DENVER -- The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade will host a first-of-its-kind virtual trade mission to Germany throughout the month of March, focused on growing the state’s outdoor recreation industry.
During the first two weeks of the month, Colorado companies will participate in a series of webinars, learning best practices and how to operate in the German market, led by AHP International and including such topics as German culture and business, as well as networking events with industry leaders.
These webinars will be followed by two weeks of 1:1 preset meetings between Colorado businesses and potential German business partners.
“While we look forward to returning to in-person trade missions such as ISPO, it is important that we continue to promote the Colorado business and exporting community,” said Michelle Hadwiger, director of Global Business Development at OEDIT. “This outdoor recreation trade mission is the first of many we will host over the coming year.”
Nathan Fey, director of the Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, added, “Outdoor recreation is an essential part of Colorado’s economy and our quality of life. The outdoor recreation economy accounted for 2.1%, or $459.8 billion, of the GDP for the US in 2019. In Colorado, that number jumps to 3.1% of Colorado’s GDP and supports almost 150,000 jobs in our state. Exposing our Colorado-based manufacturers to international markets makes a real impact to Colorado’s outdoor economy and supports good jobs and adequate tax-bases in our local communities. ”
Seven Colorado companies have joined the virtual mission to further expand their brands into the German market:
MountainFLOW eco-wax was formed in 2016 to provide a simple and eco-friendly way to improve the skiing and snowboarding experience. In 2017, the company began testing plant-based waxes - focusing on easy application, while creating something non-hazardous to the environment. After 2 years of R&D and over 200 formulations, they developed a line of plant-based ski and snowboard wax that worked just as well as conventional, petroleum-based wax. In addition to ski and snowboard wax, they recently introduced a line of plant-based, non-fluoro race wax, as well as a new line of plant-based bike products. MountainFLOW is based in Carbondale, Colorado.
Trango’s ethos is to pursue what you love and encourage others as they do the same. They believe that whatever discipline you’re into and whatever ability level you’re at, you are a climber. The company is passionate about creating innovative, solution-oriented products that help climbers pursue the sport they love. Every Trango product fills a specific need in the quiver of the modern climber. Trango is based in Lafayette, Colorado.
Rob and Tania met at college and since have traveled the country and the world seeking great adventures and interesting food. A few years back they settled in the Mountain Southwest, where fly fishing, skiing and chili abound. FishSki Provisions was created as an opportunity to share their passions for Mountain Southwest foods, flyfishing, and skiing. They’re named FishSki because 3%+ of their sales are given to grassroots conservation or recreational access projects that protect or improve local fishing and skiing resources. They hope their foods inspire customers to eat more adventurously and be more adventurous. FishSki is based in Boulder, Colorado.
Seismic Skate Systems is one of the oldest and most respected longboard brands in the world. They’ve been pushing the envelope of progressive carving technology since 1993 when they introduced the first high-precision truck of the modern longboard era. Seismic designs and manufactures high-performance trucks, wheels, bearings, decks, and completes for carving, cruising, freeride, racing, and beyond. Their mission is to use the most advanced materials and engineering technologies to radically enhance the riding experience of everyone who wants to skate, however, they choose to do it – all at an affordable price. They want to broaden the technical and stylistic potential of all skateboarders, and to make skateboards accessible as tools of transportation and self-expression to the widest possible audience. Seismic Skate is based in Boulder, Colorado.
Moots Cycles has been handcrafting bicycle frames in the Rocky Mountains since 1981, earning a reputation for building some of the finest quality titanium road, mountain, cross, and specialty frames on the market. Aside from building great bikes, they are passionate about supporting organizations that make a difference in the lives of others especially when it comes to cycling. They support numerous non-profit organizations and other businesses in Steamboat Springs and beyond. Moots is based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
TOURIG is the nation’s foremost builder of high-end custom Sprinter and Transit vans. TOURIG was founded to encourage the spirit of adventure. Whether you seek adventure in your everyday life or count down the days until your next weekend getaway, TOURIG is designed to enhance your journey. TOURIG started in 2001, when Eric Miller and his business partner at the time commissioned their first of two adventure vehicles. With a strong yearning for adventure travel and entrepreneurial spirit in check, the modern-day TOURIG was conceptualized in 2014. TOURIG is based in Golden, CO.
Founded in Minturn, Colorado, Weston has been building bomber snowboards, splitboards & skis, loving Mother Earth, fostering community, supporting important causes, spreading backcountry education, dirt bagging, slaying pow and chasing freedom since 2012. They’re not about pro riders, competitions or flashy shoots. They’re about supporting a community that supports each other in the combined pursuit of the freedom found while riding a one-of-a-kind board. Community, safety, and sustainability are at the core of their beliefs. They are a member of 1% for the Planet, and many of their board models help support non-profit causes that they hold close to their hearts. Weston Snowboards is based in Minturn, Colorado, with a location in Denver, Colorado.
The virtual trade mission is part of a new series that OEDIT will be hosting to give companies the opportunity to connect and continue expanding and exploring international exports without traveling. If you are interested in future virtual missions, please contact Nicole Gunkle, International Export Grant Manager, for more information.