NICA is pleased to announce the 2012 NICA Annual Award winners!

The NICA Awards were established in 2010 to honor student-athletes, coaches, volunteers and partners that have made outstanding contributions toward the development of high school cycling and the national high school mountain biking movement.

This year, NICA Awards will be given to 13 individuals in 10 different categories that were selected from a field of more than 222 nominees from NICA Leagues across the country.

Specialized Student-Athlete Leadership Award
The Student Athlete Leadership Award honors student-athletes who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, sportsmanship, academic performance and volunteerism in their team, school and community. The recipients are:
* Josie Nordrum, Redwood High School, NorCal High School Cycling League
* Zachary Tucker, Lyons High School, Colorado High School Cycling League

Trek Student-Athlete All Star Award
The All-Star Student Athlete Award recognizes student-athletes for their outstanding competitive achievements and potential for future success in competitive cycling. The recipients are:
* Kate Courtney, Branson High School, NorCal High School Cycling League
* Lucas Newcomb, Sir Francis Drake High School, NorCal High School Cycling League

Jeep Extraordinary Courage Award
The Extraordinary Courage Award recognizes student-athletes who have persevered through challenging circumstances and overcome adversity to develop and excel as a model student athlete. The recipients are:
* DeShaun Smith, C.K. MCClatchy High School, NorCal High School Cycling League
* Mark Doty, Oakley High School, Utah High School Cycling League

SRAM Coach of The Year Award
The Coach of the Year Award acknowledges a head coach whose qualities as a leader and motivator embodies NICA's mission to provide student-athletes with the coaching and camaraderie to help them achieve both competitive and non-competitive goals in a safe and enjoyable manner. The recipients are:
* Whitney Pogue, Summit Academy High School, Utah High School Cycling League
* Ken Mozek, San Ramon Valley High School, NorCal High School Cycling League

Clif Bar and Company Volunteer Service Award
The Volunteer Service Award honors an exceptional volunteer whose dedication of time, expertise and enthusiasm goes above and beyond to make a difference in the organization. The recipients is:
* Nick Gualtieri, St. Francis High School, SoCal High School Cycling League

Quality Bike Products Community Impact Award
The Community Impact Award honors an individual whose dedication to high school mountain biking has resulted in positive impacts on youth, the community and the organization. This individual is an outstanding representative of the organization internally and externally. The recipient is:
* Ed Fischer, Camas Composite, Washington High School Cycling League

Primal Wear Race Production Partner Award
The Race Production Partner Award acknowledges an individual whose outstanding partnership role in race productions is key to the success of a leagues race event production. The recipient is:
* Martha Flynn, Minnesota High School Cycling League

Easton Foundations League Founder Award
The League Founders Award recognizes an individual's commitment, enthusiasm, perseverance, and outstanding contributions in establishing a NICA High School Cycling League. The recipient is:
* Lori Harward, Utah High School Cycling League

NICA Legacy Award
The NICA Legacy Award honors an individual for their tremendous philanthropic support of NICA and NICA Leagues. The recipient is:
* Mike Sinyard, Specialized Bicycles

Come support the winners at the NICA Awards Benefit Ride and Banquet! Both events will be on January 12th, 2013 with the ride at Ft. Ord and the banquet at the Specialized world headquarters in Morgan Hill, California. Register today for either the ride and/or the banquet here.

Left to Right: Mike Sinyard presenting the 2011 Specialized Student-Athlete Leadership Award to Dillen Maurer, 2010 Student-Athlete Leadership Award recipient Sophia Hamilton giving her acceptance speech, Gary Sjoquist presenting the 2011 QBP Race Production Partner Award to Keith Defiebre.

Outdoor Industries Women's Coalition Announces Jill Layfield, CEO of Backcountry.com, as Speaker for 2nd Annual Keynote Breakfast Presentation at 2013 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market
 
BOULDER, COLO., January 8, 2013 - Outdoor Industries Women's Coalition (OIWC) is pleased to announce that Jill Layfield, CEO of Backcountry.com, will present as the keynote speaker at its 2nd annual Outdoor Retailer Winter Market (ORWM) Breakfast and Leadership Awards Presentation. The event is sponsored by Timberland and Outdoor Research with support from Outdoor Retailer. 

Since joining Backcountry.com in 2004, Layfield has moved through the ranks from the company's Director of Customer Marketing role to become the VP of Product Development in 2009, COO in 2010, and CEO in 2011. Through her multitude of roles at Backcountry.com, balancing CEO duties with parenthood, and serving as one of the few women CEOs in the Outdoor Industry, Layfield will reflect on how her experiences can help other companies in the Outdoor Industry explore greater workplace inclusion and leadership diversity solutions.

"Through Jill's professional and personal experiences she brings a unique perspective to our industry," said Deanne Buck, executive director of OIWC. "As the outdoor industry continues its commitment to a more diverse and inclusive customer base, a diverse workplace is an oft-times overlooked but critical component to success. We're honored to have the opportunity to provide a platform for her to share her expertise with the industry leaders and influencers who attend ORWM."

In addition to Layfield's presentation, the OIWC will recognize two women in the industry with OIWC Leadership Awards for their stewardship and inspiration to others. The keynote breakfast and leadership awards presentation will take place during the ORWM tradeshow on Friday, January 25, 2013 from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. at the Marriot Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah, Salon F-I. The event is free and open to the public.

To learn more about OIWC, or to attend an upcoming event, please visit www.oiwc.org.

About OIWC

Founded in 1994, the Outdoor Industries Women's Coalition is the only national organization dedicated to workplace diversity and inclusion by expanding opportunities for women and companies in the Outdoor, Snow, and Bike Industries. OIWC provides for professional development and women's leadership programming that promotes women's advancement. For our over 90 industry partners, OIWC is the trusted resource for best practices and industry models around workplace diversity and inclusion. To learn more about OIWC or to become a new member or sponsor, please visit www.oiwc.org.

Snow Sports Sales Down in November
December Snow Could Halt the Slide

Washington, DC (January 9, 2012) -- SnowSports Industries America (SIA) and Leisure Trends Group have released SIA RetailTRAK™ numbers for November 2012, collected from the Point of Sale systems of more than 1,200 snow sports retailers. November 2012 was another difficult month for the snow sports marketplace with double digit declines in dollars sold compared to sales in November 2011, but there is hope on the horizon as snowfall in December could provide a needed boost in the market.

The snow sports market had an uphill battle to fight in the pre-season and it showed. Season-to-date sales in all stores fell 8 percent in units sold and 7 percent in dollars sold as inertia from last season, recovery from Hurricane Sandy and "fiscal cliff" concerns put multiple dents in the market. Conditions in the snow sports market from late November to the end of the winter season typically depend upon current snow conditions.However the August to November sales pace is predicated on variables like snowfall in the previous season and consumer confidence in general. This season, all of the variables were working against the early season snow sports market.

Early season sales were dominated by carryover sales, bringing in the slimmest margins. In fact, 16 percent of alpine skis and 17 percent of snowboards sold in specialty retail shops from August to November 2012 were sold as carryover. Carryover sales refer typically to gear that sat in retail inventories over the summer months but technically, in the Leisure Trends data, the term "carryover" represents gear that was sold at or below average retail cost. Specialty inventories were swollen at the end of last season so the increase in carryover sales is an expected purge of that inventory. Unfortunately, that leaves retailers with a cash trickle rather than a flow and sets a Spartan stage for the 2013/2014 ordering season that begins to gather significant steam in November. The December Snow Sports Market RetailTRAK™ data is scheduled for release on January 30th just before the opening of the 2013 SIA Snow Show in Denver, Colorado.

The market data presented in this report comes from the Snow Sports RetailTRAK™ produced for SIA by Leisure Trends Group. Leisure Trends Group gathers RetailTRAK™ data directly from the Point of Sale systems of more than 1,200 snow sports retailers. For more information about snow sports retail sales, market data and other SIA Research products including the Snow Sports Market Intelligence Report, the SIA State of the Industry Videos, Snow Sports Participation Study and other exclusive industry reports, please contact Kelly Davis, SIA's Director of Research at KDavis@snowsports.org or visit snowsports.org/research.

SIA releases the topline results for snow sports retail seven times each season from November to May covering results of retail sales made between August 1 and March 31 each season. Topline/category retail sales data for the snow sports market is available as a member benefit to all SIA members. In addition, members gain free access to topline data for the Running, Outdoor and Paddle Sports when you register. The topline data is accessible on a 24/7/365 basis on Leisure Trends Cross-Industry RetailTRAK™ data portal. Non-SIA members may subscribe to the topline portal for just $375 per year.

SIA RetailTRAK™ Data 2012/2013 Season Release Schedule
1. New This Season - November 7, 2012 August - September
2. December 7, 2012 (est.) August - October
3. January 5, 2013 (est.) August - November
4. January 31, 2013 August - December
5. March 5, 2013 (est.) August - January
6. April 5, 2013 (est.) August - February
7. May 6, 2013 (est.) August - March

Rocky Mountain Bicycles Partners with Origin Design + Communcations to Develop Comprehensive Brand Blueprint and New Website

Jan.9, 2013, Whistler BC - On the heels of winning a slew of awards for their Element line including Best in Show at Interbike and generating buzz with videos of top-notch mountain bike athletes riding in exotic locations  (http://rockymountainbicycles.pinkbike.com/channel/all/), Rocky Mountain Bicycles has partnered with creative agency Origin Design + Communications to hone the iconic brand's positioning, starting with a brand platform review and website re-design. The goal of Rocky Mountain Bicycle's new site is to improve functionality, user flow and facilitate the consumer decision process.

The new relationship is intended to help reposition Rocky Mountain Bicycles as Canada's original mountain bike company, with roots in both Vancouver's North Shore and Quebec, and communicate the company's 30 years of dedication to building great mountain bikes and helping define mountain biking culture around the world.

Origin Design + Communications was a natural choice for the project as it too was birthed in the vertical playground of the West Coast, and shares a base between Whistler and Montreal. The bilingual marketing, creative and communications firm specializes exclusively in outdoor sports and works with brands such as Salomon Sports, Whistler Blackcomb, Jay Peak and The North Face. The client roster also includes the Mountain Bike Tourism Association of BC, IMBA Canada, Bike Parks of BC and the Whistler Mountain Bike Park.

"Origin's brand development process taps an organization's passion to define the brand essence and the brand's potential," says Origin Design + Communications Partner, and strategic lead on the project, MJ Legault. "The mountains are our business. And just like the crew at Rocky, we live to ride. This is the sweet spot that Origin enjoys as a creative agency - working with great brands like Rocky Mountain Bikes where strategy meets the lifestyle that we eat, think and breathe."

"The new relationship will see the development of a blueprint that will ensure RMB's brand is articulated clearly and resonates equally from east coast to west, from the R&D lab to the trails, from the dealers and distributors to head office," says Francis Argouin, Rocky Mountain Bicycle's marketing director. "Authenticity has long been a buzzword in the world of marketing, but Rocky's roots, as our recent videos show, are the real deal. We're looking forward to focusing our brand efforts more cohesively so we can continue our mission to build the best bikes, and riding experiences, in the world."

Origin will roll out the newly renovated brand platform into a website redesign for Rocky, with an expected launch date of late spring 2013.

Rocky Mountain Bicycles is an independently owned Canadian bike company with head offices in Vancouver, BC and St-Georges, QC. Since its inception in 1981, Rocky Mountain has continuously infused quality and innovation into the brand and has won numerous accolades and awards for bike design while the riding team has taken the sport to new levels winning international races and competitions. Every bike that rolls out of the factory is a physical representation of the most reliable, durable and meticulously crafted bike, made to be ridden fast and hard.

Origin Design + Communications is a strategic marketing, creative and communications firm specializing in mountain sports and resort tourism. Over the past 20 years, Origin has developed a reputation as one of North America's foremost industry experts. With offices in both Whistler and Montreal, Origin serves as the creative agency of record for Whistler Blackcomb, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, Tourism Whistler, Jay Peak and Salomon Canada, while working for a wide array of other action sports and resort clientele.

Goldcoast and Hidden Notice Premiere "California Deisgn, Utah Engineering" Video Today

Jan. 9, 2013 (Salt Lake City, Utah and Leucadia, Calif.) - Today, GoldCoast and Hidden Notice premiere their video, "California Design, Utah Engineering," which documents the day-to-day lives of GoldCoast's Product Developer, Brock Harris and Art Director, Dustin Ortiz to showcase how the two opposites find their inspiration within their surroundings.  Watch this video for a deeper look into the mash up of opposites that come together to create GoldCoast's truly unique product:

GoldCoast Skateboards: California Design x Utah Engineering from GoldCoast Skateboards on Vimeo.

As you soak up the warm California sun and step into Dustin's Encinitas home, you'll find paintings and photographs from friends and travels, stacks of books and magazines, plants and gem stones he's collected from all over the world neatly organized. These interesting things add an artistic vibe while providing a tranquil escape that allows Dustin to peacefully create GoldCoast designs inspired by the sunny beaches of California he surfs, the mountains he snowboards and his travels.  

Nestled in Salt Lake City right in the middle of Utah's snowy mountains, Brock's place is quite the opposite. The minute you step inside, you'll find that there is no clutter as he prefers to keep the décor basic.  His home is also filled with sounds of children laughing and playing.   He is completely focused on developing new skateboard shapes that will be a catalyst to something new.  

"We enjoyed working with the guys at Hidden Notice to tell the GoldCoast story.  The premise for GoldCoast's California design and Utah engineering was created from this amazing contrast of these two inspirational places. We strive to creatively mesh the two lifestyles into our products," said Dustin Ortiz, GoldCoast art director. 

"Working with the crew at GoldCoast is a privilege and a no brainer for us.  They represent the entrepreneurial spirit of taking your passion and turning that into your career," said Bill Keller, founder of Hidden Notice.  "They are authentic, honest, innovative and unique in their approach to this segment of the skate market.   GoldCoast is doing what they do for all the right reasons, and to be able to team up with them on this project was both fun, inspiring, and one more reason why we love what we get to do!"

WIN ONE-OF-A-KIND GEAR FROM GOLDCOAST:
As a part of the launch of the "California Design, Utah Engineering" video, GoldCoast and Hidden Notice are giving away some California design and Utah engineering in a Facebook contest.  The winner will receive a one-of-a-kind original Dustin Ortiz art piece, a one-of-a-kind handmade knife by Brock Harris and a GoldCoast Pressure complete.  Head over to http://bit.ly/goldcoast-hidden-notice-giveaway to enter.  

GoldCoast's entire line is now available for sale at skategoldcoast.com and at shops around the world. Connect with the brand on Twitter and Instagram @skategoldcoast and Facebook at facebook.com/goldcoastskate. 

About GoldCoast:
GoldCoast plots its course in four directions: skateboarding, culture, travel and film.  Skateboard everywhere you can, absorb the things it brings in to your life and take a few photos along the way. In addition to the brand's product line focused on cruiser skateboards and longboards with custom shapes and components GoldCoast publishes its own subculture magazine, "The Compadre" featuring artwork, photography and interviews with some of the most creative people around the world.  For more information, check out skategoldcoast.com. 

About Hidden Notice:
Hidden Notice was born from a desire to highlight the details and dive deeper into people, places and products.  The company strives to build a platform that spurs on innovation, creativity, discovery, and the inner spirit that drives individuals through the medium of motion pictures.  Hidden Notice is constantly looking at the latest innovations in film and sound and working to incorporate those into its work.

Snow Fashion & Trends Show to Kick-Off 2013 SIA Snow Show
SIA Recreates Mountain Lodge Setting for Stylish Opening Event

Washington, DC (January 9, 2013) -- On Wednesday, January 30th, the eve of the 2013 SIA Snow Show (Jan. 31-Feb. 3), SIA will host its annual Snow Fashion & Trends Show acting as the official opening event and "Welcome to Denver" party for Snow Show Attendees.

The Colorado Convention Center's Mile High Ball Room will be transformed into a classic mountain lodge replete with stone fireplace, perfect for the snow sports industry to mix, mingle and enjoy a cocktail while previewing apparel collections for Winter 2013/14.

Your Invite to the SIA Snow Fashion & Trends Show from SnowSports Industries America on Vimeo.

"With the Snow Fashion & Trends Show scheduled for the day before the Snow Show, we wanted to create a party atmosphere, welcome everyone to Denver and set the mood for the rest of the Show," commented David Ingemie, SIA's President. "This will be a great first stop to catch-up with industry friends before hitting the ground running the next day," added Ingemie.

Multiple cocktail lounges and a live DJ will properly set the mood of the event, while models work the runway and a multi-media video presentation acts as a backdrop. Throughout the evening, SIA's partners from Stylesight, NYC-based trend forecasters, will provide commentary on major trends and color stories for the upcoming season.

At the event, Mike West, Founder of 686, will take the stage to introduce the newest set of designers competing in the RECLAIM Project during the Snow Show.  RECLAIM Project challenges three designers to create a garment from reclaimed 686 production facility materials, the two winning designers receive an internship at 686.

Snow Fashion & Trends Show
Date: Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Time: Doors open 6:30P, Show starts 7P
Where: Mile High Ballroom, Colorado Convention Center

Featured Brands:  

Bergans of Norway
Boulder Gear
COAL Headwear
DAKINE
Descente North America
Firefly
Fischer Alpine Apparel
Halti
Helmet Band-Its
Killtec NA Inc.
Krimson Klover
Millennium Three
Neve Design
NILS
Nobis
PISTIL
POLARMAX
Ride Snowboards
Sabine Sommeregger
Screamer
Ski Tops/Chaos/Moon Shadow/CTR
Snow Dragons
Sport Obermeyer
The Royal Shaft LLC
Trespass USA

Airhole Facemasks Expands American Sales Rep Team
Two New Territories Added for Midwest and Southern California

VANCOUVER, BC January 9, 2013 - Airhole Facemasks expands the US sales team with the addition of sales representatives Steve Wikner in the Midwest and Carter Katz in Southern California.

"We're hyped to add Steve and Carter to our roster of reps in the US" says Sales Manager Joel Giddings. "Carter is a long time friend of the Airhole crew, so it was a perfect fit to get him back on the program and we welcome Steve as a new member of our family!"

NRI, the leading 3PL warehousing and shipping company in Canada and already Airhole's partner in the USA, will continue to provide logistics and warehousing. Customer service, sales, and marketing will be handled from Airhole's head office in Vancouver, B.C.

The sales representatives for Airhole Facemasks are:

Pacific Northwest (WA, OR, ID, MT)
Topher Laws
Tophernw@gmail.com

Northern California (CA, NV)
Nikki Sternin
nikkisternin@yahoo.com

Southern California (CA, NV, AZ)
Carter Katz
contactcarternow@yahoo.com

Rockies (CO, UT)
Brad Gobdel
bcg08@comcast.net

Midwest (IL, IN, IO, KS, MI, MN, MS, NB, ND, OH, SD, WI)
Steve Wikner
wikdog@gmail.com

New England (VT, NH, ME, CT, MA, RI)
Ken Akey
Ken.Akey@dwindle.com

Mid Atlantic (NY, NJ, DE, MD, PA)
J Nuzzo
nuzzoj@comcast.net

South East (FL, GA, AL, SC, NC, TN, VA, W.VA)
Chris Hardin
snowboardrepse@gmail.com

Airhole Facemasks will be exhibiting at the SIA Show in Denver, Colorado and by appointment at showrooms and rep shows across the USA.

ABOUT AIRHOLE FACEMASKS
Airhole Facemasks are the best facemasks in the world because they are innovative, practical, and fashionable. Our company is composed of snowboarders making products for snowboarders. Founded by professional snowboarders Kale Stephens and Chris Brown, Airhole Facemasks provide the protection you need from the elements while bringing fashion to your face.

Airhole: Facemasks You Idiot!

Connect with Airhole Facemasks:
www.airholefacemasks.com
Instagram / Twitter: @airholefacemask
www.facebook.com/airholefacemask
Email: info@airholefacemasks.com

Belkin and Vans Announce Licensing Deal
Belkin to Create New Line of Cases Inspired by Vans

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Belkin, creator of people-inspired consumer technology products, and Vans®, creator of "Off the Wall" original footwear, apparel and accessories, today announced a multi-year licensing partnership to create innovative and fun accessories for mobile devices. Initial case designs will be on display during the 2013 International CES from January 8-11, 2013 at Belkin's booth #30651 in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

"As a people-inspired brand, Belkin prides itself on creating cases and accessories for everyone"

Starting in early 2013, Belkin and Vans will launch a variety of cases merging the iconic Vans' brand imagery with Belkin's quality mobile accessory design. The initial cases focus on iOS devices including the iPhone 5 and iPod touch, with plans to expand to other platforms over the course of the partnership. Products will be available through Vans' accounts worldwide and through Belkin's online and retail partners.

"As a people-inspired brand, Belkin prides itself on creating cases and accessories for everyone," said Nima Ahmadinejad, vice president of products at Belkin. "We're excited to work with Vans on fun, funky and original designs that their legions of loyal brand enthusiasts are sure to love."

"Vans is the action sports original since 1966 and we've created designs for surf, skate and snowboarding since their earliest days," said Luciano Mor, Vans men's apparel category director. "Our fans also happen to be technology enthusiasts, so it makes perfect sense to partner with Belkin, a global leader in the mobile accessory space, to create cases that give fans a new way to enjoy our iconic designs."

About Belkin
At Belkin, we make people inspired products. With more than 200 patents, Belkin invents products that harness the power of technology to enrich people's lives. From wireless home networking and entertainment, to mobile accessories, energy management, and a broad USB and cable mix, Belkin products connect the dots between people and the things they love. Belkin also provides public and private sector organizations with high-quality security, infrastructure, energy, and server-room solutions. A privately held company founded in 1983, Belkin has more than 1,200 employees in 21 countries. Headquartered in Playa Vista, California, Belkin can also be found on the web at Belkin.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/belkin, and on Twitter at Twitter.com/belkin.

About Vans
Vans®, the original action sports footwear and apparel company, is a brand of VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC). Vans collections include authentic footwear, apparel and accessories, snowboard boots and the Pro-tec line of protective gear and are sold globally in more than 170 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors and foreign offices. Vans owns and operates more than 300 stores in the United States and internationally, each offering a wide range of Vans footwear and apparel while communicating our Brand and athletes' rich stories. Vans promotes action sports lifestyle and youth culture through support of athletes on boards and bikes all over the globe and through progressive events such as the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing®, the Vans Downtown Showdown, the Pro-tec Pool Party and the Vans Warped Tour®. More information about Vans can be found at www.vans.com, Twitter @vans_66 and www.facebook.com/vans.

Local OC Surf Community Comes Together for Hurricane Sandy Benefit
Surf community rallies together in Post Sandy relief effort

Costa Mesa, Calif. - New Jersey and Orange County based lifestyle brand, ERGO Clothing in partnership with Waves For Water lead a national effort to supply relief plus aid to victims of Hurricane Sandy in New York and New Jersey.

The main goal is to work quickly and efficiently to provide relief and deliver it right into the hands of victims and restore their lives back to normal. Restore The Shore Projects is based on the ground in the heart of the devastation. The Restore The Shore initiative is working along side other local disaster relief organizations promoting the rebuilding process.

"It's great to see the support from our west coast team in an effort to continue to raise funds and awareness. With a lack of media coverage, the public doesn't realize there are still thousands of families displaced and the devastation is far from recovered," said Pete DiSpirito, ERGO Co-Founder.

The Restore Projects OC benefit will be held on January 10, 2013 at Orange County's favorite live music venue, the Detroit Bar, located 843 W. 17th St. in Costa Mesa. The fundraising efforts will be through ticket donations, ferris wheel raffle, taco and drink specials and Boardwalk silent auction and will go directly to the Restore The Shore Project.

The buzz surrounding The Restore The Shore benefit has already been whirling around Orange County. Headlining the event is the Ragged Jubilee, and will also showcase Spare Parts for Broken Hearts, The Originalites and Moxi (aka Anna Nelson). This highly anticipated benefit opens its doors at 6pm. Event flier attached below.

About Restore The Shore Projects
Restore Projects is an initiative to assist in disaster relief for Hurricane Sandy victims. Our main goal is to work quickly to provide relief and deliver it right into the hands of victims and restore their lives back to normal. To follow the progress and learn more about ERGO's relief efforts, become a fan: http://www.facebook.com/restoretheshoreprojects and https://www.facebook.com/ERGO clothing.

About Waves for Water
Waves for Water works on the front-line to provide clean water to communities in need around the world. They work with world leaders and strategic partners who take a "no-nonsense" attitude toward making global change. Waves for Water is a non-profit organization founded by Jon Rose and supported by Hurley International.

About ERGO Clothing
ERGO was born in 2007 by a group of young creatives disillusioned by a market full of homogenous brands. Our mission is simple, to pioneer a fashion lifestyle brand, staying true to our heritage as artists, designers, and musicians loyal to our core roots in beach culture. Our mascot, the "owlstein" is a symbol of a solitary bird of prey, adorned with a viking helmet to express our unique style, stealth, and creativity.

Owlstein also represents our love of the outdoors, and our awareness of our environment. Ergo brand ambassadors are a parliment of creatives who embody the ERGO lifestyle, our apparel is our message - expression rather than emulation. Season to season ERGO consistently delivers quality goods and has become an underground creative market leader. Unique and fresh, expect ERGO to transcend the delusions with exceptional styles and fits, new trends, and always leading, never following.

TWSNOW 14th Riders' Poll Awards Presented By New Era Nominees

Carlsbad, CA — Over 100 of snowboarding's biggest pros voted on the best riders, video parts, and performances of the year for the 14th annual TransWorld SNOWboarding Riders' Poll Awards presented by New Era and the results are in. To see who wins, join us on Friday, February 1 at the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver, Colorado for the biggest night in snowboarding. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. The show starts at 8:30 p.m. For those who can't make it, catch videos of the winners at TWSNOW.com/riderspoll.

This year's nominees are…

Men's Rookie Of The Year
Brandon Cocard
Danimals
Frank April

Women's Rookie Of The Year
Aimee Fuller
Cilka Sadar
Corinne Pasela

Men's Rider Of The Year
Bode Merrill
Nicolas Müller
Pat Moore

Women's Rider Of The Year
Desiree Melancon
Hana Beaman
Jess Kimura

Men's Video Part Of The Year
Frank April, Enlighten
Mikkel Bang, 13
Nicolas Müller, Resonance

Women's Video Part Of The Year
Desiree Melancon, Desiree Melancon
Hana Beaman, P.S.
Jess Kimura, Barely

Online Video Series Of The Year
Brothers On The Run, John and Eric Jackson
Cooking With Gas, Eero Ettala and Heikki Sorsa
Salomon Team Vacation, The Salomon Team

Video Of The Year
13/Burton
Resonance/Absinthe
The Darkside/Videograss

Standout Performance Of The Year
Brandon Cocard, 50-50
Jeremy Jones and the Further crew, hiking and riding the heaviest lines
Nicolas Müller, winning Real Snow Backcountry, Resonance part

New Era Readers' Choice, Men's & Women's*
Voting is still open! Click here to vote.

Legend Award*
*Awards nominees and recipients to be announced at a later date.

The 14th annual TransWorld SNOWboarding Riders' Poll Awards Show is presented by New Era. Additional sponsors include: Red Bull, Go Pro, Keystone Resort, Zumiez, Protect Our Winters, and Pabst Blue Ribbon.

For more information on TransWorld SNOWboarding and the Riders' Poll, visit transworldsnowboarding.com. Stay tuned to our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds at @TWSNOW (#RidersPoll14).

Industry guests, please RSVP for tickets to info@transworld.net. Tickets can be picked up from the TransWorld SNOWboarding booth (#279) in the Blue Bird Social Zone at SIA.

Subscribe to TransWorld SNOWboarding magazine online at snowboarding.transworld.net/subscribe or download it to your iPad on iTunes by clicking here.

About TransWorld SNOWboarding
TransWorld SNOWboarding is the world's number one snowboard media outlet with an audience of over 1.4-million. Celebrating 26 years since its inception in 1987, TransWorld SNOWboarding continues to successfully and creatively cover the snowboard culture with innovative photography, original videos, award-winning print and multi-layered digital magazines, snowboard instruction, consumer events and cutting edge awards shows. TransWorld SNOWboarding can be found online at transworldsnowboarding.com and is based in Carlsbad, California.

TransWorld SNOWboarding is published by the leading action sports media company, TransWorld Media, a division of Bonnier Corporation. Bonnier Corp. (bonniercorp.com) is one of the largest consumer-publishing groups in America and is the leading media company serving passionate, highly engaged audiences through 50 special-interest magazines and related multimedia projects and events. Bonnier Corp. is the US division of the Bonnier Group (bonnier.com), a 200-year-old family-owned media group based in Sweden with business operations in 25 countries.

Talus Outdoor Technologies Expands into the United Kingdom

Missoula, MT - Talus Outdoor Technologies, LLC®, maker of the ColdAvenger® line of cold weather face masks, announces its exclusive distributor partnership with Cold Front, Ltd, Outdoor Clothing Systems & Arctic Expeditions in the United Kingdom.  Cold Front will distribute the ColdAvenger Classic, ColdAvenger Pro, ColdAvenger Expedition Balaclava and ColdAvenger Hunter.

Cold Front provides outdoor clothing, equipment and systems to arctic expeditions, active winter athletes and consumers in the UK.

"We currently have retailers in the United States and Canada, so expanding into the United Kingdom is a big step," says John Sullivan, CEO of Talus Outdoor Technologies. "The demand is high throughout the UK and we look forward to being able to accommodate our consumers outside of North America."

"The ColdAvenger is the perfect product for the cold weather enthusiasts we have throughout the UK," says Robert Phillips, Director of Cold Front, Ltd. "The technology built into every mask really provides a solution to comfort and performance in the elements. We're excited to start working with this successful US company!"

The ColdAvenger cold weather face mask achieves four functional goals: thermal comfort, ventilation adequacy, moisture control, and ease of breathing during hard work or play. The genius of ColdAvenger's simple ventilation design allows for an easy, comfortable fit for ease of breathing with no moving or mechanical parts. The ColdAvenger's patent-pending ventilation technology keeps temperatures inside the mask 40°- 60°F higher than outside air.

About Talus Outdoor Technologies
Founded and headquartered in Missoula, Montana, Talus Outdoor Technologies™ is a leading innovator in technologically-advanced outdoor gear. Talus is dedicated to helping outdoor enthusiasts Stay Out Longer.™ In 2007, Talus introduced the ColdAvenger®, an advanced, high-quality cold weather protection mask developed by a physician and a skier. The ColdAvenger® is the result of more than two years of research and development testing in Northern Rocky Mountain winters to achieve four functional goals: thermal comfort, ventilation adequacy,moisture control and ease of breathing during exercise. Talus is proud to provide an elite product while being socially and environmentally conscious. www.talusoutdoortech.com

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About Cold Front Ltd
The Cold Front Ltd, ‘Outdoor clothing systems and Arctic Expeditions' is a team dedicated to providing customers the best gear and clothing for expeditions. Cold Front Ltd also leads clients on trips of a lifetime. The staff has a varied and wide set of expedition experience, and is dedicated to helping customers find the gear needed for expeditions.
http://coldfront.uk.com/index.php

Palladium Brings on Hommy Diaz as New Global Product Line Manager

(Westlake Village, CA) January 10, 2013 ¯ Heritage boot brand Palladium announces the appointment of Hommy Diaz as global product line manager. In his new post from Palladium's global headquarters in Westlake Village, CA, Diaz will report directly to President Larry Remington and will oversee all aspects of the product creation process. Diaz will play an integral role in developing pricing and product calendars, lending his expertise on creative for new product initiatives and defining seasonal color and material palettes. 

Most recently, Diaz served as global product manager at DC Shoes. During his five years with the brand, he oversaw the creative product direction, merchandising and line planning for the lifestyle division. Diaz also produced and launched the streetwear-centric, sub-brand "NVRBRKN," managing product and marketing globally. Prior to joining DC Shoes, Diaz worked in retail as the lead business consultant at Apple's flagship store in SoHo, New York.

"Hommy brings a wealth of experience to Palladium," said Barney Waters, vice president of marketing at Palladium. "He knows the retail landscape and the consumer target inside-out, and with his creativity he will be able to really make an impact as we continue our rapid growth."

Diaz, a son to immigrant parents from the Dominican Republic, was born and raised in Queens, New York. His main interest growing up was skateboarding and from 1988 to 2001, Diaz spent his time skating around the five boroughs. Driven by New York City culture and his passion for skateboarding, Diaz organically discovered and developed his creative abilities, eventually earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Communication Design from the Parsons School of Design in New York. He currently resides in Los Angeles, CA with his wife.

About Palladium
Palladium was founded in 1920 to make aircraft tires for the aviation industry. In 1947, after the end of WWII saw demand for tires dry up, Palladium put their canvas and rubber expertise to use by making boots that were as hard wearing as their tires. Palladium soon became outfitters of the legendary French Foreign Legion with their classic canvas Pampa boot. Over 60 years later, the timeless design of Palladium's signature Pampa boot is as relevant as ever and available once again for explorers worldwide. For further information, please visit www.palladiumboots.com.

International Expansion for DownTek

Down Decor, creator of DownTek™ -- the revolutionary hydrophobic and quick-drying down technology -- today announced new key partnerships in Asia, Australia and Europe, extending its position as the leading international supplier of water-resistant down in the global outdoor industry.

Industry thought leaders have hailed water-resistant down as an immediate game changer. The demand for hydrophobic technology has been quickly growing; from 2012 to 2013, Down Decor increased their bulk DownTek down production by 2000%. Since DownTek's launch, 16 international brands have partnered with the company to create superior apparel and sleep systems.

"DownTek is the most tested down in the outdoor industry," said Down Decor President, Daniel Guigui. "Brands partner with us because they want to create products that offer protection, performance and ultimately offer a better product to their consumers."

The latest additions to DownTek's partner roster include Hong Kong-based Reecho and Salomon Asia, which will be two of the first companies to bring DownTek jackets and sleeping bags to China. Millet, HeloSport, Salewa and Peak Performance will introduce the technology to Europe while Sea to Summit and Mountains Designs will bring hydrophobic innovation to Australia. In North America, Mountain Hardwear joins the DownTek brand family of Big Agnes, L.L.Bean, Fly Low, NEMO, EMS and Brooks-Range, which were the first brands to bring water-resistant technology to market.

"I'm psyched to see the addition of DownTek to Millet's already-impressive list of technologies used in our collection," said Maro LaBlance, Marketing Manager at Lafuma Group USA, Millet's parent company. "Water repellent down is a huge advancement in the world of lightweight and compressible insulation, and Millet has always been known for developing technically advanced gear, so it's a natural fit."

Based in France, Millet has signed on to create a new line of ultralight mountaineering jackets in 2013. A key piece of the line is the 700-fill Trilogy DownTek Jacket, which will debut in January at the Winter Outdoor Retailer in Salt Lake City.

Coastkeeper, Surfrider Beach Cleanups Could Save Region Over $2.5 Million 
New Report Contracted by EPA Estimates Litter Management Costs for California Cities

SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- San Diego Coastkeeper and the Surfrider Foundation, San Diego Chapter—two of the region's leading environmental organizations—host volunteer beach cleanups that could save the region approximately $2.5 million annually in beach debris cleanup.

According to a release today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) contracted Kier Associates to quantify the amount that 90 cities throughout California, Oregon and Washington watersheds are spending to clean up litter and prevent trash from entering our oceans. The report estimates the average city spends $.83 per person for beach and waterway cleanups. When extrapolated across San Diego County, with a population of just over 3.1 million, that amounts to over $2.5 million.

In 2012, more than 4,000 volunteers removed almost 7,600 pounds of trash, about an average of 1.7 pounds per person. Rotating through popular beaches throughout San Diego's coastline, the two groups coordinate twice-a-month beach cleanups together, in addition to numerous special cleanups throughout the year. Last year, volunteers collected the most trash at Mission Beach while Ocean Beach traded its dirtiest ranking the last three years to become one of the cleaner beaches in 2012.

"Instead of leaving debris cleanup solely to the governments, at the cost of taxpayers, our volunteer-based cleanups are good for the region's environmental and economic health," said Mallory Watson, community engagement coordinator for Coastkeeper.

According to 2012 data, cigarettes, Styrofoam fragments and plastics too small to be identified accounted for more than 60 percent of the debris collected. Of the 181,776 pieces of trash collected in 2012, nearly 40 percent was cigarette butts (a considerable increase from 2011). Plastic pieces accounted for 30 percent of the total number of items, including parts of bags, bottles, cups, straws, food wrappers and other plastic items.

"Litter generally travels before it hits our beaches, so the best way to keep our water clean is to make sure the litter is caught and disposed of early," said Haley Jain Haggerstone, chapter coordinator for Surfrider San Diego.

The report estimates the average cost for comprehensive litter control programs in a region the size of San Diego County could cost as much as $20 million.

To help solve these pollution problems and volunteer at beach cleanups, interested community members and visitors can help at one of the 35 cleanups already in the works for 2013. Surfrider and Coastkeeper ask volunteers to bring their own reusable bags, gloves and water bottles. Volunteers can find the full cleanup schedule at http://www.sdcoastkeeper.org or http://www.surfridersd.org.

San Diego Coastkeeper
Founded in 1995, San Diego Coastkeeper protects and restores fishable, swimmable and drinkable waters in San Diego County. For more information, visit San Diego Coastkeeper online at http://www.sdcoastkeeper.org.

Surfrider Foundation San Diego Chapter
The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of oceans, waves and beaches through a powerful activist network. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 250,000 supporters, activists and members worldwide. For more information on the San Diego Chapter, go to http://www.surfridersd.org.

Surf Expo Expands To Consumer Audience With Addition Of The Boardroom

Surf Expo, the world's leading trade show for the boardsports and beach lifestyle industries, is expanding its audience to consumers with the addition of The Boardroom International Surfboard Show to its September 6-8, 2013 show.

Orlando, FL - Surf Expo, the world's leading trade show for the boardsports and beach lifestyle industries, is expanding its audience to consumers with the addition of The Boardroom International Surfboard Show to its September 6-8, 2013 show.

Already a proven hit in Southern California, The Boardroom entered into a partnership with Surf Expo parent company GLM in December 2012. The Boardroom at Surf Expo will gather passionate surfers, surfboard shapers, and the entire boardsports industry as a whole to a celebration of East Coast surfing and surfboard design open to the general public and co-located next to the Surf Expo trade-only event.

"One of the most exciting opportunities offered by our GLM partnership is the ability to take The Boardroom to a variety of different regions with a strong surf culture, and Florida fits that bill perfectly," says Scott Bass, founder of The Boardroom.

The announcement marks the first time in Surf Expo's 37 year history where consumers will be encouraged to attend part of the Surf Expo show.

"For years we've had to turn away dedicated surfers and boardsports enthusiasts who are dying to attend Surf Expo and experience the companies it serves," says Surf Expo Show Director Roy Turner. "Now there's finally an event for them¯and an easy, effective way for Surf Expo exhibitors to interact with thousands of passionate and knowledgeable end users celebrating the sport we love."

The Boardroom at Surf Expo will feature shaping competitions, seminars, entertainment, autograph signings and hundreds of booths filled with East Coast shapers, and surf apparel and accessory companies. "Surf Expo takes its role as the marketplace for the surf market very seriously," says Turner, "and over the years Surf Expo has become even more than that: It's a meeting place, a reunion, for hundreds of distinct surf communities around the country. The Boardroom accentuates that part of Surf Expo perfectly."

For more information and announcements, stay tuned to surfexpo.com andsurfboardshow.com. For information on exhibiting at The Boardroom At Surf Expo, contact Scott Bass at info@surfboardshow.com

VF and Altamont Capital Partners Submit Letter of Interest to Billabong International Limited

GREENSBORO, N.C. & PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 14, 2013-- VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) and Altamont Capital Partners (Altamont) have submitted a non-binding, joint letter of interest setting forth preliminary indicative terms to acquire all of the issued securities in Billabong International Limited (BBG.AX) (Billabong) for AUD $1.10 per share in cash.

Billabong has agreed to allow VF and Altamont to conduct due diligence to evaluate Billabong's business.

VF's primary interest in the transaction is in the Billabong® brand. This interest is consistent with VF's stated intent to pursue acquisitions, particularly in the Action Sports category, to continue to build shareholder value. Altamont's interest lies in acquiring Billabong's other brands and related assets, and is predicated on the firm's mandate to invest in situations where it can provide strategic and operational support to build business success stories.

In Australia, an offer for a public company, even if non-binding and indicative, may be made public at the time of its submission. Billabong made the proposal public today. VF and Altamont are therefore taking the precaution of announcing this proposal, notwithstanding its very preliminary nature.

The proposal does not constitute a binding offer for Billabong nor does it impose any obligation on VF or Altamont to make an offer for Billabong until formal transaction documents are executed.

No further details are available at this time.

About VF

VF Corporation is a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel and footwear with more than 30 brands. The company's largest five brands are The North Face®, Wrangler®, Timberland®, Vans®, and Lee®. Other brands include 7 For All Mankind®, Bulwark®, Eagle Creek®, Eastpak®, Ella Moss®, JanSport®, Kipling®, lucy®, Majestic®, Napapijri®, Nautica®, Red Kap®, Reef®, Riders®, Splendid® and Smartwool®. For more information, please visit www.vfc.com.

About Altamont Capital Partners

Altamont Capital Partners is a private investment firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area with approximately $500 million of capital under management. Altamont is focused on investing in middle-market businesses where it can partner with leading management teams to help its portfolio companies reach their full potential. The firm's principals have significant experience building business success stories across a range of industries, including consumer/retail, financial services, industrials, healthcare and business services.

Dogfunk.com Named TransWorld Business' 2012 Online Retailer of the Year
Online retailer of premium action-sports gear takes home honor for fourth consecutive year.

PARK CITY, Utah - For the fourth consecutive year, Dogfunk.com has clinched the honorary title of TransWorld Business' Online Retailer of the Year for 2012. With the honor, Dogfunk extends big high-fives, fist bumps, and a thank you to the action sports industry executives, vendor partners, and industry comrades who voted to keep the online shop on top of the podium.

In its Winter 2013 issue, TransWorld Business announced the winners of its Industry & Retail Awards - which included several categories to recognize the industry's most leading and innovative brands, sales reps, retailers, and products. In the selection process, hundreds of industry insiders weighed in on the retail partners who showed the strongest performance in 2012 while helping support specialty retail and the continued success and growth of the industry as a whole.

"Our Dogfunk team is extremely honored to receive this award for the fourth time around, and hope to keep the trend going for 2013," said Karen Craig, General Merchandise Manager at Dogfunk.com. "Thanks to everyone for the ongoing support. Cheers to a better season ahead!"

Established in 2009, the TransWorld Business Industry & Retail Awards were created to recognize and honor those who are instrumental at driving business in the action sports industry by creatively building demand, creating amazing products, and growing a foundation for the future of the category.

The winners were selected using the results of more than a month-long survey conducted in two parts: VIP and People's Choice. VIP votes were by invite only to key industry executives and shop owners and weighed in at 70-percent of the final results. The People's Choice nominations were conducted on Twsbiz.com and were weighted at 30 percent. The voting process is democratic and conducted in a similar manner to our national elections; think of the VIP votes as the Electoral College and the People's Choice as the popular vote. Votes were rigorously controlled to ensure that only one vote was cast per person. Thousands of responses were received and hundreds of votes were cast.

"Dogfunk always focuses on the customer experience," said Craig. "The bottomline is that we want them to be stoked so they keep coming back."

For more about Dogfunk check: http://www.dogfunk.com/.

Also, join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

Outdoor Industries Women's Coalition Announces Keynote Speaker for 2nd Annual SIA Leadership Breakfast and Awards Presentation
Donna Carpenter, president and co-owner of Burton Snowboards, to discuss her experience marketing to women in the Snow Industry
 
BOULDER, COLO., January 14, 2013 - Outdoor Industries Women's Coalition (OIWC) is pleased to announce that Donna Carpenter, president and co-owner of Burton Snowboards, will present as keynote speaker at its 2nd annual SnowSports Industries America (SIA) Breakfast and Awards Presentation, which is sponsored by SIA.

Carpenter will discuss her experiences working in a multitude of roles at Burton Snowboards, the world's leading snowboard company, which she owns with her husband Jake Burton Carpenter. During the past three decades, she has built snowboards, answered phones, expanded Burton's market to Europe and held the CFO position. She oversees all efforts to ensure that Burton is an employer and brand of choice for women. Through her leadership, Burton established new women's marketing, product and creative initiatives to drive the women's business, and created internal programs that focus on retaining and promoting women. 
 
"Donna is a thought leader around employee retention, business sustainability, and what makes a great company," said Deanne Buck, executive director of OIWC. "We're honored to have the opportunity to provide a platform for her to share her expertise with the industry leaders and influencers who attend SIA."

In addition to Carpenter's presentation, the OIWC Breakfast at the 2013 SIA tradeshow will recognize two women in the industry with OIWC Leadership Awards for their stewardship and inspiration to others. The breakfast and awards presentation will take place from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at the Denver Convention Center, Rooms 401 & 402. The OIWC Breakfast is free and open to all tradeshow attendees.

To learn more about OIWC, or to attend an upcoming event, please visit www.oiwc.org.

About OIWC

Founded in 1994, the Outdoor Industries Women's Coalition is the only national organization dedicated to workplace diversity and inclusion by expanding opportunities for women and companies in the Outdoor, Snow, and Bike Industries. OIWC provides for professional development and women's leadership programming that promotes women's advancement. For our over 90 industry partners, OIWC is the trusted resource for best practices and industry models around workplace gender equity, respect, and inclusion. To learn more about OIWC or to become a new member or sponsor, please visit www.oiwc.org.