Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Recreation Businesses and Supporters Plan to Launch an Outdoor Business Alliance

There’s a growing feeling of excitement and momentum happening in Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation industry.

It was present and felt among more than 500 attendees attending the Elevate Business Engagement Workshops during March.

At 10 locations around the state, we heard from outdoor recreation businesses, government officials, community leaders, and strategic partners about the challenges facing the outdoor recreation industry and the opportunities to unite, strengthen, and grow it.

Participants were engaged and ready to lay out the priorities for what an outdoor recreation business alliance (OBA) can do to support and grow this vital part of Pennsylvania’s economy. They were also ready to step up and help.

Prioritizing Needs and Concerns of the Industry

One of the first priorities of these engagement sessions, was for participants to rank what are the top three most pressing needs and concerns in the outdoor recreation industry.

We learned that more than half of the participants prioritized the following as the biggest needs and concerns statewide for outdoor recreation businesses:

• Access to capital, funding, and financing –- providing access to opportunities that support business creation, continuity, and growth

• Workforce attraction, development, and retention opportunities –- ensuring businesses are equipped with a skilled workforce, and that outdoor careers are aspirational and family-sustaining

• Business growth and development services -- availability of services that support the creation and sustainability of outdoor recreation businesses (52 percent)

• Marketing support -- ensuring that outdoor recreation businesses and the industry receive marketing support and attention

• Lobbying and advocacy -- supporting the industry to achieve and more favorable environment to do business in Pennsylvania

• Peer networking and other businesses – connecting outdoor recreation businesses to share experiences, knowledge, and best practices

While there were some regional differences, access to capital, funding, and financing remained at the top of the list for most regions and a key priority for a new outdoor recreation business alliance to focus on.

A summary of the Findings from the Elevate Business Engagement Workshops (PDF) is available to view online.

Focus of an Outdoor Business Alliance

After identifying needs and priorities for the outdoor recreation industry, participants were asked to envision services an OBA should focus on to make the greatest positive impact on the industry.

We learned that the top priority for an outdoor business alliance should be to focus on providing resources and services for the industry:

• One-stop resources with guidance on permitting and regulation, trainings for outdoor entrepreneurs, and partnerships with support organizations like the small business development centers.

• Expansion of outdoor recreation industry engagement with advocacy partners, government, and other industry sectors.

• Convening potential financiers, investors, and outdoor businesses to better understand and address access barriers to capital.

• Support of workforce initiatives like outdoor recreation industry job matching services and professional training programs.

• Development of strategic partnerships and hosting of events to elevate the profile of Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation businesses.

• Hosting networking events to connect outdoor recreation professionals and foster business-to-business relationships.

While these priorities were ranked for our research and planning, we recognize that all these needs and concerns are important for a strong outdoor recreation industry in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania’s outdoor business alliance will be working on various initiatives to address all these concerns.

Next Steps to Launch an Outdoor Business Alliance

In addition to the Elevate Business Engagement Workshops, outdoor recreation businesses also completed an industry survey to provide feedback, for a total of more than 1,000 touchpoints with businesses and key stakeholder about this project.

All findings are currently being compiled into a final report recommending solutions for an outdoor recreation business alliance to undertake to support and strengthen the industry.

This report also will provide recommendations on what an outdoor business alliance would look like in Pennsylvania to help our businesses.

Findings from this final report will be presented in a webinar, on Wednesday, July 2, at noon. Registration is required to attend the webinar.

The most important takeaway heard and felt through all this engagement is that Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation businesses and key stakeholders and supporters, are excited and stand ready to support an outdoor business alliance in Pennsylvania and its efforts.

The future looks bright for the outdoor recreation industry in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Business Spotlight: Brokenstraw Outdoors Brings Innovation and Conservation to Hunting Enthusiasts

Jeremiah Pfadt, Owner and President of Brokenstraw Outdoors, was born and raised in the small town of North East; and has been a part of the local hunting and fishing community his entire life.

A few years ago, this passion for the outdoors developed into the invention of Jeremiah’s own patent-pending shooting rail, “The BOSS.”

Brokenstraw Outdoors Owner and President Jeremiah Pfadt

The BOSS is a sturdy and adjustable shooting rail, that creates a stable rest for an effective shot which, in turn, decreases the number of wounded animals.

In addition to contributing to the efficiency and fun of the sport, the BOSS also provides safety features for the hunter to help prevent injuries from slips or falls while in the tree stand.

As with many Pennsylvania outdoor recreation businesses, Jeremiah recognizes the importance of conserving our natural places to continue outdoor recreation opportunities for the future.

The rails are compact, lightweight, and easily portable.

With the creation of this shooting rail, Jeremiah’s business, Brokenstraw Outdoors, was born.

Named after Brokenstraw Creek in Pittsfield, the business has now expanded to provide various outdoor services, including wildlife habitat management.

Conserving our state’s natural resources while continuing to make outdoor recreation opportunities abundant now and for future generations is of utmost importance to Jeremiah.

An earthworks division is a huge component to the many aspects of Brokenstraw’s specialties that make this business unique.

Jeremiah offers numerous services to help landowners plan, create, and maintain a healthy environment for wildlife and ecosystems, especially whitetail deer.

These services include excavation, food plot establishment, forestry, and more.

His passion and respect for the land, wildlife, and the continuation of our state’s outdoor recreation opportunities is the driving force behind his business.

Jeremiah also strives to connect with other people and businesses involved with outdoor recreation and sees the opportunity that an Outdoor Business Alliance could offer.

“Networking is key to being successful, and gathering like-minded people to discuss the industry is a great way to keep making connections so we can continue effective practices of conservation across the Commonwealth,” said Jeremiah.

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If this business feature resonates with you, please be sure to complete the Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Industry Survey and register for an upcoming Business Engagement Workshop in March.

Moving forward together: Pennsylvania’s $18.9 billion outdoor recreation economy and opportunities for future coordination

By Chris Perkins, Vice President of Programs, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable

Pennsylvania’s vast natural landscapes, from the Pennsylvania Wilds to the corners of the state, featuring miles of rivers and lush forests, make it a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

But beyond offering scenic beauty and adventure, the outdoor recreation industry is becoming an economic powerhouse for the Commonwealth.

As demand for outdoor experiences rises, so does the potential for Pennsylvania to harness this momentum to benefit businesses, communities, and the broader economy.

Chris Perkins is Vice President of Programs at the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, where he works to promote the sustainable growth of the outdoor recreation economy.

In my role at the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), the nation’s leading coalition of organizations representing the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy, I help bring together outdoor recreation activities from hiking, biking, skiing, climbing, hunting, and fishing, to boating, horseback riding, off-roading, RVing, hospitality, camping, and many others around the same table to illustrate outdoor recreation’s positive impacts to our economy and society alike.

And in this role, Pennsylvania continues to offer innovation and inspiration for states nationwide.

Outdoor Recreation Important Contributor to Pennsylvania Economy

Outdoor recreation in the Keystone State is more than just a weekend pastime — it’s a significant economic driver.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, outdoor recreation contributes $18.9 billion annually to Pennsylvania’s economy and supports 168,322 jobs.

When looking at Pennsylvania’s economy overall, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis data tells an even more compelling story — outdoor recreation contributes more to

Pennsylvania’s economy than oil and gas extraction, utilities, trucking, warehousing, and data centers.

Since 2012, this critical sector for Pennsylvania has grown nearly 5 percent annually.  

Outdoor recreation’s economic impact is diversified and prevalent across the Commonwealth.

The industry includes businesses in outdoor gear manufacturing, tourism, guiding services, hospitality, and conservation efforts, all working together to fuel growth.

Activities like hiking, fishing, biking, and boating generate substantial revenue for local businesses, from outfitters and retailers to restaurants and lodging providers.

The demand for outdoor experiences has surged in recent years, particularly as people seek healthier, nature-based lifestyles. This increase in participation translates into job creation and economic stability for communities across the state.

That’s where Pennsylvania’s Elevate initiative comes in. Investing in outdoor businesses isn’t just good for entrepreneurs — it’s good for entire communities.

Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Recreation Industry

Many rural and small-town economies in Pennsylvania have historically relied on industries like manufacturing or coal mining, which have seen decline.

When outdoor businesses thrive, they create a ripple effect in local economies. Restaurants see more patrons, lodging providers experience higher occupancy rates, and local artisans and retailers benefit from increased foot traffic.

Additionally, the presence of strong outdoor recreation opportunities improves residents’ quality of life, making these communities more attractive places to live and work.

Pennsylvania has already carved out a leadership role through the creation of its Office of Outdoor Recreation in 2023 by Governor Shapiro, and now the Elevate initiative and the prospect of a new Pennsylvania Outdoor Business Alliance offers another leap forward.

Whether through policy support, business incentives, or public-private partnerships, the state has an opportunity to lead the way in demonstrating how outdoor recreation can be a major force for economic and community development.

To fully tap into Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation potential, businesses and stakeholders need to work together.

Coordination between outfitters, retailers, tourism boards, conservation groups, and policymakers can help create a more cohesive industry. By sharing resources, marketing efforts, and advocacy initiatives, businesses can amplify their impact and attract even more visitors.

By investing in infrastructure, fostering business development, and strengthening statewide collaboration, Pennsylvania can set the standard for outdoor recreation economies across the country.

Whether through policy support, business incentives, or public-private partnerships, the state has an opportunity to lead the way in demonstrating how outdoor recreation can be a major force for economic and community development.

As more people discover Pennsylvania’s outdoor offerings, the industry will continue to thrive.

Now is the time for businesses, policymakers, and community leaders to come together to ensure a bright and sustainable future for outdoor recreation in the Commonwealth.