Earlier this month I went to Whitefish to attend the Business of Outdoor Recreation Summit. Two hundred fifty people swarmed the beautiful Grouse Mountain Lodge for this inaugural Summit, which was so popular it sold out within days.
One of my biggest takeaways from the Summit was that businesses rely on our outdoor recreation as a factor in keeping their businesses healthy and prosperous. Without people visiting, buying and using services; people who are here to visit or live a lifestyle close to the recreational activities that make Montana so attractive, businesses would not be thriving.
According to Montana’s Office of Economic Development, our outdoor recreation industry “accounts for $7.1 billion in consumer spending and more than 71,000 jobs—the 2nd largest sector of the state’s economy.” (https://business.mt.gov/Office-of-Outdoor-Recreation)
Businesses must recognize that their support of outdoor recreation facilities brings huge rewards. Urban trails are one of the first outdoor recreation activities closest to home. They are easy ways to connect with family before and after work and school; go for a run, ride or walk, and provide safe transportation routes.
Billings TrailNet has been tasked with finding ways to continue to build our trail system. We cannot stop where we are. While we have approximately 50 miles of trails, they are not connected. The need for connectivity has outpaced our ability to build them due in a large part to lack of funding.
This really inspired me to ask you with all the confidence that it is the right thing to do, to support Billings TrailNet in a most generous way. Please, if you own a business – consider supporting outdoor recreation by becoming a corporate member of Billings TrailNet. The rewards are great.
We are introducing our corporate membership as an opportunity to partner with Billings TrailNet in a broader way, which is a win-win for all of us. When you become a corporate member, you get year-round benefits of recognition at our events,* an article in our e-newsletter, an opportunity to connect with our 1,000 individual members through events and special offers; PLUS enjoy a healthier, more active community and work force… and Billings TrailNet can continue to advance trails.
Would you consider becoming a Billings TrailNet corporate member? Your Trail Champion, Trail Blazer or Path Builder membership will help “pave” the way for the major advancements we are trying to accomplish. Our corporate membership pledge form is below. Please complete the form and we will invoice you in January. Thank you!
Kristi Drake
Executive Director
Billings TrailNet