Idaho Outdoor Business Council

Idaho Outdoor Business Council

The Idaho Outdoor Business Council is an association of retailers and recreational activity groups that focus on public land preservation and provide a platform for other outdoor businesses.

One of our main goals is to continually raise awareness for wildlands conservation, the benefits of better stewardship policies, and the crucial role of the public lands and waters in the state’s welfare and economic stability.

Since the IOBC launch in 2012, our membership numbers have been on the rise across the state as we are determinedly pursuing the statewide advancement of recreation opportunities.

Our Values

The importance of improving Idaho’s public land policies cannot be overstated. Annual research conducted by the Outdoor Industry Association has shown that Idaho’s public lands remain to be essential state resources in economic and life improvement capacity.

By establishing a statewide retailer network, we aim to:

  • work with local outdoor businesses;
  • cultivate supportive business relationships;
  • generate employment opportunities in the rural community;
  • emphasize the value of Idaho outdoors to stimulate beneficial legislative changes in relation to conservation measures.

As a major stimulant in the state’s economy – and not just the recreational sector – Idaho’s outdoors greatly benefit the attraction of employers as well as the creation of jobs for residents.

Why It Matters

According to the OIA, a substantial part of Idaho’s personal consumption expenditures is attributed to the state’s recreation economy, generating $7.8 billion annually and sustaining 78,000 jobs.

It’s also worth considering that a whopping 79% of the state’s residents engage in outdoor activities through local retailers and nonprofits. Research has also shown that outdoor lifestyles could be connected to the improvement of health-related quality of life and lower personal medical expenses. 

By investing our efforts in the support of local workforces, we hope to see the continuous prosperity of local communities and the burgeoning of Idaho’s recreational infrastructure.

Territories with more public lands have also shown higher per capita income growth rates. Previous analysis of the financial benefits associated with public lands in the Western states has demonstrated that counties directly linked to recreational entrepreneurship perform better economically, particularly in tourist expenditures and the commodity market.

Growing Our Membership

Attracting and stabilizing recreational workforces can only continue as we work together to educate policymakers on the significance of operative preservation measures.

If we promote the financing and preservation of state parks, trails, and wilderness areas, the advancement of related recreational opportunities will follow, including popular activities like camping, hiking, fishing, skiing, canoeing, climbing, and more.

By joining the Idaho Outdoor Business Council, you can participate in creating a favorable economic environment for outdoor entrepreneurs and expand their businesses, funding community planning, aiding researchers and conservators, and encouraging resident participation.


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