DPS Skis, Goal Zero, Petzl and Eastman Win Social Investment Award from Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development
Outdoor brands recognized for their collaboration to produce face shields for frontline workers.
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – September 15, 2020 – At the recent Utah Outdoor Recreation Summit held by the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation, DPS Skis, Goal Zero, Petzl and Eastman Machine Company were presented the Social Investment Award for the creation of medical face shields for frontline workers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic this past spring. The award is presented annually to businesses or other organizations focused on giving back to people, humanitarian efforts and doing good in their communities.
"With the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies had to switch gears to help those in need," said Pitt Grewe, director of the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation. "These companies demonstrated what the outdoor community is all about by stepping up in a moment of crisis to contribute to the greater good. We're proud of all the hard work they've done and all they're doing to help respond to the pandemic."
This award recognizes the impact these organizations have on their local community, economy, environment and their employees. With the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak – and with the collaborative support of three other brand partners, including Utah-based Petzl America and Goal Zero – DPS was able to rapidly pivot production to create protective face shields for the medical community to fulfill orders in partnership with the Utah Department of Health. In total, over 80,000 shields have been built to support medical efforts on the Navajo Nation in Southern Utah, at the Salt Lake City Rescue Mission, the Utah Naval Reserve and numerous regional hospitals in need of PPE.
“On behalf of our partners, we are proud to accept this award, and more importantly contribute to the nationwide effort of PPE production. This would not have been possible without the enthusiastic support of our key partners Goal Zero, Petzl and Eastman Machine Company,” said Alex Adema, DPS President and CEO. “We are inspired by the healthcare workers who dedicate their lives to helping others. Their selfless sacrifices deserve recognition as they continue to mitigate the risk of COVID-19’s spread. We are humbled to have found ourselves in a position to mobilize this project with the passionate, soulful team at DPS and our amazing partners.”
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is necessary in keeping medical workers protected as they test and treat those affected by the virus. For more information, please visit the respective brand websites below.
About DPS Skis
Located at the base of the Wasatch Mountains in Salt Lake City, Utah, DPS designs the world’s most advanced ski products by fusing space age carbon technology with groundbreaking shapes. DPS is responsible for the world’s first and only pure pre-pregnated carbon fiber sandwich ski, the first 120mm-waisted powder pintail, the first rockered ski with sidecut, the Spoon – a convex three-dimensional shoveled ski with radical edge bevel and PHANTOM, a paradigm-shifting permanent, one time application base-coating that forever eliminates the need for waxing skis and snowboards. DPS products are sold on five continents and are the trusted brand of choice for serious skiers worldwide. For more information visit www.dpsskis.com or call +1.801.413.1737.
About Eastman Machine Company
Eastman has been manufacturing manually-operated cutting machines, automated (CNC) cutting systems, CAD/CAM software programs and material handling equipment in Buffalo, New York since 1888. Over a century ago Eastman introduced the world’s first electric fabric cutting machine which revolutionized the textile industry in the process. Today, the family-owned, small-cap manufacturer is a trusted supplier to global businesses that require manual or automatic cutting of flexible materials. Our promise to craft reliable, quality, American-made solutions means that every Eastman machine is guaranteed to perform. For more information visit www.eastmancuts.com or call +1-716-856-2200.
About Goal Zero
Goal Zero is the industry leader in sustainable, portable power. From emergency outages to camping to off-grid projects and events, our solar panels, power banks, power stations, and accessories give you the power to keep your gear charged through any situation. We were born out of the desire to empower people everywhere, and as an NRG company we're working to change the way people think about and use power by pioneering the development of smarter energy choices. Power. Anything. Anywhere. For more information, visit www.GoalZero.com.
About Petzl
For over 40 years, Petzl has developed innovative tools and techniques used by those who work and play in the vertical world. Today, the Petzl brand is closely associated with adventure, exploration, rescue, and many notable exploits in the worlds of rock climbing, caving, and alpinism. In the professional market, Petzl is a world leader in work-at-height, fire and rescue, and tactical equipment and techniques. A family-owned business, Petzl is committed not only to quality and innovation, but also to giving back to the communities that have made us so successful. For more information, visit www.petzl.com.
Media Contacts
DPS Skis | Alex Hunt | alex.hunt@dpsskis.com
Eastman | Elizabeth McGruder | EMcGruder@eastmancuts.com
Goal Zero | Clay Blackham | clay@methodcommunications.com
Petzl | Pat Light | plight@petzl.com