10.04.2007 - 09:00am ET

(CSRwire) PORTLAND, OR - October 4, 2007 - KEEN - a leader in hybrid outdoor performance products, including footwear, socks and bags - has launched Hybrid.STAND, an innovative initiative designed to inspire and empower people who are passionate, active and involved - or want to become involved – with making a difference around sustainability.

Hybrid.STAND includes two major components: the STAND online contest and a documentary film. The campaign culminates at the Hybrid.STAND Festival in Portland, Oregon in June 2008, during which KEEN will announce the STAND contest winners. Other outstanding sustainability projects will also be highlighted.

"KEEN created Hybrid.STAND as an exciting opportunity to motivate anyone and everyone who wants to make a positive impact or statement regarding the issue of sustainability. This program takes what is talked about in the media at a very high level down to those who want to contribute and make a difference but don't know how to share or gain support for their ideas," says Bobbie Parisi, VP of marketing at KEEN.

STAND Online Contest

At the center of Hybrid.STAND is the online contest (http://www.keenfootwear.com/stand), designed to inspire and reward the best ideas or projects that support sustainability. Through it KEEN will award a total of $150,000 in three different categories:

STAND FOR: for those activists or groups who have developed innovative ways to involve others in actions that benefit the environment through non-profit organizations or research.

Online submissions are being accepted until December 31, 2007. All submissions will be reviewed by a panel of 13 judges comprised of experts in the fields of design, art, photography, journalism, film, outdoor sports and non-profit management and research, including naturalist Terry Tempest Williams, designer Yves Behar and world-champion free skier Alison Gannett.

Each of the three overall categories will be awarded a $25,000 prize, along with five second-tier awards of $5000 each, for a grand total of $150,000.

STAND Documentary and Events

Hybrid.STAND includes a special outreach to college students. This fall, 50 college and university campuses will host special Hybrid.STAND events that include a screening of the new documentary, "STAND."

Hosted by musician G. Love, "STAND" showcases nine inspiring individuals who are pioneering ideas to support and promote sustainability and encouraging others to do the same. At the end of each event, students have the chance to sign their name on the Hybrid.STAND mosaic and list what they Stand Up, Out and For. This canvas is traveling to all 50 campuses and will be displayed at the Hybrid.STAND Festival.

"Hybrid.STAND is a great opportunity for younger consumers who are the next generation facing the issues concerning the environment and sustainability to gain visibility and funding for their sustainability ideas," adds Parisi.

Each of the 50 campuses will receive a $1000 sustainability award that will be contributed to the school’s favorite sustainable cause, as voted for by the students.

About KEEN

KEEN Inc. is a leader in hybrid performance products, including footwear, bags and socks. Founded in 2003 and known for its patented toe protection technology, KEEN is headquartered in Portland, OR and its products can be found in over 1500 retail locations in the US and is distributed globally in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Asia as well as Central America, South America and Europe. The company created the KEEN Foundation in 2004 to partner with environmental, conservation and social organizations on a global level through community, understanding and education.

For more information please contact:

Julie McFadden
JAM PR
415-839-7546

Deborah Pleva
The Swift Collective
503-493-3500

For more CSR news and information from this organization:

Corporate Social Responsibility Profile for KEEN Inc.

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