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 across southern Vermont that are collaborating to strengthen an outdoor commercial cluster involving multiple communities, types of businesses, and outdoor products and services to support a wide range of year-round outdoor users. Learn about the alignment of business development and nonprofit organizations investing in outdoor infrastructure, municipalities positioned as outdoor destinations, and state initiatives in tourism destination 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 across the state.
Learning Objectives:
Build relationships and find resources to support the development of outdoor commercial clusters that can drive local economies and invest in infrastructure.
Understand the characteristics that make a region successful in attracting and growing 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 of the Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance since 2019. Prior to VOBA, Kelly was the Business Project Director on land conservation, sustainable forestry, and nature- and culture-based tourism with the Northern Forest Alliance (Appalachian Mountain Club) and the Public Engagement Director on early childhood policy for the Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance.