Portland, ME, November 26, 2019 – Leaders in the outdoor recreation industry across Maine came together last week to discuss the importance of the outdoor economy to the state and its future at a forum entitled, Celebrating and Cultivating Maine’s Outdoor Recreation Economy. As part of the event, a panel moderated by Patricia Rojas-Ungar, Vice President of the Outdoor Industry Association, featured prominent leaders from the state’s non-profit, private and public sectors.
Governor Janet Mills was in attendance and spoke specifically about the state’s commitment to furthering the outdoor economy, demonstrated by the recent signing of the Outdoor Recreation Industry Confluence Accords and the establishment of the Office of Outdoor Recreation for the state of Maine.
“Maine people and visitors have enjoyed our vast natural resources for generations. From hunting to fishing to hiking and many other activities in between, experiencing and protecting the outdoors is an integral part of our heritage, it is who we are as a people, and it is a cornerstone of our state’s economy,” said Governor Janet Mills. “By joining this partnership of states, Maine will continue to build on its strong outdoor recreation tradition to attract new businesses, encourage healthy lifestyles, create jobs and strengthen our rural economy.”
Maine joined 12 other states and is the second state in New England to sign the Confluence Accords, committing to advance the areas of conservation and stewardship, education and workforce training, economic development and public health and wellness.
“New government data shows that Maine is one of the top outdoor recreation leaders in the country, and we believe there is even more room for growth,” said Jenny Kordick, Executive Director of Maine Outdoor Brands. “By promoting our outdoor businesses and investing in trails and other outdoor recreation infrastructure, we can further establish Maine as a national leader, create new jobs in the outdoor industry and boost the state’s economy.”
Maine’s Outdoor Recreation Industry a National Leader
According to the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis, Maine’s outdoor recreation industry makes up a larger percentage of the state’s economy than in almost any other state, ranking third only behind Hawaii and Montana. Outdoor recreation supports more than 40 thousand jobs in Maine, accounting for 6.4% of employment. Additionally, manufacturing of outdoor recreation goods contributed $328 million to Maine’s economy in 2017, an increase of 47% in the last five years.
How the Industry Can Work Together to Remove Barriers to the Outdoors
Carolann Ouellette, Director of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation, joined industry leaders and introduced the panel to discuss the state of Maine’s outdoor recreation economy. The panel discussion centered on how Maine is uniquely positioned to be a leader in the outdoor recreation space and what the state brings to the national effort to grow the outdoor recreation economy.
Panelists included: Maria Povec, Senior Policy Analyst, Maine Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future; John Judge, President and CEO, Appalachian Mountain Club; Russell Walters, President, Northern Outdoors and Dr. Tory Rogers, Medical Director, Let’s Go, MaineHealth.
One of the primary themes to emerge from the discussion was how the various sectors can work to bring people together, making the outdoors more accessible for all.
“By coming together, we’re able to advance both conversation and action required to expand our industry and its many associated benefits. These include economic development, job growth, improved public health, and greater awareness around conservation and sustainability,” said Shawn Gorman, Executive Chairman and great-grandson of L.L. Bean. “Pledging to support these four pillars is only the beginning. It’s the action that follows that is most important.”
Learn more about Maine’s outdoor recreation economy and impact.
