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Vermont's outdoor economy and justice, equity, diversity and inclusion

Submitted by tim on

The Town of Poultney recently hosted an outdoor recreation economy workshop series as one of ten communities across the country to receive an Environmental Protection Agency technical assistance grant. Photos courtesy Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy is one of Vermont’s fastest growing sectors, contributing $1.8 billion to Vermont's GDP in 2019 and linked to 20,000 jobs, according to the US Bureau of Economic Analysis. The pandemic has only heightened the importance of the outdoors as an economic driver for Vermont’s communities as people turn to physical activity and the mental health it affords.

This outdoor renaissance has benefited many outdoor and outdoor-reliant businesses and non-profit organizations that produce, provide, and sell outdoor recreation-related products, services and experiences to Vermonters, visitors, and other businesses. At the same time, the challenges of the pandemic continue to negatively impact other businesses within this sector. For all, there is uncertainty about the future.

The Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance (VOBA) has launched an interview and survey project to capture the current scope and state of Vermont’s outdoor industry by gathering benchmark data, change and growth trends, and needs for future sector development in the areas of financing, workforce, infrastructure, and branding.

Take VOBA's Outdoor Economy Survey

Contribute your business information to VOBA's benchmark survey by March 8 at 5:00 pm. Let us know if you'd like to participate in a 20-minute interview. Early submissions will receive a complimentary day pass to Kingdom Trails.

Thanks in advance for your time!


VOBA has partnered with SIMPACT, a pro bono consulting group of MBA students from the University of Vermont's Sustainable Innovation program, on VOBA's outdoor economy research and JEDI inventory projects.
Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the Outdoors

The Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance (VOBA) believes that access to the outdoor experience for all people is essential, therefore we are committed to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in outdoor workplaces and spaces in Vermont. We acknowledge that systemic racism, discrimination, unconscious bias, and barriers exist for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ, people of all abilities, and women and girls.

VOBA has been working since the spring of 2020 to learn and change as an organization. We hosted virtual networking sessions featuring companies, organizations, and athletes leading the way. The Board of Directors participated in workshops with diversity educator Carolyn Finney, thanks to support from the Vermont Community Foundation. We kicked off 2021 by joining Vermont businesses and organizations in signing the Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge. We developed a JEDI action plan focused on mission integration, supporting Vermont's outdoor sector, and building relationships with under-represented communities.

Take VOBA's JEDI Survey

Many VOBA members have been examining operations, workforce, leadership, marketing, and programs to be more inclusive and work towards positive change. To learn, lead, and act together to truly make Vermont a welcoming place, VOBA launched an interview and survey effort this winter to:

  1. Gather the different practices and initiatives that businesses and organizations are engaged in;
  2. Hear what is working well and where there are challenges;
  3. Identify resources and trainings and where there are gaps in support; and,
  4. Learn about the organizations and mentors that are available to support each other wherever we are on this journey.

Share your business or organizational efforts and needs for support by taking VOBA's JEDI survey by March 8 at 5:00 pm. Let us know if you'd like to participate in a 20-minute interview. Early submitters will receive a complimentary day pass to Kingdom Trails.

We look forward to partnering for an equitable future in the outdoors!
The Craftsbury Outdoor Center provides rental gear and trail information to skiers, snowshoers, and fatbikers using social distancing protocols.

JOIN US

The Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance (VOBA) is a statewide non-profit organization of outdoor recreation businesses that works to educate Vermonters about outdoor recreation and to educate Vermont outdoor businesses about development initiatives, collaboration opportunities, and outdoor recreation economy policy.

VOBA is dedicated to strengthening, expanding, attracting, and retaining outdoor recreation economy businesses in Vermont.

Consider joining the 75 member businesses, organizations, and individuals that are lending their voice to strengthening Vermont's outdoor recreation economy. Find categories, benefits, and how to join today!

SHARE YOUR IDEAS

Tell VOBA's Board of Directors your ideas for VOBA

Drew Simmons, Pale Morning Media, Chair
Michael Schmidt, Velocity Sales and Marketing, Vice Chair
Lisa Lynn, Vermont Sports & VT Ski+Ride Magazine, Secretary
Jordan Jiskra, Burton Snowboards, Treasurer
Corinne Prevot, Skida Headwear & Accessories
Greg Manning, GM Consulting
Laura McLaughlin, Outdoor Industry Manager
Marc Sherman, Outdoor Gear Exchange
Mark Yardley, Darn Tough Vermont
Miguel Reda, Outdoor Gear Exchange
T.J. Whalen, FreshTracks Capital
Wendy Knight, Strategic Communications Executive

Kelly Ault, Executive Director

VermontOutdoorBusinessAlliance.org