February 23, 2017

Marisa Nicholson
Emerald Expositions
31910 Del Obispo, Suite 200
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Dear Ms. Nicholson,

Oregon is a recognized global hub for the Outdoor Gear & Apparel industry, with more than 800 companies
employing more than 20,000 people. International giants such as Nike, Columbia Sportswear, and Adidas call
Oregon home, as do many well-known innovators like KEEN, Danner, Pistil, Poler, Snow Peak, Leatherman,
Benchmade, and Hydro Flask. Oregon has also cultivated vibrant and rapidly growing entrepreneurial
communities within the industry, from Bend and Hood River to Eugene and Portland.

Our economic prowess is only part of the story. We stand tall behind our history of caring for our natural
resources. Oregon is committed to preserving our public lands and natural wonders. Oregon has one of the
most publicly accessible coastlines in the world. Our mountains Hood, Bachelor, Jefferson, Steens, and the
Wallowas are destinations for skiing, mountaineering, and hiking. Smith Rock, Crater Lake, and the
Columbia Gorge attract outdoor enthusiasts and preservationists from around the globe. And anglers, rafters,
and windsurfers come from far and wide to take their shot at taming the Deschutes, Rogue, John Day, and
Columbia rivers. Outdoor recreation is in Oregons DNA.

The state of Oregon and the city of Portland are committed to hosting Outdoor Retailer and Grassroots
Connect. We look forward to responding to the Request for Proposals and building a long-term relationship
with the Outdoor Industry Association, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, and Emerald Expositions.

Sincerely,

Kate Brown Ted Wheeler

Governor of Oregon Mayor of Portland

Cc:

Darrell Denny, Executive Vice President, Emerald Expositions Sports Group

Gordon Seabury, Board Chair, Outdoor Industry Association
Rich Hill, President, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance