Growing Vermont's Outdoor Economy

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Our Mission

The Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance is a statewide non-profit organization of outdoor recreation businesses established in 2018.

VOBA educates Vermonters on outdoor recreation and educates businesses on business development, collaboration initiatives, and outdoor recreation policy.

VOBA and its members are dedicated to conservation of the natural landscape, stewardship of recreation infrastructure, and diversity, equity, and inclusion in work spaces and outdoor places.

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The VOBA outdoor economy network brings together businesses, organizations, educators, service providers, funders, and policymakers for networking and learning, business and workforce development and technical assistance, and workforce development.

Together, Vermont’s outdoor sector works for collective social and economic impact in areas of climate resiliency, equity, innovation and sustainability, and career pathways.

Our Work

THE FIVE MAIN FUNCTIONS OF VOBA

NETWORK BUILDING & LEARNING

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

RESEARCH & BRANDING

ADVOCACY

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WAYS TO JOIN

Become a member and be part of VOBA's 5-year vision for a climate resilient, equitable and innovative Vermont's outdoor economy.

Whether you are a business owner seeking collaboration opportunities or an outdoor professional looking for training, VOBA member benefits are wide-ranging - from networking events and marketing resources.

Watch Now: Career Spotlights

What Does a Director of Sales at Skida Do? | Vermont Climate Resilience Career Spotlight

Work That Keeps Vermont's Trails Thriving | Vermont Career Spotlight

A Career in Outdoor Construction | Vermont Career Spotlight

Building a Career in the Outdoor Industry | Vermont Career Spotlight

Behind One of Vermont's Most Iconic Outdoor Brands | Vermont Career Spotlight

Where Cycling Meets Career | Vermont Career Spotlight

VIEW ALL SPOTLIGHTS

Our Newsletter: Field Notes

NEWSLETTERS, UPDATES, & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Introducing the VOBA Membership Share Toolkit

In the face of mounting climate change impacts, the Climate Outdoors Workforce Initiative (COWI) strengthens the knowledge, skills, and capacity of Vermont’s outdoor professionals to better face and recover from climate risks while attracting new workers into careers essential to Vermont’s adaptation and resilience. COWI aligns climate, workforce, and economic development initiatives from the State of Vermont and the outdoor economy.

VOBA

1 day ago

2026 Legislative Policy Wrap Up

VOBA 2026 Wins & Headwinds Report by Maidstone Public Relations The Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance (VOBA) began the 2026 legislative session strong, being asked to share VOBA's 2026 Policy Platform across multiple legislative committees, including the House Commerce and Senate Economic Development Committees. VOBA also testified in several committees on a key priority for our membership, the sector's role in the Climate Outdoors Workforce Initiative (COWI) as linked to the

VOBA

Jun 24

Climate Outdoors Workforce Initiative (COWI) Landscape Analysis

In the face of mounting climate change impacts, the Climate Outdoors Workforce Initiative (COWI) strengthens the knowledge, skills, and capacity of Vermont’s outdoor professionals to better face and recover from climate risks while attracting new workers into careers essential to Vermont’s adaptation and resilience. COWI aligns climate, workforce, and economic development initiatives from the State of Vermont and the outdoor economy.

VOBA

May 22

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SHARING OUTDOOR CAREER STORIES

Vermont's outdoor recreation industry is thriving, and VOBA is helping connect, strengthen, and advance the businesses and people behind it.

VOBA Community Impact this year:
• 150 Strategic Associates, Supporting Associates, Industry, Nonprofit, and Individual Members
• 1,000 attendees at trainings, annual summit, networking and other events, and Outdoor Recreation Day at the State House
• $20k in member-only grants and awards

Together, we're building a stronger, more connected, and more resilient outdoor recreation economy for Vermont.

#VOBA #VermontOutdoorEconomy #OutdoorRecreation #OutdoorIndustry #EconomicDevelopment

📸: @boltonvalley @drinkbivo @hulalakeside

Member Spotlight: The Mountain Goat 🏔️🛍️ (@mountaingoatvt)

Locally owned and operated since 1987, The Mountain Goat has been a cornerstone of Vermont’s outdoor community in Manchester.

Founded by Anne and Ron Houser, the shop was born from a love of adventure and a deep connection to the outdoors. Today, it continues to serve both locals and visitors with expert gear, trusted advice, and a true commitment to customer service.

Just minutes from the Appalachian Trail, The Mountain Goat plays an important role in Vermont’s outdoor economy by supporting hikers, travelers, and everyday adventurers.

From gear and clothing to route planning, snow conditions, and local insight, their team helps people safely and confidently experience the outdoors.
More than a retail shop, The Mountain Goat is a hub for outdoor knowledge, community, and connection in southern Vermont.

We’re proud to highlight their long-standing contribution to Vermont’s outdoor industry.

#VOBA #MemberSpotlight #OutdoorEconomy #VermontOutdoorIndustry #AppalachianTrail #OutdoorRetail #Vermont

Thanks to everyone who joined our Employee Recruitment, Retention & Resilience training as part of the Climate Outdoors Workforce Initiative (COWI)! 🙌

We had a great session focused on how Vermont outdoor businesses can strengthen hiring practices, improve employee retention, and build more resilient teams to support the future of our outdoor economy.

This workshop brought together HR professionals, managers, and outdoor industry leaders all working toward the same goal: a stronger, more sustainable workforce across Vermont’s outdoor sector.

Thank you to our collaborators:
Agency of Natural Resources Climate Action Office, Vermont Department of Labor, Vermont Office of Workforce Strategy and Development, and Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative.

More sessions in this series are coming soon as we continue building tools and strategies for Vermont’s outdoor industry.

#VOBA #OutdoorIndustry #WorkforceDevelopment #VermontOutdoorEconomy #ClimateResilience

Explore Your Future in Vermont's Outdoor Industry 🌲

Looking for a career in the outdoor sector? VOBA's Education & Workforce

Development resources can help you find your path:
✔️ Explore career pathways across Vermont's outdoor economy
✔️ Discover training and education opportunities
✔️ Learn about in-demand outdoor industry careers
✔️ Access career inventories now available online

Whether you're entering the workforce, changing careers, or advancing your skills, these tools can help you take the next step.

Visit the VOBA Careers Guide and Education Programs on our website to get started. Inventories update regularly! Link in bio. 🔗

#VOBA #OutdoorCareers #WorkforceDevelopment #VermontOutdoorEconomy #OutdoorIndustry #CareerPathways #VermontJobs

🎥 Behind the Scenes of Our Upcoming Climate Spotlight Series! 👀

We're excited to be filming a new series through the Climate Opportunities Working Group (COWI), highlighting how Vermont outdoor businesses are adapting, innovating, and building resilience for the future.

Featuring conversations with organizations including @skidagram, @craftsburyoutdoorcenter, and @wildflowerinnvt, these stories explore climate resilience, workforce development, sustainability, and the future of Vermont's outdoor economy.

The series is also part of VOBA's broader effort to promote outdoor careers and showcase the people, businesses, and opportunities that power our industry.
Stay tuned!

🎥: @threepeaksmedia
@threepeaksmedia
#VOBA #COWI #ClimateSpotlight #OutdoorCareers #VermontOutdoorEconomy #ClimateResilience #OutdoorIndustry #WorkforceDevelopment #OutdoorRecreation #VermontBusiness

Member Spotlight: Timber & Stone 🌲🥾

For more than 15 years, Timber & Stone has been designing and building trails that connect people to the outdoors, strengthen communities, and support recreation economies across the Northeast.

A few standout projects around the state include:

• Wilton Center Loop Demonstration Trail: expanding outdoor access and community connectivity through a multi-use trail and accessible boardwalk system

• Bluffside Farm Accessible Boardwalk: a 1,500-foot boardwalk along Scott’s Cove on Lake Memphremagog connecting trail networks and improving accessibility for recreation and outdoor education

• Barnes Camp Visitor Center Accessible Boardwalk: including the entrance kiosk welcoming visitors to this accessible outdoor experience

Their work illustrates how thoughtfully designed trails stand the test of time and outdoor infrastructure promotes accessible recreation and education.

We’re proud to have Timber & Stone as part of the VOBA member network. Watch our career spotlight video featuring Josh Ryan, Principal Trail Designer and Builder at Timber & Stone, to learn more about their impact. Link in bio! 🔗

#VOBA #MemberSpotlight #TrailBuilding #OutdoorEconomy #OutdoorRecreation #CommunityTrails #VermontOutdoorEconomy

Strategic Member Spotlight: Darn Tough Vermont 🧦⭐ (@darntoughvermont)

If you know Vermont, you probably know Darn Tough. They make socks that people actually trust to last, whether you’re hiking, skiing, working outside, or just living life in a place where the weather keeps you on your toes.

Darn Tough’s socks are still made right here in Vermont, and they stand behind every pair with a lifetime guarantee.

What we appreciate most is how grounded they are in the state. They’re creating good local jobs, keeping manufacturing here, and showing that world-class outdoor gear doesn’t have to come from somewhere else. That kind of commitment helps strengthen Vermont’s outdoor economy in a way that really sticks. 🤝

➡️ Become a member by heading to the link in our bio or on our website and filling out the new member form.

#VermontOutdoors #MadeInVermont #OutdoorCommunity #VOBA #DarnTough #OutdoorIndustry #KeepItLocal #VermontBusiness

🎉 A big thank you to our newest Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance members for joining and strengthening Vermont’s outdoor economy this fiscal year. We’re excited to have you in the network!

Strategic Associates:
Concept2 (@concept2inc)
Four Square Hospitality (@foursquarehospitalityvt)
Jay Peak Resort (@jaypeakresort)
Rack Warehouse (@rackwarehouse)
The Richards Group

Supporting Associate:
Owl's Iris Photography (@bhauzproductions)

Industry Members:
Big Town Vermont (@bigtownvermont)
Green Mountain Bikes (@greenmountainbikes)
Green Mountain Games (@greenmountaingames)
Iz La Motte Creative (@izmottephoto)
Jason Frank (@jasonafrankphoto)
Lake Champagne Campground
Mirnavation Nation (@themirnavator)
Mola Hoods (@molahoods)
Momentum Insights
Off Trail Vermont (@offtrailvermont)
Product Think Tank (@product_think_tank)
Ramble & Roam (@ramblexroam)
SE Group (@se_group)
Sherry's of Vermont
Snowfunz Monoskis (@monoski.snowfunz)
Vermont Sports Magazine / Adirondack Sports (@vtsportsmag & @adirondacksports)

Nonprofit Members:
Fellowship of the Wheel (FOTW) (@fotwheel)
Green Up Vermont (@greenupvermont)
Vermont Professionals of Color Network (VTPoC) (@vtpoc_network)
Waterbury Area Trail Alliance (WATA) (@watavt)

Want to become part of this growing network? Learn more and apply via the link in bio.

#VOBA #VermontOutdoors #OutdoorIndustry #VermontBusiness #TrailStewardship #OutdoorEconomy

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Join the VOBA network by becoming a member! Supporting VOBA expands programming in VOBA's 3-year strategic priorities and builds a sustainable organization.

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The outdoor sector is reliant upon the conservation of the natural landscape, stewarding of recreation infrastructure, and secured diversity in work spaces and outdoor places.

Growing Vermont's Outdoor Economy

WELCOME TO VOBA. JOIN OUR COMMUNITY.

RILEY KARL PHOTOGRAPHY

Explore Our Members

Discover Outdoor Vermont Careers

BEGIN YOUR SEARCH

Our Mission

Growing Businesses & Careers

Our Work

THE FIVE MAIN FUNCTIONS OF VOBA

NETWORK BUILDING & LEARNING

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

RESEARCH & BRANDING

ADVOCACY

Join Our Network

Watch Now: Career Spotlights

Our Newsletter: Field Notes

NEWSLETTERS, UPDATES, & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Introducing the VOBA Membership Share Toolkit

2026 Legislative Policy Wrap Up

Climate Outdoors Workforce Initiative (COWI) Landscape Analysis

SHARING OUTDOOR CAREER STORIES

Subscribe to Our Newsletter: Field Notes

UPDATES, EVENTS, & HAPPENINGS

Become A Member

FIND COMMUNITY, BENEFITS, & ACCESS

Join the VOBA network by becoming a member! Supporting VOBA expands programming in VOBA's 3-year strategic priorities and builds a sustainable organization.

The outdoor sector is reliant upon the conservation of the natural landscape, stewarding of recreation infrastructure, and secured diversity in work spaces and outdoor places.

- THE VERMONT OUTDOOR BUSINESS ALLIANCE

Your source for outdoor sector networking, learning, business development, career pathways, and policy advocacy.

© 2025 by Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance. Designed by Wavy Grape Studio.

RESOURCES

CONTACT

MEMBERS

Growing Vermont's Outdoor Economy

WELCOME TO VOBA. JOIN OUR COMMUNITY.

RILEY KARL PHOTOGRAPHY

Explore Our Members

Discover Outdoor Vermont Careers

BEGIN YOUR SEARCH

Our Mission

Growing Businesses & Careers

Our Work

THE FIVE MAIN FUNCTIONS OF VOBA

NETWORK BUILDING & LEARNING

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

RESEARCH & BRANDING

ADVOCACY

Join Our Network

Watch Now: Career Spotlights

Our Newsletter: Field Notes

NEWSLETTERS, UPDATES, & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Introducing the VOBA Membership Share Toolkit

2026 Legislative Policy Wrap Up

Climate Outdoors Workforce Initiative (COWI) Landscape Analysis

SHARING OUTDOOR CAREER STORIES

​

Subscribe to Our Newsletter: Field Notes

UPDATES, EVENTS, & HAPPENINGS

Become A Member

FIND COMMUNITY, BENEFITS, & ACCESS

Join the VOBA network by becoming a member! Supporting VOBA expands programming in VOBA's 3-year strategic priorities and builds a sustainable organization.

The outdoor sector is reliant upon the conservation of the natural landscape, stewarding of recreation infrastructure, and secured diversity in work spaces and outdoor places.

- THE VERMONT OUTDOOR BUSINESS ALLIANCE

Your source for outdoor sector networking, learning, business development, career pathways, and policy advocacy.

© 2025 by Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance. Designed by Wavy Grape Studio.

RESOURCES

CONTACT

MEMBERS