2016 Outdoor Recreation SUMMIT.

Panel Discussion.
Speakers will discuss how they respond to changing demographics and recreation trends to ensure a sustainable business.

What opportunities do they see to build a strong culture for outdoor recreation manufacturers in Washington?

How can we bring more manufacturing back to Washington State and the USA?

How to Increase jobs in the recreation sector?

Introduction
Dodd Snodgrass, Port of Bellingham, Economic Development Specialist

Moderator
Ray Blotteaux – Transition Composites, President
Ray has nearly 30 years of composite product development and manufacturing experience in the US, Mexico, Asia, Canada, and Europe. Read Ray Blotteaux’s Bio.

Panelists:

Dodd Grande – K2 Sports, Vice President of Product Development – Outdoors Products
During Dodd’s tenure at K2 he has been involved with the inception and growth of several major programs such as the K2 Inline Skate and Madshus Nordic boot and pole programs as well as the nurturing of some of the oldest brands in the industry. Innovation and development of sporting goods, and the study of where the innovations for this industry come from are areas of particular interest. 

Prior to joining K2, Dodd worked in the Boeing Materials Technology organization at Boeing Commercial Aircraft, supporting composite materials and structures development. Dodd received his Bachelors of Mechanical Engineering degree from Seattle University and received his MS and PhD from MIT in Materials Science. Dodd has personal interests in a wide range of sports and recreational activities and professional interests in polymeric and composite materials and sports equipment design.

Ashley Fullenwider, Nuu Muu, Choreographer
Ashley Fullenwider moved to Bellingham in 2003 to marry her love and has owned and operated Nuu-Muu since January 2008. Ashley is a National Collegiate Champion in Ultimate Frisbee, currently on the Board of Bellingham Youth Ultimate. She shares her passions for biking, big ideas and yoga liberally. When she’s not strategizing for Nuu-Muu, Ashley works as an analyst for Argonne National Laboratory in the field of nonproliferation and export controls.

Nuu-Muu’s steady growth is fueled by a vibrant online community, a growing women-focused outdoor economy and a Bellingham staff of super stars. Nuu-Muu is run for and by women who care deeply about all living creatures and responsible stewardship of our planet. Nuu-Muu apparel is sewn in the U.S., we have been a member of 1% For the Planet since 2011 and have donated thousands of dollars to causes near and dear to our hearts. We’re building a strong business with happy, healthy employees. We sell dresses. We inspire greatness. We build spectacular community. We lead wellness programs and we show up for local and national women-focused outdoor events. This is our life work.

Brian Roche, McNett, Senior Product and Technical Sales Director
Brian Roche is a self-proclaimed “wildernut” and has dedicated over 22 years as an outdoor industry professional.  He is often on the road educating about DIY outdoor gear repair, and representing the brand Gear Aid.  Half of his career was spent creating outdoor education programs in both wilderness and alternative school settings in the PNW.  

Brian’s current focus is working with outdoor brand manufactures developing simple product solutions for gear repair and maintenance.  He has a passion for experiential education, outdoor service projects, storytelling, and earning job titles that barely fit on business cards.  Side projects include fastest friction fire making, fly fishing from packrafts, and “boy and dog” adventures on any trail, anywhere, anytime.