About ORII

Why Outdoor Recreation in Farmington

Farmington has a plethora of natural amenities and iconic landscapes, coupled with ideal four-season weather. Further, our local economy, which is fueled by the energy industry, has provided Farmington with a highly skilled labor force and considerable manufacturing capacity. This is why we think of Farmington as both Nature’s Playground and Nature’s Proving Ground—a place not only to enjoy the outdoors but also to build and test many types of outdoor gear and accessories.

Farmington is leveraging these assets to develop a thriving outdoor recreation economy. To ensure success, Farmington launched the Outdoor Recreation Industry Initiative (ORII), to be a key component of Farmington’s ongoing community transformation and economic development. Through the Outdoor Recreation Industry Initiative (ORII), Farmington is committed to bringing new outdoor offerings and experiences to the City while attracting more outdoor businesses. Farmington is well positioned to lead and grow the emerging $9.9 billion outdoor industry in New Mexico.

ORII Benefits to Outdoor Recreation Businesses

ORII Partners

To support the diverse needs of outdoor recreation businesses, Farmington has established a network of regional partners working together to advance the outdoor economy in San Juan County. In addition to immediate contact with City of Farmington departments, outdoor recreation businesses have access to ORII partners such as San Juan County, Four Corners Economic Development, Farmington Chamber of Commerce, San Juan College, Downtown Farmington, New Mexico Economic Development Department & Outdoor Recreation Division and the BLM.

Warren Unsicker - Director of ORII and Economic Development

Warren Unsicker serves as director of ORII and economic development for the City of Farmington. He has 14 years of experience in the economic development field and is one of a handful of certified economic developers (CEcD’s) in New Mexico.

Warren’s experience began in rural Indiana where he performed nearly all aspects of economic development. He helped create an entrepreneurial friendly atmosphere in the Tulsa area during his time at the Tulsa Regional Chamber. At the Broken Arrow EDC, he led to several award-winning programs and many exciting projects in the market, including the revitalization of the Rose District, Broken Arrow’s downtown arts & entertainment district and the attraction of the Stoney Creek conference center and hotel. Warren’s recent experience has found him working to create a regional, multi-state focus in the Four Corners area of New Mexico and likewise working to diversify the energy-centric economy of the region.

Warren received his Bachelor of Arts in Business and Economics from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, C.A., and received his CEcD accreditation from IEDC in 2011.

Warren is originally from Alaska but now calls New Mexico home with his wife, Nicci, an attorney with a background in Indian Law, and two young children. He and his family spend much of their free time living up to the tagline for the area, “Where outdoor lovers and active families thrive.” You will most often find him out camping, hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, fishing and generally spending quality time with his family in this natural beauty of the Four Corners.

Outdoor Recreation Facts & Figures

USA

$887 billion annual consumer spending

7.6 million direct jobs

$65 billion in Federal Tax Revenue

$59 Billion in State and local tax revenue

New Mexico

$9.9 billion annual consumer spending

99,000 direct jobs

$2.8 billion in wages and jobs

$623 million in State and local tax revenue