OMA Kicks Off 6th Media Show, Welcoming North Carolina-Based Nonprofits to Share Their Stories and Highlight Ongoing Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts

Growth and Connections Continue for Denver’s Outdoor and Active Industry Hub, Founded on a Vision of Giving Back to the Greater Outdoor Community

LAKEWOOD, CO (February 17th, 2025 ) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – The Outdoor Market Alliance (OMA), a collective of 25 independent sales and marketing agencies representing over 175 different brands in the outdoor and active lifestyle markets, is kicking off its 6th media show this month, running February 19-20, 2025. This season, the Denver-based OMA is hosting and highlighting two North Carolina-based nonprofit organizations that are still working tirelessly on recovery and rebuilding efforts after last September’s Hurricane Helene.

Twice a year, the OMA Media Show gathers over 60 editors and journalists to discover new products and brand stories from outdoor and active’s most notable brands. This season, the storytelling will include updates and real accounts of ongoing efforts in the greater Asheville, North Carolina area from RiverLink and MountainTrue, two nonprofit organizations dedicated to regional recovery.

“The OMA was founded with a vision of community, and with giving back to the outdoor community at large,” said Steve Copeland, president of the OMA. “These two organizations are doing the ongoing hard work required after the headlines about a natural disaster disappear, and the conversations about them get quiet. We’re hoping to connect these organizations with the media at this show to help continue to spread the word and shine a spotlight on the important efforts still taking place and additional resources still very much needed in that region and throughout the Southeast.”

Founded with a commitment of giving back to the outdoor industry and community, OMA donates funds each year to not-for-profit organizations through their annual giving program.  Sharing space at and travel support to the OMA Media Show is another step in fulfilling this commitment, working with industry agency partners and outdoor market veterans close to and involved in the two North Carolina-based causes. To date, the OMA’s annual giving has provided over $75,000 to Colorado regional, outdoor, and environmental-focused nonprofits.

“Like Denver, Asheville, North Carolina is another industry hub and hotbed for outdoor recreation,” said Copeland. “The outdoor community, while global and national, tends to be pretty close-knit, and we have a long history of helping one another out in the true spirit of community and interconnectedness. We’re really hoping that sharing some of the media attention at this event can keep the story alive and that long after the destruction of a natural disaster leaves an area, there are people and communities left behind that never give up on the rebuild.”

About OMA

Outdoor Market Alliance is a collective of 25 independent sales and marketing agencies representing over 175 different brands in the outdoor, active lifestyle, resort, run and bike markets in the Rockies. Located in Lakewood, Colorado, the OMA headquarters offers 32,000 square feet of showroom and community meeting space. OMA’s mission is two-fold: to elevate the experience for its brand partners and retailers through a fresh showroom venue, while acting responsibly to support community initiatives through its non-profit association. Each OMA agency commits time and monetary support to the environment, diversity and inclusivity in the outdoor markets. Learn more at www.outdoormarketalliance.org

About MountainTrue

MountainTrue champions resilient forests, clean waters, and healthy communities in the Southern Blue Ridge. Their Riverkeeper programs, active in most Western North Carolina watersheds, fight for safe and healthy waterways by identifying sources of pollution, enforcing and advocating for stronger environmental laws, engaging in riparian restoration, providing opportunities for public access, and educating and empowering the public on all of these topics. Learn more at mountaintrue.org.

About RiverLink

RiverLink promotes the environmental and economic vitality of North Carolina’s French Broad River and its watershed for all. RiverLink accomplishes its mission by improving watershed health and climate resilience, providing permanent public access to the river through conservation and recreation easements, reclaiming contaminated lands for public use and enjoyment, empowering over 1,000 volunteers each year, and annually educating over 4,000 students, as well as the public at large, about the importance of a healthy French Broad River watershed. To learn more, head to: riverlink.org