Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) named Conor Hall as the new Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC) executive director.
“Outdoor recreation is not only a key pillar of Colorado’s economy but also a major contributor to our quality of life, mental health, and physical health. I am thrilled to join OEDIT and partner with Colorado communities and our world-class business and NGO leadership. Together we will support, attract and expand our outdoor recreation industry to promote sustainable economic growth and expand equitable access while prioritizing our shared goals of clean air, clean water, and the protection of public lands,” Hall said.
According to a report, Hall, who grew up in Crestone and spent his summers on a cattle ranch, comes to OREC from The Trust from Public Land, where he served as director of conservation strategies, policy, advocacy, and government relations for the Intermountain West and led the creation of more than $2 billion of public funds to conserve water, land, and climate, as well as more access to nature by legislation and ballot measures.
Before becoming a member of The Trust for Public Land, Hall served as a Senior Advisor on Climate and Conservation on Michael Bloomberg’s presidential campaign in 2020.
Conor Hall is well-respected for his commitment to the outdoor recreation industry and conservation,” says Carlos Fernandez, Colorado State Director for The Nature Conservancy and member of the Outdoor Recreation Advisory Council.
At TNC, we have had the pleasure of working with Conor for many years during his time with the Hickenlooper Administration as well at The Trust for Public Land on several projects including the creation of Fishers Peak State Park. Conor’s background and passion for people and the outdoors make him an ideal candidate to take on this leadership role.”
Conor brings a wealth of knowledge in the outdoor space, government relations, and consensus-building and community development, all of which will be vitally important over the next several years as OEDIT works to deploy the $9.7 million EDA grant that the OREC and tourism office received,” said Patrick Meyers, Executive Director of OEDIT. “This is an important component as we help rebuild the outdoor industry that was so adversely affected by the pandemic.”
Other priorities include working closely with partners from the industry to determine how to improve the Outdoor Retailer show and its success in Colorado, as well as the introduction of the revised “Grow Your Outdoor Recreation Industry” program, which is administered by the Rural Technical Assistance Program (RTAP) and ensuring the long-term and sustainable growth in the use of Colorado’s outdoor recreation assets.
The outdoor industry is an integral part of Colorado’s economy. In 2020, the outdoor recreation sector accounted for $9.6 billion in annual consumer spending and created 120,000 direct employment.
Colorado’s OREC Office has played a crucial role in the state and being a national pioneer and innovator with the development of the Confluence agreements that encourage other states across America to set up OREC offices.