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OHI Leaders Advocate for RV Parks, Campgrounds at National Outdoor Recreation Executive Forum in DC

In a move to advocate for the outdoor hospitality sector, leaders from OHI, formerly National ARVC, participated in the National Outdoor Recreation Executive Forum held in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. The forum, convened by the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), attracted over 150 industry leaders, congressional members, federal agency heads, and state recreation offices to discuss the future of the $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation industry.

Representing OHI at the event were Paul Bambei, president and CEO, who is also a board member of ORR, and David Basler, chief strategy officer. The participation highlighted OHI’s role within the broader industry and underscored the significance of private RV parks and campgrounds in the national economy.

During the forum, Bambei expressed the importance of OHI’s involvement. “As long-time members of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, it was important for OHI to have a strong presence at this event in Washington, and for us to represent the outdoor hospitality industry sector to so many powerful members of Congress,” he stated. This representation is crucial as it positions OHI as a key player in shaping policies affecting the sector.

The gathering provided a platform for OHI to engage in-depth with influential policymakers. Discussions were held with Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT), and Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA), as well as Governors Sarah Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas and Doug Burgum of North Dakota. These interactions aimed to raise awareness about the pivotal role that outdoor hospitality plays in the outdoor recreation economy.

Jessica Turner, ORR’s executive director, outlined the forum’s objectives: “This [Summit] is part of ORR’s ongoing efforts to convene industry leaders and government officials and provide thought leadership and cross-sector collaboration between CEOs, agency leaders, and policy makers,” she said.

One of the key messages OHI aimed to convey at the forum was the economic contribution of private RV parks and campgrounds, which account for almost $35 billion of the outdoor recreation economy. This data is vital for policymakers to consider as they devise legislation and policies that affect the sector.

Furthermore, the forum served as a precursor to two days of intensive meetings on Capitol Hill, where OHI leaders focused on advocating for legislative changes to reduce taxes and fees on small businesses. These discussions are particularly relevant to campground and RV park owners, as such measures could alleviate financial burdens and enhance operational viability.

OHI’s strategic position as a member of ORR enables it to effectively tackle national issues crucial to the outdoor hospitality industry. The organization’s public affairs team is actively engaged in monitoring and influencing legislation that impacts RV parks and campgrounds across the country.

This week, OHI is confidently prepared to engage in over 30 meetings with lawmakers on the Hill. These sessions are pivotal in advancing the interests of the outdoor hospitality industry and ensuring that the voices of campground and RV park owners are heard in legislative circles.

The efforts of OHI leaders at the forum and subsequent meetings underscore the organization’s commitment to championing the needs and concerns of the outdoor hospitality sector. By advocating for favorable legislative conditions, OHI not only supports the growth of individual businesses but also contributes to the sustainability and expansion of the entire outdoor recreation economy.

Featured image by ohi.org.

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Hi, you might find this article from Modern Campground interesting: OHI Leaders Advocate for RV Parks, Campgrounds at National Outdoor Recreation Executive Forum in DC! This is the link: https://moderncampground.com/usa/dc/ohi-leaders-advocate-for-rv-parks-campgrounds-at-national-outdoor-recreation-executive-forum-in-dc/