Type: OIA Press Room

BOULDER, Colo. – The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) today released new data on the economic impact of outdoor recreation in 2020. BEA found outdoor recreation accounted for $689 billion in gross output (consumer spending) and 1.8 percent of gross domestic product in 2020.

“Throughout this pandemic, outdoor recreation has been a cornerstone of American life,” said Lise Aangeenbrug, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) executive director. “As stay-at-home orders forced people to adapt their lifestyles, new groups of people, including more women, more urban-dwellers, and more minority populations turned to the outdoors as a place for recreation and refuge. Declines in indirect spending like dining out, air travel, and hotel stays may have impacted our industry’s output, but we saw a significant uptick in outdoor recreation participation. At a time when people needed an outlet for social connection and physical activity, the outdoors was there to provide countless mental and physical health benefits.

“As we look forward, it’s clear the outdoors will be an important part of America’s economic future. Many OIA member companies had exceptionally strong sales over the past year, pointing to how increased participation and newfound respect for the outdoors is putting the outdoor industry on a path toward continued success. Further, lawmakers have introduced new legislation to expand access to the outdoors and invest in climate resiliency, positioning the outdoor industry to continue to grow, create new jobs, and contribute to the national economy. Together, the outdoor industry is a force, and OIA is determined to ensure our industry and the outdoors will thrive for years to come.”

BEA launched its outdoor recreation economy project in 2017 to “deepen the public’s understanding of the economic impact of outdoor recreation, inform decision making, and improve governance and long-term management of public lands and waters.” In 2019, the agency announced it would also start sharing prototype statistics on state-level data.

The BEA release of economic data comes at a time when the health and wellness benefits of recreation cannot be overstated. A recent poll showed 69 percent of Americans have gained a renewed appreciation for the outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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About the Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves 1,200 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

BOULDER, Colo. – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today released the following statement in response to details regarding the ongoing negotiations for the Build Back Better framework and budget reconciliation bill:

“The outdoor industry is encouraged to see meaningful funding for climate measures in the draft text of the budget reconciliation bill,” said Lise Aangeenbrug, executive director of Outdoor Industry Association. “This framework includes historic investments in clean energy, climate resilience, and projects to expand access to the outdoors, and funding to create a Civilian Climate Corps. These provisions would help mitigate the growing threat of climate change and will ensure the outdoor recreation economy and local communities can continue to thrive. As lawmakers continue their negotiations, we urge congressional leadership to maintain robust funding for the Civilian Climate Corps, the Department of the Interior, and programs to increase climate resiliency and encourage climate-smart practices across industries in the final text of the bill.”

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About the Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves 1,200 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 25, 2021

BOULDER, Colo. – The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) issued the following statement today in support of including significant climate provisions in the upcoming reconciliation bill:

“The outdoor industry is an integral part of the American economy, generating $788 billion and supporting 5.2 million employees. But the future of our industry – and the millions of working families and local economies that rely on the outdoors and outdoor recreation – depends on bold and immediate climate action from our government,” said Lise Aangeenbrug, executive director of Outdoor Industry Association. “Outdoor companies are working every day to reduce emissions and decrease their carbon footprint. The federal government has a responsibility to be a part of the solution to truly combat climate change. The reconciliation bill being discussed in Congress offers a once in a generation chance to enact meaningful provisions to address climate change and ensure the success of the outdoor industry and the American economy, and protect the health of the planet.

“As Congress continues to negotiate the reconciliation bill in the coming days, it is imperative for the sake of the outdoor industry, the economy, and the environment, that they include substantive, fully-funded climate provisions in the final bill, including robust funding for the proposed Civilian Climate Corps.”

OIA and 33 leading outdoor companies sent a letter to congressional leadership in September urging Congress to include significant climate provisions in the reconciliation bill, such as the Civilian Climate Corps, Clean Energy Performance Program, and the Growing Climate Solutions Act, among other provisions. These proposals would help mitigate the effects of climate change, expand access to the outdoors, and support local, state, and national economies.

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About the Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves 1,200 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative, and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation, and outdoor participation. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

BOULDER, Colo. – The Outdoor Industry Association today issued the following statement of support for President Biden’s actions to restore protections for Bears Ears, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and Northeast Canyons and Seamounts National Monuments:

“The outdoor industry has long championed the protection of public lands and strongly supports the reinstatement of these National Monuments,” said Lise Aangeenbrug, executive director of Outdoor Industry Association. “Our national monuments, forests, and parks provide places for respite, reflection, recreation, and restoration, and are more important than ever as part of natural solutions to climate change. We thank Secretary Haaland and President Biden for recognizing the importance of these rich cultural and natural resources, which honor Indigenous peoples and benefit all Americans.”

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About the Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves 1,200 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative, and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation, and outdoor participation. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

Nationwide network mobilizes through event series to make outdoors more accessible and inclusive for all.

BOULDER, Colo. (October 5, 2021) — Outdoor Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Outdoor Industry Association, today announced a nationwide series of events to celebrate National Thrive Outside Day on October 9th. Events will take place in each of the Outdoor Foundation’s Thrive Outside Communities, including Atlanta, GA; Grand Rapids, MI; the state of Maine; Oklahoma City, OK; Philadelphia, PA; San Diego, CA; St. Louis, MO; and the Twin Cities region, MN. Events will be hosted from October 2nd through November 13th, with a national celebration occurring on October 9th. Learn about each of the National Thrive Outside Day community events here.

“National Thrive Outside Day is about celebrating the transformative benefits of the outdoors, and ensuring that everyone has equitable access to outdoor spaces and experiences. Nature is proven to provide countless benefits to individuals and communities, including better mental and physical health, positive youth development, and awareness and excitement for environmental stewardship. Thriving outside also means more opportunities to participate in community development and civic engagement efforts that support the systems change necessary to address the root of equity barriers,” said Stephanie Maez, managing director of the Outdoor Foundation. “And now more than ever, connecting to the outdoors is critical.”

“Access to the outdoors is essential for healthy, happy people and communities. Partnerships like our collaboration with the Outdoor Foundation allow us to help spark a lifelong love for the outdoors in kids from neighborhoods that have faced historic disinvestment,” said George Dusenbury, state director for The Trust for Public Land in Georgia. “We are pleased to host a Thrive Outside gathering in Atlanta’s Cook Park, an incredible new green space The Trust for Public Land brought to life alongside residents in a neighborhood that has ties to the Civil Rights Movement.”

“RIVERSPORT is excited to be part of the national Thrive Outside Day during the Oklahoma Regatta Festival. I am especially proud of the 40 Thrive Outside Kayaking League paddlers who will be participating in their end-of-season event,” said Melanie Borger, Senior Director of Corporate Engagement and Youth Outreach. “Immediately following the race, RIVERSPORT invites the public to the Thrive Outside Expo. Families will learn about such a wide variety of ways to connect with nature- close-to-home activities like fishing and beekeeping and state-wide recreation like camping and backcountry cooking. I am continually inspired by the kids in our Thrive Outside programs and the work of our network partners.”

The Thrive Outside Initiative is focused on reversing the trend of decreased outdoor engagement, by working at the grassroots level to empower communities in making outdoor recreation accessible to all. Through a collective impact model, supported by the Outdoor Foundation’s Thrive Outside initiative, communities build a network of partners with a shared vision to provide positive, equitable opportunities for its youth, families, and community members to connect with the outdoors.

The Outdoor Foundation’s Thrive Outside Communities would not be possible without the extremely generous support of: The VF Foundation, L.L.Bean, Patagonia, REI Co-op, Thule, Yeti, Wolverine World Wide, Inc, and Winnebago Industries.

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About Outdoor Foundation
The Outdoor Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Outdoor Industry Association, is a national 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to getting people outside for their health, the health of communities and the health of the outdoor industry. Through community investment and groundbreaking research, the Outdoor Foundation works with many partners to get more people outside more often. Visit outdoorfoundation.org for more information.

BOULDER, Colo. – Outdoor Industry Association today announced its support for the bicameral, bipartisan “Outdoors for All Act,” which would create a dedicated source of funding for outdoor recreation opportunities in urban and low-income communities. The legislation is sponsored by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, D-Calif., and Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine. The House version of the bill is sponsored by U.S. Representatives Nanette Diaz Barragán, D-Calif., and Michael Turner, R-Ohio.

“Outdoor recreation provides countless benefits, from supporting mental and physical health to stimulating the local economy and creating new jobs,” said Lise Aangeenbrug, executive director of Outdoor Industry Association. “Regardless of location, background, or income, all Americans deserve access to parks and green spaces within walking distance to their homes. Yet, more than 100 million Americans do not have that access today.

“This innovative proposal would prioritize federal funding for inclusive outdoor recreation programs in communities that have long been underserved, and increase health benefits and economic opportunities for those living in low-income and urban neighborhoods. We’re delighted to see this important, bipartisan bill introduced in Congress and look forward to working alongside lawmakers to see it enacted it into law.”

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About the Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves 1,200 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

Boulder, Colo., August 19, 2021 — Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), the nonprofit trade association of the outdoor industry, and several partner organizations this week announced the launch of the Outdoor Industry Workforce Assessment. The survey, which will gather information about industry needs for workforce development and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), was designed and developed by faculty from Oregon State University and is being supported by several partners including The VF Foundation, Path to Peak Education & Consulting and the Confluence of States.

OIA and Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) are encouraging their members to participate in the survey in order to capture as many data points as possible in an effort to gauge current efforts and to steer and measure future programming. In addition, the State Outdoor Business Alliance Network (SOBAN), the Confluence of States, and Basecamp Outdoor are sharing the survey with outdoor employers in their networks, and Path to Peak Education + Consulting is acting as a strategic research partner to help establish clear benchmarks top priorities.

“Research and access to data of this kind is one of the cardinal benefits we offer our member companies in order to ensure outdoor businesses are able to adapt in time and in step with the shifting employment landscape,” says OIA Executive Director Lise Aangeenbrug. “It’s important to know what jobs our industry currently has as well as what skills and jobs companies will need in the next years and decades. The more companies that participate in this survey, the more robust the data, the more helpful the insights and the more productive our collaborative work will be toward creating inclusive pathways for outdoor employers and employees of the future.”

“This is an important opportunity to gain a better understanding of our industry,” says Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Executive Director Jessica Turner. “What we learn through this research will help us make better, more strategic decisions about how to grow and promote opportunities within the outdoor recreation economy to new and diverse audiences and better align our industry needs with trainings and programming at all education levels.”

The survey, which launched August 6, will remain in the field until September 30. The research partners recommend that each outdoor company convene a committee that includes executive leadership as well as HR, people and culture, DEI and employee resource group managers and department leaders to complete the survey together.

“We are proud to support this research effort, and we expect the findings to be incredibly valuable to the outdoor industry,” says The VF Foundation Executive Director, Gloria Schoch. “By defining where the outdoor recreation economy stands in terms of workforce development and DEI practices, we can better identify the most promising pathways to improvement.”

Results of the survey will be available in late 2021, and the partners expect to begin developing workplans based on the research results in early 2022.

To learn more about this collaborative research effort, visit the survey website.

 

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Outdoor Industry Association
Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry and the title sponsor of Outdoor Retailer. OIA unites and serves manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation. The OIA is based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

Outdoor Recreation Roundtable
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable promotes the growth of the outdoor recreation economy and outdoor recreation activities and is the leading recreation coalition with 34-member associations serving over 110,000 businesses. ORR’s members represent America’s hunting, fishing, RVing, biking, hiking, camping, ATVing, diving, horseback and skiing communities among many more.

Oregon State University
Oregon State University’s Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy is a partnership of OSU’s Division of Extension and Engagement, the College of Forestry, and OSU-Cascades. The Center is committed to providing the research capacity and relevant programming that will lead to new and better opportunities for the outdoor recreation workforce. These programs will draw on strong industry partnerships, along with the University’s well-earned reputation as an R1 research institution and a leader in education, innovation, and engagement.

The VF Foundation
Since its inception, The VF Foundation has donated more that $50 million globally to support non-profit organizations in driving movements for the betterment of people and the planet, including actions that define Worthy Work, embrace the fact that Outside Matters, and empower diversity, equity, and inclusion as we are Free to Be. Learn more at https://www.vfc.com/our-company/the-vf-foundation.

BOULDER, Colo. – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today celebrated the Senate’s passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill:

“We are thrilled to see this historic bipartisan infrastructure bill pass the Senate and continue to gain steam,” said OIA executive director Lise Aangeenbrug. “The outdoor industry has made no secret of its strong support for this proposal. We are encouraged by its many provisions to mitigate the impacts of climate change, including wildfires, droughts, and floods; expand access to and improve our nation’s parks and trails; and enhance our natural infrastructure resources. Just as importantly, this bill will provide long overdue improvements to America’s core infrastructure – roads, bridges, ports, and airports – which will help our $778 billion industry and 5.2 million employees deliver our products to consumers and connect people with parks and green spaces.

“Although we celebrate today’s achievement, we recognize there is a tremendous amount of work ahead of us. The outdoor industry stands ready to continue working with business leaders, policymakers, and others – as we have done throughout this process – to ensure this critical legislation reaches President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. We also look forward to working with lawmakers and administration officials on the upcoming budget reconciliation bill to include additional climate solutions, such as the creation of a Civilian Climate Corps. As these negotiations proceed, we are also hopeful that Congress will act to provide additional funding for the Department of Interior aimed at mitigating wildfires, improving resilience, and combatting severe drought.”

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About the Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves 1,200 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

BOULDER, Colo. – Today is the one-year anniversary of the bipartisan “Great American Outdoors Act” being signed into law, which authorized $900 million in annual funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and is designed to address the nearly $20 billion deferred maintenance backlog on federal public lands. The outdoor industry played a pivotal role in ensuring the historic bill was passed by Congress, and its successful implementation is a continued priority for Outdoor Industry Association and its more than 1,200 member businesses and organizations.

“The Great American Outdoors Act is laying the groundwork for a historic investment in the parks and outdoor spaces, which provides countless economic, physical, and mental health benefits to people across the country,” said OIA executive director Lise Aangeenbrug. “We are encouraged to see the law already leading to new outdoor recreation projects and public land improvements. We are committed to helping the Biden administration and Congress in their efforts to fully implement the law and help realize its economic and environmental benefits.

“One way to help achieve this goal is through a 21st Century Civilian Climate Corps (CCC) to address the federal park maintenance backlog, conduct new LWCF projects, and protect communities against droughts, wildfires, and floods. The CCC, which is currently being discussed in Congress, would also create thousands of new, well-paying jobs to boost the economic recovery.

“Additionally, more people than ever before are visiting parks and other public lands, including more women, people of diverse ethnicities, and those living in urban areas. It is critically important to continue making these investments to ensure these public lands and waterways remain accessible to all, regardless of zip code.

“As Congress and the Biden administration continue to work on additional conservation and climate legislation, we hope GAOA can provide lessons for how to create and enact new and effective laws to protect the outdoors and increase access to these amazing natural resources.”

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About the Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves 1,200 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

Deborah Williams
Outdoor Industry Association
dwilliams@outdoorindustry.org
303-887-8354

From the future of retail to the future of the planet and an outdoors for all, the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) will deliver robust education at Outdoor Retailer Summer

BOULDER, Colo. (August 3, 2021) — Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), the nonprofit trade association for the outdoor industry, will again deliver a full lineup of live keynote and education sessions at Outdoor Retailer Summer in Denver, August 10–12, 2021. Education will kick off with a keynote from bestselling author and founder of the global consultancy Retail Prophet, Doug Stephens, and will continue through the week. Other featured speakers will include Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet (D), Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO-02), and Attorney General Phil Weiser.

“As we come back together in person for the first time in 18 months, our industry faces a lot of questions about what the future will look like, not only for our businesses, but also for our planet, for people who get outdoors and for future generations,” said Phyllis Grove, OIA’s board chair. “The role of the trade association is to support our members with education and programs to help them take individual and collective action on the issues that matter to our industry. Our team has curated a slate of timely and relevant panels and sessions that will help attendees navigate these unfamiliar challenges.”

Key live OIA education sessions at Outdoor Retailer Summer 2021 include the following:

OIA INDUSTRY BREAKFAST: THE THRIVING FUTURE OF RETAIL
Day 1, Tuesday, August 10, 2021, 7 a.m. (MT), Colorado Convention Center (MR 400s)
Keynote speaker Doug Stephens, a bestselling author and founder of global consultancy Retail Profit, will provide an incisive look into the future of retail in a post-COVID-19 world. The topics of changing consumer behavior and company roles, the future of physical and online retail and how global supply chains will adapt will all be tackled in his gripping talk.

THRIVING PLANET AND PEOPLE: CONFRONTING THREATS TO THE OUTDOORS: TWO VOICES FROM COLORADO AND CAPITOL HILL
Day 1, Tuesday, August 10, 2021, 11 a.m. (MT), Colorado Convention Center (MR 400s)
OIA Executive Director Lise Aangeenbrug will host a conversation with Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet and Rep. Joe Neguse about their efforts to address climate change, wildfires and land and water conservation, all while ensuring more diversity and equity in the outdoors.

THRIVING PEOPLE: PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS FOR HEALTHY YOUTH AND STRONG COMMUNITIES
Day 2, Wednesday, August 11, 2021, 11 a.m. (MT), Colorado Convention Center (MR 400s)
UnitedHealth Group donated $30 million to increase health access for underserved Colorado communities. The attorney general’s office will help direct $5 million from the fund toward organizations that provide mental health services and opportunities to youth. Outdoor Foundation Managing Director Stephanie Maez will interview Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser about how public-private partnerships can help close the equity gap and increase health outcomes through outdoor nature-based programming.

THRIVING BUSINESS: TARIFF RELIEF FOR OUTDOOR COMPANIES: HOW THE NEW TRADE LEGISLATION CAN HELP YOUR BOTTOM LINE
Day 2, Wednesday, August 11, 2021, 3:30 p.m. (MT), Colorado Convention Center (MR 400s)
Join OIA Government Affairs Director Rich Harper and outside counsel Ron Sorini to learn how your company can take advantage of tariff relief measures and how you can get involved in OIA’s trade policy work to help develop new trade initiatives.

THRIVING BUSINESS – WORKFORCE TRENDS IN THE POST-PANDEMIC ERA
Day 3, Thursday, August 12, 2021, 11 a.m. (MT), Colorado Convention Center (MR 400s)
Workforce educators and industry leaders will discuss how innovative workforce development and hiring programs, forward-thinking employee engagement strategies, cutting-edge industry research, and private-public partnerships will support individual companies and the industry at large in meeting the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the new world of work.

In addition to the live panels being offered at the trade show in August, OIA hosted a monthlong series of virtual education sessions, powered by Brandlive, including the following:

Climate Action: Ambition, Collaboration and Practical Steps to Guide Our Industry’s Path to Climate Positive

Building an Outdoors for All: How Outdoor Youth Programming Is Helping Address Equity Barriers in Communities Across the Country

Implementing 30×30: The Essential Partnership of State and Local Stakeholders

A Historic Opportunity on Climate and How Outdoor Companies Can Help

You can watch the virtual sessions on-demand.

About Outdoor Industry Association
Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry and the title sponsor of Outdoor Retailer. OIA unites and serves manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353.