November Newsletter

November Newsletter  /  Issue 70

If you read nothing else …

The three most important things to know

  1. The Maine Trails Bond passes! Read more
  2. There are two more workshops in MOB’s Fall Finance seriesFinancial Fundamentals (today!) and Financial Modeling
  3. Eight MOB members are heading to Snowbound Expo next week. If you’ll be in the Boston area, stop by the MOB booth!

New & Now

Trails Bond Passes

Victory for Trails! Maine voters have approved the first-ever Trails Bond—a historic investment in Maine’s trail network. Thank you to the Maine Outdoor Brands community for rallying behind this initiative. We did it! This bond will enhance our trails, boost local economies, and ensure that both residents and visitors can enjoy Maine’s incredible outdoors for years to come. We’re excited to work with partners across the state to make these improvements a reality. Thank you again to everyone who helped make this milestone possible—let’s keep building on this momentum for Maine’s outdoor future.

“This resounding approval reflects how deeply Maine people value the outdoors and recognize its importance to our way of life,” said Jenny Kordick, Executive Director, Maine Outdoor Brands. “The Trails Bond will solidify Maine’s position as a national leader in outdoor recreation and fuel growth in our $3 billion outdoor economy. Investing in trails means investing in Maine’s future—making our state an even more desirable place to live, work, visit, and do business.”

Read More

MOB at Snowbound Expo

Next Week, November 15-17, MOB is heading down to Snowbound at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center along with member brands SambobHügaFLYNMainersOpolisMt. AbramPinebury, and FlowfoldSnoyakSugarloafHyperlite, and University of Maine Farmington will also have booths on the show floor! If you’re in the Boston area next weekend, be sure to stop by and visit us.
More Info

Events

Maine Outdoor Economy Summit

MOES 2024 is officially sold out! We’re thrilled to announce that all seats for the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit 2024 have been reserved. If you didn’t get a chance to grab a spot, don’t worry — you can still register for the waitlist! You’ll only be charged if a spot opens up and your registration is approved.

We hope to see you at Sunday River for an unforgettable event!

Register for the Waitlist

MOB Fall Finance Workshop Series

There are 2 sessions remaining in MOB’s Fall Finance Workshop Series for outdoor businesses!

Register Now
Register Now
The Fall Finance Workshop Series was created in partnership with Maine Technology Institute and Founded Outdoors.

Recap

Maine Trails Coalition gathering in Winthrop 

MOB attended the Maine Trails Coalition’s state-wide gathering at the Pine Tree camp in Winthrop last month to connect with outdoor industry professionals to hear about current and future trail plans and visions. Of specific interest was the panel discussion around workforce development as it relates to trail building, the Maine Trails Bond and an aging volunteer labor force. Key topics included professional development opportunities, certificate programs and funding. It definitely didn’t hurt that it was a beautiful day outside!

October MOB Scene @ Maine GearShare

To find out how our last MOB Scene went at Maine Gear Share, look no further than Austin French’s (professor in the ORBA program at UMF) write-up on LinkedIn:
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Hüga Heat

Photo credit: Katie Shorey

Hüga owner Jocelyn Olsen sits with DECD Commissioner Heather Johnson at Maine Technology Institute’s 25th anniversary celebration.

Hüga Heat is redefining outdoor comfort with its innovative heated seat cushions. Designed to keep outdoor enthusiasts warm in any setting—whether camping or cheering on your favorite team—Hüga Heat’s portable cushions provide long-lasting warmth in a lightweight, durable design. Don’t miss a chance to meet the team and experience Huga Heat firsthand at the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit, where they’ll be keeping things cozy around the campfire during after hours!
Hüga

MOB In the News

‘Rugged Runway’ fashion show to spotlight Maine outdoor brands, designers Read More →
Roux Institute’s new business incubator aims to take on climate change More →
Kittery-based Good To-Go in the Press Herald Read more →

New MOB Members

The Landing School is Maine’s longest accredited marine industry trade school with programs in wooden boatbuilding, composites, marine systems and yacht design.
Portland Pudgy manufactures premium, multi-functional dinghies that serve as rowboats, motorboats, sailboats, and lifeboats. Designed for serious cruisers and yachtsmen, our innovative boats are known for safety, durability, and versatility, offering long-term reliability and best-in-class performance for offshore and coastal adventures.

Thank You to Our Supporters!

Founding Partners

Summit Supporters

Tree Line: Bernstein Shur, MXH Marketing

Interested in sponsorship opportunities for 2024? Reach out to jenny@maineoutdoorbrands.com. Thank you for supporting Maine’s outdoor economy!

Maine Outdoor Brands is a member-driven alliance of outdoor product makers, experience providers, retailers and organizations invested in strengthening Maine’s $3 billion outdoor recreation economy. As champions of our state’s growing outdoor industry, we believe there is strength in numbers and aim to be a catalyst for growth. We empower outdoor businesses to thrive by providing collaborative marketing, networking, resource sharing and education in partnership with the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation.