The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Summer Board Meeting capped two days of meetings in the nation’s capital earlier this month. The focus of the gatherings was growing the impact of outdoor recreation at the national level.
ORR leadership met with several agencies at DOL to discuss workforce development needs. Over the next year, ORR will work to roll out strategies that recruit and train employees through partnerships with conservation service corps and local workforce investment programs. The goal is to develop new career pathways in the industry. ORR will also continue to educate the industry’s current workforce through existing technical programs and new offerings like the Outdoor Economy Initiative at Oregon State University. ORR is also working with partners on rebranding what a career in outdoor recreation looks like.
In a two-hour roundtable with numerous agencies, the ORR discussed strategies that will help rural communities and expand public-private partnerships that can help local businesses connect with technical assistance that is available in those communities. Participants also discussed the future of outdoor recreation with United States Forest Service chief Vicki Christiansen and reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the impact of wildfires on outdoor recreation and gateway communities is minimized. The meeting offered an opportunity for members including NMMA to share ways they are increasing access to outdoor recreation on federal lands and waterways.
ORR met with the U.S. Trade Representative staff to discuss the negative impact tariffs are having on the entire recreation economy.
ORR board members include outgoing National Marine Manufacturers Association president Thom Dammrich. Dammrich attended sessions with leadership and key staff from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Trade Representative.
During the board meeting, ORR’s incoming executive committee was elected. It includes new members Mary Ellen Sprenkely, president and CEO of the Corps Network and Matt Kormann, Archery Trade Association president/CEO. Their two-year terms will begin October 1.
