Merrell and National Park Foundation Form Long-Term Partnership

ROCKFORD, Mich., May 14, 2009 — In an era when wired, indoor lifestyles threaten to consume natural outside inclinations, Merrell and the National Park Foundation (NPF) have partnered to get more people living active and outdoor lives. A long-term agreement, formalized today, represents a unique and synergized partnership between Merrell and the NPF that will work to make the National Parks more visible and invite more people to get outside and enjoy these natural resources. Merrell's involvement will include a wide variety of events at both the national and grassroots levels, partnership at local Merrell stores, special promotions and giveaways, and other broad outreach initiatives that will raise awareness of the parks and all that they have to offer.

"Since its beginning 27 years ago, Merrell has been about one thing: getting people outside," said Craig Throne, vice president of global marketing for Wolverine World Wide's Outdoor Group, the parent company of Merrell. "We have been looking to align ourselves with the ideal partner, one that represents a similar inclusive outdoor ethos. The National Parks embody this passion and our shared goal is to work together on a long term basis to educate and motivate people of all ages and activity levels to get outside and play in our national outdoor playgrounds."

"We are extremely excited about Merrell's commitment, the largest from an outdoor brand in National Park Foundation history, to help connect all Americans to their National Parks," said Jamie Patten, senior vice president of the National Park Foundation. "Working with Merrell, we encourage all people to enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle in their communities and our national parks."

About Merrell
Merrell(R) is a brand within the Outdoor Group, a division of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. that also includes Chaco and Patagonia Footwear. Wolverine World Wide, Inc. is headquartered in Rockford, Michigan. The company's portfolio of highly-recognized brands also includes: Bates(R), Hush Puppies(R), Sebago and Wolverine(R). The Company is also the exclusive footwear licensee of the following popular brands: CAT(R), Harley-Davidson(R) and Patagonia(R). The Company's products are carried by leading retailers in the U.S. and globally in nearly 200 countries and territories. Merrell, 9341 Courtland Drive, Rockford, Mich. 49351. Phone: (800) 789-8586; Fax: (888) 746-3329.

About the National Park Foundation
The National Park Foundation is an independent charitable organization chartered by Congress in 1967 to strengthen the connection between the American people and their national parks. As the official national non-profit partner of America's National Parks, the Foundation raises private funds, makes strategic grants, creates innovative partnerships and increases public awareness about the need and opportunity for park philanthropy. In its 2008 fiscal year, the National Park Foundation distributed grants and program support of $27.3M. For more information, visit www.nationalparks.org.