Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Welcomes New Members – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) announced the addition of nine new members and three new partners to its growing outdoor industry coalition, representing academic institutions, businesses, associations, state offices, and nonprofit organizations. These additions reflect the increasing momentum behind the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy and the shared mission to expand access to the outdoors for all Americans, according to a release.
With a membership that includes the RV Industry Association (RVIA) and the RV Dealers Association (RVDA), the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable is the nation’s leading coalition of outdoor recreation associations representing the more than 110,000 outdoor businesses in the recreation economy and the full spectrum of outdoor-related activities. The most recent data from the U.S. Department of Commerce shows that outdoor recreation generated $1.2 trillion in economic output (2.3% of GDP), 5 million jobs and comprises 3.1% of U.S. employees.
New Members
- Ascis Solutions (Business Member)
- Colorado State University Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources (Academic Member)
- Conservation Legacy (Association Member)
- Granite Outdoor Alliance (Association Member)
- Innovate Alabama (State Office Member)
- National Park College (Academic Member)
- National Recreation and Park Association (Association Member)
- Northwest Arkansas Community College Trail Technician Program (Academic Member)
- SE Group (Business Member)
New Partners
- Audubon Society
- Harvest Hosts
- Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation
“ORR is thrilled to welcome such an impressive and diverse group of new members and partners,” said Jessica Turner, President of Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “From cutting-edge trail technician programs to conservation-focused nonprofits, these organizations represent the full range of innovation and energy that defines the outdoor recreation economy. Together, we will continue advancing smart policies, growing the outdoor workforce, and ensuring the outdoors remain accessible and thriving for generations to come.”
QUOTES FROM NEW MEMBERS AND PARTNERS
“ASciS Solutions and our iSportsman team are excited to accelerate our support for the outdoor industry through our new membership with the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR). For years, we’ve leaned on the work that ORR has done to advocate for our industry and now we get to be a part of the team that produces the tools necessary to bolster the outdoor recreation industry. We look forward to collaborating with other members to advance the programs and policies that promote participation in outdoor recreation, especially among our government, tribal and land trust clients across the United States.” — Aneil Kumar, President and CEO, Ascis Solutions.
“Colorado State University is excited to join the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. As a modern land-grant institution, CSU plays a critical role in advancing the outdoor recreation economy—both through its statewide Extension network and its academic leadership in departments such as the Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources (formerly the Department of Outdoor Recreation), which has focused on public lands and natural resource management since 1967. Through Learn From Anywhere with Colorado State University, we are expanding access to online degrees, noncredit courses, certificates, and workforce-funded credentials to meet learners where they are and support career pathways in the outdoor economy and beyond.
We recognize the power of cross-sector collaboration to strengthen partnerships, advance shared goals, and ensure that research, community voices, and best practices inform decision-making at every level. We look forward to working alongside fellow stakeholders to promote policies that protect and enhance access to the outdoors, while also supporting economic vitality, environmental stewardship, and the well-being of communities nationwide.” — Lindsey Shirley, Senior Associate Vice President for Engagement and Extension, Warner College of Natural Resources, Colorado State University
“Conservation Legacy is excited to be joining the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. We understand how important outdoor recreation is to local economies and places where we serve, work, and live. We are proud to be developing the workforce necessary to support this economy. We look forward to engaging with other stakeholders, partners, and decision makers to increase support for building, maintaining, and restoring the infrastructure needed to support outdoor recreation, including trails, campgrounds, habitat, historic and cultural sites, and hunting and fishing areas.” –– Amy Sovocool, President, Conservation Legacy
“Joining Outdoor Recreation Roundtable is a strategic move to elevate New Hampshire’s voice in the national outdoor conversation. As the outdoor economy continues to emerge as a driving force across the country, we’re proud to be part of ORR’s active, results-driven network that connects state, federal, and industry leaders. Granite Outdoor Alliance’s coalition-building efforts just took a major step forward — this new partnership enhances our ability to advocate effectively, exchange knowledge, and bring national insights back to New Hampshire to support our communities and outdoor businesses.” — Tyler T. Ray, Director, Granite Outdoor Alliance
“Innovate Alabama is honored to join the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and stand alongside national leaders advancing the outdoor recreation economy. Alabama’s natural assets are a key part of what makes our state a compelling place to live, work and build a business. By investing in outdoor recreation, we’re not only enriching quality of life, but also creating the kind of vibrant communities that attract and retain entrepreneurs and innovators. This partnership aligns with our mission to grow Alabama’s innovation ecosystem and ensure that founders and innovators can thrive here, both personally and professionally.” — T.C. McLemore, Executive Director of Outdoor Recreation at Innovate Alabama
“Outdoor recreation is woven into the history of National Park College in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Epic trails, world-class hunting and fishing, and millions of acres of public lands bring over $7 billion into our economy each year. Developing a quality workforce is a challenge for any industry and outdoor recreation is no exception. Demand for skilled workers is outpacing supply in this critical sector. For our economy to continue to grow, the workforce needs of our outdoor recreation industry must be served. We look forward to leveraging our extensive workforce training experience to serve one of our passions. NPC is proud to partner with the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable to build a thriving outdoor recreation workforce for Arkansas and beyond.” — Bill Ritter, Vice President for Workforce, National Park College
“The National Recreation and Park Association is proud to join the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. Park and recreation agencies are essential to the outdoor recreation economy and the health and well-being of every community. We recognize the importance of uniting across all sectors to strengthen partnerships, advance shared goals, and ensure that the voices of local agencies are heard at every level of government. We look forward to collaborating with fellow stakeholders to promote policies that support outdoor spaces and places for all, expanding the many benefits parks and recreation provide to people and communities nationwide.” — Kristine Stratton, President and CEO, National Recreation and Park Association
“Northwest Arkansas Community College is proud to join the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, uniting with national leaders to elevate the future of outdoor recreation. Our groundbreaking Trail Technician and Bike Technician programs, driven by our college’s bold mission to serve lifelong learners and expand workforce innovation statewide, embody the spirit of ORR’s vision for a stronger, more inclusive and impactful outdoor economy. We are honored to collaborate, advocate, and lead alongside ORR members to build a sustainable, accessible, and thriving recreation landscape.” — Megan Bolinder, Executive Director, Trails and Trades Division, NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC).
“At Audubon, we protect birds and the places they need—because when birds thrive, so do people and communities. That is why we are proud to join the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and collaborate with partners who share our belief that healthy habitats, strong local economies, and access to nature are all connected. By uniting around our shared values, we can drive forward the conservation solutions this moment calls for—and the future depends on.” — Dr. Elizabeth Gray, CEO, National Audubon Society
“Harvest Hosts is thrilled to be joining the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. Harvest Hosts is a unique RV membership program that connects RV travelers with incredible, off-the-beaten-path, overnight RV sites, enhancing the travel experience while supporting local businesses. We look forward to contributing to Outdoor Recreation Roundtable’s mission through our proprietary data, membership that encourages outdoor activities, community of outdoor enthusiasts and support of the outdoor recreation economy.” — Joel Holland, CEO, Harvest Hosts
The Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation (OTF) is proud to be a Partner of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, amplifying our shared mission of promoting outdoor recreation nationwide. Through this partnership, the OTF supports shared goals of nurturing a passion for the great outdoors in the next generation and ensuring every child has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of nature. Together, we’re inspiring future stewards of outdoor spaces and fostering a lifelong connection to the natural world. — LeAnn Schmitt, Director of Partnership Development, Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation
“SE Group is thrilled to join the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR). From the beginning of our consultancy with the ski industry in 1958 to our current outdoor recreation planning and design collaborations with private companies and public agencies, our business has always been tethered to the outdoors. ORR’s vital work to support the broader outdoor industry aligns with our company values and mission, and we look forward to helping those efforts. As our company tagline says, “Outside is Where We Thrive”. With ORR, we intend to thrive together.” — Mark Kane, Managing Director, Communities, SE Group
A full list of ORR’s membership is here.
