MAINE OUTDOOR BRAND NEWS + EVENTS
A Month @ MOB: August Issue
7 Aug 2024
Welcome to the 12th edition of "A Month @ MOB," a roundup of news and events in Maine's outdoor industry each month: Wabanaki Nations can now gather sweetgrass at Acadia Acadia Superintendent Kevin Schneider said this is a critical step in "preserving and protecting the park through co-stewardship with the Wabanaki tribes and providing space for Wabanaki citizens to heal and re-connect with their homeland." Auburn Goodwill partners with Maine GearShare for clothing repair fair Josh Bossin and the team at Maine GearShare are spreading the word that those items you may have almost given up on can be fixed and get a new lease on life. Grain Surfboards announces new coffee partnership For many years, Grain has thrived by collaborating on innovative, sustainably-oriented products including aging a whiskey on cedar shavin...
A Month @ MOB: July Issue
12 Jul 2024
Welcome to the 11th edition of "A Month @ MOB," a roundup of news and events in Maine's outdoor industry each month: Opinion: How to cure loneliness in Maine? Invest in public spaces Betsy Cook, the Maine State Director of The Trust for Public Land, advocates for increased, equitable investments in parks and public lands. New Find a Guide tool from Maine Professional Guides Association This convenient addition to the Maine Professional Guides Association’s website — developed with support from Maine Guides Education Fund and L.L. Bean – allows users to search within a directory of registered guides by name, keyword, activity, and/or region. Solvitall has launched their Indiegogo Solvitall, a natural alternative to petroleum-based lubricants like WD-40, has launched their crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. Survue...
A Month @ MOB: June Issue
6 Jun 2024
Welcome to the 10th edition of "A Month @ MOB," a roundup of news and events in Maine's outdoor industry each month: Windham unveils 700-acre conservation area: Boost for Maine's outdoor recreation economy This project came together after Windham leaders and the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust fund brought it to “Land for Maine’s Future.' This land is now one of the largest conservation areas in southern Maine. National Park Service seeks up to 2,500 acres for entry to Katahdin monument Proposed federal legislation aims to improve access to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument by allowing the National Park Service to acquire up to 2,465 acres from willing landowners, enhancing transportation and potentially benefiting local businesses and tourism, while preserving traditional land uses and respecting landowner rights...
A Month @ MOB: May Issue
2 May 2024
Welcome to the 9th edition of "A Month @ MOB," a roundup of news and events in Maine's outdoor industry each month: Maine Trails Bond Passes! We did it! The Maine Trails Bond passed both the House and Senate this month and was signed by the Governor. Thank you to all who weighed in and supported this initiative, which will provide $30M for trails in Maine. We’re not done yet…it now heads to the ballot in November for the Maine people to vote on. Following an introduction at Outdoor Retailer, Flowfold announces new exclusive partnership with Japan distributor, Alco International LTD. Together, they are working diligently on a line of gear curated specifically for the Japanese market. L.L.Bean Breaks from Social Media for Mental Health Month The brand partners with Mental Health America and introduces NatureDose app cha...
A Month @ MOB: March Issue
7 Mar 2024
Welcome to the 8th edition of "A Month @ MOB," a roundup of news and events in Maine's outdoor industry each month: MOB spent time in Augusta weighing in on two bills: The Maine Outdoor Schools for All Act (LD 1817) would provide Maine students a chance to participate in multi-day outdoor programs led by Maine's outstanding trip leading organizations. An Act To Provide Relief To Small Businesses Affected By Severe Weather-related Events (LD 2191) would support small businesses, including outdoor industry product, service, and retail brands, impacted by the recent storms. Maine looks to unlock full potential of outdoor recreation economy with new 10-year roadmap The Roadmap is a guide for thinking about the next ten years of Maine’s $3.3B (and growing!) outdoor recreation industry. It will identify trends, challenges, and o...
Uniting for trails. Help pass the Maine Trails Bond!
4 Mar 2024
Posted March 4, 2024 Calling all outdoor recreation enthusiasts in Maine! A crucial decision is approaching that will impact the future of outdoor recreation in our state: the Maine Trails Bond. With the potential to inject $30 million into trail design, construction, and maintenance, the bond will be a much needed boost for outdoor enthusiasts, businesses, and communities alike. As this proposal is considered in Augusta, it's imperative that we, as Maine's outdoor community, unite our voices and urge our legislators to support the Maine Trails Bond. Background: The Maine Trails Bond (LD 1156) is currently before the Maine Legislature. This $30 million bond would be a first-ever significant investment by the State of Maine in the design, development, and maintenance of non-motorized, motorized, and diverse use trails statewide...
A Month @ MOB: February Issue
8 Feb 2024
We're back with the 7th edition of "A Month @ MOB," a collection of news and events in Maine's outdoor industry each month: Outdoor Retailer highlights top winter gear exhibitors, including MOB member Mainers Check out gear picks from the show floor at OR Winter. Grain Surfboards launches new 3-day workshop and new perimeter rail material With years of R&D behind them and some exciting new materials in their shop. Grain has announced a new, condensed 3-day workshop. SnoYak named to the next cohort of the Dirigo Labs business accelerator in Waterville SnoYak, an Oakland-based MOB member, makes innovative sit-skis for all abilities and means. King, Pingree, Golden Applaud $1 Million Grant for Solar Panels and Electric Vehicle Charging Station at Acadia National Park Maintenance Building The additio...
A Month @ MOB: January Issue
12 Jan 2024
Happy New Year, MOB community! We're starting the year off with the 6th edition of "A Month @ MOB," a roundup of exciting events in Maine's outdoor industry from the past month: Portland-based Sea Bags scores NFL licensing deal Sea Bags has secured a multiyear licensing agreement with the NFL to feature team logos on their signature bags crafted from recycled sailcloth. Skowhegan Whitewater River Park plans roll along with a final design on horizon Special shoutout to MOB's Industry Leader of the Year, Kristina Cannon, president and CEO of Main Street Skowhegan, the nonprofit spearheading the park project. Bangor Daily News rounds up new gear libraries across the state Read the feature on MOB members Maine GearShare and Kindling Collective! Rogue Life Maine donates $200k+ to the Lewiston S...
A Month @ MOB: December Issue
7 Dec 2023
It's that time again! Read on for the 5th edition of "A Month @ MOB," a roundup of 10 of the latest events in Maine's outdoor industry: The Institute for Family-Owned Business in Portland presented numerous awards during its 23rd Maine Family Business Awards gala. Mahoosuc Guide Services in Newry received the “Geiger Environmental Leadership Award” Newry-based Mahoosuc Guide Service, whose co-founder Polly Mahoney was honored as a Mainebiz Woman to Watch in 2021, received the Geiger Environmental Leadership Award. Judges highlighted Mahoosuc’s work with indigenous communities in Maine and Canada, as well as the organization’s conservation practices, buying local and using renewable energy. The Daily features Ponch Membreno of Mainers and Maine Outdoor Brands in report from Outdoor Retailer's Winter Show Br...
2023 Maine Outdoor Economy Summit: Shaping the Future of Maine’s Outdoor Economy
6 Dec 2023
The 2023 Maine Outdoor Economy Summit, produced by the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation and Maine Outdoor Brands, gathered over 350 outdoor enthusiasts, industry leaders, and visionaries to shape the future of Maine's outdoor sector. Read on for the recap of the event! The Summit kicked off with a range of outdoor adventures in the Rockport area, fostering connections and setting the tone for an eventful Summit. Participants immersed themselves in Maine's natural beauty, from a hike up the iconic Beech Hill Preserve with accessibility advocate Enock Glidden to a session on mindfulness in nature with Happier Outside, exploring the Goose River Trail Network with Coastal Mountains Land Trust and the local chapter of New England Mountain Bike Association, taking a dip in the cold waters with Saltwater Mountain Co., or joining a to...
A Month @ MOB: November Issue
1 Nov 2023
Welcome back to edition #4 of "A Month @ MOB!" We've rounded up the latest happenings in Maine's outdoor industry below: Trust for Public Land and Penobscot Nation announce a vision for a 30,000-acre land return project in the Katahdin Region of Maine and a $32M fundraising effort to make it happen. Penobscot Nation and the Trust for Public Land have embarked on a landmark project in Maine, returning 30,000 acres of land to the Penobscot Nation, marking the largest land return between a non-profit and a Tribal Nation, while also aiming to facilitate vital road access to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, prioritizing Indigenous self-determination, land stewardship, and the restoration of ancestral homelands. This collaborative effort, representing a profound step in acknowledging Indigenous sovereignty and land care, s...
A Month @ MOB: October Issue
12 Oct 2023
Welcome back to the third edition of "A Month @ MOB!" Here's a look at the latest news from Maine's outdoor industry: Portland Gear Hub launches "HERE TO STAY" campaign We're thrilled to celebrate the recent success of Portland Gear Hub at their Community Celebration. They're on a mission to secure their future as a community nonprofit outdoor gear and bike shop in Portland, and together with Ketcha Outdoors have already raised over 70% of the funds needed to purchase their building and lot. Help them reach their goal! Mainbiz 40 Under 40 honors MOB members Mainebiz is celebrating 40 leaders making their mark in Maine's business landscape, including MOB's own Jenny Kordick along with a few other MOB members, including MOB board member Sokunthy Yean (VP of operations, Sea Bags), Amber Boutiette & Patrick Breeding (founde...
A Month @ MOB: September Issue
13 Sep 2023
Map Adventures releases “DownEast Acadia: From Ellsworth to Jonesboro,” featuring maps of Ellsworth’s trails -> A collaboration between the city of Ellsworth, community partners, and Map Adventures has produced a new guide called "DownEast Acadia: From Ellsworth to Jonesboro," which features maps of Ellsworth's extensive trail system, with the aim of encouraging travelers to spend more time in the city known as "one of Maine's premier trail towns" and highlighting its outdoor recreation opportunities, recent grant awards, and partnerships with organizations like the Frenchman Bay Conservancy and Blue Hill Heritage Trust to expand and maintain its trail network. Grain Surfboards gears up for their 8th annual Surf Re-Evolution, Sept 15 & 16 -> Surf Re-Evolution is an annual event hosted by Grain Surfboards in York,...
Legislative Landscape for Maine’s Outdoor Industry: A Recap of the 131st Legislature’s Most Impactful Bills
26 Jul 2023
While more than a thousand bills were introduced in the 131st session of Maine’s legislature, only a select few have passed both chambers and made it to the Governor’s desk. Legislative developments can and will impact the state’s outdoor industry – from PFAs regulations to e-bike incentives to paid family leave policies. Maine Outdoor Brands is committed to ensuring that our state is a thriving hub for outdoor enthusiasts and businesses alike, and will continue to follow and advocate for policies that support the health and sustainability of our $3 billion outdoor recreation economy. Below you will find a summary of the legislation passed in 2023 that impacts the outdoor industry, as well as a summary of bills that have been carried over for consideration when the legislature reconvenes in January. Passed Legislation: Bills Im...
Governor Mills Announces Nine New Land for Maine’s Future Conservation Projects
2 Jun 2023
Governor Janet Mills today announced funding for nine new Land for Maine's Future (LMF) conservation projects across Maine, advancing the State of Maine’s commitment to preserve precious natural resources, protect wildlife habitats, and ensure public access to lakes, rivers, scenic views, and mountain vistas.
Maine GearShare Welcomes Next Executive Director
2 Jun 2023
BRUNSWICK, MAINE - Maine GearShare's Board of Directors is thrilled to announce the appointment of Josh Bossin as the organization's new Executive Director. He will step into the role on June 1, 2023. Josh has been involved with the organization for a year through both committee and consulting work. He will bring to this role many years of experience in the outdoors, equipment rental operations, gear repair, and administrative management.
Group wants $35M for Wabanaki culture visitor station at Katahdin Woods and Waters
25 May 2023
Making the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument more easily accessible to the public while accentuating the Wabanaki heritage of the land are the focuses of a $35 million capital campaign announced Tuesday by the Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters. The effort, combining the efforts and resources of the Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters, the Elliotsville Foundation Inc., the National Park Service and a Wabanaki Advisory Board, will fund a visitor contact station, priority park projects and Wabanaki initiatives. The Friends campaign, called “A Monumental Welcome,” has already raised $22.8 million. The Quimby Family Philanthropies, Roxanne Quimby Foundation and Elliotsville Foundation Inc. have committed to donating $10 million of that. Continue reading here
Good To-Go Adds to Its Marketing Team
15 May 2023
Kristen Murphy joins Good To-Go after 12 years at Vibram Corporation and will be focused on growing Good To-Go’s audience and supporting its retail partners. Good To-Go, the award-winning dehydrated gourmet meal brand founded by Chef Jennifer Scism, has added to its team hiring Kristen Murphy as its Marketing Manager. With a deep understanding of the outdoor industry, Murphy will be focused on growing Good To-Go’s audience and supporting its retail partners.
Mainebiz: Statewide coalition backs $30M bond for Maine trails
1 May 2023
A statewide coalition of more than 260 Maine businesses, towns and organizations are urging lawmakers to pass a $30 million bond to expand and maintain trails for hiking, snowmobiling and other purposes. In a letter to Maine lawmakers made public at a State House news conference on Wednesday, supporters note that trails are an essential component of Maine's $3 billion outdoor recreation economy.
Skowhegan pushes to position itself as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts
5 Apr 2023
Several projects are in the works to lure outdoor adventurers to town, and Main Street Skowhegan this week is organizing an Outdoor Rec & Tech Summit to address obstacles facing the outdoor recreation industry in Maine. Read more in the Sun Journal.
Kittery’s Good To-Go leverages Maine’s mentorship and capital resources
20 Mar 2023
Jennifer Scism, co-founder and CEO of a Kittery maker of natural dehydrated meals for active people, recalls a time early on when she was thinking about scaling from preparing 20 servings per day to 20,000.
Portland startup Marin Skincare finds space on L.L.Bean shelves
17 Mar 2023
Marin Skincare, a Portland startup that produces a skin cream using a lobster byproduct, has scored featured placement at L.L.Bean’s Home Store on its flagship campus in Freeport.
Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation Collaborates on National Guidebook Developed for Offices of Outdoor Recreation
8 Mar 2023
Carolann Ouellette, director of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation, is pleased to share the release of the first-ever Guidebook on Developing Offices of Outdoor Recreation by the Confluence of States that provides best practices and strategies on developing successful offices of outdoor recreation and supports directors of current state offices of outdoor recreation across the nation. Read more here
The Daily: Opolis Optics Turns Plastic Bottles Into Goggles
3 Mar 2023
The goggles and sunglasses brand won an Outdoor Retailer Innovation Award at the Outdoor Retailer Snow Show. The Maine Outdoor Brands organization has been a key supporter of the start-up.
OWAA: The latest from the Outdoor Retailer Snow Show 2023
6 Feb 2023
Outdoor Writers Association of American Outdoor Voices Blog: Originally developed for outdoor restaurants to use during the pandemic, made-in-Maine Hüga Heated Cushions are rechargeable, water-resistant, portable, easy-to-clean and, of course, heated. There are three temperature settings that can range from 85-120℉ and the batteries can last from 6-10 hours.
WINNERS OF ANNUAL OUTDOOR RETAILER INNOVATION AWARDS ANNOUNCED AT SNOW SHOW
12 Jan 2023
SALT LAKE CITY – (January 12, 2023) – The winners of the fifth annual Outdoor Retailer Innovation Awards were announced in a ceremony on the second night of Outdoor Retailer Snow Show on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, in Salt Lake City, Utah and includes Maine's Opolis. — StokedSnow Goggles made with Opolis’ patent-pending blend StokedPlastic®
Axios: A smaller Outdoor Retailer show returns to Salt Lake City
9 Jan 2023
Salt Lake City is also less expensive, said Ponch Membreño, a spokesperson for Maine Outdoor Brands, a nonprofit that helps fund small Maine companies' attendance at the show. For smaller companies, the show is still valuable because they can "potentially meet a big account, which always seems to happen," Membreño said. "Even though it's not 100 buyers a day, they meet one great contact and it pays for the whole trip."
Watershed: Maine’s outdoor recreation economy generated $2.8 billion in 2021, report shows
10 Nov 2022
Maine's outdoor recreation economy generated $2.8 billion in economic output in 2021, representing a 19.3% increase over 2020, a new national report shows. The report, released Wednesday, marks the fifth consecutive year the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis has released government data on the sector. The latest edition shows how the outdoor industry continues to build on growing popularity during the pandemic.
Outdoor recreation generates billions for Maine’s economy
10 Nov 2022
A report released by the U.S. Department of Commerce found that Maine's outdoor industry made up about 3.6 percent of the total economy. The numbers show Maine is one of the top five states in the country when it comes to the value of outdoor recreation in the state's total gross domestic product. Manufacturing and sales of gear and equipment added $348 million to the economy last year, which is a 21 percent boost from 2020.
Confluence of States Leaders Gather in Nevada, Elect New Leadership from Michigan and Maine
1 Nov 2022
State-level outdoor recreation leaders representing the Confluence of States gathered at the Outdoor Media Summit alongside industry partners to elect organization leadership, discuss key issues affecting the $689 billion outdoor recreation economy, and strategize about the continued advancement of the outdoor economy through their engagement with the Outdoor Recreation Industry Confluence of States Accords. Brad Garmon, Executive Director of the Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, was elected Chair of the Confluence of States Coalition for 2023. Carolann Ouellette, Director of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation, was elected to serve as Vice-Chair.
Report finds outdoor recreation racks up $188M in annual sales in southern Maine
26 Oct 2022
By Laurie Schreiber The outdoor recreation industry is responsible for a significant portion of southern Maine’s economy, attracting 5.5 million visitors in 2020 and generating $188.6 million in annual sales. The industry also contributed nearly $105.3 million to the regional gross domestic product and represented 12% of Maine’s total outdoor recreation. The findings came in a report commissioned by the Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission and conducted by Camoin Associates, an economic development consulting firm with offices in Portland. “We saw a need for this report because we recognize the potential for outdoor recreation to drive our economy in southern Maine,” Paul Schumacher, the commission’s executive director, said in a news release.
‘Maine Outdoor Economy Summit’ stresses importance of Maine’s outdoor industry
13 Oct 2022
People in Maine’s outdoor industry came together in Portland Thursday to say Maine's beauty is not only wonderful, but a way to build up Maine's economy. Thursday, the "Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation" teamed up with "Maine Outdoor Brands" to present the first ever "Maine Outdoor Economy Summit."
L.L.Bean x University of California Irvine Research Finds Time Outdoors Increases Resilience, Strengthens Relationships
5 Oct 2022
In celebration of its 110th Anniversary, iconic outdoor retailer L.L.Bean unveils new, proprietary research findings that experiencing awe in the outdoors makes us more resilient and strengthens relationships. L.L.Bean is turning these insights into action with partner Mental Health America (MHA) to fund programming focused on improving mental well-being through time spent outdoors.
Mainebiz: Brunswick nonprofit teams with 1% for the Planet
3 Oct 2022
Teens to Trails, a Brunswick nonprofit that connects young Mainers to outdoor experiences, aims to raise its fundraising game through a new partnership with 1% for the Planet.
Field & Stream: Hot Rods: How Maine Fly Co. Builds Small-Batch Fly Rods
30 Sep 2022
Maine Fly Company makes beautiful off-the-shelf and custom fly rods by hand. Here's a look at how they do it.
Boston Globe: Lotion made from lobster goo? Oft-discarded byproduct fuels business dreams of Maine couple.
30 Sep 2022
Now, a young Maine couple is pitching another benefit of lobster: They say a protein in the lobster’s circulatory fluid, which is usually washed down the drain, can help ease skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
Portland nonprofit to build $300K kids’ outdoor recreation center
16 Sep 2022
Rippleffect, a Portland-based nonprofit that promotes youth development and leadership through outdoor activities, is teaming with the Portland Public Schools to build a $300,000 children's outdoor recreation center.
Maine Outdoor Film Festival tweaks formula for 2022
29 Jul 2022
The Maine Outdoor Film Festival, promoted as an annual celebration of adventure, conservation and the arts, used to take place at venues across the state before launching a Portland flagship event in 2020. The annual gathering raises money for Teens to Trails, a Brunswick-based nonprofit that connects young people to outdoor activities. With less than a week to go until opening night July 28, Mainebiz caught up with festival director Nick Callanan for a sneak preview and for his assessment of Maine's film industry.
