May 28, 2025 – Governor Kelly Ayotte will officially proclaim June 10, 2025, as “NH Outdoor Industry Day,” recognizing the vital contributions of the outdoor sector to the state’s economy and culture. The ceremonial proclamation takes place at 2 PM in Manchester’s Veterans Memorial Park.
New Hampshire’s outdoor economy ranks 8th nationally for its percentage contribution to state GDP and sustains nearly 32,000 jobs and 1,000 small businesses across sectors like hospitality, manufacturing, retail, tourism, and professional services. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, New Hampshire’s outdoor industry generated nearly $4 billion in revenue 2023, accounting for 4.5% of the state’s total employment. These are the highest levels recorded since the agency began tracking the sector in 2012.
The proclamation ceremony will bring together local and state leaders, business owners, non-profit organizations, and outdoor enthusiasts to celebrate the industry’s vital role in driving economic growth, workforce development, and quality of life in the Granite State. In partnership with Outdoor Industry Day, the Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) will launch the Workforce Toolkit for the Outdoor Lifestyle—a comprehensive resource designed to help New Hampshire employers integrate outdoor recreation assets into recruiting, hiring, and retention strategies.
Alongside the Governor, Outdoor Industry Day speakers will include BEA Commissioner Taylor Caswell and Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry Development (ORID) Director Janel Lawton, Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais, Granite Outdoor Alliance (GOA) Director Tyler Ray, and NEMO Equipment Founder and CEO Cam Brensinger.
“We are excited to launch the New Hampshire Workforce Toolkit for the Outdoor Lifestyle and give employers tangible resources to incorporate the state’s outdoor recreation assets into their workforce recruitment and retention strategies,” said Janel Lawton, ORID Director. “By promoting a culture centered around an active, outdoor lifestyle, New Hampshire companies can attract high-quality talent, reduce turnover, and boost overall productivity.”
Following the Outdoor Industry Day ceremony, Granite Outdoor Alliance (GOA) will host a Rock City Vendor Village pop-up, featuring New Hampshire-based outdoor brands and non-profits. Rock City travels to events across the state to showcase New Hampshire outdoor brands and foster direct connections among community members and industry leaders.
“Rock City is our platform to celebrate the businesses and organizations that are the backbone of New Hampshire’s outdoor economy,” said Tyler Ray, Director of GOA. “These are the brands building gear, creating jobs, and driving innovation in communities across the state. We’re proud to showcase their impact in a visible, public way—and there’s no better place to do that than downtown Manchester on Outdoor Industry Day.”
The NH Outdoor Industry Day press conference and Rock City Vendor Village are free and open to the public. Food and music will be available. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
A series of regional partner events will continue throughout the summer to emphasize industry growth, workforce development, and public engagement, reinforcing the sector’s essential contribution to the state’s economic and cultural identity. To learn more and RSVP for the event, visit Eventbrite or www.graniteoutdoor.org.
###
Press Contact Info: Sam Trombley
Granite Outdoor Alliance
860-319-9944
About the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs:
The Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) is dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality of the State of New Hampshire while promoting it as a destination for domestic and international visitors. BEA oversees programs in economic development, international commerce, outdoor recreation industry development, planning and community development, travel and tourism, visitor services, and workforce development. For more information, visit www.nheconomy.com.
About Granite Outdoor Alliance:
Granite Outdoor Alliance is a non-profit business alliance that supports New Hampshire’s outdoor industry including brands, retailers, nonprofits, and individuals. With over 130 business members, Granite Outdoor promotes outdoor recreation as a critical anchor to integrate rural and urban economic policies, communities, and industry to enhance life in New Hampshire.
