The Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition (OIWC) announced as part of its 20th anniversary that it will become Camber Outdoors to better reflect the organization’s approach to its work in the outdoor industry while encouraging both women and men to advocate gender equality both in the workplace and in the outdoors.
“We decided on the name Camber Outdoors because ‘camber’ is an upward curve that creates a deviation in a straight path. Without camber, the direction is linear or status quo,” said Deanne Buck, Executive Director of Camber Outdoors. “The name ‘Camber Outdoors’ reflects the collective efforts and upward momentum of our organization, corporate partners, and industries in attracting, retaining, and advancing talent for greater industry sustainability and relevance.
“Camber Outdoors elevates and promotes the active-outdoor industries as great places to work for women. We recognize that when employers become the companies of choice for talented individuals, they become the brands of choice for participants and consumers,” continued Buck.
To date, the organization has more than 3,500 members and 170 corporate partners, as well as 59 CEOS who have made a commitment to supporting its current vision of respect, inclusion and gender equality at every level in the workplace.
The new name also signifies an expansion from OIWC’s mission where Camber Outdoors’ renewed mission is to achieve equality for all women in the outdoors, from backcountry to boardroom.
Camber Outdoors is also uniquely positioned to support the active-outdoor industries in talent retention and acquisition by engaging women who love the outdoors but may not realize the career opportunities that exist in these areas.
“As competition for diverse women with technical, engineering, and financial expertise continues to be a national priority we are actively working on behalf of all our member companies to communicate directly to these women,” said Buck.
Camber Outdoors believes that recruitment and inclusiveness within the active-outdoor industries can only positively benefit all companies. Studies show that diversity and inclusion directly impact the bottom line of corporations including a recent study that Fortune 500 companies with three or more women in board positions have 84 percent higher profit margins [Source: Catalyst Study, 2011]
In tandem with the rebranding, Camber Outdoors also launched a new advertising campaign, “Everyone’s Outdoors” that showcases the amazing opportunities for women in the active-outdoor industries through membership campaigns and highlighting companies committed to diversity and inclusion. Additionally, Camber Outdoors will continue its successful existing programs like the CEO Pledge, Pitchfest, Camber Outdoors Exchange and the Camber Outdoors Job Board as well as its mentoring program and industry leadership awards.
“We’re thrilled with our organization’s rebrand and expanded focus of Camber Outdoors to help promote gender diversity, inclusion and entrepreneurship in the active-outdoor industries and we’re looking forward to the next 20 years to help women grow and thrive,” said Buck.
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