This map shows statewide endeavOR membership distribution. Courtesy/endeavOR
endeavOR News:
Farmington — EndeavOR New Mexico, the state’s Outdoor Recreation (OR) business alliance, has announced that the nonprofit has reached key milestones and achieved major accomplishments since launching in August of 2020.
During the past six months, endeavOR has surpassed 115 members from around the state comprised of outdoor recreation businesses and organizations, chambers and economic development professionals, municipalities, tribes, state & federal agencies, students and friends who want to see outdoor recreation in New Mexico become bigger and better.
“We were excited to be the 100th member of endeavOR and looking forward to being part of the Alliance network to learn best practices to assist us in growing our business,” said Chad Gaines, owner of UnBroken Trail in Grants.
This new business alliance is focused on three goals:
- expand the OR economy in New Mexico;
- engage the OR community; and
- enhance OR offerings and experiences.
“endeavOR New Mexico is dedicated to providing members with outdoor recreation advocacy, programs, connections and best practices they need to be a force of nature in the outdoor economy,” said Bob King, endeavOR board member and owner of Santa Fe Guiding Company. “We represent all OR industry sectors and geographic regions of the state.”
Recent accomplishments for endeavOR include supporting efforts to enhance community OHVing, river usage, disc golf, and youth mountain biking; improving trail access for handicapped and disabled; driving wildlife viewing and habitat restoration initiatives; and offering workshops to make OR businesses more successful.
“Aztec Motocross is excited to be part of endeavorNM and associate with other businesses and communities interested in growing outdoor recreation across the state,” said Andrew Gallegos, owner of Aztec Motocross. “endeavOR New Mexico is breaking down silos and bringing outdoor recreation businesses together.”
EndeavOR is recognized by the OR industry both in New Mexico and across the nation as a balanced and unified voice to grow the OR economy.
James Glover, co-director of endeavOR said, “We want to ensure that outdoor recreation (OR) is seen as a distinct economic sector comparable to as aerospace, agriculture, film, oil & gas, and tourism. That’s why you see the ‘OR’ emphasized in our name.”
EndeavOR continues to partner with the New Mexico Economic Development Department and the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division to build a strong relationship and ensure ongoing economic development resources for the state’s existing and future OR businesses and organizations.
EndeavOR is supporting the latest budget and special appropriation requests of NMEDD and NMORD during the current legislative session. Further, the alliance is working with NMORD to develop a formal youth mentoring and internship program to nurture a future generation of OR business leaders.
“As the director of the Outdoor Recreation Division, I regularly meet with New Mexico outdoor businesses in order to connect them to financial resources and other support within the state,” Axie Navas said. “One of the best such resources is endeavOR New Mexico, with its deep network of outdoor industry professionals and strategic expertise.”
Outdoor recreation activities represented by the Alliance are camping, fishing, hunting, motorcycling, OHVing, snow sports, trail sports, water sports, wheel sports and wildlife viewing.
“New Mexico’s opportunities for outdoor recreation rival any in the world, and offer adventure for every interest and skill level. I’m pleased to support the Alliance’s efforts to build a community of like-minded individuals who are devoted to New Mexico’s natural wonders and are committed to improving outdoor recreational experiences for both locals and visitors,” said Coco Rae, author of Hiking Trails in Valles Caldera National Preserve.
Members benefit from advocacy for outdoor businesses and organizations, networking among industry peers, promotion of outdoor recreation businesses and experiences, alerts on OR industry news as well as mentoring and professional development.
Cory Styron, endeavOR member and Director of Los Alamos County Community Service added “Outdoor recreation is a fabric of my life. I have been fortunate that my career has allowed me to help make the outdoors accessible to everyone. My participation in endeavOR is another opportunity to give back to the future generations of outdoor lovers and businesses, that have contributed so much to my growth as a person.”
Learn more about endeavOR New Mexico by visiting www.endeavornm.org.
This image shows endeavOR members and where in the state they are located. Courtesy/endeavOR