Outdoor industry's largest trade association financially sound and poised for future growth; search for successor launched-- Boulder, Colo. (January 11, 1999)

Serving as executive director for almost seven years, Secunda, 35, leaves the 10-year-old human-powered outdoor recreation trade association in financially sound condition. Its membership is at an all-time high of 1,200 manufacturers, retailers, outdoor educators, and suppliers of trail sports, mountain sports,and paddle sports equipment and apparel.

ORCA, founded in 1989, is dedicated to fostering the human powered recreation industry. It is widely respected for its premier research and government affairs work, including a comprehensive State-of-the-Industry report issued every year, which reviews in detail the growth trends and changes in the $5 billion dollar outdoor industry.

"Through David's strategic vision, the association is stronger than it has ever been and is making substantial progress in reaching its annual and long-term goals," said Gooding.Ý "Under David's direction, ORCA grew from 90 members and a budget of less than $100,000 annually, to a strong trade association with a million dollar budget, a healthy reserve fund, and 10 full-time staff. ORCA has comprehensive government affairs, research, and consumer safety programs underway." Gooding continues, "As a result, ORCA has a significant presence nationally and is respected not only in the halls of business, but in the halls of government. We wish David well and thank him for his leadership."

Skip Yowell, ORCA's longest-standing board member and vice president of JanSport, Appleton, Wis., credits Secunda's annual Outdoor Industry Rendezvous, a gathering of outdoor industry business leaders, and the 1994 National Summit on Outdoor Recreation, with helping ORCA to become the world's largest outdoor trade organization. Adds Steve Barker, vice president of the ORCA board and president of Eagle Creek, "Thanks to Dave, ORCA achieved a leadership position as the voice of the outdoor industry. He implemented a number of market and participation research studies that provide a snapshot of the expansion of the outdoor recreation industry. ORCA activities initiated under his watch help fuel the growth of the business."

ORCA is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado. For more information: www.orca.org.