Outdoor USA Magazine

Brooks Pureconnect running shoe was awarded “Best Debut” by Runner's World in the magazine's December Winter Shoe Guide. The new Pureconnect is an ultra-lightweight, flexible runner.

Voting has closed and winners announced for the second “Rider of the Year” awards in whitewater kayaking. The voting was organized by Tribe Rider, a kayaking clothing collective and includes a series of awards for both men and women whitewater kayakers.

Sierra Magazine has ranked the nation's "Coolest Schools," recognizing the environmental efforts of U.S. Colleges. From sustainable initiatives like UC Irvine's energy-efficiency standards to Stanford's commitment to maintaining undeveloped open space, these schools have students stepping up to "walk the walk" of their environmental educations.

The new Piggyback Rider child carrier won the Best New Product award at this August's Outdoor Retailer Summer Market trade show. The carrier weighs less than 3 pounds, and carries a toddler on a shoulder-mounted foot bar that provides a platform for the child to safely stand on. This unique design has also recently won the Piggyback Rider a Gold Mom's Choice Award in the Gear and Accessories category.

Nestlé has been named the winner of the Stockholm Industry Water Award for its leadership and performance to improve water management in its internal operations and throughout its supply chain. The award, administered by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), recognizes the business sector's contribution to sustainable water management by minimizing water consumption and environmental impact.

Bert and John Jacobs, co-founders and leaders of Life is Good, were awarded honorary degrees as Doctors of Entrepreneurship on May 6 at Northeastern University’s 109th Commencement. More than 22,000 graduating students, their families and friends convened in Boston’s TD Garden for the occasion.

The 2011 Outdoor Industry Association Friend of the Outdoor Industry Awards will be presented to Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) in recognition of their leadership in support of the active outdoor recreation industry. The awards will be presented during the annual Outdoor Industry Association Capitol Summit in Washington, D.C.

Utah’s first and largest business networking organization MountainWest Capital Network has selected Peter Metcalf, CEO, president and co-founder of Black Diamond Equipment, along with the entire Utah outdoor recreation industry, as its 2011 Entrepreneur of the Year. Metcalf will accept the award on behalf of the Utah outdoor industry during the award luncheon February 17 at Salt Lake City's Little America Hotel.