Keep up by reading Industry Buzz. Here are today's top headlines:

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• A Denver woman is launching a new outdoor gear rental site in April. The startup—Gearo—will connect renters with retailers, who can use the business to manage inventory.

• Former Cabela's employees have started Highby Outdoors, a e-commerce site focusing on outdoor gear. Based in Sidney, Nebraska, the company will initially offer products for hunting, fishing, shooting, camping, and survival.

• Vista Outdoor, owner of Camelbak as well as Savage Arms, reported a massive sales drop of 20 percent ($514.6 million) in the third quarter. The company is still in the process of divesting from Savage Arms, manufacturer of assault rifles.

• A team of legislators in New Mexico introduced a bill on Monday to create an outdoor rec office in the Department of Economic Development and task the governor with appointing a director. The legislation also calls for dedicating $100,000 to an "outdoor equity grant program" to reach low-income youth with more outdoor recreation programs. Could it become the 12th state with an OREC? 

• Durango retailer Backcountry Experience announced its 4th Annual Women Outside Adventure Forum, slated to run March 19 to 21 and themed "Explorations." The three-day event will feature presentations from National Geographic Adventurer Hilaree Nelson, big wall climber Madaleine Sorkin, US/Mexico Border thru-hikers Tenny Ostrem and Claire Wernstedt-Lynch, and adventure journalist and SNEWS contributor Morgan Tilton.

• Ikon Pass is renewing its partnership with Protect Our Winters through a Summit Level donation of $25,000. The funds will support industry-led programs that "unite and mobilize the global snow sports community against climate change and enhance education, advocacy and community-based activism." Passholders will continue to receive a complimentary one-year membership to POW.

• Ridge Merino just received a Green Business Certification from the California Green Business Network, making one of the first companies in Mammoth Lakes, California, to achieve the certification.

• The Outdoor Gear Builders of Western North Carolina (OGB), a collective of 30+ outdoor brands, welcomed the first paid position to their ranks, Kaylee Larkin as network manager. The position has been made possible by the POWER grant the OGB received at the end of 2018. Larkin will focus on member communication and enable the organization to expand its footprint, and impact, by adding more network partners, affiliate partners, and sponsorships.

• The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics has named rygr, based in Carbondale, Colorado, its public relations agency of record.