RVIA, along with leaders of twelve other outdoor industry associations, made an unprecedented move to join forces to create the Outdoor Recreation Industry Roundtable and strategically work together for the benefit of American outdoor recreation as a whole.
The Outdoor Recreation Industry Roundtable is a coalition made up of America’s leading outdoor recreation trade associations. Collectively, Roundtable members represent the thousands of U.S. businesses that produce and provide equipment, gear, apparel, vehicles and services for the 142 million Americans who enjoy our nation’s parks, waterways, and byways. Spanning outdoor recreational activities such as boating, fishing, hunting, camping, archery, shooting sports, trail sports, snow sports and powersports, and including the various recreation vehicles, outdoor equipment and clothing used to pursue these activities, the Outdoor Recreation Industry Roundtable is dedicated to growing diverse outdoor participation, expanding recreational access for Americans, promoting conservation, and bolstering sustainable domestic jobs.
Outdoor recreation is an economic powerhouse in the United States. Combined, the outdoor recreation industry generates $646 billion-per-year in economic activity and provides an estimated 6.1 million direct jobs.
“One of the primary goals of the Outdoor Recreation Industry Roundtable is to drive a business-led agenda for recreation and to work directly with the new Trump Administration and Congress,” said RVIA President Frank Hugelmeyer. “It is more important now than ever to invest in America's booming outdoor recreation economy and no one is better positioned to identify ways to drive growth than the actual businesses that serve the lifestyle and create the jobs.”
In support of this goal, the Roundtable sent letters to Vice President-elect Mike Pence, the leader of the Trump transition team, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Speaker Paul Ryan requesting meetings and outlining the strategic efforts the Roundtable will pursue on behalf of the outdoor recreation industry. Read the letters here: Pence Letter; McConnell Letter; Ryan Letter.
In the coming weeks, RVIA, along with Roundtable partners, will share several white papers that address important areas of focus for maintaining a healthy outdoor recreation economy, including issues like campground modernization. All of the white papers and more information about the Outdoor Recreation Industry Roundtable can be found at www.rvia.org/ORIR.