Vermont outdoor businesses urge $250,000 for technical assistance and expanded workforce training

Senate Economic Development, Housing & General Affairs Committee members heard February 12 from leaders in Vermont’s outdoor recreation industry seeking state support for business technical assistance and workforce training.

Kelly Elkins, executive director of the Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance, told the committee the outdoor sector contributed about $2.1 billion to Vermont’s gross domestic product in 2023 — roughly 4.8% of the state economy — and employs more than 16,000 people according to U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis data. “We are thrilled to be here to talk about the outdoor economy,” Elkins said.

Elkins said the alliance, a 2018 nonprofit with roughly 140 members, is asking the Legislature for two targeted investments: $250,000 for a climate-focused technical assistance program to help firms adapt facilities and operations to changing visitation and supply‑chain patterns, and continued funding to expand a workforce education and professional development program that VOVA has piloted with grant support. “We heard in our survey that 58% of respondents reported being…