Kristina Cannon named Outdoor Industry Leader of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 7, 2023

Skowhegan, Maine—Main Street Skowhegan’s President & CEO Kristina Cannon was named the 2023 Outdoor Industry Leader of the Year by Maine Outdoor Brands, an award that recognizes an individual who’s had an outsized impact on and whose actions have demonstrably strengthened Maine’s outdoor recreation industry. Cannon received the award at the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit in Rockland alongside other 2023 Trailblazer Award winners recognized for outstanding achievements in leadership, innovation, and collaboration within Maine’s thriving outdoor economy. 

“I’m deeply honored to be recognized as the state’s top outdoor industry leader by Maine Outdoor Brands,” said Cannon, who has been at the helm of Main Street Skowhegan for eight years. “It’s particularly humbling because there are so many great people contributing to this industry that has grown 16.5 percent since 2021 and accounts for $3.3 billion towards Maine’s economy—one of the highest percentages in the country.” 

Cannon’s work in the outdoor industry includes project management and fundraising for the Skowhegan River Park, an initiative to redevelop the industrial Kennebec River corridor in downtown Skowhegan into an outdoor recreation asset for community members and to attract visitors, businesses, and new residents. The river park will feature three whitewater rapids for paddling and surfing, a natural channel for fish passage and tubing, and improved river access. The project is currently undergoing environmental permitting, and phase 1 construction is planned for July 2024. 

Cannon is also spearheading riverfront development efforts to better connect the future river park and Kennebec River Gorge to Skowhegan’s adjacent commercial district by creating a working waterfront—as requested by residents during a three-day, public design charrette. The new riverfront plans include a promenade, green space, trail connectivity, improved river access from downtown, and event amenities, while maintaining parking and vehicular access to businesses. To date, Cannon has raised $7.6 million for the river park and riverfront development projects. 

In partnership with the Outdoor Sport Institute, Cannon and her team will soon unveil a trail masterplan for Skowhegan that includes strategies and action steps for new trail development and current trail maintenance that will improve and expand Skowhegan’s trail system to more than 50 miles. Cannon brought together multiple partners and collaborators, from landowners to conservation groups, motorized and non-motorized users, public health advocates, and businesses to develop the plan that focuses on accessible, multi-use trails that will provide year-round recreation opportunities for community members and visitors. 

“Adding new recreation infrastructure and enhancing our current assets will benefit our community members while also being a huge boon for Skowhegan’s economy,” said Cannon. “With the river park, riverfront amenities, and an expanded trail system, we’ll be able to host events that draw thousands of people. We also expect these assets to help attract new residents and businesses.” 

Cannon and her team are also using outdoor recreation to invest in the health and wellness of residents through the Skowhegan Outdoors AmeriCorps Program, now in its fifth year. Under Cannon’s management, five AmeriCorps members plan and lead free outdoor activities, trainings, and workshops. This summer the team offered free themed day camps for high school students, featuring skills training and guided whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking opportunities. AmeriCorps members also manage a 200-item, walk-in gear lending library, the Skowhegan Outdoors Basecamp, which recently opened at 65 Water Street in downtown Skowhegan and offers regional residents the opportunity to borrow outdoor equipment and gear for free. Through this work and a year of service in the Skowhegan community, AmeriCorps members leave the program as trained outdoor professionals, ready to enter the workforce.

“As we develop outdoor recreation infrastructure for the benefit of the community and the economy, it’s important to us that our residents have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enjoy these great assets that are just outside their doors,” said Cannon. “We are focused on programming that entices people to join us outside, to do something fun and active that they wouldn’t do on their own, like a starlit hike or paddling the Skowhegan Gorge in an inflatable kayak—all led by our trained facilitators. Through this work, we’ve also started to develop outdoor career pathways that we’re looking to enhance and adapt to offer not only to future AmeriCorps members, but also to the youth of Skowhegan.”

About Main Street Skowhegan 

One of Maine’s 10 nationally accredited Main Street programs, Main Street Skowhegan is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on the ongoing revitalization of historic Skowhegan, Maine. Founded in 2005 by a group of citizens, Main Street is now driven by three full-time staff members, five AmeriCorps members, a passionate and engaged board of directors, and more than a hundred volunteers. Our mission is to celebrate Skowhegan’s rich heritage while achieving our brightest future  as a thriving economic, cultural, and recreational community where residents enjoy a high quality of  life.

About Maine Outdoor Brands
Established in 2017, Maine Outdoor Brands (MOB) unites and advocates for Maine’s outdoor industry, bolstering the state’s outdoor recreation brand and economy. Committed to the prosperity of Maine-based outdoor products, services, and retail brands, MOB strives to strengthen the industry. To learn more about MOB and the brands involved, visit maineoutdoorbrands.com.

Maine Outdoor Brands Trailblazer Awards showcase the passion, resilience, and dedication of leaders shaping the future of the state’s outdoor industry.