BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — Sally Jewell, the former Secretary of the Interior and former CEO of REI, will deliver the opening speech at the Outdoor Industry Association Industry Breakfast at Outdoor Retailer show this month.
According to the OIA, Jewell will urge the outdoor industry to use its influence to drive smart policy that supports public lands and their importance to outdoor recreation and economic opportunity.
"America's public lands — like Yosemite, the Statue of Liberty, Bears Ears National Monument, and more — each tell a unique story and help protect and honor our nation's natural, cultural and historic heritage," said Jewell in a release Thursday. "The outdoor industry depends on our nation's public lands and waters, and I am proud to see leaders help policymakers understand the profound significance of these places to our economy and the health of our nation."
Amy Roberts, the OIA's executive director, said, "Public lands are the very foundation of the outdoor industry's massive outdoor recreation economy, which employs more than 7.6 million Americans and generates more than $887 billion in consumer spending.
"Secretary Jewell brings incredible experience and perspective to help guide the industry as we collaborate to protect the lands we love."
The breakfast is at July 26 at 7 a.m. at the Marriott City Creek in Salt Lake City. Other speakers at the breakfast will include Montana Gov. Steve Bullock and The North Face-sponsored athletes Alex Honnold and Cedar Wright.
