Lake Oswego, OR (April 14, 2022) – Yakima has selected Verde Brand Communications to lead its public relations and integrated communications efforts as the stalwart brand brings new and innovative gear carry and outdoor comfort solutions to outdoor enthusiasts.
Yakima has been at the cutting edge of vehicle mounted gear carrying solutions for forty-plus-years, while striving to incorporate new technologies into the convergence of modern vehicles and the outdoors, like the integrated solar power that's part of the CBX Solar series of roof top boxes. Of course, Yakima is well known for making vehicular equipment carry easy, whether the solution is roof, truck bed or hitch based. The Yakima brand has recently expanded into other vehicle mounted outdoor recreation solutions, including the SkyRise rooftop tent and roof mounted RoadShowers. In 2022, Yakima will expand holistically into the camping category, with new products that stay true to the brand ethos—Take it Easy.
"As the world continues to evolve around us, Yakima is keenly focused on meeting the modern needs of outdoor enthusiasts by delivering unique options to address gear transportation challenges," said Joel Grabenstein, Yakima's vice president of sales, brand and product marketing. "After an extensive search for a public relations agency partner with a modern digital approach and a balanced footing in both outdoor and automotive, we landed on Verde. Their team will help support our expanding portfolio of products and realize significant growth. Like us, the Verde team is packed with passionate enthusiasts of all levels who are committed to helping enhance the journey, regardless of scope or scale. We look forward to leveraging our partnership with Verde to inspire more people to get outside, more often, by connecting them to our thoughtful solutions and approachable brand."
On the product front, Yakima's pipeline is booming. The brand recently introduced two new bike rack models, HangTight and StageTwo in the fall of 2021. The new HangTight 4 and HangTight 6 vertically carry all types of bikes by the handlebar ensuring safe, secure transport without a chance of rack-inflicted damage. StageTwo is Yakima's premium tray style hitch rack that's fully featured and ready to compete within the ultra-premium hitch tray rack space.
Beyond bikes, Yakima's highly versatile, modular EXO hitch system expands the carrying capacity of any outdoor enthusiast's vehicle, no matter the size. The system has won many accolades, including a 2021 Gear of the Year Award from Gear Junkie. In many cases, the EXO System provides a solution that alleviates the need for a larger vehicle, while keeping gear just as safe, secure and dry as it would be riding inside, ultimately benefiting the planet and the wallets of those using EXO to get outside.
"At Verde, our team loves to be outside in the mountains, in the woods, or on the water having fun, and we love to help encourage people to do the same," said Kristin Carpenter, founder and CEO of Verde Brand Communications. "Yakima's business is centered around helping people get their gear to the trailhead, put in or next destination easily, whether by transporting gear or being an integral part of providing shelter and comfort while you're out. Verde has operated across the outdoor, bike, overland and snowsports industries throughout our 20+ year history, and we're thrilled to have clients like Yakima trust us to help tell their brand stories, and most of all to help encourage us all to be outside doing what we love."
For additional information on Yakima's brand new HangTight, StageTwo, EXO System as well as upcoming new releases for 2022, please visit yakima.com.
About Yakima:
Based in the Pacific NW, Yakima Products Inc. has been a pioneer of cargo and gear management solutions since 1979. We connect people with their passions to bring them closer to nature with our innovative, rugged and dependable products. Yakima Products, Inc. is headquartered outside of Portland, Oregon. For more information about Yakima products, visit yakima.com.
About Verde Brand Communications:
Verde is a specialty brand-focused media relations, digital marketing, experiential events, content, and full-service communications firm, with a team of 20+ practitioners. Verde's award-winning integrated digital marketing and communications services include: brand strategy and positioning, public relations, experiential events, digital marketing, social media, paid media, YouTube channel management, content creation and corporate social responsibility consulting services. Verde's consumer-first, results-driven approach catalyzes growth and success for specialty brands and retailers in the outdoor, snowsports, cycling, endurance, active travel, RV, overland, consumer electronics, pet, craft beer and spirits, and lifestyles of health and sustainability (LOHAS) markets. Verde's success is tied to the passion its team has for the communities, markets, brands and media who they live to serve. Verde has offices in Durango and Boulder, Colorado, and Jackson, Wyoming. For more information, please visit www.verdepr.com.
