Maine Outdoors Companies Form Alliance to Boost Business

In Maine’s outdoor industry, competitors are coming together to form a trade alliance. Lead by retail giant LL Bean, 30 businesses that focus on the outdoors are forming a group called the “Maine Outdoor Brands.” Together they will market Maine as an outdoor destination, growing small businesses and start ups, and attracting new companies to come to the state. It has the support of the state’s economic development commissioner, who says people who work in the outdoor industry tend to be younger and Maine’s aging work force needs young people. Similar groups exist in states like Vermont and Washington. “The outdoor industry is incredibly important to the economy. I love the fact that we are organizing together in the state of Maine. I think although we are competitive, we are always better together.” Maine Outdoor Brands has already secured grant money to send smaller businesses to big trade shows, like the outdoor retailer show in Denver this winter.