Montgomery, PA -- Today,
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, Deputy Secretary for Community Affairs and Economic Development (DCED) Rick Vilello, and
Pennsylvania Director of Outdoor Recreation Nathan Reigner visited Priority Bicycles in Montgomery, Lycoming County to highlight the importance of the businesses that support Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation economy, which adds nearly $14 billion to the Commonwealth’s economy.
Today’s event follows Governor Josh Shapiro’s first budget proposal, which would allocate funding for the creation of the Office of Outdoor Recreation. This new office would help connect state agencies with the private industries and communities seeking to leverage outdoor recreation for economic development.
“Outdoor recreation interest grew dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic and it continues to be a driving force in growing Pennsylvania’s economy,”
Dunn said. “We are excited for the potential to make major strides in connecting the beauty and majesty of Pennsylvania’s natural resources to the economic development opportunities in communities across the state.”
Members of the Shapiro Administration toured Priority Bicycles light assembly and quality hub where Pennsylvanians build the company’s low-maintenance belt drive bikes.
“Pennsylvania has one of the largest outdoor recreation economies in the nation,”
Vilello said. “Each year, outdoor recreation generates billions in consumer spending, supports hundreds of thousands of direct jobs, and brings in nearly $2 billion in state and local tax revenue. Our outdoor spaces are vital to providing residents and visitors alike with a great quality of life, while also supporting local communities and boosting Pennsylvania’s economy."
Though Priority Bicycles’ corporate headquarters are in New York City, the company employs more than 20 people full time on its Montgomery campus. Currently, all of Priority Bicycle’s manufacturing operations take place in Pennsylvania.
“We started off with facilities on the West Coast and in Pennsylvania and quickly realized we had really great people in a wonderful town and decided to focus on growing here,” said
David Weiner, founder and CEO of Priority Bicycles. “The passion and dedication of our staff has helped this company grow more than we could have ever imagined, and we are so happy to be in Montgomery."
Pennsylvania has the sixth largest outdoor recreation economy in the U.S and outdoor recreation supports 152,000 jobs in the state.
Reigner, who is the first to serve as the Commonwealth’s Director of Outdoor Recreation, recently completed a statewide stakeholder tour to gather feedback and build support for the Office of Outdoor Recreation.
“Employers like Priority Bicycles are a great example of the tremendous impact the outdoors can have building up Pennsylvania’s economy using advanced technologies and providing good jobs that connect peoples’ passions with their professions,”
Reigner said. “I am pleased to be able to spend time here today and get a better sense of how this innovative company is working to help grow Pennsylvania’s outdoor economy one bike at a time.”
Visit DCNR’s website for more information on
outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania and check
DCNR’s Calendar of Events for happenings on public lands.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Wesley Robinson, DCNR, 717-877-6315
Penny Ickes, DCED
# # #