News: Orvis Announces Outfitter of the Year

May 28, 2009 09:28 ET

Orvis Names Two Rivers Emporium of Pinedale, Wyoming as 2008 Orvis Endorsed Outfitter of the Year

MANCHESTER, VT--(Marketwire - May 28, 2009) - At their annual Endorsed Operations Rendezvous in Bozeman, Montana, the Orvis Company announced Two Rivers Emporium of Pinedale, Wyoming as the Orvis Endorsed Outfitter of the Year for 2008. Two Rivers offers float, wade and pack trips into some of the best fly fishing waters in the West, including the legendary Green River.

"A good outfitter needs to provide an outstanding experience on the streams, rivers and lakes they take their clients fishing, but also manage their retail stores in order to provide the best experience and customer service in an industry that has only become more demanding," said Dave Perkins, Vice Chairman of The Orvis Company. "Two Rivers Emporium not only excels in those areas, but pushes to improve the entire industry through their professionalism and on-going development of high education accreditation in the area of hospitality management and an emphasis in fly fishing. They are an inspiration and leader in this industry."

One customer recently said, "The first time I tried fly fishing, I was hopeless and guessed that I'd never get it. With all the help I received from the shop and guides, I learned the basics and now look upon fly fishing as a new and exciting part of my outdoor life."

For twenty years the Orvis Company has been recognizing excellence in fly fishing lodges, fly fishing outfitters, and fly fishing guides through its Endorsed Lodges Outfitters and Guides program. Each endorsed operation has its own character, but all share the same high standards: great service, great fishing and an experienced, professional staff. These standards of excellence are continually reviewed by the Orvis staff and evaluated by visiting guests in post-visit critiques sent directly to The Orvis Company. Orvis endorsed operations cater to ability levels from beginner to expert.

Founded in 1856, and the recognized world leader in fly fishing gear, Orvis operates a chain of retail stores in the U.S. and England, runs a world class fly fishing vacations service, and numerous fly fishing schools around the country. Orvis donates five percent of pre-tax profits each year to conservation efforts. You can read more about Orvis on their website at www.orvis.com.

In addition Orvis also announced the following awards:
Jim Hickey of Bozeman, Montana Named Orvis Endorsed Freshwater Fly Fishing Guide of the Year for 2008

Paul Nelson's Farm of Gettysburg, South Dakota Named as Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Lodge of the Year

Capt. Steve Horowitz of Miami, Florida Named Orvis Endorsed Saltwater Fly Fishing Guide of the Year for 2008

Fisheads of the San Juan River of Bloomfield, New Mexico Named as Orvis Endorsed Guide Service of the Year

Spotted Bear Ranch of Whitefish, Montana Named Orvis Expedition of the Year

Hubbard's Yellowstone Lodge of Paradise Valley, Montana Named Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Lodge of the Year for 2008