North Central Washington leaders celebrate the outdoors with the Coalition

A congressman, two state legislators, a mayor and seven outdoor industry leaders walk into a room.

It’s not the start to a bad joke – its the basis for a great conversation about the impact of the outdoors on our economy, and really happened at Pybus Public Market in Wenatchee on Friday, March 21.

More than 70 outdoor enthusiasts whose businesses, employees and families benefit from the outdoors gathered to collaborate and hear remarks from Congressman Dave Reichert (top and bottom right photo), State Representative Brad Hawkins, State Senator Linda Evans Parlette (top photo), and Coalition Chair Peter Dykstra (bottom left photo).

Each remarked on how their ethic for conservation started in childhood – Parlette after spending years fishing with her dad, and Reichert who recalled vivid memories of playing in streams that lead to Lake Washington.

The event was co-hosted by Confluence Health, Chelan-Douglas Land Trust, the North Central Washington Economic Development District, Plum Creek, Trout Unlimited, The Trust for Public Land, Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition, and the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce.

These seemingly disparate groups are all stakeholders in the outdoors, whether it is through sales of outdoor gear or using the outdoors as a recruiting tool to bring top employees to the region.

Thanks to all who joined us and started the conversation about how we can use our natural heritage to support our communities.