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Outdoor
Industry Association Releases First-Ever
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Congressional-Level
Outdoor Recreation Economy Reports
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Reports underscore
that voters in communities across the country
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value and
spend millions on outdoor recreation
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Washington,
DC – April 2018 / Newsmaker Alert / Outdoor
Industry Association (OIA) has released congressional-level Outdoor
Recreation Economy reports for all 435
congressional districts. These reports are the first of their kind
that captures the power of a vast multi-billion dollar economic engine
in our local communities and across the nation.
From
Alabama’s 1st Congressional District to Wyoming’s At-large District, these
reports show that from rural towns to the most densely populated cities,
outdoor recreation is a vital economic force that not only creates billions
in spending and millions of good-paying American jobs, but also creates
healthier communities, healthier economies and healthier people.
“One-hundred
and forty-five million Americans, from all walks of life, participate in
outdoor recreation every year, and 7.6 million Americans have good-paying
jobs that rely on the outdoor recreation economy. These reports show that
all districts have something to gain when our federal and local policymakers
support our public lands and waters and invest in outdoor recreation,”
said Amy Roberts, OIA executive director. “Outdoor recreation provides
much-needed diversity to local economies, but also brings this country
together. Across our country we have seen members of Congress, governors,
state legislators, mayors and other policymakers understand the value of
outdoor recreation for their local economies and communities. It is critical
that we continue to invest in and support this growing and powerful recreation
economy so that we can all continue to thrive outside.”
Reports
for all 435 congressional districts can be viewed
here. Highlights include:
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“At
REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.), we believe that a life outdoors is
a life well lived. Time adventuring in nature brings out the best in us
– individually, when we’re with friends and family, regardless of background,”
said Marc Berejka,
the co-op’s director of community and government affairs. “It’s also increasingly
understood that when Americans spend time outdoors, they help drive the
economy. Today’s latest economic impact studies from Outdoor Industry Association
show that public investment in recreation opportunities generates large
returns, making our local communities stronger and healthier, both urban
and rural. Studies like these make it clear why outdoor recreation is a
must-have for all of us.”
The
reports released will help legislators to better understand the important
role and impact that the outdoor recreation economy has in their districts
and among their constituents. And with the outdoor recreation economy poised
to continue to grow, there are actions that can be taken to support its
positive economic impact. OIA urges elected policymakers to invest in and
support the outdoor recreation economy by doing the following:
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Visit
the OIA Advocacy Center
to learn more about the important role the outdoor recreation economy plays—and
the impact it has—in your state, your district and in your local community.
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Adequately
fund state and local parks and trails, the foundation of local recreation
economies that bring communities together.
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Support
community planning that allows all citizens to go outside and recreate
within 30 minutes of their homes.
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Support
policies that encourage outdoor entrepreneurs and innovators to start businesses.
Last year,
OIA released the third version of The
Outdoor Recreation Economy report, the largest and most comprehensive
report of its kind to date. That report showed that the outdoor recreation
economy generates $887 billion in consumer spending annually, sustains
7.6 million American jobs and generates $65.3 billion in federal tax revenue
and $59.2 billion in state and local tax revenue each year.
Subsequently,
OIA released state-level Outdoor Recreation Economy reports featuring economic
data for all 50 states across the United States, offering a deeper look
into a thriving sector that’s helping to create healthier economies and
healthier communities.
About
Outdoor Industry Association
Based
in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association
(OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry and the
title sponsor of Outdoor Retailer. OIA unites and serves over 1,300 manufacturers,
supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on
trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor
participation. For more information, visit www.OutdoorIndustry.org.
Contacts:
OIA:
Amy Roberts
Executive
Director
303-327-3501
Media:
Cody Wertz
Freestone
Strategies
303-518-2112 |
