell & Giro's headquarters 🏢 and lay off employees (👋) to trim down expenses, according to reports from SGB Online and MarketWatch.
📉 The announcement has Vista's stock taking a tumble, falling more than 5% 😨. Investors seem less than thrilled about the news, as highlighted by MarketWatch.
🚵♀️ Despite the rocky situation, Vista Outdoor recently testified before Congress 🏛️ on a slate of recreation bills, showcasing their commitment to outdoor enthusiasts and the environment 🌳. The company's CEO, Chris Metz, urged the lawmakers to support these initiatives, as reported by Street Insider.
🛍️ In other news, Authentic Brands Group inked a deal 💼 to buy Spyder, a leading ski apparel brand, from Vista Outdoor. The acquisition will likely help Vista generate additional funds, as detailed by Yahoo News.
In a nutshell, Vista Outdoor is in the midst of some turbulence 🌪️, but remains committed to outdoor recreation and the environment. Let's see if these cost-cutting efforts lead to sunnier skies ahead! 🌤️🤞
🎿 A flurry of action in the world of skiing and snowboarding ❄️:
1️⃣ Stifel's sweeping deal with US Ski & Snowboard: Stifel, a financial services company, has inked a monumental agreement with US Ski & Snowboard 🤝. As part of the deal, Stifel will now hold naming rights for all ski teams under the US Ski & Snowboard brand 🏆. Check out Forbes for the full rundown on this snowballing partnership ⛷️.
2️⃣ United Airlines takes flight with US Ski & Snowboard: The friendly skies just got friendlier for winter sports enthusiasts, as United Airlines has officially partnered with US Ski & Snowboard ✈️. United will now serve as the organization's official airline partner 🌐. Glide over to SportBusiness for all the frosty details.
3️⃣ Sun Valley set to host US Alpine Championships: Get ready for some high-octane action, as the US Alpine Championships gear up to take place at Sun Valley 🏁. Skiers will compete in various events, vying for top honors 🥇. Don't miss out on the excitement – visit US Ski & Snowboard for more info.
4️⃣ US National Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame welcomes 18 new members: The esteemed Hall of Fame has inducted 18 new members who've left their mark on the skiing and snowboarding world 🏂. The inductees include athletes, coaches, and industry leaders 🌟. Catch the full list of honorees at US Ski & Snowboard.
All in all, it's an avalanche of excitement in the skiing and snowboarding universe, with Stifel and United Airlines' partnerships, the upcoming US Alpine Championships, and the latest Hall of Fame inductees! 🎉🏔️
Business, Industry & Economy:
Cotopaxi's 2022 Impact Report 🌍: The outdoor brand shares its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility in its latest report 👉 OSW.
Trek Bicycle 🚲: Named one of Fortune's best companies to work for in 2023! 🥳 Check it out at Fortune.
Bain & Company 💼: Introducing 'Further,' a new digital publication exploring business transformation and growth 🌱 Bain.
Alaska Airlines 🛩️: Teams up with Surfrider Foundation to protect coastal habitats and reduce waste 🌊🗑️ Alaska Air News.
Purpose-driven jobs 🎯: More young people seek careers with a greater purpose 🌟 Forbes.
Patagonia 🏔️: Argues that true net-zero requires no new products or ads The Drum.
Outdoor Retailer Summer Show 2023 ☀️: Don't miss out! Registration is open 🎟️ Cvent.
Tread Lightly! 🍃: Announces OVRMAG as its newest official partner for outdoor vehicle recreation 🚙 Tread Lightly.
GoPro 📸: Named one of Newsweek's Most Trustworthy Companies in America 🏆 GoPro.
Christy Sports 🎿: Invests in its employees, the most important business asset 💼 GlobeNewswire.
Moosejaw Outdoor Accelerator 🚀: Supporting startups in the outdoor industry with funding, mentorship, and more 🌲 Moosejaw.
Arbor Day Webinar 🌳: Celebrate Arbor Day by learning about the importance of trees! 🍃 Zoom.
Next-gen snow sports 🏂: A new competition aims to inspire future winter athletes 🏆 Outside Online.
Fossil freedom 🌍: RideCake reflects on a year of clean energy and electric bikes 🚴 RideCake.
Parks Project Impact 🌲: How this brand supports national parks through unique products 🏞️ Shopify.
Dynamic metros 💼: Technology drives growth in Northwest Arkansas 🌐 Axios.
TAXA Outdoor podcast 🎧: NASA architect Garrett Finney on the intersection of digital and outdoor spaces 🚀 Spotify.
Balsams Resort 🏔️: Gets conditional approval for ski area expansion ⛷️ Unofficial Networks.
Rocket Closet 🚀: Valet ski storage partners with Surefoot for hassle-free travel 🎿 Send2Press.
REI's renewable energy goal ⚡: Climbing to new heights with sustainable practices 🌿 GreenBiz.
Kindred Resort Development 🏘️: New town of Keystone gets a fresh ski resort base area 🎿 PR Newswire.
Best Resort in North America 🏆: Steamboat Springs takes the crown 🏂 Newsherald.
Ford's green roadmap 🌿🚗: Ford releases its 2023 integrated sustainability report, detailing progress towards carbon neutrality and a responsible EV supply chain ⚡ Automotive World.
REI's Chicago Union 🏬✊: REI's Chicago employees file to unionize amid concerns over pay, benefits, and COVID-19 protocols 😷 Chicago Tribune.
Moving across America 🚚🇺🇸: Business Insider reveals the top destinations for domestic migration in the US 🌆 Business Insider.
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Health, Wellness, & Fitness:
Long walks, longer life 🚶♀️⏳: Studies show that taking long walks may help you live longer and boost overall health 🌟 Yahoo News.
Sweat out bad sleep 😴💪: Exercise could help counteract the toll of poor sleep, providing even more motivation to hit the gym 🏋️♀️ DNYUZ.
Healthiest states 🥇🇺🇸: CNBC ranks the top 10 states with the longest life expectancy and healthiest lives 📊 CNBC.
Empowering youth wellbeing 👧🌱: The Aspen Institute explores how to help young people define and improve their own wellbeing 🤸 Aspen Institute.
Forest bathing 🌳🛀: Vogue explains why everyone should try forest bathing to boost mental and physical health 🧘♀️ Vogue.
Climate change vs. outdoor exercise 🌡️🏃♂️: Montreal Gazette discusses whether climate change will affect outdoor exercise in the future 🌎 Montreal Gazette.
Fit for the future 🚀💼: Forbes shares 10 trends set to transform the fitness industry 📈 Forbes.
Goodbye, treadmill desks 🏃♂️👋: Fast Company introduces the "walking room," a new concept to help you stay active while working 🚶♂️💼 Fast Company.
🌳 Nature Prescription: A study published in The Lancet advocates for "nature prescriptions" 📝 to combat rising rates of non-communicable diseases and improve mental health 🧠. Connecting people to nature through urban green spaces and parks 🏞️ could be a cost-effective solution to promote physical activity and mental well-being 😌. The Lancet
Sustainability, Conservation & Environment:
Microsoft aligns with Biden's climate plan 🌱💼: Microsoft's Climate Innovation Fund plans to align with Biden's $370B climate strategy, aiming for a greener future. Bloomberg
LEGO-like artificial reefs 🌊🧱: Building blocks for marine life, these artificial reefs look like giant LEGO pieces and provide a home for underwater critters. Fast Company
Green space for healthier Barcelona 🌳🇪🇸: Barcelona's plan to increase green spaces could improve the health of 30,000 residents, according to a new study. The Guardian
The underrated climate solution 🤔🌍: Carbon mineralization, a lesser-known climate solution, is finally getting the attention it deserves. Positive News
Coral reefs at risk 🐠🌊: A new report highlights the urgent need for action to save the world's coral reefs, which are under threat due to climate change. Nature Conservancy
Wet winter & California wildfires 🔥☔️: California's unusually wet winter may have an impact on the severity of its wildfire season. Fast Company
Climate change shifting mountain seasons 🏔️🌡️: Climate change is causing mountain seasons to shift, posing challenges for both ecosystems and tourism. Adventure.com
The Climate Pledge's future vision 🌐🌿: Amazon co-founded The Climate Pledge and unveils its vision for a sustainable future. The Climate Pledge
Zoos in need of change 🦁🔄: Conservation-focused zoos have an important role to play, but they must evolve to stay relevant. Knowable Magazine
Leave No Trash campaign ♻️🗑️: The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics introduces the Leave No Trash initiative, encouraging everyone to keep nature clean. Leave No Trace
🦌🚗 Wildlife Crossings $350M Pilot: The U.S. Department of Transportation launches a pilot program to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions by constructing wildlife crossings, aiming for safer roads for both animals and drivers. Smart Cities Dive
🚀 HBR's ESG Warning: The Harvard Business Review argues that business leaders must resist the anti-ESG movement 🌱, as neglecting environmental, social, and governance factors can lead to financial and reputational risks 😬. So, stay on top of your ESG game, leaders, because sustainability and responsibility are the new cool 😎. HBR
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:
Mark Boles' outdoor comfort zone 🏞️🚵♂️: The Boston Globe profiles Mark Boles, an avid outdoor enthusiast who's turned his passion for nature into a career in outdoor education. Boston Globe
Woodward empowers girls & women 🛹🏂: Action sports programs for girls and women, led by icons Lizzie Armanto and Jamie Anderson, are being offered by Woodward to inspire the next generation of female athletes. Forbes
Travel, Tourism, & Hospitality:
Rain insurance ☔💰: Sensible Weather's travel insurance reimburses you for ruined vacations due to bad weather, making wet holidays a bit more bearable. Bloomberg
Hotel sustainability 101 🏨🌿: WTTC's new initiative aims to educate hoteliers on implementing sustainable practices, promoting greener stays for travelers. WTTC
Alaskan packrafting adventures 🚣♀️🏔️: Explore the wild beauty of Alaska on a packrafting trip, combining hiking and rafting for the ultimate outdoor experience. Travel Alaska
Luxury ranches for sale 🏡🌄: Check out these stunning luxury ranch homes in the American West, perfect for those seeking wide-open spaces and a touch of cowboy charm. Robb Report
Aruba's eco-friendly resort 🏝️🌞: Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort in Aruba sets a high bar for sustainability, ensuring a guilt-free paradise getaway. Carib Journal
Discover Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail 🌳🚶♀️: A guide to Alabama's Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, offering wildlife sightings and beautiful landscapes for nature lovers. Travel Awaits
Government, Grants & Policy:
Support trails 🛤️🚴: Sign the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy petition to back the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program, aiming to connect and maintain trails nationwide. Rails-to-Trails
Nevada Outdoor Recreation grants 💰🏞️: Check out the Nevada Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Grant program, providing funding for outdoor recreation projects in the Silver State. Nevada DCNR
Nature unites 🌲🤝: Outdoorspeople help bridge political divides and bring lawmakers together in their shared love for nature and conservation. CS Monitor
Walton Family Foundation's $6M gift 🎁🌿: The foundation pledges $6 million to support Tribal Nations' conservation efforts, ensuring a brighter future for Native American lands. 5NEWS
Outdoor recreation budget boost 💸🇨🇦: Big Island and Aspen Beach Provincial Parks in Canada are among the first recipients of 2023 budget funds dedicated to enhancing outdoor recreation. CTV Edmonton
Mitt Romney vs. e-bikes 🚵♂️😤: Sen. Mitt Romney criticizes e-bikes, arguing they threaten the serenity and safety of hiking trails. AOL
Products, Gear & Gadgets:
#SaveASpot Sweepstakes 🏕️🎁: Hipcamp, REI Co-op, and GearJunkie team up for the Outdoor Summer Camping Sweepstakes, offering the chance to win a $500 Hipcamp credit and a $500 REI gift card. Outdoor Sports Wire
Exoskeleton for hikers raised over $1M on Kickstarter 🚶♀️🤖: Meet the HyperShell, a groundbreaking hiking exoskeleton designed to make steep climbs and rugged terrain more manageable. GearJunkie
Parks Project x New Balance 🌲👟: The collaboration unveils the Fresh Foam X Hierro V7, a limited-edition trail shoe inspired by America's National Parks. Footwear News
Best hiking socks 🧦🥾: Travel + Leisure shares a list of the top hiking socks to keep your feet comfortable and blister-free on the trails. Travel + Leisure
Burton's Pass Along Program 🏂♻️: Give your used snowboarding gear a second life with Burton's Pass Along Program, benefitting community organizations and nonprofits. Burton
Organize your gear 🎒🧹: Learn how to keep your outdoor equipment organized and accessible with these handy tips from SeattlePI. SeattlePI
Terracea's fashion goals 🧥🌟: New Hampshire-based brand Terracea aims to become a fashion icon in the world of outdoor apparel. Ski Journal
Bike buying bonanza 🚴♂️💸: Pique News Magazine suggests there's never been a better time to invest in a bike, claiming the bike boom bubble has burst. Pique News Magazine
Quote of the Week:
“The earth is what we all have in common.”
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