Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1543342
W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 19 F E B R UA R Y 2 3 , 2 0 2 6 F O C U S S P O R T S / T O U R I S M / R E C R E AT I O N "e planning process for 'next year's race' is always underway, even when we're just getting started on the current edition," Ropp explains. On the water Recreational boaters — from high- end yachts to slim kayaks to revved- up powerboats — cruise and race along the coastline and on the state's many lakes from spring through fall, generating $3 billion annually in direct, indirect and induced spend- ing, according to the New England Marine Trade Association's 2023 eco- nomic impact report. With 108,820 registered boats, the industry supports 11,977 direct and indirect jobs, 619 direct businesses and $270.8 million in annual new boat, engine, trailer and accessory sales. "Boat service yards and marinas are steady — most Maine marinas still have waiting lists for dockage and moorings," says Stacey Keefer, execu- tive director of the Maine Marine Trades Association. Acadia's appeal In 2025, Acadia National Park had just over four million visitors, up from 3.9 million in 2024. e latest figures from 2024 show the park had $745 million in economic output in local gateway economies surrounding the park. e figure includes visitor expen- ditures of $539 million in local gate- way regions. e park supported a total of 5,300 jobs and $243 million in labor income. L a u r i e S c h r e i b e r , M a i n e b i z s e n i o r w r i t e r , c a n b e r e a c h e d a t l s c h r e i b e r @ m a i n e b i z . b i z Mariana Baron Pawel Binczyk Julia Broulidakis Russell Ford Geoffrey Forney Amelie Hopkins Carolyn Liegner Joseph Mendes Matthew Miller Nick Milliken Amanda Pastore Christopher Stief Shiloh Theberge William Wahrer Tara Walker Our Team - One Year In. Since our launch a year ago, we've brought together some of Portland's most established employment, education and immigration lawyers to form a 15-attorney team serving clients in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and beyond. More to come in 2026. fisherphillips.com | One Monument Square, Suite 201 | Por tland, ME 04101 | 207.477.7002 JUNE 25-28, 2026 Drive Fore Kids offers local businesses a premium way to entertain clients, reward teams, and build meaningful partnerships - all while supporting children and families impacted by cancer. Partnerships can include brand activations, VIP hospitality, celeb-am foursome, and more. WANT TO LEARN MORE? Contact Teddy Forsley at teddy@shamrockse.com The planning process for 'next year's race' is always underway, even when we're just getting started on the current edition. — Mary Ropp Crow Athletics