Members of the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) joined other industry leaders for a U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship hearing on the outdoor recreation economy
Boulder, CO (MAY 30, 2025) — Today, leaders in the outdoor industry testified during a field hearing held by the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, “Beyond the Trailhead: Supporting Outdoor Recreation in an Uncertain Economy”, sharing their perspectives on how tariffs are hurting the outdoor recreation economy.
Travis Campbell, CEO of Outdoor Industry Member (OIA) member Eagle Creek, joined Mike Mojica, Founder of Outdoor Element, and Trent Bush, Founder and Co-CEO of ARTILECT Studio, to discuss the impact of tariffs on the outdoor recreation economy and how their business are navigating the ongoing uncertainty around trade.
“We are the kind of small business America should be proud of: We pay our taxes. We comply fully with our duties and regulations. We strive to be a responsible employer, a committed partner to our customers, and a steward of the planet,” said Travis Campbell during the hearing. “Yet, in the wake of newly announced tariffs, it feels as though our country is systematically working against businesses like ours –raising our costs dramatically while fueling consumer anxiety that suppresses demand.”
“Small businesses like mine cannot fix this alone. We need long-term, stable trade policies that recognize the realities of modern supply chains – not punitive tariffs and uncertainty,” Campell continued. “The outdoor industry stands ready to work with you. Our company is prepared to be part of the solution, but we need a clear plan. Because what we’re doing now isn’t working.”
In a recent survey, 84% of OIA members surveyed said they will be impacted by tariffs, resulting in millions of dollars in financial losses and affecting hundreds of outdoor products. The outdoor recreation industry fuels $1.2 trillion in consumer spending and supports over 5 million jobs. Outdoor recreation is a critical force in the U.S. economy, and OIA remains committed to working with the administration and policymakers to champion a balanced trade agenda that supports industry growth and success.
You can read Travis Campbell’s full testimony here, and watch the full hearing here.
About Outdoor Industry Association
Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.
