H2O Audio (www.h2oaudio.com), the leader in high performance waterproof headphones and accessories for active people everywhere, today announced a multi-year partnership with 16-time Olympic medalist and 17-time World Champion swimmer, Michael Phelps. Committed to encouraging healthy living, enhancing the swimming and training experience and spreading awareness for the sport, H2O Audio and Phelps will collaborate on product development and marketing initiatives.

Phelps’ imagery and voice will be integrated into select product packaging, advertisements and displays at leading retailers including Apple Stores, Best Buy and Target, as well as online at www.h2oaudio.com and www.amazon.com. The campaign will launch this Summer.

“H2O Audio is extremely proud to welcome Michael Phelps to our team,” said Kristian Rauhala, founder and ceo, H2O Audio. “It’s an honor to have the opportunity to work with one of the finest athletes in the world, especially one who so perfectly aligns with H2O Audio’s mission to encourage everyone — from the elite athlete to the recreational participant — to pursue an active lifestyle and push their level of performance.”

check out more story at transworld

Firewire Surfboards CEO Mark Price on the cover of Entrepreneur Magazine’s July 2009 issue. The article and cover of the magazine touts Firewire’s innovative style of shaping and how it’s changing the way boards are made.

“Competitive surfing was once about carving the surface of a wave; now the sport is heading “above the lip”-in the air-where skate-style moves are becoming de rigueur for a new generation of riders… Firewire is aiming its manufactured boards at daily surfers.”

check out more at firewire’s site

download the PDF

California could avoid shutting down 220 state parks, including Chino Hills in north O.C., by charging a $15 vehicle license fee to all the state’s drivers.

The proposal, adopted by Democratic lawmakers in a joint budget committee struggling to close California’s $24.3 billion budget gap, was one of several offered as alternatives to sharp cuts proposed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Democratic legislators hope to make up the shortfall by increasing revenue and adding some new taxes and fees, and rescinding some corporate tax breaks; Republicans oppose the plan, saying the state’s economy could not support more tax increases.

read more at greenoc.com