Group launched to advocate for outdoor recreation

A coalition of New Mexico business owners launched a trade group to advocate for more investment and job growth in the state’s outdoor and recreation economy, Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes said in a joint announcement last week with the new organization.

The membership-based trade group, called endeavOR New Mexico, will unite outdoor recreation businesses throughout the state.

EndeavOR is a federally recognized nonprofit alliance organized to expand the outdoor recreation economy in New Mexico, engage the outdoor recreation community and enhance outdoor recreation offerings and experiences.

The tagline for endeavOR is "A Force of Nature."

Locally owned and run businesses form the backbone of the state’s outdoor recreation economy that directly support $1.2 billion in income and over 33,5000 jobs, according to a report commissioned by the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division.

EndeavOR is working with the New Mexico Economic Development Department's Outdoor Recreation Division to build a partnership and ensure ongoing job and wealth creation for the state’s existing and future outdoor recreation businesses.

“Other states have united their outdoor recreation businesses under a single advocacy-focused mission to great effect,” director of the Outdoor Recreation Division Axie Navas said. “With the formation of endeavOR, New Mexico takes a huge leap forward in solidifying and recognizing outdoor recreation’s role as a major economic driver.”

Outdoor recreation activities represented by the alliance include camping, fishing, hunting, motorcycling, OHVing, snow sports, trail sports, water sports, biking, and wildlife viewing.

A diverse board has been formed of many outdoor recreation business owners from throughout the state.

“We are dedicated to being a balanced and unified voice for all outdoor recreation businesses and organizations positively contributing to the outdoor economy,” Dale Davis, endeavOR board chairman and owner of Farmington based 505 Cycles, said.

EndeavOR offers memberships for outdoor recreation businesses and organizations, supporting businesses, friends, students, communities, tribes and agencies. Membership fees range from $25 to $500 based on the size of the business.

Key member benefits include advocacy for outdoor businesses and organizations, networking among industry professionals, promotion of outdoor recreation businesses and destinations, alerts on outdoor recreation industry news and best practices, and professional development assistance.

The endeavOR board of directors has selected Once a Day Marketing partners James Glover and Marianne Tenenbaum to assume the executive director role. Once a Day Marketing was instrumental in forming and launching endeavOR New Mexico as part of their recent engagement with the city of Farmington and its Outdoor Recreation Industry Initiative.

“These are exciting times for outdoor recreation in New Mexico. The alliance’s mission to assist outdoor recreation guides, outfitters and gear manufactures to be more successful and improve New Mexico’s outdoor rec offerings and experiences will drive endeavOR for years to come,” endeavOR co-director James Glover said.

Learn more about endeavOR New Mexico by visiting endeavorNM.org.