Gov. Gina Raimondo
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) offered strong support for the nomination of Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo to be the next Secretary of Commerce in a letter to the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, according to a release from the outdoor recreation coalition with 33 member associations – including the RV Industry Association (RVIA), RV Dealers Association (RVDA), and the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC).
The letter outlines key issues important to the outdoor industry that the Department of Commerce oversees, including the Bureau of Economic Analysis which is responsible for evaluating the outdoor recreation economy via the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account. This analysis has been an important indicator of the strength of the outdoor recreation industry and the impact that outdoor recreation has on jobs and the economy.
Additionally, the department’s International Trade Commission provides critical data, analysis, and input to the U.S. Trade Representative regarding Section 232 and Section 301 tariff issues. Tariffs imposed under the prior Administration have impacted recreational products including powersports, marine manufacturers, safety gear, recreation clothing, and stymied export growth due to retaliatory counter-measures imposed by other countries on our American exports.
See ORR’s full letter below:
Dear Chairwoman Cantwell and Ranking Member Wicker:
On behalf of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), we would like to express our strong support for the nomination of Governor Gina Raimondo to lead the Department of Commerce. We are hopeful that Governor Raimondo can be confirmed in a timely manner to ensure the Department can move forward with strong leadership early in the new administration.
ORR is the nation’s leading coalition of outdoor recreation trade associations – made up of 33 national trade associations — as well as other nonprofit organizations and business entities — serving more than 110,000 businesses. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis released last year, the recreation industry generated $788 billion in output, accounted for 2.1 percent of GDP, supported 5.2 million jobs and was growing faster than the economy as a whole in every indicator.
The Department of Commerce plays a crucial role in furthering the growth of the outdoor recreation industry. Through the Bureau of Economic Analysis, it is responsible for evaluating the outdoor recreation economy via the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account. This analysis has been an important indicator of the strength of the outdoor recreation industry and the impact that outdoor recreation has on jobs and the economy. We are looking forward to working with Governor Raimondo to continue this important work going forward.
Additionally, we look forward to working with the Department on issues related to international trade and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Department’s International Trade Commission provides critical data, analysis, and input to the U.S. Trade Representative regarding Section 232 and Section 301 tariff issues. Tariffs imposed under the prior Administration have impacted recreational products including powersports, marine manufacturers, safety gear, recreation clothing, and stymied export growth due to retaliatory counter-measures imposed by other countries on our American exports. This, all at a time the global pandemic has greatly disrupted supply chains.
Lastly, the Department’s broad oversight of federal fisheries has significant impacts on the recreational community, under the guidance of the National Marine Fisheries Service.
Governor Raimondo has been a strong advocate for the outdoors. Throughout her time as Governor, she declared every June Great Outdoors Month in Rhode Island and hosted events in parks across the state in celebration. We strongly support Governor Raimondo’s nomination to serve as Secretary of Commerce and look forward to working with her and her team on the many important issues facing the outdoor recreation industry.
Sincerely,
America Outdoors Association
American Horse Council
American Trails
Archery Trade Association
Association of Marina Industries
Boat Owners Association of the United States
CHM Government Services
Diving Equipment & Marketing Association
International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association
Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
Motorcycle Industry Council
National Forest Recreation Association
National Marine Manufacturers Association
National Park Hospitality Association
Outdoor Industry Association
PeopleForBikes
Professional TrailBuilders Association
Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association
RV Dealers Association
RV Industry Association
Snowsports Industries America
Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals
Specialty Equipment Market Association
Specialty Vehicle Institute of America
Sports & Fitness Industry Association
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable promotes the growth of the outdoor recreation economy and outdoor recreation activities and is the leading outdoor recreation coalition with 33 member associations serving over 110,000 businesses. ORR’s members represent America’s hunting, fishing, RVing, biking, hiking, camping, ATVing, diving, horseback and skiing communities among many more.
