This week, Gregory’s founder, Wayne Gregory, got a little belated Christmas gift of sorts. In honor of the fact that Wayne is still full speed ahead at the company that bears his name some 32 years after it was founded, a group of employees got together (unbeknownst t
o him) to get him a fitting gift that would signify his commitment to Gregory the company and to building the best packs on the market (yeah this is our blog, but we believe that to be true). The gift also had to have some significance to Wayne, of course, and also be something that would mean something to others, especially outdoors folk.
So, behold the Wayne Gregory memorial picnic bench that will reside at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve just north of San Deigo starting this spring. The bench has arrived on site this week and will be moved into its permanent location in the next couple of months.
The cool thing about this gift is that really does reflect to many degrees who Wayne is. First off, Gregory was founded in San Diego, where Wayne is originally from, and this beach remains one of Wayne’s favorite places (though it took a lot of cajoling to get that info out of him). He still visits there with his kids and grandkids when he’s down south. 
It’s not often daughters tell their fathers how much they appreciate them. So this Christmas, I’m excited to do just that by gifting my dad a Gregory backpack to thank him for the years he spent exploring the Rocky Mountains with me.
At Gregory we’re getting into the holiday spirit by reaching out to our local community here in Sacramento and helping a family in need. About a month ago, our local bike cop (who keeps our hood safe and is often hanging around the office geeking out with us over new gear) told us about a program through the 
So the Gregory Gives Back group rallied employees, our landlord, friends and family and started collecting everything we could (big ups to craigslist and everyone in the office with large enough cars and muscles to help move furniture). In no time, an empty cube was filled up with tons of stuff to donate to this family, and we’ve been dropping it off as we obtain it for a couple of weeks now. We were even able to get management to donate some ca$h to buy some of the items we couldn’t find, like new bedding, new clothes, some backpacks for school (obviously) and a brand new bike and helmet for each child. Employees donated everything else you could think of - rugs, tables, lamps, beds, clothing, toys, groceries, kitchen items and even a stroller! I’m so proud of everyone here for coming together and helping to make this great donation to a family in need.
And the giving doesn’t stop there. We’re hoping that we can help this family out a few more times next year by allocating some of the funds we have in the Gregory Gives Back budget to them for any future items they may need. We hope you all have a great holiday season and if at all possible, consider donating to those less fortunate. Even the smallest item can go a long way to helping someone else out.
About a month ago, we posted the theme and categories for this year’s 
(CREEPER)
After the UN named 2002 the International Year of Mountains, the decision was made to declare 
fabric, and foams, and our two sample sewers - Irma and Nick - can create pretty much any product from scratch. This comes in handy when R&D gets to the testing phase for any new product. Within minutes, they can go back to the sewing room, take a feature that’s not working right (harness angle off, for example), and have it updated.
Irma has made miniature product ornaments to decorate the tree we put up in the office. Not only do they look exactly like their larger counterparts from afar, upon closer inspection, you realize they are exactly like the real thing. Zippers, buckles, interior organizer pockets, harnesses, backpanels - all sewn where they should be. It’s just another testament to the craftsmanship and attention to detail the people at Gregory pride themselves on, and we are so proud to have Irma (and her talent) as part of the team.
Well we have our first winner - Congratulations to Stephen who’s picture, 
We’ve decided to make things a bit more interesting. For December’s contest, the prize will be a Day and a Half pack from our Classic Series. Not sure what this is? Well that’s because it’s one of our products offered exclusively in Japan. These packs use bomber materials, some of Wayne Gregory’s original patterning and designs and are favorites overseas. Now’s your chance to own one and make all your friends jealous that they can’t easily get one (unless you’re friends live in Tokyo and can visit the 
