Thursday, Nov. 12, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. —LUDLOW— Outdoor industry leaders, entrepreneurs and community partners will gather at The Barn at Fox Run, 89 Fox Lane Ext., for the eighth annual Vermont Outdoor Economy Summit, a daylong event focused on strengthening the state’s outdoor recreation businesses and supporting economic development.
Organized by the Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance (VOBA), this year’s summit carries the theme “Build Together: Growing Outdoor Business in Vermont.” The event will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, educational workshops and networking opportunities examining the challenges and opportunities facing Vermont’s outdoor economy.
Sarah Waring, executive director of the Northern Border Regional Commission, will deliver the keynote address at 9:30 a.m., discussing how collaboration and investment can support outdoor businesses and communities throughout Vermont.
A business panel will follow, featuring Simon Perkins,
A business panel will follow, featuring Simon Perkins, president of The Orvis Company, and Mark Kane, principal at SE Group. The discussion will examine strategies for overcoming industry challenges, encouraging innovation and building connections among outdoor businesses.
Morning workshops will address business financing and growth strategies, outdoor recreation policy priorities and the development of purpose-driven brands that encourage broader participation in outdoor activities.
The afternoon program will include a workshop focused specifically on Ludlow’s year-round outdoor economy. Moderated by Holly Fowler, co-founder of Northbound Ventures Consulting, the discussion will feature Bruce Schmidt, vice president and general manager of Okemo Mountain Resort; Noah Schmidt, owner of Open Door Vacation Rentals; and Shon and Alex Racicot, co-owners of The Boot Pro Ski & Bike.
Panelists will explore how Ludlow’s winter recreation industry
Panelists will explore how Ludlow’s winter recreation industry can support business activity throughout the year, with particular attention to community resilience, seasonal tourism, workforce retention and housing affordability.
Additional afternoon workshops will address recruitment and retention strategies for outdoor industry careers and opportunities for regional businesses to collaborate on shared economic development initiatives.
The summit will also recognize two figures in Vermont’s outdoor recreation industry during its luncheon program.
Dick Dreissigacker and Judy Geer, associated with Concept2
Dick Dreissigacker and Judy Geer, associated with Concept2 and the Craftsbury Outdoor Center, will receive the sixth annual Patrick Leahy Trailblazer Legacy Award. The presentation is scheduled for 12:15–1:30 p.m., with Drew Simmons, owner of Pale Morning Media, serving as emcee.
The afternoon will also feature the third annual Outdoor Pitch Fest, scheduled from 3 to 4 p.m. The event gives outdoor entrepreneurs a chance to present their business ideas to a panel of judges.
This year’s participants include Ellen McCune of Lupine Outerwear, Jody Canavan and Amy Maugeri of Gear Envie, and Ariel Ogden of Fifth Season Canvas. Corinne Prevot, CEO of Skida, will serve as emcee.
The summit will conclude with remarks from Edie
The summit will conclude with remarks from Edie Perkins, executive director of Green Mountain Adaptive, followed by an après reception from 4 to 5 p.m. at Calcutta’s Restaurant.
The event begins with a guided walk at 8 a.m., followed by networking coffee and check-in at 8:30 a.m. Formal programming starts at 9:15 a.m.
The annual summit provides a forum for Vermont’s outdoor businesses, recreation organizations and economic development partners to exchange ideas about industry growth, workforce needs, tourism and the role of outdoor recreation in rural communities.
Tickets range from $130 to $180.
For tickets and more information, visit: vermontoutdoorbusinessalliance.org/summit.
Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?
Send Us An Email!
