Here’s a re-cap of some of the noteworthy recreation economy stories from the past month.

Government Puts Outdoor Industry Size at $373 Billion
That’s 2 percent of overall GDP—putting it on par with other major economy-drivers (and larger than oil and mining).

FIND YOUR CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT DATA
Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) has released congressional-level Outdoor Recreation Economy reports for all 435 congressional districts. These reports are the first of their kind that captures the power of a vast multi-billion dollar economic engine in our local communities and across the nation.

PUBLIC LANDS: OUR INDUSTRY, OUR ISSUE, OUR FIGHT
WHY THE FUTURE OF THE OUTDOOR INDUSTRY DEPENDS ON PUBLIC LANDS AND WATERS

13 HUGE WINS FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION
By serving as a leader for interest groups and growing local outdoor recreation economies, state offices of outdoor recreation are turning heads in the industry and beyond.

Group discusses recreation in Skagit County
Skagit County has an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities, but hasn’t tapped into its full potential, area industry leaders and public land managers said Friday during a round-table discussion.

Port of Bellingham Hires Director of Economic Development Don Goldberg
The Port is pleased to announce the hiring of Don Goldberg as its Director of Economic Development. Goldberg will be an integral part of Whatcom County’s economic development team, which includes a collaboration of business service, economic development and workforce organizations partnered together to recruit and retain businesses and create family-wage jobs.

Cascade Designs: All in the family
As founder John Burroughs passes the torch to his son, David, the two reflect on the brand’s humble beginnings and the importance of family, manufacturing at home, and getting a good night’s sleep.

How Patagonia Grows Every Time It Amplifies Its Social Mission
CEO Rose Marcario, who leads the apparel player, a 2018 World’s Most Innovative Company, has catalyzed the shifting political tides to Patagonia’s benefit.

ASK YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO SUPPORT THE OUTDOOR RECREATION ECONOMY CLIMATE RESOLUTION
Bipartisan solutions to addressing climate change are critical to the future of the outdoor industry. This includes taking on issues like reversal and adaptation, reducing carbon emissions, supporting clean energy, and continuing to support healthy communities and economies.