VOTE MONTANA TODAY – We think Montana should be considered as a destination for the Outdoor Retailers Show. Do you agree?

Along with many of our colleagues and partners in Montana and across the west, we saw the
news regarding the Outdoor Retailer show’s decision to move away from Utah. In addition, we
have read about Colorado and Oregon’s efforts to lure the Outdoor Retailer Show to the
Centennial state.

We are writing to respectfully share why we hope you will consider Montana as the next location
for the Outdoor Retailer show. As you know, Montana’s Governor Steve Bullock has suggested
the Outdoor Retailers consider Big Sky Country for their next, best location.

Consider the words of John Steinbeck who once wrote, "I’m in love with Montana. For other
states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection. But with Montana it is love."

We agree wholeheartedly with our Governor, and ask that you consider Montana as host for the
next Outdoor Retailer show.

https://www.vote4montana.com/

Here are just a few reasons:

Montana is home to well over 27 million acres of public lands.

Montanans walk the talk. In the last five years, Montanans have protected more than 600,000 acres of world-class public lands adjacent to Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks.

Montana has the highest number of fishing licenses and hunting licenses per capita in the nation in part because we have the most generous access to open lands and water in the country.

Montana has the largest freshwater lake in the West and some of the best blue ribbon trout fisheries in the nation.

Montana’s leaders have pledged to stand firm against efforts to sell off our public lands to the highest bidder.

Montana is less crowded than most states.

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Vote Today: https://www.vote4montana.com/

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We recognize that your decision to leave Utah was values-based. We have a host of communities
that would not only be an excellent host for your conference, but have a strong history of
standing up for public lands. We stand fiercely with our businesses, recreation groups, and
conservation partners who believe the same. We have loudly and successfully communicated
that to our decision makers; most recently, with a public lands rally day at the state capitol that
drew a crowd of over 1000 Montanans all standing up for access and protection of our public
lands.

Like you, we believe that our public lands are one of our most cherished business assets that are
critical to our way of life and our outdoor heritage. Business for Montana’s Outdoors represents
over 130 award-winning businesses responsible for more than 3,500 Montana jobs.

We applaud your work on behalf of all of us as a leader in the outdoor industry through policy
leadership, sustainability best practices, market research and youth engagement.

We hope you will consider Big Sky Country. We think you’ll find yourself at home among our
tall mountain peaks, signature rivers, big skies and friendly folks. Don’t just take our word for it.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Marne Hayes

Executive Director

Business for Montana’s Outdoors

Business for Montana’s Outdoors

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