February 27, 2017

Wyden, Merkley, Blumenauer, Bonamici Invite Outdoor Retailers to “See all that Oregon has to Offer”

After Reports that Outdoor Retailers Need a New Location for a Twice Yearly Showcase, Members of Oregon’s Congressional Delegation Note Oregon is a “Recreation Haven”

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley along with Reps. Earl Blumenauer and Suzanne Bonamici today touted Oregon’s flourishing outdoor recreation industry and wide array of recreation opportunities to pitch outdoor retailers on moving their semiannual convention to the state.

In a letter today to the Outdoor Retailer trade show, Wyden, Merkley, Blumenauer, and Bonamici called Oregon “the ideal showcase location for travelers from across the country and across the globe.” They noted the many special outdoor places and outdoor recreation-related businesses that Oregon boasts.

“In light of the decision to move the outdoor industry’s twice yearly showcase from Salt Lake City to a new location, we want to share with you some of Oregon’s best features as a recreation haven and as a natural alternative conference destination,” the Oregon lawmakers wrote.

“Oregon is home to many prominent and innovative companies and small businesses helping to grow the outdoor recreation economy. In Oregon we like to say ‘the great outdoors is part of our DNA,’” they also wrote.

Wyden and Blumenauer introduced the Recreation Not Red-Tape Act last Congress to streamline access to the outdoors and encourage more Americans to get outside. They plan to reintroduce the bill this spring.

Read the full text of the letter here.

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