The Pro Deal addiction

I remember the first time somebody told me about “pro forms.” While that first taste of “industry insider” discounts was so long ago that it was actually a piece of paper that you received from a valued contact, the modern practice has naturally become a high tech affair … you get a code, a link, and the world of discounting is at your feet.

Unfortunately, since that first pro form, I’ve also developed an affinity for the outdoor industry, for its long term health, and for its ongoing growth. Thanks to our work with Grassroots Outdoor Alliance over the last few years, I’ve recognized and embraced the reality that rampant discounting in the form of pro deals and “friends & family” discounts are a short term bliss with some significant long term negative effects.

And thanks to the invitation of SNEWS editor Kristin Hostetter, I wrote about the topic in this summer’s issue of “The Voice.” You can check it out here.

LINK: The VOICE (page 34, “Unfiltered”)

Podcast: Excise taxes, tariffs and the impact on specialty outdoor retailers.

This spring, after Washington state legislators rolled out a proposal for a tax increase on outdoor products (HB2122), outdoor industry companies and retailers in the state rallied to oppose the measure.

Known as a “backpack tax,” this targeted fundraising tool has emerged at the state level in the past, but in the current climate of proposed tariff increases and other economic challenges, there’s never been a better time to get a little more educated about the issue.  

In this episode of the Outdoor States Podcast (LINK) Amy Roberts, executive director of Outdoor Industry Association, goes deep on the topic in this interview, providing both background and anticipated outcomes.

'Outdoor States' sits down with North Carolina outdoor industry advocate Noah Wilson

The latest episode of the Outdoor States podcast features Noah Wilson, one of Western North Carolina's leading outdoor recreation economy advocates, and a key player in the region's successful efforts to win a $1.8 million Appalachian Regional Commission/POWER grant, which will go toward expanding the outdoor industry and related jobs in the region.

Noah’s work in outdoor industry organizing began with a formative role in the creation of the Outdoor Gear Builders of Western North Carolina, and will continue as one of the lead implementers of the broad-based initiatives funded by the ARC/POWER grant.

He’s also very tall.

LINK: Outdoor States podcast with Noah Wilson

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery teams with Pale Morning Media for active & outdoorsy outreach

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery (www.dogfish.com), the independent brewing icon known for brewing off-centered ales for off-centered people, will be teaming up with Pale Morning Media, a national boutique public relations agency specializing in the active outdoor lifestyle.

“Dogfish has been a pioneer in the category of active lifestyle beers within the craft beer space, brewing purpose-build beers for outdoorsy, highly-active, high-energy people. And with more on the way this spring, Dogfish will grow our collection and this category while staying true to our roots as an independent and experimental craft brewery incorporating all-natural culinary ingredients into our recipes.,” said founder and CEO Sam Calagione.

 Taking its name from the Maine coastal island where Calagione visited as a child, Dogfish Head started as the “smallest commercial brewery” in America back in 1995, producing only 10 gallons of beer a day, With a hunger for unique ingredients and venturing off the beaten path, Dogfish Head’s motivation for non-conformity and commitment to using all-natural culinary ingredients didn’t go unnoticed. Now as the 13th largest craft brewery, Dogfish Head is still just as adventurous, as well as dedicated to using locally sourced and premium ingredients.

Thanks to a strong culinary background and a robust food-friendly portfolio, the brewery has often been embraced by the foodie community, winning numerous awards including Calagione being named the 2017 Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Professional by the James Beard Foundation, along with Dogfish Head capturing Wine Enthusiast’s 2015 Brewery of the Year.

Fiercely independent, Dogfish Head is also a dedicated advocate of the Brewers Association (www.brewersassociation.org) and their Independent Craft Brewing Seal, the definitive mark of independently owned American craft breweries.  Since its introduction in 2017, Dogfish Head has leaned in to idea of transparency and authenticity by amplifying the shield and its message across their beer packaging and coastal Delaware properties.

“Dogfish Head has the soul of an outdoor industry company and the brain of a world-class beer genius,” said Drew Simmons, founder and president of Pale Morning Media. “They’ve built an incredible culture by embracing risk, praising innovation, celebrating values and encouraging everyone to find their passion. And they make delicious beer. Sign me up.”

For more information on Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, their beer releases and their latest summer plans, please visit www.dogfish.com or find them on Instagram (@dogfishhead), Facebook (@dogfishheadbeer) or Twitter (@dogfishbeer).