June 2019

If you read nothing else …

The three most important things for you to know.

1. Welcome to Jenny Kordick, MOB’s new Executive Director! Read on to learn more about Jenny.
2. Be sure to follow along on Facebook and Instagram to see what our members are up to at Outdoor Retailer later this month, and of course how they are spending summer in Maine. We’re more than happy to share stories and news, so let us know what exciting things you have going on over the next few months!
3. Once again, MOB will be going a little quieter in the months of July and August so all our members have the opportunity to spend time outside in these beautiful summer months. We have a few events here and there, but really want you to take advantage of this time- we certainly will be!

Upcoming events

It doesn’t seem so long ago that I was writing with the exciting news that the State had created the Office of Outdoor Recreation and hired Carolann Ouellette to run it. Well, I’m writing today with some exceptionally exciting news of our own. I’m pleased to announce that MOB has hired its first, full time executive director, Jenny Kordick.

The search, led by new MOB member KMA Human Resources Consulting, took approximately six weeks. But quickly, from the pool of more than 30 qualified applicants, Jenny rose to the top of our list for her relevant skills, experience and for what the board felt was her ability to effectively lead MOB to the next level.

Jenny has worked for The Wilderness Society for the past six years — commuting regularly from Peaks Island to Washington DC for the past two. She has extensive experience organizing events, working with the media, and managing diverse coalitions of non-profit organizations, local elected officials, and most importantly, businesses. (She’s also well on her way to attaining her MBA.) She’s an avid outdoorist and can often be found out running, paddling and camping.

Jenny’s first day on the job will actually be spent in Denver, at Outdoor Retailer. In addition to helping work the MOB booth, she’ll be developing her network with colleagues from across the industry. After OR, her plans include a statewide road trip to meet with as many MOB members, and potential members, as possible. More on that to come.

Jenny’s email is jenny@MaineOutdoorBrands.com. On behalf of the board of directors, please join me in extending your best wishes to Jenny in the new role.

-Jim Hauptman, Board President

How climate change is impacting specialty outdoor retail
Outdoor shops are preparing for an uncertain future, from inventory management to diversification to events and activism.

The Maine Brand: Value of products created here continues to grow
MaineBiz talks about the Maine Brand, mentioning quite a few MOB members along the way!

Old Town® Launches Newest Addition to Top-Selling Topwater Series
Congratulations to Old Town on the launch of their pedal-powered kayak!

Seamlessly working
How MOB member American Roots is fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Made In America. Angelrox Clothing Keeps It Down Home In Maine.
Forbes takes a look at Angelrox’s growth and the inspiration behind the company.

Thank you to everyone who came out to the Liquid Courage reception for Rappel for Rippleffect! We had a great time watching from the ground, and want to thank the following members who were corageous enough to go over the edge, and generous enough to raise money for a great cause:

• Blaze Partners
• Grandy Oats
• Flowfold
• Good To-Go
• Machias Savings Bank
• GrandyOats
• Sterling
• Arctic Lynx
• Activity Maine
• L.L. Bean
• Hutnak & Associated
• Office of Outdoor Recreation

Thank you to Maine Made for featuring MOB on their site! Maine Made builds recognition for Maine products, their producers, and Maine industries. They have hundreds of Maine products, searchable by category and region.

The WOMEN’S ADVENTURE FILM TOUR has arrived in the USA for the first time ever and is playing at the Port City Music Hall for ONE NIGHT ONLY on June 26! This tour is a celebration of the fantastic women around us who are doing extraordinary things, and are to be enjoyed by women and men of all ages.

The event features an all new set of 7-9 short films including the local premiere of Katie Walsh’s film, Surfing to Cope about American pro surfer Brianna Cope. You’ll also experience climbing, skiing, mountaineering, snowboarding and travel films from all over the world.

Click here for more info and to buy tickets

MOB welcomes KMA Human Resource Consulting and Yarmouth Payroll Plusas new, in-kind supporters. KMA was instrumental in the hiring of our new executive director and already provides a number of MOB members with a wide range of HR services. And with a full-time employee comes the need for payroll support and reporting. Yarmouth Payroll Plus has generously offered their knowledge and expertise in making easy work of what can be a complicated undertaking. MOB thanks both KMA and YPP and reminds MOB members to please support the companies that support us!