Outdoor recreation contributes $2.2 billion to Vermont’s GDP, leading to economic prosperity in downtowns and villages across the state. Hear success stories from businesses that are collaborating to strengthen an outdoor commercial cluster - networks of complementary businesses, organizations, recreation assets, services, and products that support a wide range of year-round outdoor users. Learn about the alignment of business assistance and outdoor infrastructure, municipalities positioned as outdoor destinations, and state initiatives in tourism marketing. Leave with an understanding of the characteristics that make a region successful in attracting and growing the outdoor economy and how to apply insights in other regions.
Learning Objectives:
Identify relationships and find resources to support the development of outdoor commercial clusters that can drive local economies and infrastructure investments.
Understand the characteristics that make a region successful in attracting and growing outdoor business and employment opportunities.
Articulate next steps for collaborations between businesses, organizations, and municipalities in growing commercial clusters in outdoor destinations.
Presenters:
Kelly Ault, Executive Director, Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance
Kelly has served as Executive Director since 2019. Prior to VOBA, Kelly spent a decade as the Business Project Director on land conservation, sustainable forestry, nature-based recreation, and cultural heritage tourism for the Northern Forest Alliance (Appalachian Mountain Club) and a decade as the Public Engagement Director on early childhood policy for the Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance. She finds adventure and camaraderie with family and friends mountain biking and skiing in Vermont’s Green Mountains and faraway places.
Cate Starmer, Starmer Works, Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance Operations Lead
Cate leads VOBA’s Operations through Starmer Works. Cate is a 2024 graduate of the Sustainable Innovation MBA program at the University of Vermont and has 20 years of experience in strategy, sustainability, and marketing at organizations including 1% for the Planet, Fodor's Travel, and Vail Resorts. She served on the Board of the Stowe Area Association, currently volunteers on the Board for the Vermont Huts & Trails, and seeks balance through adventures in the Vermont outdoors.