Grassroots Outdoor Alliance announces awards to members of the outdoor industry
Members of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance gather in Albuquerque, NM, this week to close deals and to celebrate exemplary members of the outdoor industry.
Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Summit and Connect shows bring together top retailers and vendors in the outdoor industry twice a year. Photo: Megan Baumeister
ALBUQUERQUE, NM--At the opening of Grassroots Connect last night, a buying show for invited members of the outdoor industry, GOA said farewell to two outgoing board members, Dana Davis of Summit Hut and Ed McAlister of River Sports Outfitters.
Dana Davis, co-owner of Summit Hut, presented the Vendor of the Year Awards to Kuhl. Photo: Megan Baumeister
GOA also gave out its annual awards to outstanding members of its community. The winners:
The Rock/Creek crew accepts the Most Innovative Retailer award. Photo: Megan Baumeister
Courtesy
Most Innovative Retailer: Rock/Creek, Chattanooga, Tenn.
Community Involvement Award: Great Outdoor Provision Company, N.C. and Virginia
Reps
9 reps across the country were recognized.
West and Rockies - Alan Adams, Dan Hill, Heidi Vinje
Midwest and North - Sam Powers, Paul Gerten, Tom Lawrence
Southeast - Melissa Steele, Scott Eddins, Chris Summa
Retailer of the Year: Great Outdoor Provision Company
Vendor of the Year: Kuhl
It's the first time a single retailer, Great Outdoor Provision Company, has been recognized for two awards.
Wes Allen, president of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, presides over the award ceremony. Photo: Megan Baumeister
During the ceremony, which was fueled by New Mexican fare and plenty of beer and wine, Wes Allen thanked the community and got choked up as he presided over what will be his last award ceremony as GOA President.
It’s been extremely gratifying to lead GOA these past two years, Allen told SNEWS. “Now it’s time to find my successor, get back to my store [Sunlight Sports in Cody, WY], and spend more time outdoors with my family.”
The GOA Connect Show runs through tomorrow, June 17. The next GOA show is scheduled for November 7-11, 2016 in Knoxville, Tenn.
