Elevating Pennsylvania's Outdoor Recreation Industry
ABOUT
Pennsylvania’s outdoor industry provides vital contributions to statewide and local community and economic development. This is a direct result of conserved natural resources, assets and amenities like trails and parks, and the outdoor recreation that both locals and visitors engage in.
​
The need for a focused industry organization reflects the growing importance of the outdoor recreation economy, which accounted for $862 billion in gross economic output, 1.9 percent of gross domestic product, and 4.5 million jobs nationally in 2021.
​
From 2020 to 2021, the outdoor recreation economy grew nearly 19 percent, more than three times faster than the U.S. economy as a whole.
Lead by the Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission and the Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation, Elevate is an effort to move towards the creation of a statewide capacity building organization to represent the needs of the growing outdoor recreation industry in Pennsylvania. The project will benefit the industry by building the capacity of the sector to be an effective advocate and state government partner for outdoor recreation development.
How will this benefit my business?
The creation of an organization representing outdoor recreation businesses has the potential to enhance the industry in many ways, such as:
​
-
Providing a unified voice for the needs of the industry
-
Expanding opportunities for networking
-
Working with the Commonwealth to adapt policies and regulations to better meet industry needs
-
Benefiting all businesses through joint marketing efforts
-
Raising the profile of the outdoor recreation industry as a key contributor to the state’s economy
-
Collectively solving issues such as workforce development needs, accessing affordable health benefits and housing for workers, and other challenges
-
Developing a collective marketing strategy and brand for the industry
​
Together, we are stronger and louder!
How can I help?
We're seeking input from a broad range of outdoor recreation industries. From outfitters to wineries - we want to hear from you! Share your thoughts with us through our survey, stay tuned for upcoming events, and connect with us. We value your input and look to hearing from you. Here are three ways you can get involved:
1
2
3
ELEVATE STEERING COMMITTEE
We'd like to thank the following organizations for contributing their expertise to this project.
Dick's Sporting Goods
Fish USA
Gilson Snow
Juniata Trading Post
New Trail Brewing
Pennsylvania Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship
Pocono Whitewater & Pocono Biking
Purple Lizard Maps
REI, Inc.
Rich Port Adventure Company
Tricycle Café & Velojawn
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry
Pennsylvania Economic Development Association
Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association
Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Association
Pennsylvania House Tourism, Recreation, and Economic Development Committee
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation