Outdoor Manufacturers Thank Ogden

This guest commentary is from all of Ogden's Outdoor Equpment Manufacturers, and was published in the September 15th, 2007 Standard-Examiner.  It speaks volumes about the focus on outdoor recreation in the greater Ogden area, and throughout Northern Utah.

Outdoor manufacturers thank Ogden

BY OGDEN OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS

Guest commentary


   As we wrap up an amazing summer of adventure in beautiful Ogden, we, members of the outdoor industry, would like to thank the people of Ogden for climbing, backpacking, trail running, water-skiing, boating, biking, camping and fishing with us. And as we prepare for the snow season, we are continually grateful for your hospitality, support and celebration of outdoor recreation.
   We're also thankful to be a part of Ogden's vision of conservation, community thoughtfulness and economic action. We appreciate Mayor Matthew Godfrey's plan to renew Ogden into the nation's most sustainable base camp for outdoor enthusiasts. His energy in enhancing outdoor options for all includes a sincere vow to respect and protect the environment. He understands, as we do, that we are the earth's humble guests.
   Key industry leaders such as Atomic, Descente, Goode Skis, Kahuna, Nidecker, Peregrine Outfitters, PW Exhibits, Salomon and Suunto have recently acted on Mayor Godfrey's inspiration and have relocated to Ogden. We came on the awareness that this city has grown more outdoor-industry friendly, progressive, economically sound, community-minded and environmentally friendly during the past eight years.
   Today the streets are beginning to bustle with outdoor enthusiasts, art dealers, college students and families. This summer Ogden was named the nation's second best place to relocate a family, by Worldwide ERC and Primary Relocation.
   We are children, women and men of a renaissance. The renaissance began with Mayor Godfrey's inspiration, and will continue alongside his leadership. At the implementation of the mayor's idea, we have helped bring Via Ferrata climbing and enhanced ice-climbing to Ogden. We have partnered with the city on the exciting Salomon Center.
   We have saved the historic Eccles Steel Foundry from demolition. We have turned a historic but dilapidated factory into a high-tech "green" office center. We have partnered with conservation groups to maintain open space and wetlands. We have fueled the city with donations of bikes and bike racks. Our employees have recently purchased more than 30 homes in the greater Ogden area, and keep local dollars flowing through local businesses. We pump up tourism and spread news of Ogden's charm.
   Home is more than where we hang our ski and snowboard hats. It's Ogden - where we have enrolled our children in schools, where we dine out and order in, where we entertain global guests, pay taxes and vote for public leaders.
   We thank you, our neighbors, for supporting the outdoor industry.
   And we thank Matthew Godfrey, our mayor, for the healthy resurgence that started with his vision.
   This commentary was signed by Mike Dowse, president, Amer Sports Winter & Outdoor USA; Tom Berry, president, Salomon USA; Mike Adams, president, Atomic USA; Matt Kaplan, vice president, Suunto North America; Curt Geiger, vice president, Descente North America; Dave Goode, president/founder, Goode Ski Technologies; Courtney Boyer, president, Nidecker USA; Steve McBride, president/founder, Kahuna Creations; Mark "Roody" Rasmuesen, Petzl America; Dave Stevens, CFO, Scott USA; Bob Olsen, president, Peregrine Outfitters; Rick McKenzie, president/founder, PW Exhibits; Jeff Lowe, executive director, Ogden Climbing Parks; and Tom Kiely, CEO, XTERRA.