Hidden Splendor

Capture PC is Park City's newest, full-service vacation video/photography service.

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GOT TO HAVE GOTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

econscious - First Green Company to Earn the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Certification

Petaluma, Calif., December 19, 2008 — econscious, experts in supplying organic and sustainable apparel to brands worldwide, is excited to become the first and only United States supplier certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

GOTS is the highest and most comprehensive international standard for Organic textiles from farm to finished product. As brands align themselves with the green movement, both to satisfy the growing demand of conscious consumers and to align with their brand's core-values, many are turning to econscious’ experts to streamline the time, expertise and resources required to ensure the organic status of their apparel. econscious' President, Dale Denkensohn, helped lead Patagonia's conversion to organic cotton in the 1990's and is amongst the pioneers of organic and sustainable manufacturing. According to Mr. Denkensohn, "Our goal is to be the most trusted source for organic and sustainable blank apparel and accessories." Denkensohn continues, "The GOTS certification is a hallmark achievement. It helps position econscious to make a larger impact towards a better future by guaranteeing piece of mind to the growing market of conscientious consumers."

The GOTS certification ensures that the entire manufacturing process adheres to a strict set of standards, including criteria such as types of dyes allowed, types of closures and hardware use, substances prohibited in manufacturing, and the treatment of waste water. GOTS also includes important social components to ensure living wages are paid and a safe, hygienic work environment is provided.

WCI Cap and Trade

In September of 2008, the Western Climate Initiative (WCI) released the design recommendations for its greenhouse gas Cap and Trade program.

The WCI is a collaboration of seven U.S. Governors and four Canadian Premiers, created to implement regional greenhouse gas emissions reductions with a focus on a market-based cap and trade system. Current WCI members are: Arizona, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec.

The proposed cap and trade program would have broad coverage, regulating all greenhouse gas emissions from utilities, industrial and commercial facilities, transportation activities, and residential sources.

Studies have concluded that a market-based cap and trade system, in which total greenhouse gas emissions are capped via a set number of tradable emissions allowances, is the most cost-efficient way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Still, such a system would not be without economic impacts. A study conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research estimated that a national cap and trade program could result in price increases for gasoline of 13%, crude oil of 28%, and natural gas of 13% by 2015. Electricity prices have separately been estimated to increase by 24% under similar conditions.

It is the "cost of carbon" imposed by a cap and trade system that drives these price increases. The cap and trade system establishes the "carbon allowance" as a tradable currency similar to stock in a company. The number of these allowances is capped, and the cap is slowly reduced over time. As these allowances become more and more scarce, their associated price increases. Penalties for greenhouse gas emissions not covered by an allowance are typically 3-4 times the current allowance market value.

One study out of the Harvard J.F.K. School of Government estimated that a national cap and trade program would result in carbon dioxide emission prices of $18 to $41 per ton by 2015, and $70 to $161 per ton by 2050. Under the European Union's existing cap and trade program, carbon dioxide emissions are currently trading at roughly $20 per ton.

If this sounds expensive, think about the cost of doing nothing and just letting climate change happen. In May of 2008, a joint report between the National Resources Defense Council, Cambridge University, and others estimated the annual cost of doing nothing to mitigate climate change at $271 billion in 2025, $506 billion in 2050, and $1.9 trillion in 2100. The estimated cost of a cap and trade program? $153 billion in 2025 and $212 billion in 2050 - about ½ of the estimated cost of doing nothing!

When do you need to start thinking about how all this might affect your business? Now. In preparation for its cap and trade program launch in 2012, the WCI intends to initiate mandatory reporting of GHG emissions starting January, 2010.

I GET BY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIEND'S

LOCAL PRIDE

THE LOCALS STORY AS TOLD TO LIZ YOKUBISON OF PARK CITY MAGAZINE

LET SOMEONE ELSE CLIMB THE CORPORATE LADDER!

PRESS RELEASE - Locals Have More Fun debuts at OR Winter Show

Locals Have More Fun debuts at OR Winter Show

For Immediate Release

Brian Kahn
www.localshavemorefun.com
brian@localshavemorefun.com
435-659-6217

Park City, UT, December 3rd, 2008 —

WHEN and WHERE: Jan 22-25 - Winter Outdoor Retailer Show at the Salt Palace Convention Center, Booth BR 724

WHAT: Locals and Visitors alike in Resort and Destination Towns are already identifying with that "Locals Lifestyle".

Locals Have More Fun depicts the locals lifestyle and provides a high quality, environmentally cool souvenir for resort town locals and tourists.

To learn more about Locals Have More Fun and to see their current products, visit the website
www.localshavemorefun.com

PRESS RELEASE - Locals Have More Fun - ORWM Carbon Neutral Cup Giveaway

For Immediate Release
Brian Kahn
brian@localshavemorefun.com

Salt Lake City UT, December 17th, 2008 —

Locals Have More Fun, located at booth BR 724 will give away biodegradable cups to be used at "happy hour" during the 4 day show.

The giveaway will occur Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 1:30pm.Each cup is printed with "100 Tons = 200 Trees" as Locals offset 100 tons of CO2 while satifsfying its 1% For the Planet donation.

Brian Kahn, owner of Locals Have More Fun worked with Jeff Olson of the National Forest Foundation to learn about carbon offsets and develop a unique dual marketing program. The National Forest Foundation will be handing out material during the 4 day show at the Locals Have More Fun Booth.

Mr. Kahn thought hard how his new company could deliver the "green message" while doing something totally unique.

"It will be environmentally cool to see OR attendees walking around with our cups and knowing that each one represents a tree planted."

ABOUT LOCALS HAVE MORE FUN

Locals Have More Fun is a Park City based lifestyle line that depicts the locals lifestyle on sustainable materials. The line is geared to be cool enough for locals, yet seen as an environmentally cool souvenir for the tourist market.

Locals Have More Fun is a 1% For the Planet member and is proud to protect the places that locals live and play.

To contact Locals Have More Fun, please visit
www.localshavemorefun.com
brian@localshavemorefun.com
435-659-6217

PRESS RELEASE - Locals Have More Fun - Vegas Baby

For Immediate Release
Brian Kahn
brian@localshavemorefun.com
www.localshavemorefun.com

Park City, UT, December 17th, 2008 — Locals Have More Fun adds another account, this time in Las Vegas with the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort.

Locals will be debuting its lifestyle line at BOOTH BR724 at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market.

ABOUT LOCALS HAVE MORE FUN
Locals Have More Fun is a Park City based lifestyle line, concentrating on the resort and destination town markets. Locals Have More Fun provides a high quality, eco friendly souvenirfor tourists visting these locales. All clothing is produced with sustainable and fair labor practices. Inks are water-based instead of petroleum.

Locals Have More Fun is a 1% For the Planet member and is proud to protect the places we live and play.CONTACTwww.localshavemorefun.combrian@localshavemorefun.com435-659-6217

Local Pride

CLICK THIS LINK FOR THE LOCALS STORY

Peter Novelli Frim Examines US Holiday Shopping Trends

NEW YORK -- No one can truly predict the future in this volatile economy. What really matters for marketers is consumer behavior today -- what and how people are spending, or not, in reaction to the economic crisis.

"Black Friday sales were better than expected, but no one should be fooled into believing that the spike is a harbinger of good things for the rest of the holiday shopping season," says Michael Ramah, Porter Novelli Partner and Global Director of Strategic Planning. "Marketers don't need tea leaves. They need a cool-headed strategy in order to face their individual communications challenges during this time of unbridled change.

"Porter Novelli has identified 10 consumer behavior trends as the most impactful upon retailers, shoppers and marketers right now. The agency has also analyzed its 2008 ConsumerStyles data to segment consumers on dimensions that are most likely to drive shopping behaviors this holiday season (results below). Porter Novelli ConsumerStyles is a proprietary annual survey that explores attitudes, opinions and behaviors of consumers 18 years of age or older.

Here, the 10 key shopping trends Porter Novelli encourages retailers and marketers to consider right now:

1. Willing to Wait. Consumers want to buy, but in this economic climate they're willing to wait until the price is right. For marketers, it'simperative to identify specific areas of pent-up demand: Who is waiting to buy which products, and what will trigger them to spend?

2. Decidedly Undecided. For many consumers, it's not that they don't want to buy--they have the urge. It's that they don't know what they want. The implication for marketers: For some consumers, the emotional high that comes from acquiring the purchase is more enticing than the item itself.

3. Discount Dash. With millions of Americans deciding whether to spend a little or spend nothing at all this holiday season, the outlook seems bright for discounters. That means non-discounters need to compete on value, because they can't compete on price.

4. One for Me, One for Me. The International Council of Shopping Centers found that 81% of Americans who planned to shop on Black Friday weekend intended to buy something for themselves--up from 69% in 2007. With funds limited, consumers are asking themselves, "Should I be altruistic...or narcissistic?" Either answer adds up to sales.

5. All in for Next-Gen. Familiar technologies such as computers and music players are facing likely sales declines of 10%, but newer productssuch as Blu-ray players, smartphones and HDTVs are expected to do well. To build sales, marketers should consider bundling the old with the new.

6. Online on Top. More consumers than ever will be shopping online this year, looking to save time and money, avoid crowds and find a better selection of products. Companies who can make online and interactive marketing work even smarter and more efficiently will win.

7. Text to Shop. Scarborough Research data shows text messaging delivers a young, multicultural audience for marketers by providing a very locally targeted vehicle. Amazon.com is already tapping into texting over the holiday period to deliver its Deal of the Day, which recipients can purchase using their phone. The critical point for text marketing pioneers is to figure out how to use this tool without becoming anuisance.

8. Future Tense. Black Friday retail performance was better than expected, but all signs point to tough times ahead for retailers. If sales contract and retailers scale back, marketing communicators will need to work a lot harder and a lot smarter to earn their keep.

9. Just Saying No. Not long ago, consumers blithely made impulse buys with cash or credit. But the less secure about cash flow shoppers become, the more they will have second thoughts. Retailers and product marketers must become adept at engaging with "second thought" consumers; they are likely to see a lot more of them.

10. The Cause Effect. As consumers shift from impulsive frenzy to second-thought hesitation, the notion of supporting a good cause may just provide a means to convert those second thoughts into buying mode. In a post-boom, post-greed retail climate, incorporating social and/or environmental responsibility into purchases could be the acceptable new version of instant gratification.

Retail Tips: Increase Your Business With Existing Customers!

By Jay Townley, The Gluskin Townley Group, LLC

Unfortunately, too many specialty retailers overlook the vital importance to their businesses of increasing transactions with their existing customers.

In today’s retail economy, your customer database is one of your key assets, and using it to drive direct response marketing is essential to surviving and thriving!

If your business doesn’t maintain an electronic customer database through your point-of-sale (POS) system or some other type of customer relationship management software, take immediate steps to set one up. There are two tasks here:

(1) If you don’t have an electronic customer database, initiate one ASAP! This should be easy with a POS system, but can also be easily initiated using Access, the database application that comes with Windows Office.

(2) If you already have an electronic customer database, make sure it is as accurate and up-to-date as possible for your direct-response marketing program. This drives your POS entry process and staff education to assure that all customer contact information is entered uniformly and consistently.

Establish a direct response-marketing calendar listing your store’s specific events, flyers, specials and newsletters and when you will use your customer database to reach out and invite them to do more business with you.

It can be as simple as planning to send 100 postcards or emails per week to targeted or selected customers inviting them to visit your store for an event or sale that your database tells you is of interest to them!

Active Americans Tighten Spending But Still Plan Vacation

Submitted by Leisure Trends Group Boulder, Colorado

Leisure Trends asked Active Americans* about their spending plans in the upcoming months. Close to 50% of Active Americans plan to spend less on sports related gear, clothing and equipment, while only 1.6% plan to spend more. The rest (48.2%) plan to spend the same amount.

Many people plan to buy what they “need” not what they “want.” Even those who are not feeling the crunch yet are being careful with their spending, just in case. This is what Most Active Americans had to say about spending and the economy:

“The economic crisis' personal effect on me is non-existent, but I recognize that that could change quickly so have gone into a money-conserving mode.”

“I would like to take advantage of the lower investment rates and put my money toward that, so we will be spending less on gear as we have plenty and will focus on diversifying our investments.”

“I am not buying anything at this time that is not a necessity. Christmas this year will be the family getting together for dinner and conversation and that is it. No shopping sprees.”

“I haven't felt the crunch yet but I'll watch my spending in all areas. It's a time to be careful as we don't know what lies ahead for our economy.”

“Usually I upgrade at least one or two components of my alpine ski equipment, but won't do it this year because prices are so high.”

“I will shop sales more often. But I will still look for quality. Shoes for my boys will be quality due to prevention of sports injury.”

“We are a retired couple. The value of a lot of our retirement savings has decreased proportionate to the stock market. This greatly affects our discretionary spending, thus we will decrease our traveling a great deal.”

“Just cutting back overall, including sports equipment. Every purchase will be evaluated more closely and will search harder for best price.”

“Even though gas has come down the rest of the economy is a wreck. I will spend less but plan to try and get more bang for my hard earned dollar. It will be interesting to see if retailers come up with a better sales pitch this season.”

Travel plans should fare better. Over two in five Active Americans do not plan to change their travel this winter, but one in five are expecting to do something less expensive than originally planned. 7.7% are really feeling the crunch and will cancel their leisure-travel plans. Over a quarter have no travel plans, yet, this winter.

“Airfare and lift tickets are off the hook. I don't know how anyone can still afford to do winter sports anymore. Traveling by air is a hassle, between the airport security and the mindless bag charges. If I go anywhere it will most likely be by car.”“We are looking into staycations, maybe not go so far and enjoy some local attractions instead.”

Consumers Pull Back on Holiday Spending

More than half of consumers are spending less on holiday shopping this year, according to a recent survey by Consumer Reconnaissance Inc.

Consumers are limiting their gifting to fewer people, setting price limits on gifts, scouting for sales, and even opting for homemade crafts, such as photo collages, over purchased gifts.

According to Consumer Reconnaissance, about 58 percent of people surveyed are spending less this year than last. The average person is buying gifts for four or five people, and spending about $43 per person, totaling around $200 for their holiday shopping.

NPD Consumer Spending Indicator Results Show Consumers in No Rush to Spend

With the distraction of the Presidential election behind us and the holiday season upon us, will consumers rebound? The November results of NPD’s Consumer Spending Indicator suggest consumers are not ready to head back to the stores, at least not yet.

The percentage of consumers who believe the economy is in a downturn increased again last month. In April, 84% of respondents said they felt the economy was either in or headed for a recession, in November that number increased to 91%. “Off-hand, that 7% increase may not sound like a lot,” said Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst, The NPD Group, Inc. “But when you turn the spending faucet of 14 million people off, that 7% from April to November represents trillions of dollars.”

Are consumers motivated by all the sales retailers held during the preceding month? The number of consumers that say they would take advantage of sales or coupons has remained relatively steady since July. “So those huge sales that were designed to lure the customer in really don’t seem to have had much of an impact. They aren’t bringing the consumers back in to shop,” said Cohen.

July November
No Difference 34% 35%
Sales 28% 29%
Coupons 28% 28%

Where do consumers say they will be cutting back? Most tell NPD that their cutting back will be on dining out. Fifty-seven percent of respondents say they are looking to spend less there. That is followed by cuts in spending on apparel. In the November Consumer Spending Indicator, 52% of respondents said they would cut back on apparel spending. Consumers have shown a continual decline in their desire to spend on apparel, with a seven point decline since April. Furniture was in the number three spot with 49% stating they plan to spend less.

The same categories that were the least vulnerable in last month’s study remain so in the current month’s study with one slight change. Video games and toys remain steady while beauty is being edged out of the number three spot.

Video games take the top spot as the least likely to see cut backs in consumer spending with 32%, followed by toys at 36%. This month, however, movies took the number three spot at 39%. Beauty slipped to forth this month at 41%. “But beauty is still showing that women remain loyal to their regimen even in tough times,” noted Cohen.

As previously noted, an important measure of how consumers are fairing is how secure they feel about their jobs. Here, there is a sign of caution. In July, 25% of respondents said they were not concerned about their jobs, but in November 19% say they are not concerned. “This is a number I watch very closely,” stated Cohen. “I think it is the best indication of consumer behavior and now, what with the stock market, the political market, the media market and now, the job market we are seeing an all time low here.”

October Outdoor Sales Continue Industry Growth Trend During Recession

While early predictors show evidence of a decline in specific outdoor channels starting in November 2008, outdoor industry sales have remained fairly robust since the nation officially entered a recession in December 2007; posting a healthy 9.6% increase overall and outpacing traditional retail markets, according to the most recent edition of The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Outdoor Topline Report, produced for OIA by the Leisure Trends Group.

According to The OIA Outdoor Topline Report, the relatively inexpensive and convenient outdoor vacation has remained appealing to core outdoor shoppers throughout the year and may be the industry's bright spot as consumers look to the outdoors as an escape from the pressures of daily life.

Internet sales showed a robust 21.6% growth since December 2007 and core chain and specialty stores remained healthy, growing at 10.0% and 4.7% respectively.In monthly sales, October retail sales for all core outdoor stores (chain, internet, specialty)* gained 8% in dollars compared to October 2007.

All four major product categories (equipment, equipment accessories, apparel and footwear) grew in October. The largest increases came from apparel and equipment.According to The OIA Outdoor Topline Report, all core outdoor stores were up 6% in total unit sales and 9% in dollar sales year to date.

In YTD dollars, all equipment increased 10%, equipment accessories 11%, apparel 9% and footwear 4%.Comparing dollar sales growth October 2008 to October 2007:Outdoor chain +9% Outdoor internet +33% Outdoor specialty -3% Paddlesports -5%In specialty stores, equipment, equipment accessories and footwear each lost ground compared to last October.

However, apparel, with 64% of all specialty dollar sales in October, gained 7% in dollar sales.

Outerwear, water bottles and winter boots showed the largest gains in specialty stores this month.

Core chain stores grew 9% in total unit and dollar sales this October, with dollar growth coming from all four major categories (equipment, equipment accessories, apparel and footwear).

As in specialty stores, apparel was by far the biggest seller in core chains. All apparel accounted for 48% of October sales in core chains, while equipment accounted for 10%, equipment accessories accounted for 26% and footwear 18%.

Outdoor internet stores grew 31% in units and 33% in dollars from last October, moving from 19% of all core outdoor retail dollars in October 2007 to 23% this month. Online retailers enjoyed across-the-board growth as all four major product categories and most sub-categories saw healthy unit and dollar growth for the period.

All paddle product sales from all three channels (specialty, chain, internet) fell 5% in dollars on even unit sales as retail prices dropped 5%. Paddle specialty stores lost 5% in overall units and 8% in dollars for the period.

Overall chain paddlesport dollar sales were flat as units increased 10% but retail prices decreased 9%, caused by a shift in product mix toward smaller, less-expensive products. The internet channel saw October sales increase 44% in units and 35% in dollars.

However, internet sales accounted for only 9% of all October core paddlesport retail dollar sales.

According to trendspotter and OIA Rendezvous keynote speaker Marian Salzman, the only businesses in which she would consider investing right now are soup and camping. Her reasoning is that Americans will be looking to escape the long-term economic turmoil and constant barrage of the media by returning to low-cost, simple activities that involve the entire family. If this prediction holds true, as it has in the past, businesses that support cycling, camping, hiking, fishing and paddling activities may be very well positioned for several years.

OIA Topline October 2008 - Apparel Year over Year

http://research.outdoorindustry.org/online_delivery/~PF~2006_Portal_Structure/~PF~Clients/~PF~OIA_92VLEP/~PF~Member_Reports/~LF~Topline_Market_Summary/2008_10/OIA_Topline_Summary_October_%2008.pdf

October Outdoor Sales Continue Industry Growth Trend During Recession

While early predictors show evidence of a decline in specific outdoor channels starting in November 2008, outdoor industry sales have remained fairly robust since the nation officially entered a recession in December 2007; posting a healthy 9.6% increase overall and outpacing traditional retail markets.

According to The OIA Outdoor Topline Report, the relatively inexpensive and convenient outdoor vacation has remained appealing to core outdoor shoppers throughout the year and may be the industry's bright spot as consumers look to the outdoors as an escape from the pressures of daily life.

Internet sales showed a robust 21.6% growth since December 2007 and core chain and specialty stores remained healthy, growing at 10.0% and 4.7% respectively.October SalesIn monthly sales, October retail sales for all core outdoor stores (chain, internet, specialty)* gained 8% in dollars compared to October 2007.

All four major product categories (equipment, equipment accessories, apparel and footwear) grew in October. The largest increases came from apparel and equipment.According to The OIA Outdoor Topline Report, all core outdoor stores were up 6% in total unit sales and 9% in dollar sales year to date.

In YTD dollars, all equipment increased 10%, equipment accessories 11%, apparel 9% and footwear 4%.Comparing dollar sales growth October 2008 to October 2007:Outdoor chain +9% Outdoor internet +33% Outdoor specialty -3% Paddlesports -5%

NPD Holiday 2008 Survey Results Say All Signs Point to Flat to Declining Sales

The NPD Group, Inc., a leading market research company, released the results of its annual survey of consumers’ holiday spending intentions. This year 26% of consumers surveyed told NPD they plan to spend less. In the 2007 survey results, only 18% said they planned to spend less. “This 8% decline illustrates that consumers are already focused on the idea of spending less,” said Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst, The NPD Group, Inc.

	2008	2007
Plan to Spend More	11%	11%
Plan to Spend About The Same	63%	70%
Plan to Spend Less	26%	18%

"For the first time I am predicting flat to declining sales for the holiday season,” stated Cohen. “With consumers already saying they plan to spend less, stores with lean inventories, those inventories on sale as soon as they hit the floor, and tightening credit both for businesses and consumers, where can growth come from?”

The recent turmoil in the financial markets and the meltdown in the credit sector seem to have had an impact on consumers as they look to pull back on their credit card spending. The number of consumers who tell NPD they will "spend on credit" this year is down 2%. “Consumers will be keeping careful watch on their credit card spending this season,” stated Cohen, “I think many will refrain from purchasing an indulgence or splurge gift, and for the first time in years, may actually cut people from their shopping lists.”

With no “must-have” gift, what will drive consumers into stores this holiday? Sixty percent of consumers surveyed say that either a “special sale price” or “overall value for the price” will influence where they shop this holiday. “Last year we saw GPS systems used by stores as ‘Door-buster’ specials. Where is this holiday’s GPS?” asks Cohen, “So far nothing has surfaced, and in short-order if nothing does, it will be too late.”

The good news is that consumers will still be buying gifts this holiday season. Again this year consumers say Apparel will be the most often gifted item, followed by Toys.

1	Apparel	49%
2	Toys	37%
3	Movies (VHS, DVD)	29%
4	Books	27%
5	Electronics (TVs, Home Theater Systems/DVD Players/Recorders, Home Audio Products, Satellite Radio, GPS Systems, Cell Phones, Desktop/Laptop Computers, Computer Peripherals, Digital & Video Cameras, MP3 Players)	23%
6	Video Games	22%
7	Accessories (Bags, Small Personal Accessories, Watches)	20%
8	Music	20%
9	Food	17%
10	Fragrances	17%

One cautionary note Cohen sounds, "The Apparel industry is not doing enough to keep their products front and center for consumers. This is the least technically advanced industry these days, add in a lack of color and style changes, and there truly is no excitement being generated, nothing to ignite consumers’ passion. Apparel will be hard pressed to keep its number one ranking as most often given gift.”

There are two items that could emerge as this season’s bright spots. They are Televisions and Sunglasses. This was the last full year for analog TV reception, and NPD research shows consumers may be looking to purchase new digital sets. “With prices at all time lows and not all wanting to deal with signal conversion boxes, we could see some good news here,” said Cohen. The sleeper category for growth this year is Sunglasses. “The younger market is all over them and the bigger the logo the better. They are the most sought after item by young adults and will surely be their most desired gift. Sunglasses will be this year’s handbag,” predicted Cohen.

Current holiday study results indicate that gift cards are not yet “top-of-mind” with consumers. Thirty-eight percent of survey respondents state they will buy a gift card this year; 49% said they purchased one last year. “Keep in mind many consumers don't go out with the intention of getting a gift card but will likely do so when they can’t find an appropriate or affordable gift. And don’t forget those post-holiday promotions. The markdowns could almost double the value of a gift card,” stated Cohen.