Camping scholarships for newbies in ME

This is a pretty fresh idea.  As kids and families across the country retrench into their homes and neighborhoods (and gas prices are doing the usual pre-summer rise), the progressive state of Maine has hit on a program partnership that is a great example of tough times bringing creative solutions.  Are there other programs like this out there?  My state (CA) seems to be blinded by a massive budget disaster and is likely to close or further limit access to our public open spaces. 

This summer we happen to be starting a pilot program at OR to scholarship twenty Eastern Paddlesports dealers into the show who have never been (at least in this millenium).  We think that by hosting them, and matching them up for a few hours over dinner with dealers who attend OR regularly, they will see how the show can improve their bottom line as well as their retailing acumen going into the crucial holiday and spring of 2010.  We're building networking events within the big event for each of several market groups during the show; climbing, endurance sports, design and sourcing, and the aforementioned paddle group. 

What new partnerships or outreach programs are you considering that is 'out of the box'?  Any successes to share?  One of the most critical roles the show plays is to set the stage for the flowing of new ideas and new ways to use new tools in the market. 

KH

Comments

[Doug Davis]

KH,

How do we get hooked up with this program? My wife and I are opening a brand new paddle shop and this year will be our first year at Summer OR. This blog post is the first I have heard of the program.
If all the scholarships have been given out is there any way to still be partnered up with a retailer who attends OR regularly? Or sit in on such meetings?

Thanks!
Doug Davis
River City Canoe and Kayak

[family limited partnership]

Doug, there's a local office I think that deals with scholarships like this...I wish I could remember the name of the place. You know who you might ask, though, is around various financial aid offices at colleges. I know they're not necessarily related, but they also typically are tapped into this sort of thing.