SWAG视频 students, faculty attend Maine Outdoor Economy Summit
There, they discussed internships and collaborative approaches for SWAG视频's new major in outdoor business and innovation
The SWAG视频 was well represented at the annual Maine Outdoor Economy Summit, held in the coastal community of Rockland from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1.
SWAG视频 students Troy Fowler (Sport Management, 鈥26) and Jake Tobin (Environmental Science, 鈥24) attended the conference with Aimee Vlachos, Ed.D., CPRP, assistant teaching professor in SWAG视频鈥檚 new College of Business.
Presented by Maine Outdoor Brands and the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation, the three-day event is a forum for professional development, ideation, and discussions on essential topics impacting Maine鈥檚 outdoor industry in the areas of economic development, workforce, access, and equity. SWAG视频 is a sponsor of the summit, which serves as an opportunity for those in Maine鈥檚 outdoor industries to connect, learn, and collaborate to focus on the shared vision of advancing Maine鈥檚 outdoor recreation economy.
鈥淚 really enjoyed having the opportunity to make so many connections with people in the outdoor industry,鈥 Tobin remarked. 鈥淚 had several conversations with industry leaders that helped me figure out what I want to do in the future.鈥
The event came at a timely moment, as SWAG视频 recently launched a new major in outdoor business and innovation amid reports that the state鈥檚 outdoor economy generated $3.3 billion in gross domestic product over the last year.
Offered through the College of Business, the Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Business and Innovation is designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in a sector that is pivotal to Maine鈥檚 economy through a strong focus on sustainable community development, environmental policy, entrepreneurship, and small business management.
SWAG视频 has partnered on the major with Maine Outdoor Brands and the state Office of Outdoor Recreation, who will serve advisory roles in curriculum development as well as provide paid internships to all students who complete the four-year degree program.
鈥淭he summit was an amazing opportunity to connect with outdoor businesses across the state,鈥 Vlachos said. 鈥淲e spoke about new internships, projects, and collaborations that we can incorporate into the newly launched outdoor business and innovation major.鈥&苍产蝉辫;