The American Made Outdoor Gear Awards are ready for another round of nominations, brainchild of paddlesports apparel and gear company Kokatat, helping to celebrate domestic manufacturing in the outdoor industry.
Applications are due November 8th. To apply and for more information, click here.
Now in it’s second year, the awards are open to all outdoor industry companies that have a solid commitment to U.S. manufacturing and sourcing, and have a compelling story to tell.
The company with the best “made in America” story will receive the “Sassy” trophy — a hand carved, three-foot-tall redwood Sasquatch from Humboldt County, Calif. Runners up receive miniature versions of the award and all entrants will receive a certificate of participation.
“Last year more than 50 of the most innovative domestic manufacturers in the outdoor market shared their stories with us,” said Jeff Turner, Kokatat sales and design manager. “This year we hope that many more will join them as we honor their stories and salute the leaders in American made quality, craftsmanship and creativity in the outdoor world.”
The 2013 Winners were recognized at the 2013 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market. Overall winner was Liberty Bottleworks of Yakima, WA. Category winners included: Cilo Gear of Portland, OR for companies with less than 10 employees; Branches LLC of Osceola, WI for companies with 10 to 50 employees; Stormy Kromer of Ironwood, MI for companies with 50-100 employees; and Jackson Kayak of Sparta, TN for companies with 100+ employees.
Winners will be announced on Friday, November 29, 2013, and an official presentation will take place again at the 2014 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in Salt Lake City.