Outdoor Insight

A s part of its commitment to shift perceptions of the outdoor experience, REI has launched an in-house studio to produce original content and entertainment. REI's Co-op Studios will produce films, podcasts and editorial programs, with a goal of developing and producing stories that "entertain, enrich and explore the power of time spent outside." REI says the studio will prioritize storytelling from people and communities that are Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ, women, and any other histori- cally underrepresented groups as well as stories that reflect the human impact and opportunity to protect the environment. "The outdoors is for everyone, and content is a powerful and relevant way to bring that belief to our members and new audiences," says Paolo Mottola, REI director of content and media. "We are supporting projects that explore this idea from a variety of perspectives, formats, and, most importantly, from a variety of voices. Our plan is to share and promote stories that encourage awareness, inspi- ration and celebrate the different ways communities spend time outside." In May, Co-op Studios released a three- part, scripted, short film series called The Trees Remember. The series explores con- nection to nature through the heartfelt stories of three Black women. Set in different decades, the narratives depict their compel- ling and sometimes humorous journeys of growth and healing in the outdoors. More film projects will be announced in coming months. Upcoming multimedia projects from REI's Co-op Studios include: A new pod- cast series launching in September called Hello, Nature; New episodes of "Miranda in the Wild," a digital series featuring REI employee and enthusiastic backpacker and hiker, Miranda Webster; A digital show featuring James Beard award-winning chef, nutrition coach, and avid rock climber, Maria Hines; and more. l Teva has launched TerraForever, a recycling program with TerraCycle in which used Teva sandals can be recycled into something new. Customers can visit Teva.com to sign up and download a prepaid shipping label to mail in their sandals to TerraCycle. The sandals will be cleaned and materials will be separated and prepared for processing. The processed material will be used to make a number of new products including playgrounds, athletic fields, and track ground cover. Water filtration brand LifeStraw recently expanded its female leadership team naming Kelly Neel head of global sales for the outdoor channel and Shannon Randlett, head of mass retail. Outdoor Research hired David Hein as General Manager of Military and Tactical. He will report to Outdoor Research president Roger Barton and help drive OR's growth across those categories. Hein joins Outdoor Research from 5.11 Tactical, where he worked for 12 years. Cotopaxi recently added four new execs to its team: Cindy Grönberg Moldin as Vice President of Brand, Landon John as Director of Retail, Skylar Stice as Director of Operations and Carie Behe as GTM Marketing Manager. Oberalp North America – which operates the Salewa, Dynafit, Wild Country, Pomoca and Evolv brands in the U.S. and Canada – has promoted Ross Herr to Sales and Marketing Director. Evan Horenovsky was named Supply Chain and Operations Manager. Black Diamond Equipment appointed Anthony Rivera as the company's business unit director for its apparel category. Rivera's experience includes former roles as the global merchandise manager at Burton, business unit manager and director of operations & strategy at Outerknown and most recently at Arc'Teryx as its senior manager of merchandising. l # T H E B U Z Z N E W S / A N A L Y S I S OUTDOOR EYE REI Launches In-House Content Studio 6 • Outdoor Insight • July 2021 outdoorinsightmag.com Behind the scenes: The Trees Remember Our plan is to share and promote stories that encourage awareness, inspiration and celebrate the different ways communities spend time outside." PAOLO MOTTOLA REI director of content and media

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