Outdoor Economy Trailblazers: Gordon Boddington

New Hampshire’s outdoor spaces help shape our communities, our local businesses, and the way we connect with the places we love. The Outdoor Economy Academy (OEA) brings together people who care about these landscapes and want to help their towns thrive. The Outdoor Economy Trailblazers profile series introduces those participants — what inspires them, what they’re working on, and how they’re helping strengthen the outdoor economy across the state — giving you a quick look at the folks turning ideas into action.

Meet Gordon Boddington, Upper Valley Business Alliance

Question: Tell us a little bit about why you decided to participate in the Outdoor Economy Academy.

Gordon: With over 20 years of experience in economic and community development, I have spent my career helping small businesses and artists use technology to turn passion projects and side hustles into lasting businesses. In my current role as Marketing & Administration Manager at the Upper Valley Business Alliance (UVBA), I saw the Outdoor Economy Academy as a natural fit. It offered a great way to bring together some of the UVBA's focus areas—tourism, workforce development, and retaining local talent—with the incredible outdoor resources that make the Upper Valley such a special place to live, work, and do business.

Question: What is one key takeaway you gleaned from the Academy?

Gordon: Real change takes teamwork, time, and a local champion. What looks like an overnight success usually took years of behind-the-scenes planning and collaboration.

“Real change takes teamwork, time, and a local champion.”

Question: Thinking about what's next for you, how do you plan to apply OEA knowledge or concepts in your own work?

Gordon: Almost immediately from our first day in Nashua, I started sharing key resources with community partners in the Upper Valley. Seeing how they used their "Heart Nashua" sign to bring people together inspired me to find new ways to bring a sense of place and fun to our signature event, LEBfest. I am also working with another community partner to design and convene Upper Valley 101 classes, which will help newcomers and long-term residents learn how to enjoy our outdoor spaces year-round—especially during the winter months when keeping people connected is so important. Plus, I have been sharing features from the TrailFinder website with UVBA members so they can list their businesses and bring in more outdoor enthusiasts.

Want to see how the Outdoor Economy Academy is helping communities across New Hampshire use outdoor assets to drive economic development and improve quality of life? Visit Harnessing the Power of Place: An Outdoor Economy Academy Overview.