On Friday, October 18, Vermont’s leading and emerging outdoor recreation businesses, trail and conservation organizations, and state officials will gather at Bolton Valley Resort for a summit organized by the Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance (VOBA) and the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative.
“We’re excited about gathering leaders from Vermont’s best-known outdoor recreation businesses – Burton, Darn Tough, Orvis and Rome to name a few – as well as newer brands, trail and stewardship organizations, and state agencies to explore ideas for strengthening outdoor recreation opportunities and increase our sector’s economic impact in Vermont,” says VOBA Executive Director, Kelly Ault.
The Friday summit is by invitation only – working media are invited – but on Saturday, October 19 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, the public will have a chance to demo bikes and sample products from a wide variety of Vermont’s outdoor recreation brands at VOBA’s first-ever Outdoor Expo.
Outdoor Expo exhibitors include Julbo Eyewear, Bootlegger Bikes, Kaden Apparel, AllieCaps Trucker Hats, Thirst Coconut Water, Till I Die and SDR Clothing Company.
Saturday will also feature an Enduro mountain bike race and ambassador-led group rides. “We’re looking forward to showcasing our classic trails and the diverse, four-season recreation opportunities that Bolton Valley Resort offers,” says Lindsay DesLauriers, president of the resort her father founded in 1966 and which her family repurchased in 2017.
Niner Bikes will provide demos for racers and riders. Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports will host bike demos, unveiling two new e-assist bikes for those with spinal cord injuries. Outdoor Gear Exchange will host a mechanic tent and provide Powerplay e-bike demos. SunCommon will join the fun with their solar-powered bounce house. Kids can test their skills at the progression park, skatepark, or pool, all for free.
Raffle tickets are for sale through December 1 through registration for chances to win great prizes from Vermont brands, including all the vendors above plus Terry Bicycles, Mana Threads, Ali Barron Design/Alixandra Klein, Freedom & Unity, Bee’s Wrap, Fellowship of the Wheel and WNDNWVS.
See the schedules for the Summit and the Expo, with updates on the Facebook event page.
ABOUT THE VERMONT OUTDOOR BUSINESS ALLIANCE:
The Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance (VOBA) is a nonprofit organization working to educate Vermonters about outdoor recreation and Vermont businesses on businesses development and outdoor recreation economy policy in the areas of workforce, financing, infrastructure and branding. VOBA is dedicated to strengthening, expanding, attracting, and retaining outdoor recreation economy businesses in Vermont. www.vermontoutdoorbusinessalliance.org
ABOUT VERMONT OUTDOOR RECREATION ECONOMIC COLLABORATIVE:
Established by Executive Order in June of 2017 by Governor Phil Scott, the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) is a public/private entity representing businesses, government, and the nonprofit sector charged with identifying specific outcomes that promote business opportunities, increase participation opportunities, and strengthen the quality and stewardship of Vermont’s recreational resources.
