One of the speakers at an Outdoor Industry Association’s post-election panel discussion Thursday was Exhibit A of the economic and political muscle the outdoor recreation industry has been working to develop. Judith Kohler, The Denver PostGov.-elect Jared Polis speaks Thursday to the Outdoor Industry Association. “I want you all to know that to show the importance of the outdoor recreation industry, not just to me personally but to the state, speaking with you here today is my very first public address as governor-elect,” said Democratic Congressman Jared Polis, elected Tuesday as Colorado’s next chief executive. Polis was one of 23 candidates nationwide endorsed by the Boulder-based association, which represents more than 1,200 manufacturers, retailers, suppliers, nonprofits and others associated with the outdoor recreation industry. Twenty of those on the bipartisan slate of candidates in the “Vote the Outdoors” campaign won, said Alex Boian, political director for the Outdoor Industry Association, or OIA.