Columbia Sportswear Hires Director of Production for Footwear Division.

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 31, 1999--Outdoor industry leader Columbia Sportswear Company(R) (Nasdaq:COLM) announced today that Victor D. Bieker has joined the Columbia team as director of product development and production for its footwear division.

Bieker, who has almost 20 years experience in the footwear industry, will assist in growing the company's expanding footwear category. Since its introduction, rugged footwear as a percentage of the net sales increased from 0.6 percent in 1993 to 7.5 percent in 1998.

Reporting directly to Rick Carpenter, Columbia's executive director of operations, Bieker will be responsible for all product development, commercialization and production activities. In this role, he will evaluate and streamline all footwear development, commercialization and production processes while maintaining the company's rigorous expectations for superior quality and delivery.

"Our footwear division has become an increasingly important part of our revenue mix, and we expect it to continue to be a growth category for the company into the future," said Tim Boyle, president and CEO of Columbia Sportswear Company. "We are thrilled to have someone with Victor's experience and enthusiasm join our team to help us continue our commitment to providing high quality footwear products."

Columbia's rugged footwear collection features innovative technical designs that incorporate waterproof/breathable constructions, thermal insulation, advanced cushioning systems and high abrasion, slip resistant outsoles. The market for rugged footwear remains a substantial growth opportunity for the company. Columbia expects the design and development of new footwear and expanding the distribution of rugged footwear in the United States  and abroad to drive rugged footwear sales.

Prior to joining Columbia, Bieker worked for Global Sports International, based in King of Prussia, Pa. While there, he was the director of product development for the Apex Athletic Footwear Brand and Yukon Outdoor Brand for Global Sports International. Before that, Bieker held primary management positions during a 17-year tenure at Danner Shoe Manufacturing of Portland, Ore.

Founded in 1938 in Portland, Oregon, Columbia Sportswear Company is a global leader in the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of active outdoor apparel and footwear. As one of the largest outerwear manufacturers in the world and the leading seller of skiwear in the United States, the company has developed an international reputation by expanding its product line, emphasizing quality, performance, functionality and value. Columbia is internationally known for its performance-oriented apparel and footwear as well as for its marketing campaign featuring Columbia's Chairwoman of the board and official "Tough Mother," Gert Boyle. To learn more about Columbia Sportswear, please visit the company's web site at www.columbia.com.