SEATTLE, Wash. – Outdoor Research, a leading, independent manufacturer of functional solutions for human-powered adventure, this month named its mid-Atlantic sales agency, North Branch Traders, as 2010 Sales Agency of the Year and its Southeastern sales agency, StoneNSea Sales Inc., as 2010 Brand Ambassador of the Year.

The Agency of the Year Award is given to the sales agency that clearly demonstrates excellence in growing overall sales volume, as well as true professionalism in partnering with Outdoor Research. The Brand Ambassador of the Year Award is given to the sales agency that not only shows strong effort in growing sales, but outstanding ability in building awareness of the OR brand.

“2010 marks a very strong year for Outdoor Research and we felt it important to recognize all of the hard work our partner sales agencies put into helping grow both top-line sales and positive brand awareness,” said Alex Kutches, VP of Sales for Outdoor Research. “Bottom line, brand advocates like these help convey to retailers who OR is and, more importantly, where we're going.”

North Branch Traders includes team members Rick Neill, Sarah Trachy, Kevin Carnes and Sara Lindsay. The agency grew Outdoor Research business in the mid-Atlantic territory across small and large dealers alike during the last year.

StoneNSea Sales is operated by John Juraschek, who worked tirelessly in 2010 through dealer and consumer events to foster awareness in the Southeast of OR's growth into a modern apparel company with product lines aligned across all of the core sports categories it serves.

About Outdoor Research

Based in Seattle, Wash., Outdoor Research designs and manufactures functional solutions for human-powered adventure. Outdoor Research offers technically innovative and superior apparel, headwear, handwear, gaiters, storage and shelter systems. Product testing and high-quality construction is backed up with OR's Infinite Guarantee®. Outdoor Research enthusiastically supports the outstanding conservation, access, and educational efforts of a variety of organizations and encourages our customers to do the same. Outdoor Research – Designed by Adventure®.