From trails to bike lights, Maine Outdoor Brands honors economic trailblazers
Photo / Courtesy, Survue
Josh Fox developed an AI-powered bike light and video camera to enhance cyclist safety, and then founded the Scarborough startup Survue.
A partnership to connect asylum-seekers with outdoor spaces and a startup that makes AI-powered bike lights are among the recipients of Maine Outdoor Brands’ Trailblazer Awards this year.
The trade group presented the awards during the third annual Maine Outdoor Economy Summit, held last week at Sunday River Resort in Newry.
The awards honor innovation and collaboration within Maine’s outdoor recreation industry, which grew 9% during 2023 and generated $3.4 billion in gross domestic product, according to new federal data released Wednesday by Maine Outdoor Brands.
AI bike light
Josh Fox, founder of Survue, received the Outdoor Innovation of the Year Award for his development of an AI-powered bike light and video camera, designed to enhance cyclist safety. The device detects and monitors the proximity and movement of vehicles, automatically recording video when vehicles pass too closely, according to a news release.
The Scarborough startup's Kickstarter campaign, launched earlier this year, was 887% funded, with 196 backers pledging a total of $46,276, according to Survue’s LinkedIn profile.
“Technology and innovation have the power to make the outdoors safer and more accessible for everyone,” said Jenny Kordick, executive director of Maine Outdoor Brands and an honoree among the 2023 Mainebiz Next List.
“Josh Fox and Survue are at the forefront of this movement, developing cutting-edge tools that enhance cyclist safety on our roads.”
Sense of belonging
The Maine Association of New Americans and Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust received the Outdoor Brand Collaboration of the Year Award for their #WeOutside program partnership.
The initiative works to connect asylum-seeking youth and families to Maine’s outdoor spaces and foster a sense of belonging in conserved lands. With activities like birding, hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, skiing and ice fishing, #WeOutside offers outdoor experiences that aim to support mental health, strengthen communities and bridge cultural divides.
“It’s setting a new benchmark for inclusive outdoor programming in Maine,” said Kordick.
Trails bond
Pete Didisheim, senior director of advocacy of the Natural Resources Council of Maine received the Outdoor Industry Leader of the Year Award for his leadership in securing the $30 million Maine Trails Bond approved by voters on Nov. 5.
The bond will fund trail expansions and improvements, increasing outdoor recreation opportunities, supporting local economies and preserving natural landscapes. Didisheim’s coalition-building efforts were critical to the success of the initiative, said Kordick.
“Pete’s instrumental role in the successful passage of the Maine Trails Bond underscores his remarkable ability to unite diverse stakeholders and navigate the complexities of the legislative process in support of outdoor recreation,” she said.
Outdoor industry leader
Special recognition was given to Carolann Ouellette, director of the Maine Office of Tourism, Film & Outdoor Recreation. Ouellette was recognized for her influential leadership in establishing the Office of Outdoor Recreation and serving as its first director for more than six years.
“It’s been a rewarding journey to help shape Maine’s outdoor recreation landscape,” said Ouellette. “By fostering collaboration and innovation, we’ve made great strides in connecting people to Maine’s natural beauty, supporting local economies, and building a sustainable future for outdoor recreation in our state.”
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