Ryan Gajewski has spent most of his career telling Michigan's story — and most of his free time out in it. As Chief Strategy Officer at Truscott Rossman, a statewide bipartisan public affairs and strategic communications firm, he advises organizations whose work depends on public trust. He came to that work by way of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, where he spent years making the case for public-private partnerships — the arrangement behind a lot of the trail miles in this state. A Grand Rapids native, Ryan bikes on just about any surface, though the miles that actually add up are the daycare-and-work commute.

Michigan's public lands are fueling more than recreation. Listen in on a panel of statewide and national voices on how outdoor recreation drives jobs, businesses, tourism, and spending across the state. Panelists will explore the connections between conservation, consumer behavior, and community economic growth, offering attendees a clear and optimistic look at what's next for Michigan's public lands and the economies they support.