Bell Helmets, Giro Sport Design and CamelBak Sponsor Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition Regional Event Program

June 21, 2016

Partnership supports efforts to attract top-tier talent and spearhead diversity and inclusion in the active outdoor industries

Boulder, CO, June 21, 2016 – Vista Outdoor brands — Bell Helmets, Giro Sport Design and CamelBak — have entered into a new partnership with the Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition (OIWC), the only organization focused on the inclusion of women in the outdoors from participant to CEO. The brands have joined forces as co–sponsors of OIWC regional events, a commitment above membership dues to support the organization’s mission.

As OIWC focuses on creating a more diverse and inclusive industry, for a stronger, more sustainable outdoor community, regional events give women and men an opportunity to build community, learn from one another and gain important insight from industry leaders.

“Bell, Giro and CamelBak join a community of bold companies that share our vision of an inclusive and welcoming outdoors for women,” said Deanne Buck, executive director of OIWC. “In order for the active outdoor industries to stay globally competitive, it’s imperative that we take the passion and innovation that’s inherently ingrained in each of our organizations and leverage the diversity of thinking and people that can make our industries even more attractive to talented women, all while creating brand loyalty among participants.”

A growing roster of industry supporters, including REI, Active Interest Media (AIM), and Burton, have joined with OIWC to provide leadership training, advocacy and individual member programs to provide the industry with best practices, methodologies and events related to diversity for greater industry and business sustainability.

“Organizations with inclusive cultures show higher customer satisfaction, greater productivity and higher profitability,” said Layne Rigney, president of CamelBak.  “CamelBak is proud to support OIWC and advance this important work on behalf of the industry.”

Support from CamelBak and Bell Helmets will drive OIWC’s outreach and networking event programming that brings together individuals regionally that are committed to advancing outdoor businesses through greater diversity. A complete schedule of regional events can be found at oiwc.org/events.

“Creating diverse teams is important to innovating and growing our category,” said Jessica Klodnicki, executive vice president and general manager of Bell Helmets. “OIWC’s networking events, resources for workplace diversity, and job board are critical assets to ensure that our company and the industry reflects our desired customer base of the future.”

Bell, Giro and CamelBak have also signed the CEO Pledge, a collective commitment from more than 50 industry leaders to ensure women have opportunities to lead and that diverse perspectives are incorporated into each organization’s culture. Companies that sign the CEO Pledge ensure that gender diversity is a strategic and visible priority, develop recruiting practices that attract and retain talented women, and exchange ideas and best practices to accelerate industry innovation.

OIWC currently has 160 member companies representing the outdoor, bike, snow, and run industries. With investment from hundreds of individuals, member companies and foundations, OIWC has advanced thought leadership on the topic of gender diversity for more than 20 years on behalf of the active outdoor industries.

To learn more about membership with OIWC and its Peak Partner program, visit www.oiwc.org.

About Vista Outdoor Inc. and Brands Vista Outdoor is a leading global designer, manufacturer and marketer of consumer products in the growing outdoor sports and recreation markets. Vista Outdoor’s portfolio includes 50 brands. For news and information, visit www.vistaoutdoor.com or follow us on Twitter @VistaOutdoorInc and Facebook at www.facebook.com/vistaoutdoor.

Bell Helmets exists to inspire and enable the next generation of boundary breakers. We don’t just make helmets, we make possibilities. Bell was born in a garage, fueled by grease and will, and guided by pure intent to encourage the rest of the world to live, ride, and thrive. Established in 1954. Proven ever since. www.bellhelmets.com

Founded in 1989, CamelBak invented the hands-free hydration category and is the global leader in personal hydration gear. CamelBak is achieving its mission to continually reinvent and forever change the way people hydrate and perform by offering a mix of products that include everything from technical hydration packs to reusable bottles and individual purification systems. www.camelbak.com

Giro Sport Design develops new ideas to enhance the ride. From high-performance helmets for cycling and snowsports, to cycling footwear and softgoods, Giro maintains a strong focus on creating products that enhance the feeling of freedom and independence that are at the core of a rider¹s experience. www.giro.com

About Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition (OIWC)

The Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition is the only national organization dedicated to workplace diversity and inclusion by expanding opportunities for women and companies in the outdoor, snow, run, and bike industries. Interested individuals and organizations are welcome to become involved. Learn more at oiwc.org.

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