Press Room

Statewide Coalition to Unveil Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap

MEDIA ALERT

STATEWIDE COALITION TO UNVEIL OUTDOOR RECREATION ECONOMY ROADMAP

Press Conference with Key Stakeholders and State Officials

 

WHAT: A coalition of industry stakeholders will unveil Maine’s new Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap, a forward-looking guide outlining trends, challenges, and opportunities for the next decade of Maine’s growing $3.4B outdoor recreation industry.

WHEN: Wednesday, January 29, 11am-1pm – *Press Conference at 11:15am*

WHERE: Knife’s Edge Brewery at New England Outdoor Center, Millinocket, ME (Directions below)

WHO: Business & Community Leaders in the Outdoor Recreation Industry

Speakers will include:

Matt Polstein, Owner and Founder, New England Outdoor Center, Ktaadn Resorts

Jenny Kordick, Executive Director, Maine Outdoor Brands

Jeff McCabe, Director, Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation

Stacey Keefer, Executive Director, Maine Marine Trades Association

Vicki Rusbult, Senior Director of Inclusive Economic Growth, Eastern Maine Development Corporation

Tracey Perry, Initiatives Director, Katahdin Collaborative

KEY MESSAGES:

  1. Workforce Preparedness: The Roadmap identifies opportunities for developing and training the next generation of skilled professionals in the outdoor sector.
  2. Support for Businesses: Offering a blend of strategic initiatives and targeted resources, the Roadmap will help emerging and established outdoor businesses remain competitive.
  3. Enhanced Recreation: As outdoor activities become more popular, the Roadmap emphasizes the sustainable expansion of Maine’s recreational infrastructure.
  4. Economic Development: Connecting the outdoor economy to local communities can boost tourism, create new job opportunities, and reinforce community vitality across Maine.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Photo/Video: Capture images of leading officials and entrepreneurs showcasing Maine’s outdoor products and demonstrating the state’s active lifestyle.
  • Interviews: Inquire about one-on-one or small-group interviews with key stakeholders and state officials.
  • Local Impact: Hear directly from business owners about the Roadmap’s implications for their communities.

**Lunch will be provided to media in attendance. Please RSVP as indicated below.

ABOUT THE MAINE OUTDOOR ECONOMY ROADMAP: The Maine Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap outlines a vision for growing and diversifying Maine’s $3.4B outdoor recreation economy over the next decade. This comprehensive guide identifies key trends, challenges, and opportunities, offering a suite of strategies to ensure the continued success of this vital sector. This roadmap marks the first time Maine has defined outdoor recreation as a major economic driver in such a broad and strategic way, and the project is funded by the EDA Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Grant.

MEDIA RSVP: Charlene Williams, cwilliams@marshallpr.com, 207-215-8556.

We look forward to your coverage of this important announcement, shaping the next decade of growth and innovation for Maine’s outdoor recreation economy.

Driving Directions to Knife’s Edge Brewery:

Exit 244 off I-95. Take Route 11/157 west towards Millinocket. Follow Route 157 and the signs to Baxter State Park, and New England Outdoor Center. We are located 7 miles out of town on Katahdin View Drive. Once past the Sawmill Bar & Grill, travel for approximately 6.3 miles to Katahdin View Drive. On your left there will be a road with camp signs called “Deep Cove Road”, and on your right is Katahdin View Drive. Turn right onto Katahdin View Drive, and travel 0.8 miles straight to the NEOC Activity Center.

200 Katahdin View Drive, Millinocket, ME 04462

*NOTE: If you pass North Woods Trading Post, you’ve gone too far.

Phone: 207.723.5438 or 800.766.7238

GPS: Many GPS systems have outdated maps and incorrect addresses for us. So here are a few options depending on the system that you use.