Photo: Kelsey Kay Stewart


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
SLO Op Climbing Renovation Expands Offerings, Supports SLO Area Veterans
 

San Luis Obispo, CA, July 30, 2012 – Increasing membership and the moveout of SLO-based Bouldering.com afforded SLO Op, the country’s first non-profit bouldering gym to expand its offerings this month.
 
With a membership of about 800 and growing, the bouldering gym (a climbing gym offering only unroped climbing with padded floors for landings) secured a loan through Founder’s Bank in order to expand and renovate the facility. Now featuring a private weight room, more climbing space, a reception area, and a new paint job, the club could very well be the best of its kind in the country. Says executive director, Kristin Horowitz, “What started out as a tiny club to benefit climbers in the community has expanded beyond what we ever dreamed. It’s been wonderful to be able to have the kind of budget to go, ‘You know, we’ve got extra money and space now, what can we do to make it even more awesome?’ That’s such a blessing when so many other businesses are struggling.”
 
SLO Op’s unique business model has created a loyal membership. In its third location in ten years, it was able to secure the larger facility and original buildout by loans and gifts made by community members who then became board members. After three years, the loans have all been repaid and a new loan was taken out to support SLO Op’s growth.  The creativity of the gym’s funding caught the attention of bestselling author Chris Guillebeau’s newest bestseller, released in May, The $100 Startup.
 

Photo: Kelsey Kay Stewart

SLO Op is also pleased to announce a partnership with SLO County’s Veteran’s Outreach Team. One of many organizations taking part in the program, Gabriel Granados, Veteran’s Outreach Coordinator says: “In an effort to honor those who served, our program is developing opportunities for local veterans to participate in activities and enjoy benefits provided by community businesses and organizations. This will include events at SLO Op Climbing Gym, fielding a team for the Laguna Lake Mud Mash, sand boarding on the dunes at Montana de Oro, going on hikes around our county, and ziplining at Margarita Adventures. We appreciate the courage and dedication of veterans who have served our country and want to demonstrate our gratitude for their sacrifice.”
 
SLO Op welcomes any nonprofit community organization looking to better the lives of individuals to contact them regarding free climbing nights, donating paid staff time and memberships upon approval of the program and desired dates and times.
 
For more information about SLO Op, call Kristin at 805 748 1478 or visit www.slo-opclimbing.org
For more information about the Veteran’s Outreach team, call Gabriel Granados at 805 234 7923.
 
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