DPS Skis, Goal Zero, Petzl and Eastman Win Social Investment Award From Utah Governor’s Office Of Economic Development

At the recent Utah Outdoor Recreation Summit held by the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation, DPS Skis, Goal Zero, Petzl and Eastman Machine Company were presented the Social Investment Award for the creation of medical face shields for frontline workers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic this past spring. The award is presented annually to businesses or other organizations focused on giving back to people, humanitarian efforts and doing good in their communities.

"With the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies had to switch gears to help those in need," said Pitt Grewe, director of the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation. "These companies demonstrated what the outdoor community is all about by stepping up in a moment of crisis to contribute to the greater good. We're proud of all the hard work they've done and all they're doing to help respond to the pandemic."

This award recognizes the impact these organizations have on their local community, economy, environment and their employees. With the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak – and with the collaborative support of three other brand partners, including Utah-based Petzl America and Goal Zero – DPS was able to rapidly pivot production to create protective face shields for the medical community to fulfill orders in partnership with the Utah Department of Health. In total, over 80,000 shields have been built to support medical efforts on the Navajo Nation in Southern Utah, at the Salt Lake City Rescue Mission, the Utah Naval Reserve and numerous regional hospitals in need of PPE.

“On behalf of our partners, we are proud to accept this award, and more importantly contribute to the nationwide effort of PPE production. This would not have been possible without the enthusiastic support of our key partners Goal Zero, Petzl and Eastman Machine Company,” said Alex Adema, DPS President and CEO. “We are inspired by the healthcare workers who dedicate their lives to helping others. Their selfless sacrifices deserve recognition as they continue to mitigate the risk of COVID-19’s spread. We are humbled to have found ourselves in a position to mobilize this project with the passionate, soulful team at DPS and our amazing partners.”

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is necessary in keeping medical workers protected as they test and treat those affected by the virus.