PORTLAND, Ore. (Dec. 10, 2020) - ​KEEN Inc (KEEN), the global footwear brand on a mission to create original and versatile products, enhance lives, protect the planet and inspire adventures outside, has again been recognized by the Portland Business Journal as one of the most admired companies for 2020 for the third consecutive year.

When the pandemic hit, KEEN immediately sprang into action, donating 100,000 pairs of shoes to those working on the front lines. In addition, the company converted a shoe-making line in one of its factories to become one of the earliest manufacturers of reusable face masks in the U.S., donating more than 150,000 masks to the local community.

To support its brick and mortar retail partners during the initial challenging months, KEEN implemented initiatives enabling these partners to compete more effectively. In addition to adjusting business terms to reflect the challenges of shuttered doors, KEEN developed and ran a twelve-part Zoom webinar series on how to compete digitally during Covid. Keen also compiled and distributed a best-practices newsletter for re-opening, and designed and distributed more than 1,000 Fit-Shield Stations to help keep both customers and sales associates safe while trying on shoes.

“We are most grateful for this recognition and are honored to be in such good company,” said Erik Burbank, vice president, the KEEN Effect, KEEN. “This year has been a roller coaster for Portland – a community that has been an integral part of the KEEN journey. We are inspired by the acts of kindness and courage we have seen from our colleagues and the community this year, and look forward to ensuring that Portland remains vibrant as we emerge from 2020.”

To generate the rankings for Oregon’s Most Admired Companies, the Portland Business Journal sent surveys to 6,000 CEOs in Oregon and Southwest Washington. It asked them to select three companies they most admire in eight industries, as well as three companies they admire most across all industries. Over 400 leaders responded to the survey. Respondents identified their first-, second- and third-place choices in each category.

“With the help of the tireless KEEN team around the world, the actions taken in response to the pandemic enabled the company to deliver very strong results for 2020. We extend our deepest gratitude, not only to our employees, but also our business partners and our fans that continue to make KEEN a part of their daily life.”

About KEEN

Driven by a passion to make life outside accessible for all, KEEN is a values-led, independently owned brand from Portland, Oregon, on a mission to create original and durable products, enhance lives and protect the planet. Founded in 2003, it launched a revolution in the footwear industry with the introduction of the Newport sandal and has continued to launch disruptive products and establish new standards for performance, comfort, and design. Family owned, KEEN has made “doing good” part of doing business since day one. By working with non-profit partners, consciously constructing its products, providing grant funding to grassroots organizations, and activating communities and individuals to protect the places where we work and play, KEEN puts its values in motion to leave the world a better place. KEEN’s recent Together We Can Help program partnered with KEEN fans to give away 100,000 pairs, about $10,000,000 of shoes, to those on the front line fighting the COVID-19 virus. Learn more at https://www.keenfootwear.com/keeneffect.

Media Contact
Meryl Rader - CGPR
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