Hi-Tec's Sales Meeting: Inspired by Life!

Every six months or so, the Hi-Tec team gathers for our sales meeting, where we launch new products to our sales force, enjoy each others company and set some new goals for our company. This meeting, set in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, proved to be a good time. As we stepped off the plane, we were greeted by the best host imaginable -- nature. With an expansive blue sky and majestic mountains bordering the horizon, we knew this was going to be an amazing way to kick off our new brand manifesto and company culture, Inspired by Life.

Every last detail of this sales launch truly aligned itself with each of our core values: Proud, Honest, Fun and Hungry! From the beautiful location and perfect outdoor adventure setting at Hotel Terra, to forming new friendships and rekindling old ones, we were all PROUD to be a part of this new era of Hi-Tec. The first day lent itself well to core value No. 2, Honest. We heard from our marketing department, who launched the Inspired by Life mantra and thought process behind the new branding. Marketing was followed by a comprehensive overview of the new Spring/Summer 2011 apparel and footwear lines, which certainly embodied the HONEST integrity of the brand as supported by the comfortable, well thought-out collections. We're so excited about the new things Hi-Tec has to offer and welcome the work ahead of us over this next season!

However, our team was not all work and no play. On the afternoon of day two, we all piled into an old school bus, wondering where the sunshine had gone as the skies turned an ominous gray and the rain pounded the pavement. Regardless, we were in it to have some fun and enjoy whatever Wyoming had to offer. Once we got to the Snake River unloading area, we hopped into rafts -- just as the sun came out to say hi. But of course, the sun rays were shortlived and pretty soon everyone was scrambling for a poncho. Through the rain, hail and cold wind, we all agreed that we never had so much FUN team-building with our colleagues and friends. Whatever the weather, sometimes all you can do is smile and enjoy the ride!

Although we were sad to leave such a great meeting, we were all HUNGRY to get out and tell the world about Hi-Tec's new direction and the exciting collections that lead the charge of some great core brand values. After a wonderful trip and sales launch, we are all truly "Inspired by Life!"

Calling All Outdoor-Loving Artists!

Are you passionate about the outdoors? We're looking for two talented artists to join us in Salt Lake City, Utah for Outdoor Retailer's Summer Market. Each chosen artist will be a part of our live OR art project—an exciting, fast-paced session of inspiration and sketching. All proceeds from the event will go to the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). All you need to do is send us a link to your portfolio or a sample of your work (original compositions only please) by July 2, 2010!

We're setting up two lucky artists with an all-expenses paid trip to Outdoor Retailer's Summer Market, where outdoor equipment retailers, manufacturers, and industry professionals come together to showcase and discover the latest in outdoor apparel and gear. We'll fly you out to Salt Lake City for two days between August 2 and August 4, 2010, where we'll put your talents to the test.

Not only will you get to hang with the Hi-Tec USA team, but we'll outfit you in the latest and greatest Hi-Tec gear, and hook you up with $300 each day for your time and talent.

Interested artists should submit a link to their portfolio or two artwork samples, and tell us how they are inspired by the outdoors. There are three easy ways to enter:

• Send a tweet to @HiTecUSA – be sure to use the hashtag #ArtforParks
• Post an artwork sample on our Facebook page, facebook.com/HiTecUSA
• Fill out the form on the Art for Parks web page.
  

The Hi-Tec team will select the top 10 entries based on not only creativity and originality, but also whether the artist emulates a passion for the outdoors. The top 10 artists will be chosen on July 6, 2010, and contacted for a Skype interview to be held on July 7, 2010. The top two artists will be finalized and announced by 4 p.m. PST on July 7, 2010.

(View Art for Parks Entry Guidelines here.)

Good luck!