KEEN Inc. Wins 2017 Outdoor Inspiration Award at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market

January 13, 2017

PORTLAND, Ore. (January 13, 2017) — KEEN Inc. (KEEN), a leading manufacturer of outdoor and lifestyle footwear, was recognized at the seventh annual Outdoor Inspiration Awards at Outdoor Retailer in Salt Lake City as the winner of the 2017 Outdoor Inspiration Award for the manufacturer category. The Outdoor Inspiration Awards celebrate those that inspire others to participate in and support outdoor activities and the outdoor industry.

“We are honored to have received the Outdoor Inspiration Award for our work to protect public lands,” says Kirsten Blackburn, Marketing Manager, KEEN Effect. “It’s up to all of us to make sure the places we all play—the very bedrock of what our industry is built upon—is protected long after we are gone. Our Live Monumental movement is a rallying cry to encourage all of us to live in favor of the future, and we are so humbled to know it inspired this meaningful award.”  

Of the five areas KEEN advocated to protect via the Live Monumental campaign, three have been protected to date:

• Boulder White-Clouds in Idaho was designated Wilderness in August 2015;
• Mojave Trails in southern California was designated a national monument by President Barack Obama in February 2016; and
• Most recently, President Barack Obama designated Gold Butte in Nevada a national monument in December 2016.

“We’re honored to have received an Outdoor Inspiration Award,” says Chris Enlow, Sustainability and CSR Manager for the KEEN Effect and a finalist in the individual category for his supply chain transparency work. “We look forward to making even more progress together in the year ahead. Like Auden Schendler said at the show, it’s about turning consumerism into activism. We’re just getting started.”

2017 Outdoor Inspiration Award Winners

• Lifetime Achievement: Kris Tompkins
• Individual: Peter Metcalf
• Manufacturer: KEEN Inc.
• Retailer: Tahoe Mountain Sports
• Non-Profit: Veterans Expeditions
• Youth: Lillian Rose Weihert

“I want to extend congratulations to all the finalists and the winners of the 2017 Outdoor Inspiration Awards, presented by adidas Outdoor,” says Marisa Nicholson, vice president and Outdoor Retailer show director. “This celebration highlights the commitment and dedication this community has for sharing outdoor adventures with others. We are honored to celebrate all those who were nominated, the finalist and the winners. They are not only inspirational, but they also provide us all with a renewed passion.”

Nominations, submitted through Outdoor Retailer hosted websites, were selected based on inspiration criteria for individuals and groups: impact, creativity, service, technology, innovation, philanthropy, engagement, longevity, sustainability, activities, and awareness. 

The judging panel for the 2017 Outdoor Inspiration Awards included Greg Thomsen from adidas Outdoor, John Stewart of the Boy Scouts of America, Ann Daw with JanSport, Kristin Hostetter representing AIM Media (SNEWS and OR Daily), Lisa Hennessy from Dreamjobbing, Rue Mapp of OIA/Outdoor Afro, and Dieter Tremp from ISPO.

About KEEN:

KEEN Inc. is a values-led, independently owned outdoor footwear brand from Portland, Oregon with a mission to responsibly create original and versatile products, improve lives, and inspire outside adventure. Founded in 2003, KEEN ignited a revolution in the footwear industry with the introduction of the Newport sandal, launching the concept of Hybrid footwear into the market and setting KEEN on a path of driving consistent product innovation that exists today. KEEN strives to live by its values, from its products to its actions, and by activating communities and individuals to protect and preserve the places where we work and play. KEEN passionately endeavors to live fulfilling lives, challenge the status quo, do good, give back, and inspire others. Learn more at www.keenfootwear.com.

About Outdoor Retailer:

Outdoor Retailer brings together retailers, manufacturers, industry advocates and media to conduct the business of outdoor recreation through tradeshows, Outdoor Retailer Magazine, product demo events, media events and web-based business solutions. Outdoor Retailer is the national outdoor industry tradeshow, providing a platform for critical face-to-face business initiatives, line previews, launches of new innovations, networking and retailer education events and opportunities. Visit www.outdoorretailer.com for more information.

Contact: Greg Fitzsimmons

greg.fitzsimmons@rygr.us

970-924-0704 ext. 156