When President Barack Obama appears at the 2016 Outdoor Industry Association Capitol Summit later this month, he will leave with one of the organization’s prestigious awards.
The OIA announced today that Obama would receive the 2016 OIA Friend of the Outdoor Industry Award for his support of the outdoor industry throughout his two terms in office. The association’s awards, according to the OIA, are given to elected leaders who have consistently demonstrated support for the outdoor industry and have advanced the industry’s policy interests.
“On many issues, Washington, D.C., has come to represent division and partisanship,” said OIA executive director Amy Roberts in a statement. “One issue that is finding common ground, however, is that outdoor recreation is a powerful economic force and a foundation for healthy communities and healthy economies across the United States. We are proud to present these awards to President Obama and our champions for the outdoor industry in Congress.”
The OIA announced it would also recognize New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich, Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson and Oregon Rep. Suzanne Bonamici for their work on behalf of the outdoor industry. According to the OIA, Heinrich and Bonamici will be recognized for their securing funding and access for public lands and waters, protecting outdoor places, and making sure the interests and values of the outdoor industry are reflected in international trade issues.
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The statement cited Obama’s appointment of Ken Salazar, a two-time OIA friend award recipient, as the secretary of the interior and choosing Sally Jewell as Salazar’s successor as reasons for giving him the award.
The awards will be presented during a reception on Capitol Hill on April 27.
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