Maine Outdoor Brands (MOB) and Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) teamed up to launch a new pilot program aimed at strengthening Maine’s outdoor recreation workforce by defining and promoting outdoor jobs.
The initiative will focus on research, partnerships and innovative tools to expand career pathways in the state’s growing outdoor sector.
“Maine’s outdoor recreation industry is a cornerstone of our economy and identity, but workforce challenges hinder its growth,” said Jenny Kordick, executive director of Maine Outdoor Brands. “This pilot program is a game-changer. By defining and promoting outdoor industry jobs, we can strengthen career pathways and inspire a new generation to build meaningful, impactful careers in the outdoor sector. Maine Outdoor Brands is proud to partner with the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation and ORR on this critical initiative to ensure our outdoor industry remains innovative, resilient, and a leader in economic and workforce development.”
Chris Perkins, vice president of programs at ORR, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “Maine’s outdoor recreation economy plays a vital role in the state’s identity and prosperity. This innovative program will create much-needed pathways for students and professionals to thrive in outdoor careers. By executing on this pilot program, we can ensure that Maine’s outdoor industry continues to lead in both economic impact and workforce development for years to come.”
With outdoor recreation contributing $3.4 billion (3.7%) to Maine’s GDP and employing 29,863 people, this program will provide timely solutions to support the industry’s continued growth. The project is one of 29 grants awarded throughout Maine by the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation in total more than $3.7 million have been awarded to Maine organizations in the final round of the Community Outdoor Recreation Assistance (CORA) Program’s competitive grants. CORA is funded through the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation State Grant to help communities that have been hardest hit by challenges facing these sectors.
“This grant, along with the other grants, have been awarded to organizations across the state who are doing important work to increase access and sustainability for outdoor recreation in Maine,” said Jeff McCabe, director of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation. “These projects include things like trail planning, materials, signage and design work, which will expand outdoor recreation capacity, across the state and strengthen our outdoor economy.”
The pilot aligns with the Maine Outdoor Recreation Economy 10-Year Roadmap and will include:
- Research to update and expand Maine’s outdoor industry workforce demand survey, enabling better alignment between educational institutions and industry needs.
- Marketing initiatives aimed at defining and promoting careers in the outdoor industry, including the creation and distribution of “Day in the Life” videos showcasing employees and entrepreneurs in action.
- Outreach through classroom and campus events, engaging leaders from the outdoor industry to directly connect with students.
- Planning a K-12 career path strategy, fostering early exposure to outdoor careers and building career perceptions among young people.
Maine Outdoor Brands is a member-driven alliance of 200 local outdoor product makers, experience providers, retailers and organizations invested in strengthening Maine’s $3.4 billion outdoor recreation economy.
