Outdoor Industry, REI Commend Western Governors’ “Get Out West”

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and member company REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) praised the launch of a new initiative by the Western Governors’ Association (WGA) titled “Get Out West,” which was announced at the association’s annual meeting yesterday. The initiative was championed by new WGA Chair and Washington State Gov. Christine Gregoire.

The goals of the initiative announced by Gov. Gregoire at the WGA annual meeting in Coeur d’ Alene, ID are to:

• Highlight the importance of the recreational and tourism sectors of the Western economy;

• Support efforts to boost recreation, conservation, healthy communities and tourism in the Western states by partnering with and putting a spotlight on existing successful efforts; and

• Improve public policies that facilitate tourism, recreation and conservation in the West.

“REI commends Governor Gregoire for the exciting vision she is championing as the new chair of the Western Governors’ Association,” said Sally Jewell, president and CEO of outdoor retailer REI. “The ‘Get Out West’ initiative brings much deserved recognition to the importance of recreation and tourism in the Western states and seeks to ensure continued growth in these activities for current and future generations. We look forward to working with the governors, Outdoor Industry Association and other partners to support this important initiative.”

In 2006, OIA produced the industry’s first economic study, which showed that active outdoor recreation increasingly fuels the U.S. economy and is a primary driver in regional and local economies across the country. The growth in activities such as hiking, paddling, hunting, fishing and wildlife watching contributes $730 billion annually to the U.S. economy, drives $289 billion in retail sales and supports 6.5 million jobs.

“We believe the impact of the recreation economy is just now beginning to be understood, and we are pleased to partner with the Western Governors’ Association to better understand this crucial economic aspect of the West,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of Outdoor Industry Association. “Our forests, parks, rivers and trails form the basic recreation infrastructure that supports sustainable jobs in rural and urban communities across the West. This initiative also creates a great opportunity to work with the Western states and other stakeholders in promoting activities, investments and policies that support this important economic engine.”

More information about the initiative is available at:
Get Out West Initiative Press Release
http://www.westgov.org/initiatives/rtep/357-2011-chair-a-vice-chair

Get Out West Initiative Overview:
http://www.westgov.org/initiatives/rtep/354-get-out-west

About Outdoor Industry Association
Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) is a national trade association whose mission is to ensure the growth and success of the outdoor industry. OIA provides trade services for over 4000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives and retailers in the outdoor industry. OIA programs include representation in government/legislative affairs, market and social research, business-to-business services and youth outreach initiatives. Educational events include the annual Rendezvous®, Outdoor University®, and the Capitol Summit. OIA is based in Boulder, Colorado, and is the title sponsor of the Outdoor Retailer tradeshows. For more information go to outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353.

About REI
REI is a national outdoor retail co-op dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.