EASTON, Pa. — Two Easton-area business participated in promoting the launch of a new Pennsylvania organization aimed at supporting Pennsylvania's outdoors recreation industry.
Easton Outdoor Company teamed with Twin Rivers Tubing in last week for an event to help launch Elevate.
Elevate focuses on representing outdoor recreation providers, producers and professionals across the state, with a mission to solve challenges facing the industry, advocate for growth.
It also aims to ensure the commonwealth continues to harness the outdoor activities while “fostering sustainable development and community engagement.”
Outdoor recreation adds $17 billion a year to Pennsylvania’s economy, and supports 164,000 jobs.
Backers said Elevate will serve as “the unified voice for our industry, helping navigate regulatory challenges, promote sustainability and expand opportunities for local businesses.”
"There’s a huge opportunity to brand Easton as an outdoor destination that’s deeply connected to our community and environment."Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr.
Businesses interested in participating with Elevate are encouraged to take a brief survey that can help connect them to 8,000 outdoor-oriented businesses.
To create opportunities for outdoor businesses to collaborate, organizers plan to push Elevate to develop a “one-stop shop for questions related to permits [and] regulations.”
It also will help small businesses compete in the national outdoor recreation market and drive economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for residents statewide.
Easton outdoors profile rising
Easton has blossomed as a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its geography and a collection of businesses aimed at elevating outdoor activities.
"Outdoor recreation not only improves the quality of life for residents, but it also brings in tourists who are looking for new experiences," Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr. said.
"There’s a huge opportunity to brand Easton as an outdoor destination that’s deeply connected to our community and environment."
That made Easton Outdoor Company a prime host for the launch event, organizers said.
Easton Outdoor Company has been in historic downtown Easton since 2011, selling high quality gear for hikers, bikers, walkers and other outdoor enthusiasts, in addition to providing advice for everyone from newbies to pros.
"Easton’s location at the confluence of the Delaware and Lehigh rivers, alongside its scenic parks and trails, presents a natural advantage," Easton Outdoors owner Adam Fairchild said.
"But outdoor recreation is more than just hiking or biking. It’s about building a lifestyle around adventure and creating sustainable opportunities for growth."
As more outdoorsmen and women travel to Easton to enjoy outdoor culture, they also patronize other sectors of the economy, including local hospitality, stores and restaurants.
"Outdoor recreation isn’t just a pastime here — it’s becoming part of our identity."Twin Rivers Tubing owner Karen Prieto
"Outdoor recreation isn’t just a pastime here — it’s becoming part of our identity," Twin Rivers Tubing owner Karen Prieto said.
"The creation of Elevate is a critical step forward in ensuring that we continue to grow this industry in a way that supports local business and benefits the entire community."
Becoming 'a thriving destination'
A report from the state Conservation and Natural Resources Department highlights the burgeoning impact of outdoor recreation in smaller municipalities, which are well-positioned to capture part of the multi-billion-dollar industry.
Looking into Easton’s future, local government officials and business owners are focusing on the potential for growth in outdoor recreation.
While Eastonians are familiar with hobbies such as boating, trail running and walking, and cycling, innovators are exploring new ways to enjoy the outside world.
That includes planning on new recreational assets, increasing access to existing attractions and exploring concepts such as eco-tourism, outdoor fitness and sporting events, and adventure races.
Elevate has promoted the idea that the continued success of companies such as Easton Outdoor and Twin Rivers Tubing illustrates how strategic investments in outdoor recreation can benefit the local economy while also turning a city into “a thriving destination for visitors from across the region.”
