The $887 billion outdoor recreation industry, with its 7.6 million jobs, is threatened by climate change, with warmer weather, unpredictable snowpack, and devasting storms and floods. Maine small businesses in particular depend on consistent accessibility and use of forests, rivers and lakes, mountains, trails, and the hunting, fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, and other recreational activities connected to our natural resources. According to Maine’s Climate Future 2020, “winter is Maine’s fastest changing season, and this has a clear impact on Maine’s important winter recreation season and associated economic benefits. Controlling greenhouse gas emissions today determines the extent to which people can still be skiing in Maine tomorrow.”

$25 per person, ClimateWork Maine Members FREE REGISTER NOW

Speakers:

Shay Bellas, Founder & CEO, NaviTour

Dr. Elizabeth A Burakowski, Research Assistant Professor, Earth Systems Research Center & Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space, University of New Hampshire

Jenny Kordick, Executive Director, Maine Outdoor Brands

Carolann Ouellette, Director, Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation, Maine Department of Economic & Community Development

Additional facts:

Outdoor recreation made up 3.9% of Maine’s economy, making Maine the sixth state in the country in the value outdoor recreation adds to a state’s economy.

32,000 people work in the outdoor industry in Maine, including 2,184 added jobs in 2022, representing a 7% increase from 2021

Manufacturing of outdoor recreation gear and equipment contributed $271 million and retail contributed nearly $850 million to Maine’s economy

Snow activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling contributed $68 million, a 35% increase over 2021

Speakers will discuss the importance of a stable and predictable climate to their businesses, particularly those that contribute to Maine’s winter recreation economy.

This is your opportunity to hear from senior officials from the U.S. Department of Energy working to build a clean energy economy that benefits all Mainers. Learn about the latest federal programs available to your businesses, homes, and facilities and how to access key energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable transportation assistance and investment. There will be plenty of time to ask questions in this unique session with high-level experts on top energy issues.

Cost: FREE for CWM Members, $25.00 for non-members

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Experts from US Dept of Energy

Spencer Thibodeau, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs

Spencer Thibodeau is an attorney and public servant, practicing law in the real estate practice group of the Portland, Maine based law firm of Verrill Dana, LLP for eight years.

In addition to his legal practice, Spencer served as a Portland, Maine City Councilor for nearly six years, where he chaired the Housing And Economic Development Committee (2021) and Sustainability and Transportation Committee (2017-2020). In the summer of 2020, Spencer was selected to be the Maine Senior Advisor to the Biden-Harris Presidential campaign. Spencer has served on a number of boards and committees, including the United Way of Greater Portland and the Equity Subcommittee of the Maine Climate Council. Spencer also served as a member of Maine Governor Janet T. Mills' transition team in 2019.

Spencer is a proud graduate of Fairfield University and Northeastern University School of Law and when Spencer is not in the office, he can be found running, enjoying the Maine outdoors, or visiting one of Portland, Maine's many restaurants.

Dr. Zack Valdez, Chief of Staff, Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains

Prior to joining the Manufacturing Energy Supply Chain Office as Chief of Staff, Zack Valdez developed strategy for diversity, equity, inclusion, and future workforce policy at the Office of Advanced Manufacturing within the National Institutes of Standards and Technology. Dr. Valdez has extensive experience with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math outreach and engagement with national non-profits. He is also an alumni of the prestigious American Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology Policy Fellowship, where he served on the Energy and National Resources Committee of the U.S. Senate. Zack received his academic degrees in his native state of Texas with a Ph.D. from Baylor University and Engineering and Physics B.S. degrees from St. Mary’s University.

Rebecca Isacowitz, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Rebecca Isacowitz is the Deputy Chief of Staff for DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). She comes with over a decade of private sector, nonprofit, and government experience in the energy efficiency and renewable energy sector. She previously served as Deputy Secretary for Energy & Environment with the Executive Chamber for the State of New York, where she supported the tactical development and operationalization of the State’s 14 energy and environmental agencies, and advanced Corporate Strategy initiates with the New York Power Authority in a directorship role. Rebecca also served in various government roles for the City of New York, most recently as Deputy Assistant Commissioner for the Department of Citywide Administrative Services’ Division of Energy Management. In that role she created and executed crosscutting projects to meet citywide goals on greenhouse gas emissions across 80+ city agency partners in 250M+ sq. ft. While with the City Parks Department she wrote and implemented energy, climate, resiliency, and emergency action plans for vulnerable areas across New York City, post Superstorm Sandy. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Spanish from Lehigh University.

From local startups to global corporations, how does one launch a green idea? What is the best way to promote companies’ climate-friendly products, projects, and services? How can businesses share their stories of sustainability and climate-action plans. This is a Zoom Webinar. Please bring your questions and have a discussion with the experts.

FREE for ClimateWork Maine Members. $15 for Non-Members

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Business consultants will not only show you where the money is for climate projects and programs, but how to access public and private financial and investment resources and who to turn to for help. This is a Zoom Webinar. Please bring your questions and have a discussion with the experts.

FREE for ClimateWork Maine Members. $15 for Non-Members

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An expert crew of sustainability directors will discuss short- and long-term strategies to reduce carbon, water, and waste; save money and energy; and incorporate sustainability principles and strategies into companies’ operations, buildings, and/or fleets, no matter the type, size, or geographic location of the business. This is a Zoom Webinar. Please bring your questions and have a discussion with the experts.

FREE for ClimateWork Maine Members, $15 for Non-Members

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