Power Hour
09/13/2024
Bolton, VT
U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) joined U.S. Travel, Vermont Tourism, and 11 other industry leaders at the Richmond Mountain Trails for a discussion on the importance of travel and outdoor recreation in the Green Mountain State.
Key Speakers
The Honorable Peter Welch
U.S. Senator (D-VT)
Discussion Summary
On Friday, September 13, 2024, Sen. Peter Welch joined U.S. Travel, Vermont Tourism, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, and multiple state and local industry leaders for a discussion on travel and outdoor recreation in Green Mountain State. The event kicked off with a scenic hiking tour and concluded with a hike around the Richmond Mountain Trails’ (RMT) The Driving Range—the first fully accessible trail network.
After the morning hiking tour, participants gathered to talk about the challenges and issues facing the travel and outdoor recreation industry. Topics included accessibility issues, cross-border travel and business, infrastructure repairs, immigration policy reforms, rural development, and the need for outdoor recreation marketing and development funding.
Attendees
- Jeff Alexander, Vermont Adaptive
- Kelly Ault, Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance (VOBA)
- Nick Bennette, Vermont Mountain Bike Association & VT Trails and Greenways
- Kelly Brush, Kelly Brush Foundation
- Berne Broudy, Authentic Outdoors & Richmond Mountain Trails
- Greg Durso, Kelly Brush Foundation
- Erik Hansen, U.S. Travel Association
- Kim Jackson, Vermont Adaptive
- Lindsey Deslauriers, Bolton Valley Resort
- Heather Pelham, Vermont Tourism and Marketing
- Amy Spear, Vermont Chamber of Commerce
- Becca Washburn, VT Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
- Bec Wojtecki, Richmond Mountain Trails
Policymaker Testimonial
“Vermont’s travel and outdoor recreation industry is an economic driver in our state, drawing folks from across the country and around the world to enjoy nature and community at its best. We’ve seen how back-to-back floods have impacted so much of our state, including this crucial sector, but it is clear today Vermont is open and ready for the fall tourism season.”
– U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-VT)
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