EASTON, PA — Pennsylvania has taken a significant step toward fortifying its outdoor recreation industry with the launch of the Elevate initiative, announced Monday by Nathan Reigner, Director of Outdoor Recreation, at Easton Outdoor Company. This new business engagement program is designed to directly engage with businesses across the Commonwealth, aiming to identify growth barriers, develop workforce solutions, and position Pennsylvania as a leading destination for outdoor recreation.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration is spearheading this initiative, reflecting his commitment to transforming Pennsylvania into a national leader in outdoor recreation, fostering entrepreneurial opportunities, and creating jobs. “Outdoor recreation is already a major economic driver in Pennsylvania,” Shapiro emphasized. “This initiative exemplifies our dedication to leveraging the industry for community upliftment, job creation, and economic growth.”
The Elevate initiative invites businesses involved in or benefiting from outdoor recreation to participate in a comprehensive survey. This engagement is crucial for understanding the specific needs and challenges faced by the sector, which currently employs over 164,000 people and contributes $17 billion annually to Pennsylvania’s economy. The diverse industry encompasses roles from design and manufacturing to retail and experience provision, highlighting its vital role in the state’s economic landscape.
Key figures in the industry, including Neil Fowler, Executive Director of the Center for Strategic Partnerships at DCED, and local business owners like Adam Fairchild of Easton Outdoor Company and Karen Prieto of Twin Rivers Tubing, have expressed support for Elevate. Fairchild noted the initiative’s potential to bolster not only individual businesses but also the broader community. Prieto highlighted the collective effort required to achieve success in outdoor business, underscoring the initiative’s role in providing essential state support.
The initiative is poised to address recommendations from the Office of Outdoor Recreation’s report, Growing Outdoor Recreation for Pennsylvania, released earlier this year. The report outlined the need for enhanced organization and support within the sector, a mission Elevate is set to fulfill by aligning efforts with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the DCED, and other state departments.
Bill Strickland, Editorial Director for Hearst Publications, emphasized the wide-reaching career opportunities within the outdoor recreation industry, pointing to the importance of Easton and the Lehigh Valley’s natural resources in attracting skilled professionals.
With the implementation of Elevate, Pennsylvania is not only reinforcing its commitment to the outdoor recreation sector but also setting the stage for increased competitiveness and business growth within the state. Neil Flower reiterated the administration’s resolve, stating, “By engaging directly with industries through Elevate, we are empowering businesses to thrive and attracting new entrepreneurs to Pennsylvania.”
As the Elevate initiative unfolds, it promises to enhance the vitality of Pennsylvania’s outdoor industry, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of the state’s economic and community well-being.
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