Organizations Merge to Form Outdoor Recreation Roundtable

The Outdoor Recreation Industry Roundtable (ORIR) and the American Recreation Coalition (ARC) have merged to form the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) with the purpose of providing a voice for outdoor recreation across the United States.

ORIR was formed in 2017 as a coalition of leading outdoor recreation trade association, and ARC, organized more than three decades ago, was an organization of recreational interests promoting and advocating for outdoor activities. Plans for the new organization stemmed from the formation of ORIR where industry leaders saw the need for a unified recreation industry that advocated for its economic and social value. The group cited the priority needs for public lands and waters as updated infrastructure, sound management, responsiveness to changing recreation preferences, and use of new technology. The group’s overall message was that public-private partnerships are essential to reduce the maintenance backlog and provide facility upgrades on public lands.

ORR, guided by a board of directors, will continue to advocate for these priorities. The board includes: chairman, Thom Dammrich, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association; vice-chair, Frank Hugelmeyer, president of the RV Industry Association; secretary, Glenn Hughes, president-elect of the American Sportfishing Association; and treasurer, Phil Ingrassia, president of the RV Dealers Association.

Derrick Crandall, who had been president of ARC, will serve as ORR’s new Chief Staff Officer. Expanded communications efforts, supported by new staff resources, will begin by mid-2018. Most ARC programs will continue uninterrupted, including Great Outdoors Month® and Partners Outdoors, along with regular policy briefings and other communications.