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Utah-based Companies and Participants Helped Make the 7th Annual HERA Women's Cancer Foundation Climb4Life A Success

The 7th Annual HERA Women's Cancer Foundation Climb4Life hosted by Utah-based Black Diamond was held September 18-21, 2008 in Salt Lake City.  The event, part of a national series that raises money for ovarian cancer research and awareness initiatives, roped in more than $100,000 and counting. Final numbers have not been confirmed. HERA brings together men, women and teens to climb for a cure, whether it's newcomers or old pros.  The participants are at the heart of the events, and top fundraisers showed their strength: Lara Usinowicz raised over $16,000, and Team Serenity brought in over $18,000.

Climbing stars like Joe Kinder, Jason Kehl, Heidi Wirtz, Katie Brown, Alli Rainey, Julia Niles, Kevin Wilkerson and many more came out to show their support as well, and Dr. Bazzaro from Johns Hopkins spoke on what HERA's OBS1 grant funding is going towards in the medical field.

Of the funds raised, 85 percent of the money from Climb4Life events has gone scientific and community grants as well as awareness initiatives. Two Utah-based organizations will benefit from money raised: Woman2Woman, a community-based support group for women with ovarian and gyn cancer, and the Utah Ovarian Cancer Care Initiative.

Peter Metcalf, CEO/President of Black Diamond, says, "To be the host of the event is an honor we look forward to each year. The energy, the inspiration, the love was contagious, better than ever. I think everyone left here more empowered in the ability to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others."
 

Paddlesport Trade Associations Launch Consumer Focused Website
- LetsGoPaddle.com - at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market


Complete with beginner paddling how to's, online community and trip planners, www.LetsGoPaddle.com targets active women and families

SALT LAKE CITY - Aug. 10, 2008 - In an effort to drive growth for the entire paddlesports industry, the Paddlesports Industry Association (PIA) and the Trade Association of Paddlesports (TAPS) today announced the launch of a consumer focused Web site, www.LetsGoPaddle.com at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, held August 8-11, 2008 at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah.

A collaborative effort between the two industry associations, LetsGoPaddle.com is an online resource for paddlers of all skill levels including casual outdoor recreationalists who are interested in breaking into the sport.

"In 2007 both industry associations agreed it was time to work together on a campaign that had the potential to significantly grow the paddling industry," said Michael Pardy, executive director for TAPS. "In the last year we put together a site that is not only a valuable source to enthusiast paddlers but is also a great way to drive new or first time paddlers to the industry's best manufacturers, retailers and outfitters."  

Tools and resources available on the site include:
·    List of paddling destinations and events;
·    Paddling trip planning resources, including fun activities for kids;
·    Advice for buying and renting equipment; and
·    Paddle Community where visitors can share tips, stories and get advice.

LetsGoPaddle.com targets active women (ages 25 to 45) who are interested in engaging their families in new outdoor activities including canoeing, kayaking and rafting. The site also targets any active adult (ages 35-54) that already has a predisposition towards outdoor activities.

"The Internet marketing strategy behind the Let's Go Paddle Web site and the site itself is the first of its kind for the paddling industry as a whole," said Matt Menashes, president and CEO of the Paddlesports Industry Association. "Instead of competing against each other for the same slice of the enthusiast pie, the industry is coming together to grow the pie by increasing the number of people paddling." 

The design and construction of LetsGoPaddle.com, along with the branding and logo for the campaign, was created by Siquis Limited, a full service advertising and design firm based in Baltimore, MD.  

About PIA and TAPS
The Paddlesports Industry Association (PIA) and Trade Association of Paddlesports (TAPS) are nonprofit trade associations serving the paddlesports industry. Members of the two associations include outfitters, liveries, retailers, manufacturers and other professionals involved in paddlesports. As industry leaders, members are dedicated to providing paddlers with the best in equipment, services and experiences. For more information please visit www.paddlesportsindustry.org (PIA) and www.gopaddle.org (TAPS).

 

Ritchey Design Products Reach Gold in the 2008 Beijing Olympics

RicheySan Carlos, Calif. - August 14, 2008 - Ritchey Design is proud to announce that Olympic athletes, Nicole Cooke of Great Britain and Kristin Armstrong of the United States, won gold medals in the women's road and time trial races, respectively, while riding Ritchey WCS components.

Cooke won the women's road race on August 10 while riding a Ritchey World Championship Series (WCS) handlebar, 4Axis stem and alloy seat post.

Just a few days later, on August 13, Armstrong rode to a gold medal in the women's individual time trial race, beating her closest competitor by 24.5 seconds, riding Ritchey's newest WCS 4Axis stem in a wet white finish.
 
Ritchey WCS components use only the latest technology and materials, creating lightweight components with maximal strength for Olympic-worthy, gold medal results.

Watch for more Ritchey components in Beijing during the Olympic mountain bike and track races.

About Ritchey Sponsorships
Founded on Tom Ritchey's own passion of riding and racing, for almost 30 years Ritchey Design has been dedicated to supporting profession and grassroots cycling teams across the globe. On the International level, Ritchey partners with Saunier Duval Scott Pro Cycling Team and Lampre Fondital Pro Cycling Team. In the US Professional circuit, Ritchey partners with HealthNet Powered by Maxxis and Jelly Belly Pro Cycling. In the women's professional field, Ritchey partners with Team TIBCO, Team ValueAct Capital, PROMAN Paradigm, Team Cheerwine and Team Advil-ChapStick. On the Grassroots level, Ritchey supports over 160 teams across the United States and Canada. For inquiries regarding Ritchey sponsorship please visit www.ritcheylogic.com.


 

American Mountain Guides Association presents 2008 Industry Award to The North Face

Salt Lake City, Utah – The North Face, the world’s premier supplier of authentic, innovative and technically advanced outdoor apparel, equipment and footwear, is the 2008 recipient of the American Mountain Guides Association’s (AMGA) Industry Award. AMGA Executive Director Betsy Novak will present the award to The North Face at this year’s Summer Market Outdoor Retailer Show.

The Industry Award is presented annually to an outdoor company that has shown outstanding support through scholarships, products, and sponsorships of professional mountain guides. The North Face has partnered with the AMGA to provide educational support for the past twelve years and became a Diamond Partner in 2004. The North Face is the official sponsor of all AMGA Alpine Guide Certification exams, helping to reduce tuition costs. The North Face provides one full tuition scholarship each year for an AMGA Alpine Guide course or exam. This scholarship provides financial support for mountain guides seeking training and certification in the United States.

“It is a great honor to present this award to The North Face for their significant and ongoing support of professional mountain guides in the United States. This award is a small token of our appreciation to The North Face for their exceptional and long-term partnership with the American Mountain Guides Association.” said Betsy Novak, Executive Director of the AMGA.
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