Oregon Outdoor Alliance: Guiding Outdoor Industry Since 2013

Mike Wallenfels

May 14, 2026

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5 min read

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Thanks to Cascade Business News for the feature this week.

Our foundations can be traced back to Bend in 2013, when industry leaders from companies such as Stanley and Ruffwear recognized an opportunity to diversify the growing Bend economy by looking inward towards their community.

“It all started as an opportunity to connect with each other and form a network of outdoor industry professionals,” said OOA President Mike Wallenfels.

“That first meeting at Pine Mountain Sports in Bend drew about 75 people, all with some connection to the outdoor industry.”

Read more about how we've expanded across the state and the programs we support: Oregon Outdoor Alliance: Guiding Outdoor Industry Since 2013

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