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2011-01-03 12:25:47.000 – Scot Henley,  Executive Director

The arrival of 2011 has brought with it a very important and exciting change here at the Observatory. I’m proud to announce that Eastern Mountain Sports has become Mount Washington Observatory’s new “official outfitter.” In this new multi-year partnership, Eastern Mountain Sports is now the exclusive provider of outdoor gear to the Observatory.

We are very fortunate to have previously enjoyed an eight-year relationship with L.L.Bean, and we thank our friends over in Freeport, Maine for their support through the years. Early last year, as it became apparent that 2010 would be the final year of the partnership, I began the process of presenting the official outfitter opportunity to a variety of outerwear brands. From the very first phone call, it was clear that Eastern Mountain Sports would be the ideal partner for us.

EMS is a company that shares our vision and deeply understands our organization. Headquartered in Peterborough, New Hampshire and owned by a group of Granite Staters, they know the northeastern outdoors scene very well. Most importantly to us, they know what Mount Washington is all about. They believe in our unique cause and recognize the impact that their support will have on this institution. Likewise, I believe that our high visibility and the goodwill that the Observatory enjoys in the outdoor recreation world will help support their goals as well. On every level, it looks like a perfect combination of two iconic New Hampshire institutions.

In this partnership, EMS will provide gear for our staff and support for our educational programs. In return, we will test their products and promote Eastern Mountain Sports at every turn. Also, EMS is in the process of setting up a special affiliate sales program with us. That means that the Observatory will receive a percentage of every purchase made at EMS.com that originated here on our website. We’ll get the word out about that program when it launches.

On January 1, there was a ceremonial “changing of the fleece” up at the summit as the mountaintop crew donned the EMS gear for the first time. From what I hear, there was some video footage taken of the big event… Hopefully we’ll have something to share with you very soon. From time to time, we’ll share other videos and EMS-related updates through the website to keep you posted as well. It’s going to be a lot of fun.

Please join me in thanking Eastern Mountain Sports for their generous support, passion and enthusiasm. On behalf of our staff and Trustees, we welcome Eastern Mountain Sports to the Observatory family. We look forward to working together for many years to come.

Scot Henley,  Executive Director