A major outdoor apparel company is moving its global headquarters to Colorado. The move comes amid the growing economic and political power of the multi-billion dollar outdoor recreation industry in our region.
In a statement, VF Corporation’s CEO, Steve Rendle, called the move a “great strategic fit” for the business. He said, “Colorado is an area with an unrivaled heritage and culture of outdoor and activity-based lifestyles, as well as a thriving business environment.”
VF is the parent company of brands like Smart Wool, North Face and Eagle Creek.
Jessica Pringle with the Outdoor Industry Association said the move makes sense because Colorado and the West have a very active population. “And that is supported by the outdoor recreation economy,” she said, “and the influence and investment that the West has made in that area.”
Pringle said the move could shift the needle on environmental politics too. She said she sees, “VF participating in trying to work with state, local policy makers to ensure we protect public lands and the places people play and use their products.”
Colorado granted VF Corporation $27 million in job growth tax credits.
This story was produced by the Mountain West News Bureau, a collaboration between Wyoming Public Media, Boise State Public Radio in Idaho, Yellowstone Public Radio in Montana, KUER in Salt Lake City and KRCC and KUNC in Colorado.
