Vista Outdoor Hosts Utah's 2016 Outdoor "Concept to Company" Innovation Contest

CLEARFIELD, Utah, April 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Outdoor Inc.(NYSE: VSTO), a leading global designer, manufacturer and marketer of consumer products in the outdoor sports and recreation markets, announced today that it will host Utah's 2016 "Concept to Company" Outdoor Innovation contest powered by Grow Utah. The contest awards Utah outdoor product innovators with cash and services to help launch their businesses.

"Utah is known for its spectacular outdoor recreation and its entrepreneurial spirit," said Brett Merrell, Senior Vice President, Marketing for Vista Outdoor. "Our partnership with Grow Utah helps to foster new ideas and provides a proven process for startups in the outdoor sports and recreation industry. Hosting this contest and building on the great legacy established by Grow Utah provides opportunities for the best startups and new innovators to overcome challenges, seek investment, build strong business strategies and become successful."

A strong supporter of innovation in shooting sports and outdoor products, Vista Outdoor will use this contest to identify and support up-and-coming entrepreneurs and innovators with sound ideas that have solid growth potential.

Organized by Grow Utah, a non-profit committed to fostering Utah innovations, the contest began in 2008. Each year, over 150 entrepreneurs and innovators enter the contest.

"Utah is an incredible place to start a business, especially in the outdoor industry," said T. Craig Bott, president and CEO of Grow Utah. "Our 2016 contest under the new brand – Vista Outdoor "Concept to Company" Contest – raises the energy and visibility around this industry. We are thrilled to have in our state such a global leader in the outdoor recreation industry as Vista Outdoor and even more excited to have them support the contest. The Vista Outdoor team elevates this contest to best in class and provides our Utah entrepreneurs and innovators a unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders as they undergo the contest application process."

The contest is open to all innovators through June 5, 2016. The final judging and awards ceremony will be held on June 22. Submissions are open to all Utah residents with a product or service innovation in the outdoor activities of hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, biking, shooting sports, golf, watersports, snow sports and more. Industry experts will judge entries to select three winners to receive a share of the cash and professional services to help launch their idea. As contest host, Vista Outdoor is providing in-kind consultation services for the winners, as well as financial support to the event. For more information on the "Concept to Company" Outdoor Innovation contest, visit www.ConceptToCompany.org/outdoor16.

About Vista Outdoor Inc.
Vista Outdoor is a leading global designer, manufacturer and marketer of consumer products in the growing outdoor sports and recreation markets. The company operates in two segments, Shooting Sports and Outdoor Products, and has a portfolio of well-recognized brands that provides consumers with a wide range of performance-driven, high-quality and innovative products for individual outdoor recreational pursuits. Vista Outdoor products are sold at leading retailers and distributors across North America and worldwide. Vista Outdoor is headquartered in Utah and has manufacturing operations and facilities in 13 U.S. States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico along with international customer service, sales and sourcing operations in Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe and New Zealand. For news and information, visit www.vistaoutdoor.com or follow us on Twitter @VistaOutdoorInc and Facebook at www.facebook.com/vistaoutdoor.

About Grow Utah
Grow Utah, is a privately funded non-profit organization dedicated to accelerate the creation of innovative, entrepreneur-led, high-growth businesses that will strengthen and expand the future growth of Utah's economy.
The vision of Grow Utah is to create a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in Utah that fosters entrepreneurial talent, drives innovation to solve market needs, aligns community resources and support, and ensures funding for products, entrepreneurs and businesses of promise. Learn more at www.GrowUtah.com.

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SOURCE Vista Outdoor Inc.

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