Maine Outdoor Brands: A Collective For Sustainable Recreation

One of the earliest states to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation, Maine has long been both a temporary and permanent destination for nature enthusiasts. In Maine, outdoor recreation is more than a casual hobby, it’s a way of life—as demonstrated by the 16.5% growth of the state’s outdoor economy, which is generating over $3 billion GDP statewide, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

From hiking and biking to fishing, paddling, and snowsports, the state has ample outdoor activities to offer for every season of the year. Nestled amongst the pine-scented forests and craggy coastlines, Maine Outdoor Brands (MOB) is a rallying point for the state’s outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and innovators. Founded on the belief that strength lies in unity, the Portland-based group has spent the last six years carving out a niche as the premier advocate for Maine's outdoor recreation economy. 

“MOB was founded on a recognition that as a united group, our outdoor brands can play an important and unique role in sustainably growing Maine’s economy. Together, we can attract more outdoor enthusiasts to our state, strengthen our rural communities, and ensure there are abundant opportunities to hike, bike, climb, paddle, ski, camp, and enjoy Maine’s outdoors for years to come,” MOB's Executive Director, Jenny Kordick, explains.

Now a leading and rapidly growing outdoor business alliance in the U.S., MOB is championing both the economic significance of outdoor recreation and the need for sustainable growth and stewardship of the outdoor industry.

Building A Base Camp

In mountaineering speak, the most successful summit ascents start with a strong base camp—a place where adventurers can access supplies, shelter, and support before beginning their climb. Maine Outdoor Brands isn’t so different. It’s taken the very same concept and reinterpreted it in a corporate sense, cultivating a community for local business leaders and entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and collaborate. Governed by a board of directors and several committees of outdoor industry professionals, the leaders of the organization pride themselves on pooling their experiences and networks to propel the state’s outdoor industry to new heights.

“The core of MOB’s work is fostering connection and collaboration among outdoor businesses and organizations in Maine. Members are the heartbeat of Maine Outdoor Brands and the reason for everything we do,” MOB's Director of Marketing Rebecka Dykstra says.

With regular networking events, opportunities to learn from the experts, industry-specific resources, mentorship opportunities, and the annual Maine Outdoor Economy Summit, MOB has curated its offerings in order to sustainably grow the state’s outdoor recreation economy—which makes up 3.9% of the state’s overall economy. Partnering with the state’s Outdoor Office of Recreation, MOB also prioritizes career exposure and recruitment, keeping Maine’s outdoor industry well-stocked with an enthusiastic and experienced workforce.

Dykstra adds, “With brands located in every region of Maine, we organize casual networking events (“MOB Scenes”) hosted by member brands around the state, often finding excuses to get outdoors together while we connect, share stories, and learn from each other.” 

By investing in its community, the organization serves as a cohesive voice for Maine’s outdoor product, service, and retail companies, for the outdoor recreation industry to get more people outside.

The Call Of The Wild

While the outdoor industry has proven to be an increasing economic force in Maine, its long-term growth depends on cultivating the industry and protecting the environment itself.

Kordick adds, “As an organization, our goal is to see a thriving outdoor recreation industry in Maine, so it’s been important for us to do proactive planning to identify opportunities for investment and focus to ensure we can be successful and resilient into the future.” 

Through extensive economic impact analysis, collaborative strategic planning for industry growth, and key partnerships with state offices, trade associations, and legislative initiatives, MOB is doing its due diligence to ensure that the outdoor recreation economy will continue to grow sustainably. This includes the consideration of critical factors such as climate change, shifting demographics, and the influx of new residents to Maine. 

“Our industry's readiness to continue blazing trails was evident as over 130 leaders from the public, private, and non-profit sectors convened for a visionary session at last year's Maine Outdoor Economy Summit,” Kordick elaborated. “Together, we embarked on the development of the Maine Outdoor Economy Roadmap, seeking answers to pivotal questions: What do we envision for our outdoor economy in the next decade, and what steps are essential to reach that vision?”

As it continues to grow, Maine Outdoor Brands has a particular focus on employee advocacy and inclusivity, using its platform to create a bigger, more welcoming, and more diverse outdoor industry.

Last year, the organization testified in support of the Maine Trails Bond, which would provide $30 million in competitive grants over four years to organizations and towns for trail projects for all types of outdoor recreation activities—from mountain biking to hiking to skiing to snowmobiling. MOB members met with legislators, spoke at community events to get the word out, and hosted an outdoor industry day at the State House featuring numerous local outdoor brands and organizations to advocate. The legislation was signed by the State Governor in May, and will appear on the ballot in November.

MOB has also worked with Maine Law School to analyze bills introduced in the state legislature that could impact the outdoor industry, ensuring that Maine will remain a thriving hub for outdoor recreation workers and entrepreneurs. The organization has teamed up with its member brands in order to advocate for policy change on other local and national conservation issues, and has quickly become a presence in the state legislature proceedings.