Sixth Annual Vermont Outdoor Economy Summit and Member Meeting
Tuesday, November 12 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Woodstock Inn and Resort in Woodstock, Vermont
VOBA's sixth annual gathering brings together 150 outdoor businesses, organizations, education and service providers, funders, and policymakers from around the state for networking, education, and business development.
Check out the Summit Agenda.
click here for registrant LOGISTICS and maps.
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Summit Workshop Descriptions
Industry Panel: Innovation and Impact for Vermont’s Future Outdoor Industry, Ballroom
Moderator: Corinne Prevot, Founder, Skida
Panelists:
Mark McCarthy, Owner, Lenny’s Show & Apparel
Suzi Curtis, Owner, The Curtis Group Sales, Woody’s Mercantile
Abby Crisostomo, Co-Founder and Executive Director , Unlikely Riders
Zac Freeman, Owner, Apex Trailworks LLC
Vermont ranks second in the nation for outdoor recreation contributions to the state’s GDP demonstrating significant economic impact in each of Vermont’s rural and urban communities. The robust network of outdoor companies and organizations behind this growth not only drives innovation in developing products and delivering services to meet the growing demands of outdoor participation, it also advances social impact in the areas of climate resiliency, equity, and sustainability.
Hear from a panel of industry leaders about their vision for Vermont’s future and the trends and opportunities to get us there. What are the collaborations and resources necessary to grow our businesses and workforce, steward our natural and recreation resources, ensure access for all, and foster culture in our outdoor destinations?
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Financing the Outdoor Sector: From Start Up to Succession, Ballroom
Moderator: Chris Saunders, Federal Co-Chair, Northern Border Regional Commission
Panelists:
Lawrence Miller, Senior Advisor - Mission Investments, Vermont Community Foundation and Business Advisor, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
Janice Shade, Founder, Capital Innovation Lab
Chris Whalen, Board Member, Renoun Skis and Managing Director, New Technology Ventures
Vermont’s business landscape presents unique challenges including changes in consumer behavior, climate, and supply chain. At the same time, opportunities abound from growing participation to new technology spurring innovation. In the face of these factors, businesses must adapt to grow and remain competitive. Financing expansions, pivots, hires and new markets can be complicated, however a wide range of resources are available for Vermont entrepreneurs considering making investments in their operations and employees for the products and services that can lead to their success.
Hear from Vermont finance leaders with experience in raising or administering capital in the forms of charitable giving, grants, crowdfunding, and loan programs as they discuss the financing resources available. What considerations should companies and organizations be thinking of when raising capital for sustainability and stewardship initiatives? What partnerships and resources are available to drive the burgeoning outdoor economy?
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Outdoor Policy: Conservation, Housing and Recreation, Garden Terrace - see issue detail
Moderators: Jill Sudhoff-Guerin, Principal, Maidstone Public Relations
Panelists:
Drew Simmons, Principal, Pale Morning Media
Trey Martin, Director of Conservation and Rural Community Development, Vermont Housing & Conservation Board
Shelby Semmes, Vice President, New England Region, Trust for Public Land
Jamey Fidel, Forest and Wildlife Program Director, Vermont Natural Resources Council
Amy Spear, President, Vermont Chamber
Nick Bennette, Executive Director, Vermont Mountain Bike Association and Co-Chair, Vermont Trails and Greenways Council
Vermont’s outdoor sector engages in advocacy to advance policy changes and budget investments that will benefit Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy, workforce, recreation and natural resources, and the resiliency of our communities. VOBA partners with numerous coalitions, organizations, and businesses from across the State to drive maximum impact and ensure your voices are part of Vermont policymaking.
Join this conversation about how Vermont business input could shape upcoming decision making for two Vermont land use laws. Review new proposals for 2025 in which your advocacy could strengthen the conversation and public awareness about the benefits of outdoor recreation. Hear from industry, conservation, recreation leaders, and policymakers on the state’s 30x30 initiative (Act 59), Act 250 and housing (Act 181), and emerging ideas for landowner recognition for allowing public access to recreation. Prepare to take action during the 2025 Legislative Session to drive the future of outdoor recreation in our State.
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Move Forward Together Vermont: Vision for Vermont’s Outdoor Economy, Wilder Room
Moderators: Jackie Dagger, Program Manager, Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative & Holly Fowler, Founder, Northbound Ventures Consulting LLC
Panelists:
Jimmy Cochran, General Manager, Cochran’s Ski Area
Scott McEnaney, Director, Orvis Adventures
Jen Roberts, Co-Owner, Onion River Outdoors
Over the last year, the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) with the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) embarked on Move Forward Together Vermont (MFTV), a statewide planning process to create a shared vision for Vermont’s outdoor recreation future and set of priority actions for the next five years. As a partner, VOBA convened over 100 businesses, organizations, educators, and service providers in focus groups and close to 70 outdoor businesses participated in the Vermont Outdoor Business survey. Learn about the outcomes of this robust planning process and join us in driving new opportunities and addressing challenges for the outdoor sector.
This workshop will provide a MFTV overview and highlight stories from outdoor business leaders connected to advancing the core themes of Stewardship, Wellness, and Economic Development. Participants will work in small groups to identify ways to advance Climate Resiliency, Equity, Innovation and Sustainability, and Career Pathways.
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Outdoor Industry and Participation Data, Ballroom
Presenter:
Heather Pelham, Commissioner, Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing
Drew Pollak-Bruce, Principal, CRO Planning and Design
A full buffet of new outdoor recreation data will be provided during this engaging lunchtime presentation. Diners will be introduced to the extensive data about outdoor recreation users, businesses, and providers collected through Move Forward Together Vermont. Learn about what was discovered about the alignment between user participation and outdoor businesses and highlights from the first ever Vermont Outdoor Business Survey tied to Summit workshop topics, including: funding & finance, housing & workforce development, climate & equity, and partnerships & progress. Come hungry to learn!
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Fly Casting Demo, South Garden
Scott McEnaney, Director, Orvis
Guides from the Woodstock Inn
The Woodstock Inn’s Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Program allows anglers from beginner to expert to cast in some of Central Vermont's most picturesque rivers and streams. Learn some casting tips and techniques and try out several of the Made in Vermont Orvis Fly Rods!
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Outdoor Workforce: Pathways to a Skilled and Climate-Ready Sector, Garden Terrace
Moderator: Brian Lamoureux, Outdoor Careers and Business Development Manager, Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance
Panelists:
Vermont State Senator Alison Clarkson, Windsor County District
Jay Ramsey, Director of Workforce Development, Vermont Department of Labor
Kate Gluckman, Vermont Serve, Learn and Earn
Chris Cartier, Executive Director of Sales Operations, Outdoor Gear Exchange
Hallie Picard, FUSE Marketing
Vermont’s workforce challenges are no secret: businesses struggle to recruit and retain skilled, diverse, and seasonal staff while the demand for outdoor products and experiences continues to grow. Recently, 77% of outdoor businesses reported plans to hire 1-5 jobs in the next 12 months but identified housing shortages, the high cost of living, and a lack of qualified applicants as barriers to attracting young professionals and upskilling adult professionals to sector jobs.
Additional changes to the business environment are in play: Climate affecting operations requires an innovative workforce that plans for resiliency and sustainability. It is widely acknowledged that business ownership and technical professions lack the inclusive representation essential to our economic prosperity.
Participants will hear from a panel of workforce development policymakers and sector leaders about Vermont’s career pathway solutions and collaborations. Discuss opportunities for a climate-ready sector, professional skills training, and a careers tool that markets and connects employers, employees, and partners in a robust talent pipeline for the future of our communities.
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Outdoor Industry and Community Hubs: Fostering Non-Profit Partnerships, Accessibility and Local Economic Development, Ballroom
Moderator: Kim Jackson, Director of Communications & Marketing, Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports
Panelists:
Nick Mahood, Director, Outdoor & Activity Center, Woodstock Inn & Resort
Charlie Kimbell, Vermont State Representative, Woodstock, Reading, Plymouth
Matt Stout, President, Woodstock Area Mountain Bike Association
Edie Perkins, Executive Director, Kelly Brush Foundation
Jeff Alexander, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Business Development, Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports
Vermont's outdoor destinations are emerging in all corners of the state and growing as model collaborations between municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses around a shared vision. Investments in local and legacy recreation infrastructure, assessments and developing trails to ensure accessibility, and linkages with businesses for products, services, and sponsorships are moving Vermont towards becoming the Outdoor State for Vermonters and visitors.
The town of Woodstock is no exception as long term planning for outdoor recreation has engaged community leaders and statewide partners in growing outdoor opportunities around stewardship, accessibility, and the economy. Learn about the work of adaptive organizations in providing guidance in local communities as well as the development of a statewide accessibility hub.
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Outdoors Marketing: Storytelling and Tools for Branding People, Place, and Products, Wilder Room
Moderator: Keith Anderson
Panelists:
Brandon Sauer, Digital Project Producer, Darn Tough Vermont
Sam Davies, Founder, Three Peaks Media
Evan Kay, Founder, Climb High Productions
Vermont’s outdoor people, places, and products make for storytelling that sets the state apart and puts a spotlight on the powerhouse of creatives, brands, and retailers working together to tap outdoor markets. Whether creating content involving video or imagery, tapping local athletes, ambassadors, and influencers, or using narrative to portray a broader and more inclusive lifestyle, collaborations are the key to sector success.
Learn from industry experts on what promotion strategies and tools are effective in boosting sales, attracting visitation, and fostering culture. How are partnerships essential to leveraging each other’s efforts? What funding is needed to support smaller companies or ground-breaking projects in elevating our marketing stories? Don’t miss the show!
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First Annual Outdoor Pitch Fest, Ballroom
Emcee and Lead Judge: Simeon Chapin, Simeon Chapin Consultancy
Judges:
Andy Linnevers, REI Coop
Kathy Murphy - Moriarty, Business Advisor, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
Corinne Prevot, Skida
Bill Supple, LLC
Vermont's outdoor businesses, along with the people who work and play in the state, make up the soul of the unique industry landscape. Come support five Vermont outdoor entrepreneurs working to further establish their brands by pitching their businesses to a panel of celebrity judges and the audience! Don’t miss your chance to vote for the winners of cash and in kind prizes!
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