Issue No. 72: Snoplanks Gift Their Legacy to OSU-Cascades 🎁

Hey, Outsiders!

In today’s issue:

Bend entrepreneurs gift their business to Oregon State University-Cascades 🏂
Shaun White teams up with sports industry titans to purchase We Are Camp 🤝
Aerial wolf hunting in Idaho is on the hot seat 🚁
Green spaces and access to nature can support the health and wellness of aging communities 🌳
Texas voters approved $1B for state parks and here is how they did it 💸
National Parks announce 2024 “Free Days” and TGR releases new film “Hypocrite” 📽

…and a whole lot more.

Let’s go! 🤙

— Scott Crowder

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Company Spotlight:

🏂 Riding the Wave of Generosity: Snoplanks and OSU-Cascades Join Forces 🎁

In the heart of Bend, Oregon, where snow-capped mountains and a passion for outdoor adventure converge, a remarkable tale of generosity and innovation is unfolding. The founders of Snoplanks, the iconic snowboard company known for its craftsmanship and love for the slopes, are making waves by giving back in a big way.

🎁 The Gift that Keeps on Giving: James Nicol and Ryan Holmes, the visionary entrepreneurs behind Snoplanks, have decided to gift their beloved snowboard company to Oregon State University-Cascades (OSU-Cascades). It's not just any gift; it's a game-changer that combines education, entrepreneurship, and the thrill of the great outdoors.

💡 SnoPlanks Academy: OSU-Cascades is seizing this golden opportunity to create the SnoPlanks Academy, a groundbreaking initiative that integrates the management and leadership of Snoplanks into students' academic experiences. This means that future business leaders, engineers, outdoor enthusiasts, and artists will have a chance to run a real-world outdoor products company.

🏄‍♂️ Bringing Expertise from All Angles: The SnoPlanks Academy isn't just about snowboards; it's about collaboration. OSU-Cascades plans to draw talent from various fields, including business, engineering, outdoor products, arts, media, and technology programs. Together, they'll craft the skills and ideas needed to take SnoPlanks products to market.

🚀 Launching Career Skills: Students will gain hands-on experience in product design, supply chain management, financial analysis, and go-to-market execution—all skills that employers value highly. It's not just about hitting the slopes; it's about building resumes that stand out in the competitive job market.

🏔️ Transforming Learning and Teaching: Sherm Bloomer, Chancellor and Dean of OSU-Cascades, is excited about the transformation this gift will bring to students and faculty. He believes that SnoPlanks Academy will revolutionize learning and teaching by offering experiences that can attract and retain students. A cross-disciplinary team has already formed, fueled by OSU-Cascades and OSU's College of Business, to design this exciting venture.

As the Snoplanks story unfolds, we raise our boards to James Nicol, Ryan Holmes, and OSU-Cascades for a partnership that's carving a bright future for education and the great outdoors.

Business, Industry, & Economy:

🇺🇸 U.S. Ski & Snowboard Teams Up with Backcountry: U.S. Ski & Snowboard is taking its merchandise game to new heights through an exclusive partnership with Backcountry. Backcountry's apparel design wizards have given the U.S. Ski & Snowboard collection a fresh makeover, with trendy hoodie and t-shirt designs that capture the essence of the organization in modern style, offering fans quality gear that reflects the spirit of the sport.

🏡 Vermont Beckons Work-From-Home Crowd: The Green Mountain State is calling out to the remote workforce with an enticing offer. Vermont, home to some of the country's most beautiful landscapes, invites the work-from-home crowd to experience a better quality of life. As economic shifts continue, Vermont is showcasing the potential for a fulfilling career and an idyllic lifestyle in sync

🏆🛍️ Winners Revealed for Inaugural Daily Awards: Drumroll, please! The inaugural Daily Awards have just crowned their champions in the world of outdoor brands and retailers. It's a celebration of excellence, innovation, and outdoor passion. These winners are setting the bar high in the outdoor industry

🎿 Breckenridge Ski Patrol Clinches Contract Victory Again: Almost two years to the day since their first contract agreement with Vail Resorts in 2021, the Breckenridge Ski Patrol union has secured a new contract in 2023. This win, amid the challenges of COVID, addresses wage hikes, improved housing, convenient parking, and patroller education, while also ensuring job security and due process for ski patrollers on the slopes

🏂 Shaun White Teams Up with Josh Harris and David Blitzer for Extreme Sports Deal: Legendary snowboarder Shaun White is shredding the business world alongside Josh Harris and David Blitzer. They've joined forces to snag a controlling stake in We Are Camp, the Oregon-based sports camp that nurtured stars like White, sealing the deal at a cool $10 million.

SPONSORED BY HIPCAMP

🌲 Unlock public and private land with Hipcamp! 🏞️

Are you ready to reconnect with nature and explore the great outdoors? Look no further than Hipcamp, the ultimate platform for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

🏕️ What is Hipcamp? Hipcamp is your gateway to unforgettable outdoor experiences on private and public lands across the country. Whether you're an avid camper, an RV enthusiast, or a glamping aficionado, Hipcamp has something for everyone. Discover hidden gems, serene landscapes, and unique camping destinations that will take your breath away. Founded on the belief that spending time in nature enriches the soul, Hipcamp is more than just a camping platform—it's a community. Their journey began with a passion for the outdoors and a desire to connect people with the beauty of nature.

🏞️ Explore, Camp, and Connect: With Hipcamp, you have the power to choose your adventure. Find your ideal campsite, whether it's nestled in a quiet forest, perched by a pristine lake, or under the vast desert sky. Immerse yourself in the wonder of the natural world.

Why Hipcamp?

Variety: Explore a diverse range of camping options across the country.
Community: Connect with like-minded outdoor lovers who share your passion.
Sustainability: They're committed to responsible outdoor recreation and conservation.
Convenience: Easily book your outdoor getaway online or through the Hipcamp app and take advantage of Hipcamp Alerts for last-minute trips.

Ready to embark on your next adventure? Visit Hipcamp now and start planning your outdoor escape. Reconnect with nature, create lasting memories, and experience the magic of the great outdoors with Hipcamp! 🌿🏕️

Sustainability, Conservation, & Environment:

🏞️ Rideau Canal Winter Sports: Global News highlights the anticipation and caution surrounding the iconic canal's frozen Skateway in Ottawa. It emphasizes the challenges posed by climate change, as warming temperatures have shortened the skating season over the years, making it a symbolic concern for winter sports across Canada.

🏞️ Patagonia's Western Arctic Protection Campaign: Hatch Magazine discusses Patagonia's call to action, urging Americans to protect the Western Arctic. The campaign highlights the importance of preserving this pristine region, emphasizing the role individuals can play in advocating for environmental conservation.

🌊 $60 Million for the Great Bear Sea: Coast Funds announces a significant $60 million investment in the Great Bear Sea, focusing on conservation efforts and sustainable development in this ecologically rich marine ecosystem. The funding aims to support the region's long-term well-being and environmental resilience.

🚧 Highway Dilemma in Utah: The Salt Lake Tribune discusses the potential consequences of not building a proposed highway in Utah. While some argue that it could have environmental benefits, others contend that not constructing it could worsen existing transportation issues and environmental concerns. The decision's impact on the state's future is a matter of intense debate.

🌍 COP28 and Philanthropy: A commentary in Philanthropy News Digest emphasizes the vital role philanthropy must play in addressing climate change. As COP28 unfolds, the article underscores the need for philanthropic organizations to be at the forefront of climate solutions, driving meaningful change and supporting innovative initiatives to combat this global challenge.

🐺 Aerial Wolf Hunting Debate: Idaho Capital Sun reports on wildlife conservation groups' efforts to halt aerial wolf hunting in Idaho through a petition to the U.S. Forest Service. The debate surrounding this practice raises questions about its impact on wolf populations and ecosystems, highlighting ongoing conservation challenges in the state.

Health, Wellness, & Fitness:

🌳 Green Spaces and Aging: The Guardian explores how green spaces play a vital role in improving the quality of life for aging communities. Access to nature and outdoor environments can have a significant impact on the well-being of older residents, emphasizing the importance of urban planning that promotes green infrastructure and accessibility for all.

🏋️ Ladder's Funding Boost: Ladder, the daily workout app, has secured $12 million in funding to support its mission of making fitness accessible to all. With this investment, Ladder aims to further empower individuals to prioritize their health and well-being through convenient and personalized fitness routines.

💪 Fitness Clubs as Social Hubs: Mindbodygreen delves into the evolving role of fitness clubs, highlighting their transformation into social clubs where community and connection are as important as physical health. Discover how fitness centers are becoming holistic well-being hubs, fostering social interactions and supporting mental and physical wellness.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion:

🤝 Fresh Tracks Announces Exciting Partnership with DOI: Fresh Tracks, an organization dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion in the outdoors, has just unveiled a new partnership with the Department of the Interior (DOI). This collaboration promises to create more equitable access to outdoor experiences for all, marking a significant step towards a more inclusive outdoor community.

Government, Grants, & Policy:

🏞️ Texas State Parks Funding: Discover how Environment America successfully convinced Texas voters to approve $1 billion for state parks, securing essential funding to protect and enhance these valuable outdoor spaces. This achievement highlights the power of grassroots efforts and public support for conservation and outdoor recreation.

🌿 Conservation Partners Program: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) has unveiled $6.3 million in new grants through its Conservation Partners Program. These grants will support a wide range of conservation initiatives across the United States, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and community involvement in preserving natural habitats.

🐟 Support for Salmon Recovery: The Biden-Harris administration has allocated $106 million to the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund, aiming to aid the recovery and conservation of salmon populations along the Pacific Coast. This funding underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding vital aquatic ecosystems and supporting the communities that depend on them.

🏔️ Vail Resorts' Generous Grant: Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek have announced a $450,000 grant to the Vail Valley Foundation's workforce initiatives. This substantial contribution aims to bolster workforce development in the Vail Valley region, further strengthening the local community and its ties to the outdoor recreation industry.

🌿 Walmart's Acres for America Program: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) has revealed $5.6 million in awards from Walmart's Acres for America Program. These funds will support land conservation efforts across the United States, preserving valuable natural habitats and ensuring they remain accessible for generations to come.

Travel, Tourism, & Hospitality:

🏞️ Explore National Parks for Free: The National Park Service has announced fee-free entry days for the coming year, allowing you to experience the beauty of these natural wonders without any admission charges. It's a great opportunity to connect with nature and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

🏨 Meeting Wellness Wave: Benchmark Resorts & Hotels has unveiled its 2024 Meeting Trends Report, shedding light on the growing emphasis on wellness in the meetings and events industry. As professionals seek to prioritize well-being in their work, this report provides valuable insights into how organizations are adapting and evolving to meet the changing needs of their attendees.

Products, Gear, & Gadgets:

🏔️ TGR's "Hypocrite" Trailer: Get ready for an inspiring journey as Teton Gravity Research (TGR) presents "Hypocrite." This thought-provoking film delves into the complex relationship between professional skiers and the environmental challenges of their sport, tackling the balance between advocacy and the use of fossil fuels. With a mission to unite the outdoor community and shift the focus from individual guilt to systemic change, "Hypocrite" urges us all to join hands in the pursuit of a more sustainable future for our beloved planet.

💦 The Future of Waterproof Clothing: Discover the latest developments in waterproof clothing as the industry takes steps toward sustainability. With a potential ban on PFAS chemicals in outdoor gear looming closer, gear manufacturers are innovating to create eco-friendly waterproof solutions, ensuring you stay dry while protecting the environment.

🏕️ ISPO Outdoor Show Gear Roundup: The ISPO Outdoor Show is a hub for outdoor gear enthusiasts, offering a sneak peek into the most cutting-edge outdoor equipment and adventure innovations. Dive into the gear galore showcased at this event, providing a glimpse into the future of outdoor exploration and the tools that will take you there.

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