Western Governors, Recreation Industries Partner to Document Economic Impacts of Motorized and Non-Motorized Recreation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 7, 2011
Yucca Valley, Calif. - Gov. Chris Gregoire (Wash.), Chair of the Western Governors' Association, announced today that motorized and non-motorized outdoor recreation industries' interest and trade groups will work with Western Governors to develop a comprehensive report documenting the recreation industry's contribution to jobs and the economy of the Western states and the nation.
Joining the Governor for the announcement were Frank Hugelmeyer, President and CEO of the Outdoor Industry Association, and Kathy Van Kleeck, Sr. Vice President of Government Relations for the Motorcycle Industry Council, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association.
"In the past, the motorized and non-motorized groups have published their own reports and analyses using different methodologies," Gregoire said. "With this joint effort, policymakers and the public will get a more complete picture of the positive impacts these industries have on the Western economy."
Gov. Gary Herbert, WGA's Vice Chairman, said the study is expected to be completed by late summer 2012.
"Quanitfying the economic impact of outdoor recreation will help states develop the right policies to preserve and enhance our natural and built infrastructure to meet public demand," Herbert said. "Our goal is to strengthen the recreation economy, which will in turn help build state economies and create jobs."
"The American West is an iconic place for outdoor recreation and draws enthusiasts locally and from around the world," said Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of the Outdoor Industry Association. "Our choice of activities may differ, but our interest in an accessible, well-managed, well-funded public lands infrastructure brings us together. It is critical that the outdoor recreation community work together to provide a comprehensive snapshot that reveals the true economic impact of our collective industries."
The new study being conducted will build upon the methodologies in the 2006 Active Outdoor Recreation Economy Report produced by OIA's non-profit supporting arm, the Outdoor foundation.
Speaking on behalf of the power sports industry associations, Kathy Van Kleeck commented, "We are delighted to partner with WGA and OIA to finally produce comprehensive data on the contribution that the entire recreation community provides to the U.S. and state economies. We expect this study to validate previous less extensive analyses that have shown the enormous beneficial impact that both motorized and non-motorized recreation have on the economy and on U.S. employment."
The study is part of a broader strategy under an umbrella WGA initiative launched by Governor Gregoire called Get Out West! The initiative is focusing on growing the tourism and recreation economies in the West and connecting urban kids and families in the region to the West's vast outdoor assets, including state and national parks, forests, grasslands, deserts and beaches.
About WGA
The Western Governors' Association is an independent, nonprofit organization representing the Governors of 19 states and three US-Flag Pacific islands. Through their Association, the Governors identify and address key policy and governance issues that include natural resources, the environment, human services, economic development, intergovernmental relations and international relations.
About MIC, SVIA, ROHVA
The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914.
The Specialty Vehicle Institute of America promotes the safe and responsible use of all-terrain vehicles through rider training, public awareness campaigns and state legislation. Additionally, the SVIA works to preserve access to off-road lands and expand riding opportunities. Based in Irvine, Calif., the SVIA is a not-for-profit industry association sponsored by Arctic Cat, BRP, Honda, Kawasaki, KYMCO, Polaris, Suzuki, Tomberlin and Yamaha. For safety information or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourseSM nearest you, visit www.atvsafety.org.
The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association is a national industry organization that promotes the safe and responsible use of ROVs, also known as side-by-sides. Based in Irvine, Calif., the not-for-profit association is sponsored by Arctic Cat, BRP, Polaris and Yamaha. For more information visit www.rohva.org.
About Outdoor Industry Association
The Outdoor Industry Association®, based in Boulder, Colo., is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry and the title sponsor of Outdoor Retailer. OIA supports the growth and success of more than 4,000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives and retailers of outdoor recreation apparel, footwear, equipment and services. For more information go to outdoorindustry.org or call 303-444-3353.