At these events, PrimaLoft mixes with athletes, brand partners, event attendees, and spectators demonstrating how PrimaLoft insulation keeps outdoor and winter sports enthusiasts warm, dry and comfortable.

“The interaction with the thousands of people we met in 2009 while participating in sponsorship events was inspiring,” said Diane O’Connor, PrimaLoft Marketing Manager. “It was wonderful to personally connect with so many like-minded outdoor enthusiasts and to have the opportunity to educate consumers about PrimaLoft Insulation Technology products.”

O’Connor added, “The events that we have elected to participate in for 2010 provide an excellent platform for our team to learn more about our consumers and to reinforce the PrimaLoft brand.”

Surfrider’s Matt McClain Joins POW Board

Boulder, Colo. (Ski Press)-Protect Our Winters (POW) welcomed Matt McClain as the newest member of its Board of Directors.

McClain is Director of Marketing and Communications for the Surfrider Foundation, the world's leading non-profit organization dedicated to protecting marine and coastal environments.

"Climate change is perhaps the single most pressing issue of our time," says McClain. "I'm honored to be working with Protect Our Winters to help raise awareness of what we, as winter sport enthusiasts, can do to collectively reduce our carbon footprint."

Backcounty.com Names Smith ‘Vendor of the Year’

Park City, Utah (Ski Press)-After sorting through nominations of the more than 450 vendor partners of high-end gear that Backcountry.com sells, the secret panel of buyers, sellers and marketers today crowned Smith Optics as Backcountry.com's 2009 Vendor of the Year

Judges summed up their enthusiasm by saying that Smith is great at everything and they make it look effortless: innovative product, outstanding marketing support, a high level of interaction with Backcountry.com's business, their dialed logistics and fulfillment, and major support with customer service training. The perfect partner.

"Smith continues to push the industry by combining cutting edge technology with fashion-forward designs," said Jeff Snyder, Backcountry.com's vice president of merchandising. "They have a high level of interaction with our business that includes marketing, customer service training and product performance. Their fulfillment and logistics are second to no one. We look forward to continued growth with Smith Optics and are proud to be associated with the brand."