Momentum is building for Colorado’s new Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry (OREC), which has announced an advisory group that will work to execute on the results of a statewide listening tour.
Director of OREC, Luis Benitez, took the helm on 1 July 2015 and immediately took to the road for a three-month statewide listening tour. He visited a wide range of outdoor recreation-based businesses, non-profits and influencers across the state of Colorado, as well as major national industry gatherings.
The insights from this effort ‘brought clarity on the state’s outdoor recreation community and industry, and the role of Colorado in the national outdoor recreation industry.’
On his return, Benitez appointed over 20 Coloradans to serve on an OREC Advisory Group. The group, which has representation from all facets of the state’s recreation industry and community, will create alignment and roles to support the four points of focus for the office that were developed from the listening tour: Economic Development; Stewardship and Conservation; Industry Anchors and Education.
“Colorado is in a strong position to lead the outdoor recreation industry on many levels, and with the help of the advisory group, the office will not only create the collective voice for the outdoor community and industry in the state, but also craft the collaborative vision for the future of the industry in Colorado,” said Luis Benitez.
OREC Advisory Group Members:
Brady Robinson
Jenn Dice
Auden Schendler
Lauren Truitt
Bruce Ward
Jason Bertolacci
Don Riggle
Nathan Fey
Lise Aangeenbrug
Peter Oneil
Cailin O’Brien-Feeney
Kristin Carpenter-Ogden
Kenji Haroutunian
Annelise Loevlie
Tony Lewis
Kim Miller
Bill Gamber
Irene Vilar
Scott Braden
Rick Cables
Margaret Taylor
Phil Powers
A release from OREC notes that the advisory group represents the first of its kind in the United States. It brings together individuals with ‘divergent outdoor recreation interests who are committed to aligning for the first time toward the common goal of supporting and growing Colorado’s outdoor recreation industry and bolstering its strong community.’
Colorado is known for its natural scenery and access to wilderness, open spaces and trail systems. The state’s natural backdrops deliver adventures on mountains, trails, rivers, rocks and cliffs, rivers and lakes for outdoor recreationalists of all walks of life. Outdoor recreation is the foundation of the quality of life for the state, and a key attraction point for companies within the outdoor industries calling Colorado home.
Together, the businesses comprising Colorado’s outdoor recreation industry are major economic drivers in the state, creating US$13.2 billion annually in consumer spending, 125,000 Colorado-based jobs and US$994 million in state and local tax revenue.
Colorado’s outdoor recreation industry is seen as a growth engine for cities, rural and mountain communities alike.
“One of the key four points of focus is economic development, and the advisory group understands the bridge between economic development and growing a healthy and prosperous community,” Luis Benitez said. “This office is the state’s acknowledgement of how important the outdoor recreation community is to us as Coloradans.”
On the national level, the State of Colorado holds a prominent position within the outdoor industries comprising snow, cycling, hunting and fishing, action sports and outdoor, respectively. According to the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), the industry contributes US$4.2 billion in wages and salaries in Colorado.
The Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, part of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), was established in recognition of the impact and importance of the industry to the future prosperity and health of Colorado.
The office provides a central point of contact, advocacy, resources and support at the state level for the diverse constituents, businesses, communities and groups that rely on the continued health of the outdoor recreation industry.
