Carhartt, a sponsor of B.A.S.S. and the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series, has received the Legends of the Outdoors Manufacturing Excellence Award.

The award was created to honor companies that have been in the business of creating and manufacturing great products for use in the outdoors industry. Recipient companies must have been in business for more than 50 years and have a proven record of manufacturing products of the highest quality and standards. Carhartt is the third company to receive this award.

"We are honored that Carhartt is the recipient of this award for 2012," said Garry Mason, founder of the Legends of the Outdoors National Hall of Fame. "We believe that this award not only says thanks to those running and working for this great company today but also says thanks to those who have come before them and those who have allowed the opportunity to follow in their footsteps."

The award was presented at the hall’s annual awards banquet in Nashville recently. Several individuals were inducted into the hall as well. Among them were two former Bassmaster Classic champions, Rayo Breckenridge (1973) and Tommy Martin (1974), as well as Bill Huntley, founder of TH Marine and Bumble Bee Bait Co. B.A.S.S. was named Legends of the Outdoors Organization of the Year in 2011.

"Carhartt’s durability and toughness are matchless and are what set it apart from the competition. The use of heavy-duty threads, reinforced rivets at vital stress points, heavy-duty YKK zippers and the use of high-technology materials resistant to flames, abrasion and water are a few reasons why Carhartt apparel is well respected on the job site," saidTim Humes, brand marketing manager, who accepted the award on behalf of Carhartt. "We are honored to be recognized by the Legends of the Outdoors for our manufacturing excellence and something we take great pride in."

The Legends of the Outdoors National Hall of Fame was established to recognize those outdoor sportsmen and sportswomen who, through countless hours of hard work and devotion to the outdoors, in both hunting and fishing, have played an integral part in setting the standards and guidelines for the rest of the outdoor world to follow.

Carhartt is the Official Apparel Sponsor and Official Supporting Sponsor of the annual Bassmaster Classic and two B.A.S.S.-owned circuits: the top-level Bassmaster Elite Series and the three-division Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series. In addition, Carhartt is the title sponsor of the growing tour for college fishing teams, College B.A.S.S.

About Carhartt, Inc - Established in 1889, Carhartt is a global premium work wear brand with a rich heritage of developing rugged apparel for workers on and off the job. Headquartered inDearborn, Mich., with approximately 4,400 employees worldwide, Carhartt is privately owned and managed by the descendants of the company’s founder, Hamilton Carhartt. For more information, visit the carhartt website.

About B.A.S.S.
For more than 40 years, B.A.S.S. has served as the authority on bass fishing. The organization advances the sport through advocacy, outreach and an expansive tournament structure while connecting directly with the passionate community of bass anglers through its Bassmaster media vehicles.

The Bassmaster brand and its multimedia platforms are guided by a mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications - Bassmaster Magazine and B.A.S.S. Times - comprehensive Bassmaster website and ESPN2 and Outdoor Channel television programming, Bassmaster provides rich, leading-edge content true to the lifestyle.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series,Cabela’s B.A.S.S. Federation Nation events and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic.

B.A.S.S. offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members and remains focused on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Birmingham, Ala.