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September Newsletter  /  Issue 44

If you read nothing else ...

The 3 most important things for you to know

  1. Our next MOB Talk is on Tuesday, September 13 about new funding opportunities and compliance requirements for outdoor industry businesses and organizations.
  2. Join the next MOB Scene member networking event on September 21 at Blaze Partners.
  3. The latest schedule for the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit on Oct 12-13 is out now.

MOB Talk September 13th

We are back with our virtual MOB Talks this fall, kicking things off with the Finance Authority of Maine and BernsteinShur next Tuesday, September 13, at 12pm to learn about new funding opportunities available for small businesses and organizations. 
Register Here

MOB heads West:
Outdoor Retailer in Salt Lake City

We're excited for Outdoor Retailer to head back to Utah! Want to join Opolis, Brant & Cochran, Tree Free Heat and Hüga this January for the next OR Snow Show? Reach out to Brian and let us know you're interested!

New Report:
State of the Outdoor Market

MOB’s national partner, the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), released a new report covering the state of the outdoor market including participation, consumer trends, and economic and social forces impacting our industry. Key findings from the report include:
  • OUTDOOR GROWTH: New participant entries into outdoor recreation are 26% since January 2020. Skateboarding, hiking, kayaking, and surfing had the highest growth rates across outdoor categories.
  • INCREASING DIVERSITY: Diversity in age and ethnicity is accelerating in the U.S., but the outdoor participant base is less diverse than the population.
  • POST-COVID EFFECTS: Patterns in how we return to work will affect outdoor participation. Remote work allows many to participate outdoors for the first time, during hours when they would have been in an office or commuting, and across more outdoor activities.
  • RISING INFLATION: High inflation, 9.1% in June and 8.5% in July, is likely to reduce spending in the outdoor market.
  • FASHION TRENDS: Several fashion trends are currently red hot including “Cottage Core” and “Coastal Grandmother.” Read about and see images related to these and more hot trends that are likely to impact outdoor apparel.
 
Interested in learning more? OIA’s Director of Research Kelly Davis will be giving a presentation at the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit.
Read Full Report Here

Events

MOB Scene September 21st

Mark your calendars for the next MOB Scene, hosted by founding member Blaze Partners in Yarmouth. Come connect with other MOB members and hear from some of our Yarmouth-based brands like Chimani, Maine Fly Co and Maine Lakes about what they're up to! Plus host Blaze Partners will give an overview of their recent B-corp status and initiatives to attract/retain employees!

Register Here

Maine Outdoor Economy Summit
October12-13th

We are closing in on the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit and extending early bird pricing of $75 until September 16th. The schedule is crystalizing, sessions are solidifying and you're bound to learn something new that will enhance your life, your work and your community.

Are you a MOB member? Do you want more eyes on what you make? Well then you want your product to be highlighted in our product showcase! Fill out this form now. It's free and guaranteed to make you look good.
Register Here
Basecamp Gather
Basecamp, the 40K strong network of outdoor industry job seekers and leaders, is hosting a networking event + hiring fair in Portland, Maine in conjunction with MOB and the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit. This is a free event open to anyone who works in the outdoor industry or wants to.
Attend
Hiring? Sign up for a table
Outdoor Recreation Economy News

Sea Bags landed on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of the country’s fastest growing private companies.

Read more in Mainebiz.

Maine's U.S. senators introduced legislation that would halve the travel time from Millinocket to the national monument. Read more in the Portland Press Herald.
Chimani partnered with Pacifico and Loge Camps on a new map feature to benefit the Conservation Alliance. Read more on Chimani’s Blog.

Member Spotlight


Congrats to our friends at Blaze Partners on their B Corp certification announcement. Blaze joins an impressive list of companies and organizations from around the world in committing to rigorous standards for social and environmental performance, using its business as a force for good. If your business is interested in pursuing the B Corp path, Blaze would be happy to share their experience. Just send an email here to get a conversation going.
  • Maine Fly Co is hiring a fly rod builder - Apply now!
  • Alpenglow Adventure Sports is looking for a part time sales associate - Apply now!
  • Sea Bags is hiring a multimedia designer and art director- Apply now!
  • LL Bean is hiring a senior procurement agent– Apply Now!
  • The Chewonki Foundation is hiring an associate director of admissions – Apply now!
Find more jobs in Maine's outdoor industry at maineoutdoorbrands.com/jobs

Welcome New Brand Members

Explore New England produces quality content highlighting the outdoors and is gearing up for its third season of all-new programming on NESN & NESN+ (home of the Red Sox and Bruins), as well as our Roku TV & YouTube Channels. Season 3 premieres October 2nd on NESN and runs for 26 weeks - New episodes premiere on Sundays @9:00am & repeat Mondays @6:30pm

Sebago Clean Waters conserves forests to keepMaine’s largest drinking water supply clean. Only 15% of the Sebago Lake watershed is currently conserved. To maintain the purity of the water, they need your help to permanently protect 25% of the forestland.

Thank you to our supporters!

 
Summit:
Tree Line: Machias Savings Bank, iBec Creative, Bernstein Shur
Trailhead: ShipRight, Backyard Concept LLC, SA Hutnak & Associates, CurrierBuchanan, Yarmouth Payroll Plus, Maine Center for Entrepreneurs, KMA Human Resources Consulting, Acadia Benefits

Interested in sponsorship opportunities for 2022? Reach out to jenny@maineoutdoorbrands.com. Thank you for supporting Maine's outdoor economy!
Copyright © *Maine Outdoor Brands, All rights reserved.


Our mailing address is:
PO Box 513 Portland, Maine 04112

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