Grassroots Outdoor Alliance held its annual awards ceremony Tuesday night at its Summit trade show in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Vendors and retailers were recognized for their exceptional creativity, community involvement, and dedication to the outdoor industry.
Summit Hut, in Tuscon, Ariz., won Retailer of the Year for the second time in a row.
“Summit Hut gives back so much to the outdoor community,” said Dana Howe, retailer relations manager for Grassroots. “It’s kind of amazing what they’ve been able to do.”
Patagonia won Vendor of the Year for providing generous grants for retailers to contribute to environmental organizations in their communities, Howe said.
Many other retailers and sales representatives were also recognized:
Heritage Award: Wes Allen, former Grassroots Outdoor Alliance president and owner of Sunlight Sports, Cody WY
Most Innovative Retailer: Champaign Surplus, Champaign IL
Community Involvement Award: Great Outdoor Provision Co., North Carolina and Virginia
The following independent sales representatives were recognized for their service and professionalism:
Southeast
Adventure Marketing Group: Alex Cavnek, Tom Hammond and Wendy Stanley
Flamand Sports: Phil Flamand
West
Caraway & Co.: Dana Caraway
Rockies
Mountain Trading Company: John Dornfield
Northeast
Full Circle Group: Stephane Stewart
