Issue No. 65: National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds Rebrands to OHI 👋
Hey, Outsiders! The Outdoor Industry gets a new ACRONYM! The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds had rebranded to better represent its members and industry capabilities. Everyone join me in saying “OHI!” 👋
Also in today’s issue:
The Footwear Collective has stepped into the room with circularity in mind 👟
The Norwegian Ski Federation Athletes are taking a stance on their Name, Image, and Likeness 🤳
A $1B (yes, with a “B”) agreement in British Columbia to support Indigenous-led conservation 👏
Be on the lookout for 40 adaptive bike camps being held by the High Fives Foundation 🚲
The National Park Foundation announces its second largest year to date with over $183M generated 💰
Lonely Planet “Best in Travel” list is here, check out what locations made the list 📝
…and a whole lot more.
— Scott Crowder
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Business, Industry, & Economy:
Shaping the Future of Outdoor Hospitality 🚐
In a significant move that underscores its leadership in the outdoor hospitality industry, the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) proudly announced a comprehensive rebrand, complete with a new identity – OHI. The announcement was made during a special presentation at the Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo (OHCE), being held in Kansas City, Mo., from Nov. 6 to Nov. 9, 2023.
📈 Elevating Outdoor Hospitality in an Era of Growth: The decision to rebrand reflects the organization's commitment to steer the future of outdoor hospitality, a sector experiencing tremendous growth amid the flourishing outdoor recreation trend. As Paul Bambei, President and CEO of OHI (formerly National ARVC), noted, "The expectation for our organization to direct the bright future of outdoor hospitality for all our current and future members is higher than ever."
🤝 A Collaborative Journey: The rebranding process was a culmination of extensive efforts, involving member surveys, ideation workshops, collaborative discussions, in-depth research, and evaluations from various perspectives. OHI's Chief Strategy Officer, David Basler, emphasized the importance of gathering input from all facets of the industry to understand member needs and vision for the industry's future.
👏 Embracing Inclusivity: The transition from National ARVC to OHI signifies a more inclusive approach that encapsulates the diverse landscape of outdoor hospitality, moving beyond RV parks and campgrounds. The change acknowledges the evolving nature of the industry, with nearly 80% of participants in surveys and interviews expressing that the name National ARVC no longer represented the full breadth and future potential of the sector.
🎙 A Trusted Voice: With nearly six decades of experience and leadership in the industry, OHI is poised to be the trusted voice of all outdoor hospitality businesses. The rebrand positions OHI to play a pivotal role in shaping the dynamic lifestyle of the outdoor hospitality industry and its camping consumers for the next several decades.
🌟 A Bright Future Ahead: In addition to the name change, OHI will launch a new website, OHI.ORG, next week, further solidifying its commitment to providing valuable resources and expertise to the outdoor hospitality community. As the outdoor hospitality industry continues to evolve, OHI's rebrand is a testament to its dedication to fostering growth, inclusivity, and innovation in this dynamic sector.
To watch OHI's brand launch video, visit: OHI Brand Launch Video.
Business, Industry, & Economy:
👋 Heather Dietrick Joins Outside: Heather Dietrick, former CEO of The Daily Beast, has made a significant move by departing from her role to join Outside, a prominent player in the outdoor industry. This transition reflects the growing convergence of media and outdoor sectors, as Dietrick brings her expertise to a company that focuses on adventure, exploration, and outdoor lifestyle content. Her appointment marks a notable development at the intersection of journalism and outdoor recreation.
👟 Footwear Collective Promotes Circular Transformation: The Footwear Collective has been established as a catalyst for promoting circularity in the footwear industry. This initiative aims to drive transformation within the sector by advocating for sustainable and eco-friendly practices. It underscores the broader trend of the outdoor industry's commitment to environmental stewardship, with a focus on reducing waste and fostering a circular economy in product design and manufacturing.
👟 Decoding Athleisure Hype Brands: A deep dive into the athleisure industry dissects the anatomy of hype brands that have taken the fashion world by storm. This analysis reveals the strategies and elements that contribute to the success of athleisure brands, shedding light on the fusion of style and comfort that has captured consumers' attention. The article underscores the dynamic nature of the athleisure market and the role of branding in its continued growth.
📈 Emerald Holding's Robust Q3 Growth: Emerald Holding, a leading operator of business-to-business (B2B) trade shows, has reported an impressive 16% growth in the third quarter. This financial performance reflects the resilience and adaptability of B2B companies in the evolving landscape of trade events and exhibitions. Emerald Holding's strong results serve as a testament to the continued importance of industry gatherings and showcases, even in an increasingly digital world.
🎙️ Exploring Ski Business Challenges: A City Cast Denver podcast episode delves into the challenges faced by the ski industry as it navigates growth, housing, and labor issues. The discussion highlights the complexities of managing a thriving ski business while addressing crucial factors such as housing shortages and labor availability. It sheds light on the multifaceted nature of the outdoor recreation sector, where operational and environmental considerations intersect.
🚡 Epic Pass's Gondola Gallery: Epic Pass has launched the Gondola Gallery, an innovative project combining art and the outdoors. This initiative, featuring artists from across the globe, aims to enhance the mountain experience for visitors by merging the beauty of nature with captivating artwork. The Gondola Gallery reflects the growing trend of infusing creativity into outdoor recreation, making it more appealing and engaging for adventure enthusiasts.
🌄 Outstanding Figures in Outdoor Recreation: The outdoor recreation industry is witnessing remarkable individuals who are leaving their mark on the sector. The Denver Gazette highlights ten people who are making waves in this dynamic field. From conservationists to outdoor advocates, these influential figures are shaping the industry's future by promoting sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation. Their efforts underscore the broader shift towards responsible and diverse outdoor experiences.
🏔️ Vail's Ambitious Rail Revival: Vail Resorts is embarking on an ambitious $16 billion project to revitalize rail travel in the mountainous regions of Colorado. This initiative could significantly transform the way people access and enjoy the state's scenic landscapes, as it aims to improve rail connections to popular mountain destinations. Vail's vision aligns with the broader trend of promoting sustainable transportation options in outdoor recreation, reducing the environmental impact of travel while enhancing accessibility to nature.
❄️ Winter War in Norway: The Norwegian Ski Federation is locked in a contentious battle with athletes over image rights, revealing a growing challenge in the sports world where athletes are asserting more control over their personal brands and endorsements. This dispute underscores the shifting dynamics between sports organizations and athletes, as the latter seeks to capitalize on their images in a rapidly evolving landscape.
🏞️ REI's Tech Leadership Shift: REI Co-op is making strategic moves in its technology leadership by appointing Guillaume Ledieu as VP of foundation technology, a newly-created role. Ledieu's focus on supporting core business capabilities, especially in the areas of product flow and technology management, signals REI's commitment to enhancing its foundational technology to better serve its customers and adapt to evolving retail trends. This decision reflects the growing importance of technology in the retail landscape.
👟 Nike vs. New Balance and Skechers: Nike's legal action against New Balance and Skechers for alleged patent infringement in sneaker technology highlights the fiercely competitive nature of the athletic footwear industry. As brands vie for market dominance, legal battles over intellectual property are becoming increasingly common, adding complexity to the industry's landscape and potentially reshaping the competitive dynamics.
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Sustainability, Conservation, & Environment:
🌏 Indigenous-Led Conservation Paradigm Shift: British Columbia witnesses a historic $1 billion agreement that signifies a transformative shift toward Indigenous-led conservation efforts. This landmark deal highlights the importance of Indigenous stewardship in preserving natural landscapes and fostering sustainable practices.
🌱 Climate Quitters: Embracing a New Path: BBC showcases how individuals are leaving corporate roles to pursue climate-focused careers. This trend reflects a growing commitment to addressing environmental issues and redefining the role of business in a changing world.
🌿 Redefining Conservation: The World Wildlife Fund has an inclusive approach to area-based conservation called OECMs. Conservation organizations are reimagining their approach to address the evolving challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. As they expand their scope and strategies, they're working to safeguard ecosystems and species for future generations.
🌊 Lake Mead Gets a Boost: New water conservation agreements in Arizona are set to raise Lake Mead's water levels by more than 2 feet. These initiatives reflect growing efforts to address water scarcity and preserve vital water resources in the face of climate challenges.
🐻 Grizzly Bear Recovery in North Cascades: Conservationists are celebrating progress in grizzly bear recovery efforts in Washington's North Cascades. As these iconic animals return to their native habitat, it's a positive step towards maintaining biodiversity in the face of environmental changes.
🏠 Climate-Resilient Homes: NPR highlights how Arizona, California, and New Jersey are taking proactive measures to build climate-resilient homes. With an increasing frequency of climate-related disasters like floods, wildfires, and droughts, constructing resilient infrastructure is crucial for community safety and sustainability.
Health, Wellness, & Fitness:
🏃♂️ NYC Marathon: A Running Resurgence? The New York City Marathon made a triumphant return in 2023, signaling a potential revival of the running boom that began during the pandemic. The marathon's resounding success, with over 50,000 participants, reflects the enduring appeal of long-distance running and its ability to bring communities together, even in the face of challenges.
💪 CrossFit's Fitness Empire: CrossFit has harnessed the power of community to expand its empire. By fostering a tight-knit community of enthusiasts, CrossFit has not only grown its membership but also created a unique fitness culture that thrives on camaraderie and shared goals.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion:
🧊 Arc'teryx's Chilling Tease: Arc'teryx has stirred excitement in the outdoor community with its teaser video titled "109 Below." This gripping video revisits the harrowing 1982 Mount Washington rescue that not only changed lives but also shaped the future of prosthetics. The story revolves around Hugh Herr and Jeff Batzer, who, after a technical ice-climbing ascent, faced a life-altering blizzard, ultimately leading to Herr's leg amputation due to frostbite. However, this tragic incident paved the way for Herr's pioneering work in prosthetic design, transforming the lives of countless amputees and reshaping the field of prosthetics forever.
👩💼 Forbes Recognizes Top Companies for Women: Forbes has released its annual list of top companies for women, highlighting organizations that prioritize gender diversity and equity in the workplace, VF Corp, Airbnb, Marriott, and Adidas make the list. This recognition underscores the growing importance of fostering inclusive work environments and promoting women's leadership roles across various industries.
🚴♂️ High Fives Foundation's Adaptive Bike Camps: The High Fives Foundation is making a positive impact by hosting over 40 adaptive bike camps across the nation. These camps provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to experience the thrill of mountain biking, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility in outdoor recreation. This initiative underscores the importance of creating adaptive outdoor experiences for all.
Government, Grants, & Policy:
🌿 House GOP's EPA Budget Cut: House GOP has approved a significant budget cut for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), reducing its funding by nearly 40%. This decision raises concerns about the potential impact on environmental protection and regulatory efforts, highlighting ongoing debates over the government's role in addressing environmental challenges.
🌍 House Spending Bill and Conservation: The Wilderness Society details how the House Spending Bill has sparked debates as it appears to prioritize anti-conservation and climate-skeptical rhetoric. Advocates for conservation and climate action are closely monitoring the bill's provisions and potential implications for environmental protection efforts.
🏞️ Blazing New Trail in National Park Philanthropy: The National Park Foundation is making significant strides in the world of philanthropy, achieving remarkable milestones. In the past year, the Foundation celebrated a historic achievement, raising an impressive $183 million in total revenue and support, marking its highest revenue year to date. This substantial funding has had a substantial impact, delivering $109 million of support to the National Park System in the last fiscal year, marking the second-highest impact figure in the organization's history. These remarkable accomplishments underscore the critical role of philanthropy in preserving and enhancing our national parks for future generations to enjoy.
🌄 Overtime Limits for Outdoor Recreational Service Providers: Utah Congressman Moore is leading a bill aimed at removing overtime limits for outdoor recreational service providers. This legislative proposal has implications for labor practices within the outdoor industry, workers’ ability to make money when the sun shines and is generating discussions about workers' rights and the industry's workforce.
Travel, Tourism, & Hospitality:
🌍 Lonely Planet's Best in Travel: Lonely Planet has unveiled its prestigious "Best in Travel" list, showcasing top destinations and experiences for travelers worldwide. This annual compilation serves as a travel guide, offering valuable insights and recommendations for adventurers seeking unforgettable journeys and remarkable destinations.
🏞️ Montana's Scenic Recognition: Montana has recently earned recognition as one of the best places to visit, further solidifying its status as a prime travel destination. With its stunning landscapes, outdoor adventures, and vibrant culture, Montana continues to captivate travelers seeking authentic and memorable experiences.
🌟 Dolly Parton's HeartSong Lodge: Renowned country music icon Dolly Parton is making headlines with her latest venture, HeartSong Lodge & Resort. This exciting project promises to be a unique and heartwarming destination, reflecting Dolly Parton's passion for music, storytelling, and hospitality, offering guests a one-of-a-kind experience in the Great Smokey Mountains.
Products, Gear, & Gadgets:
🎿 Peak Ski Innovation: The 2022-2023 winter season marked a significant milestone for Peak Skis, founded by Bode Miller and Andy Wirth, as their investments in ski design innovation paid off with resounding success. After just one year in operation, this Montana-based upstart has garnered rave reviews across various models and received accolades from industry publications such as SKI Magazine, Freeskier, Backcountry Magazine, and Blister.
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