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, centered around surf, art, and music. The 2-day event unites socially responsible businesses and like-minded individuals with a commitment to positive change to explore innovative approaches to materials, design, and sustainability.
Blueprint Surf partners with Tuck FYP team ->
Portland-based Blueprint Surf Company collaborated with a Tuck FYP team to develop a digital marketing plan aimed at growing awareness of their 3-D printed surfboards made from recycled materials and bio-based resin. The result was a marketing playbook grounded in high-quality research and market understanding.
MOB opens annual Trailblazer Awards ->
The MOB Trailblazer Awards have launched, and we’re eager to receive your nominations. If you know of brands that have made significant strides in the Maine Outdoor industry through innovation, collaboration, or leadership this year, it’s time to recognize their efforts.
Teens to Trails launches outdoor gear rental map ->
Teens to Trails has created a statewide map of outdoor gear rentals and libraries with the goal of enhancing outdoor gear accessibility in Maine. This map includes both for-profit and non-profit rental options and outdoor gear libraries dedicated to expanding outdoor access.
Maine GearShare to offer gear repair at Maine Outdoor Economy Summit ->
Add “worn out gear” to your packing list for the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit! Maine GearShare will be hosting a booth onsite offering gear repair services throughout the summit.
OIA gathers for a roundtable at L.L. Bean
MOB participated in a roundtable discussion with Representative Chellie Pingree and DECD Commissioner Heather Johnson about the Maine outdoor recreation economy at L.L.Bean in early September. We welcomed colleagues from the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and outdoor brands across the country to Maine as part of OIA’s Recreation Advisory Council annual meeting. The conversation focused on important areas impacting the outdoor recreation industry, from climate change to affordable housing to equitable access to the outdoors. Brands attending included Sterling Rope, L.L.Bean, Mainers, SnowPeak, NEMO Equipment, Toad&Co, Orvis, Burton, and the Granite Outdoor Alliance.
Confluence Collective featured by Maine Public ->
Maine Public highlights Confluence Collective, an organization focused on diversifying the sport of fly fishing, particularly for women, LGBTQ individuals, and people of color.
Good To-Go launches new Cups! ->
Good To-Go has introduced their latest product, Cups, featuring meals designed for convenience without compromising on the culinary excellence of Michelin-starred chef-crafted dishes.
MOB meets with president of UMF
MOB met with Joe McDonnell, President of the University of Maine at Farmington, in August to discuss the Outdoor Recreation Business Administration (ORBA) program and opportunities for collaboration with Maine Outdoor Brands. The ORBA program is one of the only undergraduate outdoor recreation business administration programs in the country and has proposed graduates that now work for L.L.Bean, Old Town Canoe, Garmin, Sugarloaf, and other companies in the outdoor industry. We will be joining an outdoor recreation focused career fair at UMF in October to make connections with students and share opportunities to work for MOB member companies.