(Photo | courtesy of Oregon Outdoor Alliance )
The foundations of the Oregon Outdoor Alliance (OOA), a nonprofit organization that works to connect, build and promote the Oregon outdoor industry, can be traced back to Bend in 2013, when industry leaders from companies such as Stanley and Ruffwear recognized an opportunity to diversify the growing Bend economy by looking inward towards their community.
“It all started as an opportunity to connect with each other and form a network of outdoor industry professionals,” said OOA President Mike Wallenfels. “That first meeting at Pine Mountain Sports in Bend drew about 75 people, all with some connection to the outdoor industry.”
These professionals came from all walks of life, and gathered around one simple question: How can our community best support established outdoor companies and the new ones just getting started?
This original event kicked off a movement based around the now-tradition of Beer:Thirty!, a regular gathering of industry professionals (and those with any interest in guiding the industry) around an offering of free beer. Loosely organized conversation topics have grown into keynote speakers, event sponsors and more as OOA grew in size and relevance to the region.
In 2014, the movement grew to be large enough to demand a more formal structure, and OOA was founded as a 501c(3) nonprofit organization the same year. Partnerships with other related organizations, such as the Economic Development of Central Oregon (EDCO), Business Oregon, Bend Outdoor Worx (BOW) and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) helped expand the organization’s reach and impact.
What started here in Bend has since expanded to include chapters around the state, bringing in Portland, Southern Oregon and Hood River. Now, the organization has over 300 members including more than 50 brands and 30 nonprofits. The Oregon outdoor recreation economy has grown to generate $8.4 billion for Oregon’s economy, and OOA plays a unique role in guiding that growth. From collaboration and funding for businesses trying to break into the industry to advocacy and knowledge-sharing, OOA provides ample opportunities for outdoor industry partners to grow, thrive, and contribute to their local economies by serving their communities.
OOA’s main impact comes from networking and connection. Industry professionals get to connect with each other, their audience, and the decision makers who help direct the industry. From there, they focus on advocacy, promotion and knowledge sharing, working with partnered organizations to grow from within, supporting Oregon businesses, nonprofits and entrepreneurs who are passionate about outdoor recreation.
OOA works with educational partners, including COCC, OSU-Cascades and UO to offer professional connections, internships and scholarships aimed at bolstering the outdoor community. Through these connections, OOA helps train the next generation of outdoor industry leaders and innovators.
To support these programs, OOA is looking for sponsors. Sponsorship is available in a tiered package system with increasing benefits. Aside from demonstrating commitment to community, economy and planet, the benefits include: tax deductions, logos on website and emails, grant sponsorship, social tags, event sponsorship, hosting and shoutouts, email and social campaigns, and special event tickets to help sponsors stay involved and connected.
To get involved and learn more about OOA, visit their website at oregonoutdooralliance.org, and consider attending their upcoming Beer:Thirty! hosted at Hi Vis Studio in Bend on May 14 from 5:30-7:30pm.
