SOLD-OUT OUTDOOR INDUSTRY DAY HIGHLIGHTS STRENGTH OF NEW HAMPSHIRE'S $4.2 BILLION OUTDOOR ECONOMY
200 industry leaders, businesses, nonprofits, state officials, public agencies, and community partners gather to celebrate New Hampshire's outdoor sector
June 12, 2026 – Granite Outdoor Alliance's Outdoor Industry Day 2026: The Barn Raiser brought together 200 leaders from across New Hampshire's outdoor recreation sector for a sold-out evening celebrating an industry that contributes more than $4.2 billion annually to the state's economy and supports more than 33,000 jobs.
Attendees reflected the breadth of New Hampshire's outdoor economy and the growing interest in strengthening the sector through collaboration, innovation, workforce development, conservation, and economic growth. While the event reached capacity prior to the event, additional participants continued to arrive throughout the evening.
The event featured Governor Kelly Ayotte's proclamation recognizing June 10 as New Hampshire Outdoor Industry Day, remarks from New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs Commissioner Lucy Lange, the release of Granite Outdoor Alliance's Grounded Growth industry direction report, a keynote address from Erik Mogensen of Black Mountain, Indy Pass, and Entabeni Systems, a live Granite Goodness podcast, industry awards, and the return of the Rock Walk, a high-energy showcase featuring outdoor businesses, organizations, products, and initiatives from across the state.
The event was made possible through support from New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs, Meredith Village Savings Bank, Appalachian Mountain Club, and numerous industry partners committed to strengthening New Hampshire's outdoor economy.
"The response to this year's event exceeded every expectation," said Tyler Ray, Director of Granite Outdoor Alliance. "We sold out the venue and still had people looking to join. More importantly, the room reflected the incredible diversity of our outdoor economy, from manufacturers and retailers to conservation groups, educators, workforce partners, public agencies, and entrepreneurs. That level of engagement tells us this industry is ready to continue building something bigger together."
A recurring theme throughout the evening was New Hampshire's unique position as a place where outdoor recreation, business growth, and quality of life intersect. Speakers and attendees highlighted the state's ability to attract entrepreneurs, foster collaboration, and support innovation across the outdoor sector.
"New Hampshire has the right attitude, the right political mix, and a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation," said Erik Mogensen. "Those qualities create opportunities for businesses, attract talented people, and foster innovation. That's exactly why we chose to move our companies here and invest in New Hampshire's future."
The event also highlighted findings from Granite Outdoor Alliance's Grounded Growth initiative, which has convened industry leaders from across the state to identify priorities and opportunities around workforce development, business growth, outdoor access, infrastructure, and long-term competitiveness.
The strong turnout and broad representation reflected the growing momentum behind New Hampshire's outdoor economy and reinforced the value of bringing businesses, nonprofits, educators, recreation providers, conservation organizations, and public-sector partners together around shared opportunities. Granite Outdoor Alliance plans to build on that momentum through workforce initiatives, industry partnerships, advocacy efforts, and its Rocktails & Streams Summer Series beginning July 15.
The evening also recognized leaders and organizations making significant contributions to New Hampshire's outdoor economy through innovation, workforce development, collaboration, and community impact.
2026 OUTDOOR INDUSTRY AWARD RECIPIENTS
Mountain Mover Award
Taylor Caswell
“Receiving the Mountain Mover Award is deeply humbling because the success we have seen in acknowledging and growing the role of the sector has been due to the hard work of so many people. We are not just building a more resilient outdoor rec industry, we are building a broad community that people want to be part of … whether they are lucky enough to already be here in New Hampshire, or whether they are smart enough to come here. Outdoor rec advocacy enables an industry as well as our economy. I am honored by this award and look forward to continuing to play a role in making our outdoor-loving community even bigger.”
Common Ground Award
Marianne Borowski
"I am honored to receive the Common Ground Award. Rail trails create connections that extend far beyond recreation; they link communities, support local economies, improve access to the outdoors, and enhance quality of life. I've been fortunate to work alongside so many dedicated partners across New Hampshire who share a commitment to building and stewarding these valuable community assets. This award is a reflection of those collaborations and the positive impact trails have throughout our state."
Workforce Forward Award
Appalachian Mountain Club
"We are honored to receive the Workforce Forward Award. The outdoor industry depends on passionate, skilled people, and we believe investing in the workforce is one of the most important ways to strengthen the future of our sector. From creating opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills to fostering meaningful careers in conservation, recreation, hospitality, and outdoor education, As we celebrate our 150th anniversary, AMC is and remains committed to helping people connect their passion for the outdoors with purpose-driven work for generations to come. We're grateful to the many staff, volunteers, and partners who make that work possible."
Outdoor Enterprise Award
Rudy Glocker, Burgeon Outdoor
"When we started Burgeon, the goal wasn't simply to create another outdoor brand—it was to demonstrate that local manufacturing, sustainability, and innovation could be competitive advantages. Receiving the Outdoor Enterprise Award is a reminder of how much is possible when entrepreneurs, partners, and communities work together to bring new ideas to life. We're excited to continue pushing boundaries and helping grow New Hampshire's outdoor economy."
About Granite Outdoor Alliance
Granite Outdoor Alliance is a nonprofit business alliance that supports New Hampshire's outdoor industry, including brands, retailers, nonprofits, recreation service providers, and individuals. Granite Outdoor Alliance promotes outdoor recreation as a critical anchor for economic development, workforce attraction, community vitality, and quality of life across New Hampshire.
Media Contact:
Tyler Ray
Granite Outdoor Alliance
tyler@graniteoutdoor.org
603-728-7739