Outdoor Recreation Roundtable

👏 Congratulations to ORR members The Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation and Maine Outdoor Brands for today's launch of the Maine Outdoor Economy Roadmap. This comprehensive 10-year plan, the product of months of input and collaboration across the state, will bolster the state’s $3.4 billion outdoor recreation industry through strategic economic investments, workforce expansion, and community revitalization, ensuring Maine is on pace to reach its goal of a diverse and sustainable economy. Learn more about the new Roadmap (and how you might build one in your own state) here: https://lnkd.in/gkK84eny Jeff McCabe Jenny Kordick Carolann Ouellette

Utah Governor Spencer Cox has it exactly right: outdoor recreation fuels economic momentum and is a big reason why Utah continues to be one of the most attractive places for workforce recruitment and retention nationwide. Utah's $9.5 billion outdoor recreation economy is in great hands thanks to the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation. Jason Curry Tara McKee

Joe Impecoven has been named the Special Assistant on Outdoor Recreation Initiatives to Washington Governor Bob Ferguson. In this role, Impecoven will spearhead initiatives to catalyze new growth, opportunity, and access across the Evergreen State's $22.5 billion outdoor recreation economy. Impecoven takes over for Jon Snyder, the dynamic policy advisor for outdoor recreation since the role was first created in 2016. During Joe's 12 years at REI, he held roles in philanthropy, advocacy, community engagement, marketing, guided experiences, and business development, championing initiatives that expanded access to outdoor experiences and supported environmental stewardship. Most recently, as Recreation Policy Program Manager for the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe, Joe worked to align tribal recreation policies with cultural preservation and environmental sustainability. These experiences have shaped his commitment to leveraging outdoor recreation as a tool for community building, economic development, and environmental impact. Please join us in welcoming Joe to the role and to the state office of outdoor recreation community!

New year, new additions to our leading outdoor recreation coalition! We are pleased to welcome as Members: - American Bus Association - Maryland Office of Outdoor Recreation - National Marine Sanctuary Foundation - Nevada Division of Tourism (Travel Nevada) - Paddlesports Trade Coalition - WSIA: Water Sports Industry Association Additionally, joining our new Partner category: - Rollick Learn more about these outstanding organizations: https://lnkd.in/gauwv94j

NEW WORKFORCE PROGRAM: Maine's $3.4 billion outdoor recreation economy has a bright future as ORR and Maine Outdoor Brands are excited to announce a new program to define outdoor industry jobs and expand career pathways across the Pine Tree State. The program will include: - Planning a Maine outdoor recreation K-12 career path strategy to foster early exposure to outdoor careers and build career perceptions among young people. - Marketing initiatives to define and promote careers in Maine's outdoor industry, including the creation and distribution of “Day in the Life” videos showcasing employees and entrepreneurs in action.  - Outreach across Maine via classroom and campus events, engaging leaders from the outdoor industry to directly connect with students.  - Research to enable better alignment between Maine's educational institutions and outdoor industry needs. “Maine’s outdoor recreation industry is a cornerstone of our economy and identity, but workforce challenges hinder its growth,” said Jenny Kordick, Executive Director of Maine Outdoor Brands. “This pilot program is a game-changer. By defining and promoting outdoor industry jobs, we can strengthen career pathways and inspire a new generation to build meaningful, impactful careers in the outdoor sector."

Outdoor recreation takes center stage: It was a banner day for outdoor recreation, ORR, access, and state offices of outdoor recreation at today's U.S. Senate hearing to consider the nomination of North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum to be Secretary of the Interior. Watch the exchanges below between Senators Martin Heinrich, Maria Cantwell, and Governor Burgum to see the bipartisan agreement on the importance of the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy. (Video: C-SPAN)

As President-Elect Trump's Cabinet Nominees embark on confirmation hearings in the coming weeks, here are some of the questions we hope they field to ensure the continued growth and success of the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy and the public lands and waters it relies on.

NEW WORKFORCE RESOURCE: Meet ten real professionals from across the outdoor recreation field. From boat building to marketing and corporate sustainability to trail building and more, this group showcases many of the life-fulfilling ways to build a career in outdoor recreation. In collaboration with OSU Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy, we've built these new career path profiles to showcase the wide variety of professional careers in outdoor recreation as well as advice to break into the field. Check out the resource in the comments to learn more! Thanks to The VF Foundation for supporting this work.

BREAKING: President Biden has signed the EXPLORE Act into law. ORR thanks its members, many bipartisan leaders within Congress, and supporters in the outdoor recreation and conservation communities for their efforts to make this historic accomplishment possible.

💡 🌲 Huge win for outdoor recreation in rural America: Just before the holiday, the U.S. Economic Development Administration was reauthorized with new language unlocking billions of dollars in outdoor recreation investments. ORR's work helped guide the bill to identify and support outdoor recreation for the first time. The bill text states, "In awarding grants, the Secretary may also consider the extent to which a project would support outdoor recreation to spur economic development, with a focus on rural communities." This legislation will grow the Public Works program’s funding for communities to invest in recreation infrastructure such as boat ramps, trails, and campgrounds. These investments are critical for the expansion of Main Street economies, ensuring a sustainable economic future and enhancing the quality of life for residents across the nation. “This legislative milestone is a testament to the undeniable value of outdoor recreation to America’s rural economies and the overall well-being of our communities,” said Jessica (Wahl) Turner, President of Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “By creating new investment opportunities in outdoor recreation infrastructure, planning, and jobs, this legislation is acknowledging the transformative power of this industry that supports every corner of the country." International Economic Development Council National Association of Development Organizations (NADO)