KORE - Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise Initiative

Outdoor recreation is more than a leisure activity—it’s a vital driver of Canada’s economy. According to a recent report by Protect Our Winters Canada, the sector contributes over $101 billion (yes, that’s a “B”) annually to the nation’s economy and supports more than 1 million jobs. That makes it the second-most valuable industry in the country – it's even more valuable than forestry. For a full breakdown of the report and what it means to BC's outdoor gear manufacturers, visit https://lnkd.in/gWSrTk4K #protectourwinters #craftgearfromhere #britishcolumbia #kootenays #koreoutdoors

How have 60 million foot scans changed the world? These scans were done for 'The Shoe Effect' study powered by Sweden-based Volumental. The company has more than 60 million scans like these and its research is changing the way footwear companies like New Balance put customers in shoes. In our next Speaker Series tomorrow (Tuesday December 17) at 11:30am PT, Ales Jurca, the VP of Footwear Research at Volumental, will be talking about the future of footwear and how 3D foot scanning is changing the entire outdoor industry. There are still a few spaces left for this free webinar. Register now: https://lnkd.in/gD_Jb8zk #koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere #athleticfootwear

December 17 KORE Outdoors Speaker Series Features Ales Jurca. Footwear sizing is one of the last great frontiers for outdoor recreation companies and Ales Jurca, the VP of Footwear Research at Volumental, is at the forefront of the technology. Based in Sweden, he is using 3D foot scanning to change the way brands such as New Balance, and retailers including The Athlete’s Foot, match shoppers to shoes. In our next Speaker Series on Tuesday December 17 at 11:30am PT, Ales will talk about his innovations as well as the unique dataset his company has of 60 million foot scans from more than 3,000 footwear brands and retailers. If you wear shoes, you’ll want to be a part of this free webinar. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gJP7eags #koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere #athleticfootwear #shoes

The BC Government is accepting applications for its CleanBC Plastics Action Fund. The initiative supports innovative projects that prevent and reduce plastic waste in the province. There's more than $14 million on the table for and this year there's a new funding category for projects based outside of the Lower Mainland and Capital Regional District. Applications are being accepted until February 2026. More info here: https://lnkd.in/gvX7bikz #koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere #reducereuserecycle

How do you make specialty retail truly special? This is the main topic of conversation in our latest podcast episode with Lloyd Vogel, the CEO of Garage Grown Gear. GGG is an online retailer that has become the go-to site for ultralight backpacking gear as well as the place to discover new brands and craft gear makers. A few other topics covered in this episode include why specialty retail needs to focus on unique, valuable, and convenient offerings, how embracing lesser-known brands can lead to success in the outdoor industry, the role of strategic partnerships and supporting vendors with innovative solutions like small loans, and tips on leveraging giveaways, email lists, and existing communities for growth. You can find this episode wherever you get your podcasts, on YouTube or on our website here: https://lnkd.in/gpxFakcT . . . . . . . . #craftgearfromhere #kootrocks #britishcolumbia #kootenays #kootenaylife #eastkootenays #shoplocal #shoplocalbc #craftgear #kootenaymaker #canada #westkootenays #smallbusiness #kootenayapproved #outdoorindustry #outdoorrecreation #outdoorgear #geardump #gearlist #madeinbc #kootenaymade #locallymade #locallymadegoods #kootsroots #podcast #canadianpodcast

At the 2023 KORE Outdoors Summit, Kimberley resident and Norco Bicycles' Senior Design Engineer PJ Hunton spoke about the Canadian company's 60-year legacy and how he was tasked to create the fastest downhill racing bicycle the world has ever seen. PJ shared the engineering aspects of the project during his talk but in this recent Pinkbike article, videographer Thomas Sandell explains how the company came up with its unique logo and uniform designs. Where did the tagline "Canadian Roots" come from? Watch and learn: https://lnkd.in/gnv7hZCu #craftgearfromhere #koreoutdoors #downhillmtb #norco

Brendan Madigan is best known for his role as the owner of Alpenglow Sports, an independent outdoor retail shop in Tahoe approaching its 50th year of business. But Brendan’s real superpower is his ability to build communities. He’s the co-owner and race director of The Broken Arrow Skyrace as well as the co-founder of TrailCon even and his Winter Speaker Series has raised $2M for local charities in 2024. In this episode Brendan discusses a lot including: ➡️ How he trains and retains long-term staff at Alpenglow ➡️ How he is building a community of customers through Alpenglow Sports and the events he runs ➡️ Why specialty retail shops have a responsibility to give back to their community ➡️ The important role that challenger brands play in the outdoor industry You can find he episode wherever you get your podcasts, on YouTube or at our website: https://lnkd.in/g8ttZHw3 #craftgearfromhere #koreoutdoors #podcast #outdoorspodcast

The National Bike Dealers Association is collecting data related to the bicycle industry, which is currently in a state of flux around the globe. You can help shape the future of cycling by participating in the 2025 NBDA Consumer Study here: https://lnkd.in/eBv9M-7s Your insights will help the bicycle industry better understand and serve the needs of North American riders.

Congrats to Vancouver, BC-based Lindsay Housman for seeing an opportunity in the outdoor gear space and creating female-specific running shoes.

Tomorrow's KORE Outdoors Speaker Series featuring Adam David Ketcheson is sold out. Adam is a former executive with Arc'teryx, Salomon, The North Face and MEC, and he will be talking about the current dynamics shaping the outdoor industry during this one-hour-long free webinar. #koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere