Josh Shapiro, Governor | Pennsylvania Government
Governor Josh Shapiro has announced new initiatives aimed at expanding Pennsylvania's outdoor recreation industry, which currently generates $19 billion annually and supports over 168,000 jobs across the state. The announcement was made at an event in Cumberland County attended by key figures including Cindy Dunn, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Nathan Reigner, DCNR Director of Outdoor Recreation, Mary Beth Laughton, President & CEO of REI, and Brett Randall, President & CEO of Aliner.
The Shapiro Administration highlighted efforts to help outdoor businesses grow and connect with workers as part of a broader economic development strategy. In 2023, the administration established the Office of Outdoor Recreation to link public lands with businesses and workers. The following year saw the creation of the Outdoor Business Alliance of Pennsylvania (OBA PA), a statewide network tasked with implementing a business growth plan developed in consultation with more than 1,000 companies and industry leaders from Pennsylvania. Upon its launch in 2023, Pennsylvania became the largest state in the country to have a dedicated office for outdoor recreation.
"Pennsylvania is a national leader in outdoor recreation - and my Administration is competitive as hell to make sure we're at the very top," said Governor Shapiro. "When we invest in outdoor recreation, we create good-paying jobs, support thriving main streets, and build stronger rural and urban economies. Two years ago, we stood up the Office of Outdoor Recreation to put Pennsylvania on the map - and today, we're delivering real results for small businesses, workers, and communities across our Commonwealth."
Speakers at the event included Rebecca Sheetz (Store Manager at REI Mechanicsburg), Nathan Reigner (DCNR Director of Outdoor Recreation), Mary Beth Laughton (REI President & CEO), Silas Chamberlin (Interim Executive Director of OBA PA), and Brett Randall (Aliner President & CEO).