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Published By Driven LLC, Keri Wanner & Yarrum Design LLC, Denise Sanzo ORBA Articles: ..................................................................... 4 Off-Road Business Association 1701 Westwind Drive #108 Bakersfield, CA 93301 661.323.1464 Fax 661.323.1487
SEMA................................................................................... 14
ORBA Board Members
Rugged Ridge Trail Access Program...................................... 34
Chairman: Greg Adler, Transamerican Auto Parts
Four Wheel Drive Association.............................................. 21
Treasurer: Mark Turner, Daystar Secretary: Lindsay Hubley, Family Events Member: Brad Franklin, Yamaha Motorsports USA Member: Stuart Gosswein, SEMA Member: Kurt Miller, Enthusiast Network Member: Jim Chick, Bestop, Inc. Member: J.R. Burke, Polaris ORBA Staff President & CEO: Fred Wiley 661.323.1464 fwiley@orba.biz Office Manager / Accounting: Deborah Burgess 661.323.1464 dburgess@orba.biz
Photo Request...................................................................... 17 Responsible Recreation Foundation ................................... 26
Vermont Trails & Greenways ............................................... 22 Ninety OHV Industry Leaders Ride Together in Montana.... 26 Amazon Smile Program for OHV Industry........................... 28 ISMA.................................................................................... 31 In the News.......................................................................... 40 Our Members ...................................................................... 44 Calendar of Events:.............................................................. 47 Send future contributions to keri@driven2pushboundaries.com Cover Photo Credits: Casey Cordeiro
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OUR MISSION STATEMENT
The Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) is an innovative leader providing professional trail advocacy for motorized access and directing the future of Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV).
VISION:
Industry professional using a collaborative based approach that connects business to grassroots through a unified voice for the OHV recreation.
WE EXIST TO:
Exist to advance the off road community by influencing policy and implementing change with congressional lobbying and the ability to work cohesively through partnerships. Send future contributions to keri@driven2pushboundaries.com
CONTRIBUTORS Editorial: Alexis Nelson, ORBA, Scott Jones, SEMA, Polaris, Ski-Doo Stay the Trail, Rugged Ridge, NOHVCC, American Recreation Coalition and CA4WDA.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Casey Cordeiro and Forstall Photography
2017 Will Institute Change! By Fred Wiley, President & CEO The 2016 elections are finally over. No matter what the pundits, experts and Mrs. Clinton predicted they all got it wrong. The American voters may often seem apathetic at times, but when motivated they will make change. President elect Trump’s team will institute change within the agencies that we have been working with for decades. These agencies will be going through major policy changes and should provide an opportunity for us to have a prominent seat at the table. Aside from the recent elections, I will highlight some of the important work and projects that ORBA is currently working on. California Off Highway Vehicle program reauthorization: The OHV (off-highway vehicle) Program in California was reauthorized in 2008 and sunsets at the end of 2017. The immediate goal during the legislative reauthorization is to keep the current program intact as it is today and to write the bill to make this 45 year program permanent. Legislative counsel is reviewing possible language and our advocate team Aaron Read and Associates is working to develop bi-partisan sponsorship. Economic Impact Study Nevada: The Commission on Off Highway Vehicles in Nevada contracted with ORBA for an Economic Impact Report that is specific to OHV use within Nevada. Working with the University of Nevada in Reno and their school of economics we developed an online survey for responses from grass root users. We were also provided with data from federal and state agencies about visitor use and several commercial event permit holders also provided information. The University is now in the process of compiling the raw data and developing the final report. The United Four Wheel Drive Association (UFWDA) and ORBA continue to work together on GRASSROOTS development and connecting those groups within the industry. I was recently added to the UFWDA Board of Directors. UFWDA Board Member, Steve Egbert, is also on the ORBA Board of Directors. I am looking forward to our organizations moving forward and working to the betterment of motorized recreation throughout the world. ORBA has also been providing comments and monitoring Military Base Expansions and Land Withdrawals around the country. This requires working with locals, the Pentagon, and Congress.
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We continue to monitor the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), Fish and Wildlife, US Forest Service and BLM (Bureau of Land Management) as they all move forward with proposed changes to the land and environment that they manage. Over the next few months we will have a better understanding of where and how new officials will implement policy. I highlighted only a few of the projects that we are working on; at any given time there are at least 25 projects or more that require attention. This is the reason that ORBA has put together a vast system of partners; so as needed we can facilitate bringing the best team and information forward, bringing out the best results for motorized recreation. It may seem odd that a “Land Use Advocate” like ORBA is involved in so many non-related projects, but it’s really very simple. In our initial planning we identified our strengths and weaknesses. Weaknesses found determined there was not enough good and accurate information and relationships were not strong enough. ORBA’s planning team laid out a strategy that identified accurate information and where to begin building the necessary relationships. Through a regular review of short and long term goals within the ORBA Strategic Plan we are on track for another record year of growth and success. So here’s to 2017 and wishing all of you a wonderful and successful year!
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If You Had to Choose…
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By Keri Wanner, National Advocate Editor
If you had to choose… What would you do? Be lost where there are no street signs or no people to ask for directions. After attending SEMA 2016 it was clear, those involved with ORBA would choose to be lost where there are no street signs. Those attending ORBA’s presentations and meetings sought adventure and there is no adventure quite like what the great outdoors offers. And it’s that adventure that brings passionate members and volunteers to ORBA’s tables during SEMA. Whether young or old, everyone was brought to SEMA because of a passion to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends and it’s that passion that drives organizations forward to succeed. I was one of the lucky ones able to present on marketing and building a social media presence but true to my core; I used the presentation as a time to learn. My takeaway from the presentation was research! In a world fueled by media we become inundated with information that can be overwhelming. Older generations were fortunate, news was news and there wasn’t much of a reason to question it. What was reported was usually factual because there were limited sources dispensing the information. Today’s world has changed. Perfect example; for the past several years I’ve heard nothing but that the United States was being taken over by illegal immigrants looking for their piece of the American Dream, “Freedom”. I was lead to believe by the countless news outlets that our wonderful country and the core values it was founded on was lost leaving me to think an economic change was hopeless. However, my hope changed on November 8th as the electoral votes were being calculated. As the remaining votes were reported, I regained my feeling of hope! Whether you are happy or unhappy about the election results; my point is I was lead to believe something that wasn’t 100% factual. I was lead to believe a thought because I choose not to do hard research on the number of actual illegal immigrants in the United States. Instead, I trusted the news outlets reporting on this issue and took their information as fact, only to learn maybe there are not as many illegal immigrants that is actually being reported. This is exactly why it’s important to research and something we can learn from the millennial generation. The millennials understand that they create the news. We live in a time where photos can be doctored and stories can be fabricated. Not much different than the baby boomer generation but what is different is the unlimited resources of where this information can be shared. And it seems the more outrageous a story is the more hits and shares it gets which brings me back to my presentation. As a team with those in attendance, we created a toolkit of characteristics on what’s important to remember when marketing. Some of the characteristics are similar but they all have an importance; especially in today’s world where we create the news.
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When focusing on marketing our organizations brand, all of the characteristics are a must. We have to be professional so the reader views us as a trusted and valuable resource. It’s important to stay in touch and share your stories (blogging) so people can read of all the good your organizations do; otherwise how would they know. It’s important to network to build a team of educated and reliable individuals and businesses to carry the organizations mission. One characteristic that is often forgotten is measurable. Just how is an organization measurable?! By the number of members, number of volunteers, the amount of grants it’s received, publications number of readers, event attendance, number of followers on social media and the number of partners the organization has. This is power and combined with the other characteristics, will help make an organization become more successful. So until next time, I leave you with this thought! If you had to choose… Would you be extremely lucky or extremely smart? Here’s to wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Characteristic of Marketing Toolkit: • Honesty • Awareness • Networking • Staying InTouch • Positive • Professional • Timeliness • Customer Service
• • • • •
Education Building Relationships Blogging Promotion Measureable
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Australian Government comes to the US to learn about trails. By Scott Jones, Esq., authorized Representative Every year the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council hosts their educational workshop and conference, which consistently draws a great cross section of national leaders from the user community, consultants and state and federal land managers from the United States and Canada to discuss trails related issues, success stories and best management practices. This year the Australian Government sent a representative, Roger Pitt, to the conference to explore how the United States deals with OHV issues, as the Australian Government was facing challenges with this usage. These challenges were especially seen outside major population areas and Government representatives were hoping to avoid the stumbling blocks the United States and Canada had encountered at the start of their management efforts. Once everyone started talking it was amazing the amount of issues that we had in common despite the ocean between us. Roger’s enthusiasm for the project was simply infectious. Needless to say the riding opportunities in Australia were very different from those in North America, which was highlighted by the fact that all riding on public lands in Australia is done with street legal vehicles. The only street legal OHV there is a motorcycle. While ATVs and SxS are certainly in Australia, they can only be used on private lands. Additionally, this project was being explored by the Risk Management portion of the Department of Environment rather than being a recreation based project. We were thrilled to receive a request that Mr. Pitt wanted to look at high use areas in the US, where prior to planning, the usage of the area was creating trouble and where impacts had been reduced and riding opportunities had been improved with planning and management. He had already arranged a trip to Idaho to look at several locations where OHV managers had improved riding opportunities and minimized impacts through planning. Several other locations to visit were proposed. An area in Colorado that was effectively managed was on Roger’s list as he wanted to visit the Moab Utah area as well. Of course we jumped that opportunity and were able to connect Mr. Pitt, our state parks OHV manager Tom Metsa, Scott Dollus who is the US Forest Service Recreation manager for the Rampart Range riding area in a site visit outside Denver CO members of the OHV maintenance crew funded by the State and myself as a user group partner. The Rampart Range area had certainly faced its number of challenges over the life of the riding area. It also was a great resource for this discussion, as Scott Dollus and Tom Metsa had been working on that district for more than 20 years, and this is unusual to say the least with the USFS and being able to combine the long term experiences of multiple partner agencies would be difficult to do anywhere in the country .
We had a great meeting that ranged from a discussion of the lengthy planning process to what were the most effective pieces of equipment for maintenance of the area. We also discussed how the partnership between all groups had been critical to the long term success of the area and that maintenance and funding for the area was an important component of the success. By the end of the meeting a lot of information on successes and failures in management was exchanged and hopefully many of the challenges encountered in the Rampart Range area could be avoided as the Australian Government moved forward with their efforts. This was a rather unique success story that really needed to be shared and hopefully we can keep this discussion ongoing in the future.
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By Alexis Nelson, Proj ect Development & Opera tions Manager
Dreaming Big at SEMA The SEMA Show. It’s one of the few times a year, I get to fly across the country and spend a week in Las Vegas working, collaborating, and networking with manufacturers, business executives, and enthusiasts whom have one thing in common: the off-road life. Need I mention the bonus of walking the halls and grounds of the Las Vegas Convention Center gawking at the latest, biggest and greatest shiny eye candy? Its fantasy-land for any motor enthusiast that lives for horsepower, speed, and of course Jeeps – which happens to be the most popular SUV on the show floor. What amazes me about SEMA is that many of these incredibly talented entrepreneurs, designers, builders and innovators began their journey with an idea and took the approach of dreaming big. This typically starts from a passion, transformed and reflected into an idea, then setting goals and taking action. That is exactly what ORBA did a few years ago and created One Voice. ORBA recognized the need for a unified voice to represent the off-road community by connecting business to grassroots and from that vision, One Voice was born.
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During the SEMA Show, members of the One Voice community met for a lively discussion on the current state of One Voice, regional engagement across the country, areas in need of improvement and how to implement plans into action. How exactly do you get a room full of OHV enthusiasts to start talking about what the future of OHV looks like? You ask them to dream big. To get the conversation rolling, we asked the question, if you were a candy bar, what would you be? (An effective and great ice-breaking activity for those of you who run any kind of meeting). Participants were then asked to discuss their ‘I wish’ ideas and goals for this vision and there were only two rules for this exercise. Each participant had to begin every thought with “I Wish” and use positive and connecting thoughts that start with ‘Yes and’. We began this process by focusing on three key areas that are part of the One Voice mission in keeping public and private lands open for responsible OHV recreation which will be accomplished through strong leadership, advocacy, and collaboration. This included phrases and thoughts such as: “I WISH for………Unlimited financial resources to
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be proactive, Cultivate and nurture “friendships’ with Land Managers, Participate and Engage in other regions, Be inclusive with other forms of recreational activities within the OHV & non-motorized community, Develop Tool Kits for OHV organizations for political and educational purposes, Outreach to general recreating public, and the development of a national OHV Study.” This is how we started thinking our way into a bigger and brighter future both on the trail and off the beaten path. After identifying concurrent ideas and refining the list, we prioritized what we wanted to focus our efforts on for the upcoming year. Many of the ideas were distilled down to leadership development which ultimately was identified as the most popular topic of discussion. This has been and will remain as one of the core values of One Voice. Leadership development and training will be a priority for the future as we will work on accomplishing this through empowering younger generations, becoming the role model for OHV recreation, and building a culture around recognition. Directly tied to leadership development lies the question, how can we do a better job developing the future leadership of OHV recreation? Is it possible to bridge the gap between Baby Boomers, Gen-X’ers, and the Millennial generations? Can we find common ground and work together within the One Voice structure? The answer is absolutely. An interesting fact about the three generations is that Millennials, whom we define as those ages 18-34 (in 2015), now number 75.4 million, surpassing the 74.9 million Baby Boomers (ages 51-69). Generation X (ages 35-50 in 2015) is projected to pass the Boomers in population by 2028. Millennial’s make up about approximately 1/3 of the American workforce. Their engagement is imperative for the future of motorized access. What I thought was interesting is that the participants of the One Voice meeting had fairly equal representation within each of the three generations. Typically, these meetings are well attended by the Baby Boomer g e n e r a t i o n because they have invested a lot of time and effort in building PAGE 12
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and maintaining their respective organizations and in theory have more time to participate in meetings. The conversation was introspective in creating an environment where we can address this important question. A few steps we can take to work towards closing the gap include focusing on finding other ways to increase participation; this can be done by providing more online platforms, developing a committee that represents each generation to ensure there is open communication, and look at ways to develop new career paths in OHV industry and recreation management. This could be accomplished through scholarships, internships, and networking opportunities. The conversation is necessary and working within the context of dispelling common stereotypes and adjusting the perception will enable us to begin empowering future generations to lead.
Work Hard. Play Hard. Live Life. Repeat. After a productive week at SEMA, my husband and I took advantage of our Western location and headed south to Arizona where our next adventure awaits. As an adrenaline and fitness fanatic, I wanted to partake in experiencing the landscape and incorporating my muscles and my love for off-roading. While enjoying a farm-to-table dinner in Flagstaff, we had a fateful conversation with an owner of a local bike shop in Sedona. This led to mapping out our plan which included travel on tires using muscles and motors. The first day, we rented full suspension mountain bikes and explored the trail system south of town from the Bell Rock trailhead. We climbed over red rock and made our way over to Slim Shady which is a myriad of technical ascents over red rock, natural stair cases that eventually meandered back down to a flowy blast of single-track. In other words, it was a sweaty, white knuckled, heart pumping ride. The second day we rented a Jeep JK that was fully loaded and explored some local and popular trails such as Soldiers Pass, the Broken Arrow Trail (my favorite) and the Schnebly Hill Road which lead us to some killer views from several thousand feet above where we had biked the day before. We shared the trail with bikers, hikers, Jeep tours, and other families venturing out in their trail rated 4x4’s all out to enjoy the sunshine, the incredible landscape and fresh air. After all, isn’t that what it’s all about?
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Since this is the month of sharing what we are grateful for, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the ORBA Staff for all of their hard work, collaboration and dedication in making a positive difference in the OHV Community. Our week at the SEMA Show was challenging, rewarding and fun! I am grateful for our connection and ability to work seamlessly together. Thank you Michelle Jones, Scott Jones, Keri Wanner, and Fred Wiley! Your talent, expertise, and commitment to constantly improve is contagious which makes going into the office less work and more about taking action and getting it done. Alexis PAGE 13
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SEMA Show Offers Crash Course on Lobbying Your Elected Officials By Eric Snyder, SEMA’s Congressional Affairs Manager
While the SEMA Show is known for the unveiling of premium specialty automotive and off-road products and the display of custom cars, the show also offers an educational component. This includes more than 60 sessions focusing on industry trends and technologies. It is also an important venue for ORBA and One Voice to hold meetings, seminars and panel discussions geared to the off-road community. For one such discussion, I was joined by my colleagues in SEMA’s Government Affairs Office to talk about lobbying and grassroots advocacy. Below are highlights from the session. The Real Scoop on Lobbying While the term lobbyist may, in certain circles, conjure up a less-than-flattering image of Gucci shoes, limitless expense accounts and golf vacations to Scotland, I can assure you that this image bears little resemblance to the day-to-day life advocating for SEMA and the SEMA Action Network (SAN). In its purest form, lobbyists represent hard-working Americans, small business, and hobbyists before the elected officials and regulators who make the rules that impact our workplaces and many other aspects of our lives. These advocates serve an import role in the lawmaking process by providing issue specific expertise and explaining the impact and unintended consequences of legislation or proposed regulations to members of Congress, state legislators, and their staff. Whether you realize it or not, there’s a good chance that you have worked in a profession or been a member of a group that either employs lobbyists or whose members lobby elected officials. In the case of the motorized recreation community, many of these enthusiasts are part of a local club or affiliated statewide chapter that asks its members to contact elected officials on issues that impact the hobby. In fact, volunteers who advocate for their cause are usually the best lobbyists – they have passion and expertise. Whether writing a letter or making a phone call to your member of Congress or state legislators or even stopping by a city council meeting, each one of us has the ability to use our knowledge and passion to influence the public policymaking process! Advocacy 101: Understanding Who’s Sitting Across the Table The first rule to influencing lawmakers is to understand who you are meeting with and what drives them. Public office holders and their staff, just like the rest of us, are a product of their experiences. Their background influences how they view a particular issue. Accordingly, before picking up the phone or writing a letter, spend a few minutes researching the lawmaker you are contacting to learn where they stand on the issues. PAGE 14
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Below are a few basics that will also be helpful in crafting a message that is likely to resonate with your elected officials: • Succinctly explain the interests you represent. Whether or not the person you are contacting should be familiar with your organization, don’t hesitate to provide them with background information and highlight the good things that your organization does. • Provide a few statistics that highlight the size and importance of your organization and/or motorized recreation as an industry. This perspective is important when making the case for why they need to support your position! • Let them know that you look forward to sharing their support for the organization’s position on a given issue with its members. Elected officials love to take credit for doing things that people favor! Once you understand the mind-set of your audience, what motivates them, and whether or not they are familiar with motorized recreation or supportive of the community, you are ready to lobby! Legislative Advocacy, SEMA Style While SEMA’s government affairs office looks out for the legislative and regulatory interests of our members, hobbyists, and the industry, engaging these stakeholders in grassroots advocacy is central to the association’s state and federal lobbying efforts. SEMA asks for its member companies to support initiatives, including letter writing campaigns, contacting or meeting with congressional offices, and hosting members of Congress at their businesses and the SEMA Show (below). • Letter Writing - Personal letters are compelling and a great way for congressional offices to see how passionate their constituents are regarding a particular issue. Many offices keep track of how many letters they receive both in support of and in opposition to a given issue. • Washington Rally - SEMA has found that bringing our members to Washington, DC to meet with their Representatives and Senators is an especially valuable tool. At SEMA’s 2016 Washington Rally, SEMA members and staff met with more than 90 Congressional offices to discuss the RPM Act (S. 2659/H.R. 4715), which protects the motorsports parts industry and the ability to convert your motor vehicle into a race vehicle, in addition to other issues of importance to their companies. The results of those meetings speak for themselves, as they resulted in over 20 additional House and Senate RPM Act cosponsors. • Congressional Site Visit Program - Many SEMA members have also participated in SEMA’s Congressional Site Visit Program, where they host a member of Congress at their business, provide them a tour of the facility, and help them to better understand the industry and the issues that it faces. The association also hosts members of Congress and state legislators from all over the country at the SEMA Show. Enabling elected officials to see the industry up-close is an invaluable tool when looking to establishing long-term relationships! SEMA keeps the automotive and off-road enthusiast communities aware of the issues being debated in the halls of Congress and state capitols around the country through the SEMA Action Network (SAN). The SAN is a nationwide partnership between vehicle clubs, enthusiasts and members of the specialty auto parts and off-road industries who want to protect their hobby. Founded in 1997, the SAN was designed to help stamp out legislative threats to the hobby and pass favorable laws.
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The SAN regularly: • Rallies the support of 3,000-plus clubs, thousands of individual contacts, and 100-plus publications, with an estimated reach of 36 million enthusiasts nationwide, amplifying SEMA’s political voice. • Sends out electronic action alerts to generate an abundance of responses to state and federal legislative and regulatory proposals. • Issues timely updates of legislative and regulatory developments. THERE ARE NO COSTS, FEES OR HASSLES to participate in the SAN. The concept is simple: SEMA provides detailed, regularly updated information on legislative and regulatory issues that impact your hobby. The more hands that touch this information, the more eyes that read this information and the more people that stand up and do something about this information…the more effectively we protect our hobby. If action is required, we will urge SAN members to contact legislators and regulators to express support or opposition to a particular bill or proposal that directly affects the automotive hobby. On behalf of our industry, the SAN is fighting to preserve the rights of enthusiasts to use and enjoy their vehicles. United groups of hobbyists are a proven political force. To date, SAN efforts nationwide have resulted in positive outcomes on a wide range of issues, including keeping Johnson Valley open to OHV use, opposing national monument designations, vehicle scrappage (“clunker”) laws, equipment standards, registration classifications, emissions-test exemptions, and hobbyist rights. You can be certain that these issues will continue to pop up at the state and federal level in the future. You can make a difference by joining SAN now! The information SAN provides: • Timely notice of legislative/regulatory developments in your state and nationwide trends. • Sample letters to forward to state legislators urging specific action. • Talking points for conversations and meetings with state legislators. To sign up, contact the SEMA Action Network (SAN) at san@sema.org or 909-978-6721.
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REQUEST Photos by:Todd Williams - Moto-MEX
ORBA is always looking for articles and pictures for the National Advocate. If you have PAGE 17 something you would like published please submit it to info@driven2pushboundaries.com.
Stay The Trail and Mile Hi Jeep Club Complete Work on Popular Colorado 4x4 Route for National Public Lands Day National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the largest single-day volunteer effort in the country. Held one Saturday in late September each year, this nationwide event is hosted by the National Environmental Education Foundation with the goal of incorporating many local volunteer projects into a single day event. Groups, clubs, and organization can post their projects on the NPLD website where volunteers can find an effort they are interested in helping with and sign up to attend. Projects often include beach clean ups, tree plantings, and trail restoration work completed in National Parks across the country. However, there are also some opportunities for volunteers to assist with projects on motorized trails. This year one of these opportunities was made available by Stay The Trail and the Mile Hi Jeep Club. Stay The Trail Colorado has consistently performed stewardship projects on NPLD in years past, inviting all volunteers to take part in this nationwide effort to maintain and enhance public lands. This year Stay The Trail was able to team up with Patrols #10 & 12 of Denver’s Mile Hi Jeep Club to complete some much needed maintenance and repair work on one of the most popular 4 wheel drive routes in Colorado’s front range. These patrols have adopted the trail, named Slaughterhouse Gulch and are committed to keeping the route clean, maintained, and open to the public. In cooperation with the United States Forest Service – South Platte Ranger District, who manages the land where this trail is located, Stay The Trail and Mile Hi Jeep Club were able to clean, repair, and even enhance several key areas of this trail system. Thanks to this team effort much of this work was completed in a single day – National Public Lands Day – which fell on September 24, 2016. Jeep club members along with volunteers and Stay The Trail employees met at the trailhead where gloves, trash bags, and other tools were distributed. After a safety briefing and vehicle air down, the group hit the trail. The goals laid out for this day included repairing a damaged post and cable barrier, blocking off several non-system bypass routes, and cleaning up trash and performing other maintenance needs as they were encountered. Both Stay The Trail and the U.S. Forest Service provided the concrete mix and other materials needed to re-set the posts that had been damaged by users attempting to access the previously closed ‘Stump Hill’. This is a steep and unsustainable hill climb which ‘shortcuts’ two switchback on the legal route.
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Volunteers worked together to re-inforce the post and cable barrier that blocks vehicle access to the hill climb in an effort to keep all vehicles on the legal trail. While the concrete was setting, the group was able to complete the rest of Slaughterhouse Gulch including USFS roads #101 & #105. Trash was collected, other shortcuts and bypasses were blocked, and the previously completed trail work was re-inspected. This was a very successful work project and a great example of how much can be accomplished, even in a single day, when groups work together on a focused effort. PAGE 19
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Rugged Ridge Trail Access Program: Create, Maintain, Protect
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Now Accepting 2017 Grant Applications
The Rugged Ridge Trail Access Program was first announced at the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Since then, it has awarded grants to a number of non-profit off-road organizations, including the Blue Ribbon Coalition; the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition (COHVCO); the Colorado Association of 4WD Clubs; Friends of Uwharrie; New Mexico Off-Highway Vehicle Alliance; the OffRoad Business Association (ORBA); Stay the Trail, and even Del Albright’s Volunteer Leader & Land Stewardship (VLLS) Course, among others. The Rugged Ridge Trail Access Program was created to support the 4WD community by protecting public trail access. Donating grants of $5,000 per organization, the grants – which come as part of a larger philanthropic effort from Rugged Ridge’s parent company Omix-ADA – were designated for use toward education, stewardship, litigation, or any other activity advocating the conservation of public land and access to recreational trails. Ultimately, our goal is to support the people and organizations working to protect access to public land and recreational trails across the country – improving education about the off-road hobby and matters of conservation – so our open spaces remain that way for generations of off-roaders to enjoy for years to come. Criteria for the Rugged Ridge Trail Access Grants • The grant funds need to be spent or returned within one calendar year from the award date. • Grant funds must be used on recreational dirt trails on public land that are designated for fullsize 4WD vehicle use. • The grant applicant must be a US 501(C) non-profit organization or Canadian non-profit organization. Please include a copy of the IRS document recognizing your organization 501(C) status. • Only 1 grant will be awarded to any given organization per year. The maximum grant will be US$5,000 per organization. The recipients of a Rugged Ridge Trail Access grant will be asked to issue a receipt for the grant. We may ask for photos of the project, press releases, etc. as appropriate. We may ask that a Rugged Ridge banner or other materials be displayed during a project, if applicable. Grant Application Form http://www.ruggedridge.com/index.php/ PAGE 20 webforms/index/index/id/2/
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One Voice of the 4x4 Nation
SEMA Show produces positive results By Steve Egbert, President of Cal4
At the recent SEMA Show in Las Vegas, land use groups from around the country had the opportunity to network with each other. On Monday before the show, The North American Motorized Recreation Council brought representatives from many forms of motorized recreation to this meeting that is facilitated annually by Del Albright. Over the next few days’ additional meetings were held in the ORBA meeting room that SEMA so graciously provides for our use. These meetings were hosted by ORBA and UFWDA to provide educational opportunities and networking. It was also an opportunity for face to face meetings regarding “One Voice”. We continue to make good progress in several of the One Voice regions. The Western, Southern and North East Regions are meeting on monthly intervals and the representatives from each state a getting to know each other. We are looking for representatives in the other regions and some will be starting to meet soon. I am very encouraged to see everyone working together to build something that will provide for long lasting communication and collaboration, this will take time but it will be great to have this structure in place when a need arises. We had the opportunity to meet with members of the Off-Road press in the Omix-ADA Off-Road Success Center during a Wednesday evening reception. Earlier in the day, I attended the BFGoodrich Tires Outstanding Trails Presentation and said a few words on behalf of UFWDA. Congratulations to the winning trails. The weekend of November 12, I attended Panamint Valley Days a Cal 4 Wheel South District Event. The Panamint Valley area is full of history, very scenic and has some great trails for all levels of wheelers. I went on a harder run this year, Cummings Cut Off to Defense Mine. I did not break my Jeep but there were some new scrapes underneath. I continue to be very happy with the performance of the upgrades to the Axles, Suspension and my Atlas Transfer Case which are items I have upgraded over the past year or two. I hope everyone had a great time at the event. All the Cal 4 Wheel events have runs for different levels of wheelers. If you are in California check one of them out they are great fun.
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Trails Blaze the Way for Vermont’s Economic Future WATERBURY, VT— Exploring Vermont’s outdoors by trail has always been part of the Green Mountain state’s culture, but now there is strong evidence to support how those activities bolster the state’s economy, too. The popularity of growing member-based trail networks for mountain biking, backcountry skiing, all-terrain riding and more are blazing new pathways for economic growth in the State. Today, representatives from Federal, State, and local trail organizations came together to recognize the growing “outdoor recreation economy” and to showcase efforts to start measuring its economic contributions in dollars. A new economic impact report released today by the Vermont Trails & Greenways Council found that four trail networks alone generate $29.6 million in economic activity annually in the State of Vermont. The totals come from looking at direct consumer spending associated with using trails (trail tickets, rentals, etc.), and the activities recreationists love doing before and after hitting the trails, such as visiting a nearby brewery or grabbing a bite to eat. The report is being issued just several weeks after the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill that requires the outdoor recreation industry to be quantified in the federal government’s annual calculation of national economic productivity. The bill authored by Vermont Representative Peter Welch signals a national willingness to recognize the economic benefits of land-based recreation. Today, Representative Welch’s office received notice that the outdoor recreation bill was also passed by the U.S. Senate last night, and is now on its way to President Obama’s desk for signature. The Vermont Trails & Greenways Council received funding to perform the economic impact report through a USDA Rural Business Opportunity Grant. The four organizations evaluated in the study are the Catamount Trail Association, the Green Mountain Club (GMC), the Kingdom Trails Association, and the Vermont ATV Sportsman’s Association (VASA). The study is the first of its kind to look at the direct economic impact from a sample of Vermont’s premier regional trail networks, uniquely combining multiple forms of motorized and nonmotorized recreation all managed by non-profit statewide and regional organizations. Although the report represents a limited sample of Vermont’s recreation economy, it provides real data showing 325 jobs are directly supported by the trail networks, and $5.6 million is spent on food and drink annually in local communities along the trail systems. Trail stewardship organizations across Vermont have long held the vision that jobs and economic spending supported by outdoor recreation opportunities in Vermont could be considered a major contributor to the State’s economy. “The study has been long overdue,” said Danny Hale, Executive Director of VASA and Chairman of the Trails & Greenways Council. “We finally have accurate numbers to demonstrate what we as the represented user groups of the Vermont Trail System bring to the state; as individual groups and as a combined recreational entity,” Hale stated. “Having solid numbers that outline the benefits of these trails allow our organizations as well as the state and legislature to rightfully prioritize recreation in Vermont as a major source of tourism income and local spending. It’s high time that we all recognize this opportunity.” The Trails & Greenways Council is a non-profit organization established by the Vermont Legislature in 1995 whose mission is to ensure that people will always have access to adequate land and water-based trails and greenways in Vermont. The Council’s driving force is the diverse membership of organizations managing recreational trails systems and infrastructure, and the cohesiveness that results from bringing these groups together under a unified voice. The Trails and Greenways Council assists the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation in shaping recreation policy and fosters partnerships with private organizations, municipalities, and trail-based communities. To view the economic impact study for the Vermont Trails & Greenways council, go to: http://fpr.vermont. gov/sites/fpr/files/Recreation/Learn_More/Library/Final%20Report-%20Impact%20Analysis%20-%20VT%20 Trails%20and%20Greenways.pdf For more information about the Outdoor Recreation’s Economic Contributions (REC) Act as passed in the U.S. House, go to https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/4665. PAGE 22
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Are there New Trail Opportunities?
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By Jerry Smith
While most of the Jeeping world is mired in trail closure issues, here in western Colorado, we’ve also taken another direction. Trail designations and connecting existing trails. In short, the United Four Wheel Drive Associations, the Colorado Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs, and the One Voice program are working to add as many as six connecting trails to the recently designated Rimrocker Trail that runs from Montrose, CO, to Moab, UT. The Rimrocker Trail alone is a 160+ mile trail. If all goes well, we could be adding close to another 400 to 600 miles of designated trails from Grand Junction, CO, that would connect to the Rimrocker in various places. As if that weren’t enough, we are all working on another connector. This one is between the Pace Lake Trail and a road from the John Brown Road near Gateway, CO. On this one, we will be working with the Manti La Sal National Forest and Grand Junction BLM field office to create a loop of about 30-miles. Collectively, we want to show that there is more to the land use that normally glazes your eyes than just fighting to keep motorized access to the few trails we have left. Last, we wish to challenge each of you to look for such opportunities in your normal trail riding area. It takes imagination and a good knowledge of the land, but opportunities do exist. When you see one, ask us for help to make something positive happen.
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Please tread lightly and travel only on routes and in areas designated open for motor vehicle use. Remember, Respected Access is Open Access.
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THIS PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT IS POWERED BY
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Ninety OHV Industry Leaders Ride Together In Montana
Dave Halsey, NOHVCC Contributing Writer Each year, at the annual, joint conference of the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) and the International Off-Highway Vehicle Administrators Association (INOHVAA), one day is set aside for a mobile workshop. It’s a tour of OHV trails and systems, with demonstrations of proper trail management, trail-building equipment and other information. It’s also a fun day, with opportunities for networking. This year’s conference was held October 11-16, in Great Falls, Montana, with the mobile workshop at the Bull Run Guest Ranch. Ninety riders participated, riding their own vehicles or those provided by American Honda Motor Co. Education Centers, Polaris Industries, Polaris Ride Command Mobile Trails App Program, Kawasaki, Arctic Cat, Bull Run Guest Ranch, NOHVCC staff and their families.
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“The joint NOHVCC and INOHVAA Conference is the largest gathering of its type anywhere,” said Russ Ehnes, NOHVCC executive director. “It brings together many State and Federal land managers, and leaders from the national and international OHV recreation communities, at one time, in one place. This year, we were once again joined by our neighbors from Canada, as well as OHV advocates from Australia and Iceland.”
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The management tour at the Bull Run Guest Ranch included stops for field demonstrations on 1) the proper way to sound test vehicles, 2) using the Avenza Maps Mobile App for navigating OHV trails, 3) the review of a single-track trail built with a trail dozer, with discussions on trail design and maintenance, and 4) observing a Sutter trail dozer creating a 50-inch trail on a hillside, with emphasis on building in the fun factor and resource protection. Also on site were the ATV Safety Institute (ASI) ATV Rider Course, Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Dirtbike School, and Recreational OHV Association (ROHVA) Driver Course. A number of conference attendees went through the various training courses. To learn more about this year’s conference, its presentations of OHV success stories, and awards presented by NOHVCC and INOHVAA, see the October NOHVCC newsletter at: http://nohvcc.org/ Materials/Newsletter/october-2016.
“The conference is also an opportunity to get recharged for the year ahead,” adds Dan Kleen, NOHVCC president. “It’s an incredible communications forum, where land managers, enthusiasts, organizations and industry share information and experiences, and grow in their partnership to further the NOHVCC mission of “Creating a Positive Future for OHV Recreation.”
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Shopping On Amazon? One Click Donates To The OHV Industry by Dave Halsey
AmazonSmile Donates When You Shop, And It Costs You Nothing. Are you and your family shopping on Amazon this holiday season? With one click, Amazon will donate a small part of your purchase price directly to the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC), at no cost to you. The program is called AmazonSmile, a simple and automatic way for you to support the NOHVCC mission. NOHVCC is a registered non-profit organization with AmazonSmile. Each time you shop, the AmazonSmile Foundation donates 0.5% of your purchase to NOHVCC. Simply click on AmazonSmile, register, and when it asks for the organization you’d like to donate to, type in National OffHighway Vehicle Conservation Council. And start shopping! Pass this information on to your OHV club members, to friends and family, to everyone you know who rides. The funds received will help NOHVCC meet its mission of creating a positive future for OHV recreation. For the record: NOHVCC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational foundation composed of a national body of OHV recreation enthusiasts. It develops and provides a wide spectrum of programs, materials, and information or “tools” to individuals, clubs, associations, and government agencies. Please Note: Donations are made by the AmazonSmile Foundation and are not tax deductible by you. Or Donate Without Buying Anything, Through The Right Rider Access Fund. Not an Amazon shopper? You can still donate to NOHVCC, and get a tax deduction for it (as applicable through the IRS). The Right Rider Access Fund’s charitable mission is to promote the safe and responsible use of OHVs and to preserve their access to appropriate lands. You can direct your donation to NOHVCC, or one of three other programs that support OHV recreation. For more information and to donate, visit this website: http://www.riderfund.org/. Tax-deductible donations can also be made by riders, clubs and associations directly to NOHVCC, at 427 Central Ave. W., Great Falls, MT, 59404. Whether through Amazon, the Right Rider Access Fund or direct, thank you for supporting the NOHVCC mission of “Creating a Positive Future for OHV Recreation.” PAGE 28
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In Memory Of David Eli Johnson February 5, 1923 October 8, 2016
Polaris Employees Celebrate the Life and Accomplishments of David Never drink and ride. One of the Company’s Three Co-Founders Johnson, MEDINA, Minn. (Oct. 9) – Polaris employees and Polaris riders worldwide are celebrating the life and mourning the passing of one of the company’s co-founders, David Johnson. He passed away yesterday in Roseau, Minn., after an extended illness. He was 93 years old. Since he helped start Polaris in the early 1950s, David focused his career on product engineering and manufacturing, and developed a deep connection with Polaris employees during his four-plus decades with the company. In the years following his retirement in 1988, he remained one of the faces of Polaris as he enjoyed visiting the Roseau manufacturing 8/23/16 10:59 AM facility and often gave tours at the Polaris Experience Center located near the plant. “David Johnson embodied the Polaris culture and work ethic, and his positive impact on the company continues to inspire us today,” said Polaris Chairman and CEO Scott Wine. “David valued hard work, passion for the riding experience, and an unwavering spirit of innovation. He set a tremendous example with his dedication and commitment to the company and employees. We are saddened by his passing and offer our sincere condolences to Eleanor and David’s family and friends.” After working together for a few years, David and his two cousins, Edgar and Allan Hetteen, officially founded Polaris in1954. Polaris produced a variety of products, including several agricultural products such as straw cutter attachments for combines. But David Johnson and several co-workers who were avid outdoorsmen envisioned a vehicle – a snow machine – they could use in winter to reach their remote hunting shacks. In late 1955, David and his cohorts created the first Polaris snowmobile, a machine that made its first run across a snowy Roseau field in January 1956. Polaris began producing snowmobiles and helped create the global market for the versatile winter machines. David later said that while Polaris did not invent the snow machine, the company was the first to successfully market snowmobiles. With David in production roles such as Vice President of Manufacturing, Polaris became the snowmobile industry’s long-time market share leader, the dominant brand in snowmobile racing, and the brand known for delivering the best ride and handling. By the time David retired in 1988, the company had begun to diversify and was also producing and marketing off-road vehicles. David was inducted into the Snowmobile Hall of Fame in 1999, and he received numerous honors from snowmobile clubs and associations worldwide. David Johnson is survived by his wife of 68 years, Eleanor, and their children, Rodney, Mary, Mitchell, and Aaron. Information about funeral services is forthcoming. All Polaris employees are honorary pallbearers for the service.
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A billion dollars for trails!
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Celebrating 25 years of the Recreational Trails Program
W
e are celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Recreational Trails Program. Is that important? You bet. RTP is a key funding source for trail projects and programs across the country.
RTP funding has been an essential ingredient in creating and improving over 21,350 trail-related projects nationwide, including urban greenways, nature centers, and horse, hiking, mountain bike, and motorized trails, as well as snow and water routes. States continue to add miles of trails as well as needed maintenance and improvements through grants to local project sponsors each year. It leverages hundreds of millions of dollars of additional support from other sources for trails, encourages cooperation among trail users, and facilitates healthy outdoor activity, as well as economic activity in countless communities. The RTP is also the foundation for State trail programs. Every State has established its own initiatives with a designated administrator for assistance on trail issues and coordination of trail planning.
Snowmobile trail maintenance equipment at work in North Dakota
To further illustrate the variety of trails and accomplishments, the RTP Database also includes a growing online Image Library. Hundreds of photos of examples of RTP-funded projects can be found from every State and the District of Columbia. Visit the database of RTP- funded projects at www.recreationaltrailsinfo. org. See more on the RTP, including funding for each State, at www. fhwa.dot.gov/ environment/recreational_ trails.
Celebrating Walk to School Day on the Kalispell to Kila Trail, Montana Because the funds are distributed for both motorized and nonmotorized projects, all trail interests have incentives to cooperate and learn from each other. Equestrians and cyclists, hikers and snowmobilers, ATV enthusiasts and paddlers, have joined in support of local and regional efforts to meet the trail needs of all users. RTP funding is highly leveraged by community and State funds, as well as contributions from organizations and businesses. Of the projects completed between 1993 and 2015, total RTP funding was over $1 billion with additional funding of $774 million, showing that RTP dollars were matched by 74 percent in other funds. Projects using RTP funds illustrate a variety of the ways that trails enhance public lands and communities across America. Some important benefits include facilitation of: • Accessibility • Active transportation • Economic benefits • Habitat conservation • Multiple-use management • Repair and rehabilitation • Safe and livable communities • Safety and environmental education • Youth service and conservation corps.
RTP annual report for 2016 now available The 2016 Recreational Trails Program Annual Report highlights the many ways that States use funds to build and improve trails. It includes examples of projects across the country and documents some of the national issues affecting trails. The report was produced by American Trails in partnership with contractor KMS Enterprises, Inc. for the Federal Highway Administration. The report is available at www.fhwa. dot.gov/environment/recreational_ trails/overview/report/2016/
Keep up to date on funding and legislation supporting trails: www.AmericanTrails.org/support.html PAGE 30 PAGE 30
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Snowmobile Safety: Ride Safe and Have Fun! HASLETT, MI, November, 2016: Now is the time for snowmobilers to keep snowmobile safety a top-of-mind awareness issue. Snowmobile safety is nothing new to organized snowmobiling. Snowmobile Administrators, the Manufacturers, snowmobile associations and clubs joined together years ago in developing the Safe Riders! You make snowmobiling safe safety campaign which emphasized safe snowmobiling practices, training and enforcement. The campaign includes safety related materials such as decals, posters, the Safe Riders! DVD, public service announcements, and more. Millions of Safe Riders! Snowmobiling Fact Books, Brochures and Posters have been distributed throughout the world to safety trainers and clubs and associations - free of charge- from the manufacturers’ ISMA office. The 22 minute long DVD is an excellent adjunct tool for snowmobile safety classes. All of the Safe Riders! materials are available free of charge by filling out an order form and returning it to the ISMA office.
Press Re
The Safe Riders! campaign highlights key issues of importance for snowmobile safety. The position statements are concise and easy to understand. They include: Snowmobile Safety 1. Snowmobiling and Alcohol don’t mix - don’t drink and ride Contact: Ed Klim 2. When night riding slow down - expect the unexpected Phone: (517) 339-778 3. Know before you go - always check local ice conditions 4. Cross all roads with care - don’t become road-kill 5. One is the loneliest number - never ride alone 6. Know the risks and be prepared - make every trip a round trip 7. Ride smart ride right - stay in control HASLETT, MI, No 8. Smart Riders are Safe Riders - always take snowmobile safety training
Snow
snowmobile safety
Mountain riders need to be aware of their surroundings and snow conditions. The 5 key safety guidelines when riding in avalanche country are: to organized sno 1. GET THE GEAR: Ensure everyone has an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe on their person and knows how to use them. snowmobile associa 2. GET THE TRAINING: Take an avalanche course. 3. GET THE FORECAST: Make a riding plan based on the current avalanche and weather Riders! You make forecast. 4. GET THE PICTURE: If you see recent avalanche activity, unstable snow exists. Riding on or underneath slopes is dangerous. snowmobiling pract 5. GET OUT OF HARM’S WAY: One at a time on all avalanche slopes. Don’t go to help your stuck friend. Don’t group up in runout zones. related materials s
This year International Snowmobile Safety Week is January 21-29, 2017. Visit www.snowmobile.org announcements, an for a guide for ideas on how to organize a Safety Week event in your area. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoSnowmobiling and share your safe ride stories with all Brochures and Pos of us.
and clubs and asso
22 minute long DVD
the Safe m PAGE Riders! 31
returning it to the IS
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Backcountry Ascender Growing Worldwide Haslett, MI, November 2, 2016: The Backcountry Ascender Sled 360 partnership with the members of the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association is growing in popularity and use. The Backcountry Ascender program is a free and simple backcountry and avalanche educator. The platform uses educational gamification and good natured competition to encourage rider awareness and improve their backcountry knowledge, skills and practical experience.
Press Rel
The engaging and competitive platform is comprised of industry and peer reviewed curriculum of selfdirected lessons and in-person courses. Riders earn points for completing lessons and courses to increase their rank as well as their associate clubs, state association, dealer, and snowmobile brand. The objective of the partnership is to help disseminate knowledge. The Backcountry Ascender Program is well on its way to improving backcountry and avalanche awareness and education for all snowmobilers. We are already seeing positive preparedness and proficiency behavior changes, as riders all over North America are practicing using their avalanche equipment and signing up for Contact: Ed Klim Avalanche Awareness Classes.
Phone: (517) 339-7788
We have been working with the Backcountry Ascender team for just over a month, and the users have collectively spent 700 hours completing 5500 Backcountry and Avalanche Awareness lessons. Based on activity and conversations we have had with members at the International Snow Science Workshop, it appears the program will gain in popularity as more and more individualsHASLETT, step forward to MI, Nov promote it and companies participate in contributing prizes and more. An executive performance review has been conducted and highlights important points.snowmobile safety a The Backcountry Ascender Program was released on September 12, 2016 after the Hay Days Media Announcement. The following report provides an overview of initiative performance during the first 30 to organized snow days of the program:
Snowm
• • • • • •
snowmobile associa Number of Page reviews: 50,540 Number of individual sessions on the web site: 10,547 Riders! You make Average Session duration: 3:23 Total Time that individuals have spent on the website during the first 30 days: 595 hours Analytics show that we are adding 40 users per day to the website. snowmobiling practi Returning visitors make up 67% of the total usage which means that users are staying engaged and continue to move forward in their education. related materials su
Breakdown by Country where the Backcountry Ascender Program is being used: announcements, an • USA – 62% • Canada – 36% Brochures and Post • Sweden – 0.6% • Norway – 0.4% and clubs and assoc • Finland – 0.1% • Russia, Iceland, Poland, UK - <1%
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A breakdown by City of individuals accessing Backcountry Ascender is interesting. While the United States is the top aggregate country, Calgary, AB is the top accessing city. • Calgary • Seattle • Denver • Salt Lake City • Edmonton • Chicago • Saskatoon • Vancouver We are also tracking the usage by age. The largest demographic visiting the website is between 25-34 years of age. 67% of the usage is from mobile devices. Some Google Analytics that we found interesting: • A high percentage of the visitors report they are outdoor enthusiasts and auto enthusiasts. • They are telling us they are news junkies and political news junkies as well. • The vast majority of individuals read auto and vehicle publications. • (A small segment of the users enjoy visiting dating service sites.) Yes, the Backcountry Ascender program is helping to educate backcountry riders and those interested in riding in the mountains and becoming avalanche aware. Please take the time to visit the website at https://backcountryascender.com/ . Sign up and begin taking classes and get trained up before you head out into the mountains. More information on this great program is forthcoming.
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Snowmobile Research Work Revisited
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Haslett, MI, September 15, 2016: In 2006, extensive research work was performed to help us understand the perceptions individuals have of snowmobiling. The research also highlighted the priorities of outdoor recreationists of all kinds. The research work consisted of a thorough study of three market segments. The segments were: Young Adventure Seekers – aged 24-36; Family Fun seekers – couples with children between the ages of 8-16; and Empty Nesters – individuals aged 50-65 who enjoy youthful activities and participate in many outdoor activities. Individuals within these groups were contacted by phone and electronically from across North America and they also participated in the key target groups with 50 individuals in each one of three groups, held in the US and Canada.
Press Rel
Recently, similar research was performed in Canada by the IPSOS Public Affairs Group. They generally verified the initial study conducted by Consumer Insights in 2006. The research showsEd Klim Contact: that the three groups, collectively, were excited about activities that included having fun with friends 339-7788 and extended family and they enjoyed sharing their recreation choice with others. ThePhone: groups (517) all agreed that their activities did not require significant athleticism and exercise was universally seen as a byproduct rather than a goal or focus of the outdoor recreation. The respondents believed they had four common benefits that they all wish to achieve in their activities: (1) a strong sense of social interaction with family and friends, (2) relaxation by disconnecting from their day to day routine, (3) MI, Nov HASLETT, fulfillment of accomplishing an activity, and (4) it was particularly important to do something that was out of step of their day to day activities to relax. snowmobile safety a
Snowm
The research also showed that individuals (a) liked to have the chance to feel like a kid again; (b) to organized snow snowmobiling and being outdoors is the most important time to feel alive and escape the confines of daily life; (c) this was an opportunity to connect with nature, (d) an opportunity to connect as a family snowmobile and to improve connectivity with each other. Most participants stated that it was a great way to end a associa great weekend.
Riders! You make
The research also told us that Winter Recreation requires a certain amount of heartiness that is not necessarily required for the summer. The preparation time is longer and the amount of daylight snowmobiling practi hours is shorter. Plans can easily be disrupted due to poor driving conditions, even though we all wait for the snow. School routines impact on winter recreation in a way that are not present in the related materials su summer, and therefore need to be accounted for.
announcements, an
Interestingly, many individuals in the study group did not understand where snowmobiling occurs. If they did not own a snowmobile and never went snowmobiling, they had no idea where the trails Brochures and Post and riding areas were located. They knew nothing about snowmobile clubs, associations, and/or related businesses. They also stated that many non-snowmobilers knew snowmobilers but never and participated in the activity due to various reasons. Many of the respondents stated that theirclubs friendsand assoc never asked them to go snowmobiling, so they never had the opportunity to do so.
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desire to go snowmobiling a 9. Individuals of all age groups expressed a high level of interest in snowmobiling and they are hopeful that the winter season will allow them to participate in the activity and get them out on the snow. It is because of these positive results and the research work that was conducted in 2006 and reinforced in 2015, that the snowmobile manufacturers initiated the “Take a Friend Snowmobiling” campaign. The campaign is designed to encourage snowmobilers to invite non-snowmobilers – whether they are friends, family, or elected officials – to go snowmobiling. It is known that once individuals go snowmobiling, their likelihood of snowmobiling again in the future improves substantially. We also know that when individuals snowmobile with friends, they will often join the club and/or association that their friends may be involved in. Taking a Friend snowmobiling is a great opportunity to expand club membership and Association membership throughout North America. We are all encouraged to help grow the snowmobiling family and plan to take a friend snowmobiling this winter. After a short trip on the snowmobile take your friend to your club house, a club meeting, a snowmobile show, and to your local snowmobile dealer so they can get a feel for what the sport can entail. Give your friend a map and show them the trails and riding areas. Invite them to events they might enjoy…….IT IS FUN!
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involved, Levi stated, “Because it is great for the sport of Snocross! We all love th the riders that are on the track so being able to bring a service like the SMMT, ele Snocross and aids in the riders safety. It is a honor to be a part of such a great ca off to Jake for bringing it to life! "
SMMT is a non-profit organization which exists thanks to the generosity of teams families, and businesses in our sport. All donations are fully tax-deductible. FXR Racing Inc. has agreed to an inaugural three-year sponsorship of our medical SMMT will be naming the new medical team FXR Mobile Medical. FXR Racing Inc kind of company the SMMT had in mind to be a sponsor. Doug Rust (FXR Snocros Director and Brand Manager), Milt Reimer (Founder and President of FXR Racing whole team over at FXR Racing are amazing people with a passion for not only ou for the health, safety, and wellness of our athletes. FXR is passionate about the s riders, and the safety and development of the riders and the sport, which is what sponsorship very unique and very special. Triton Trailers has come alongside FXR Mobile Medical to provide a brand new cu which will be the “mobile medical rig” used at each round. Jeff Goodwin (Triton T Director of Sales) and the team at Triton Trailers are some amazing and passionat The newly formed Snocross Mobile Medical Team is excited to announce the industry and their heart for the care of our athletes has been front and center its title sponsor with In a whole process. Inside this premium all aluminum sled hauling trailer, the FXR Mo FXR Racing Inc. This three year sponsorshipteam will be building out a state of the art medical trauma center which will sit tr brings together a company full of passionate wit enthusiasts who have been supporting and investing in our sport for years and a brand new 17 rounds of the snocross series for our athletes. fro medical team for our athletes. Snocross Mobile Medical Team:
Albertville, Minnesota: For Immediate Release November 2016
Snocross Mobile Medical Team:
sup Formed in the fall of 2016 and initially brought to the attentio Snocross Mobile Medical Team: Formed in the fall of 2016 and initially brought to the attention of the industry at Haydays, the Formed in the fall of 2016 and initially brought to the attention of the Snocross Mobile Medical Team (SMMT) was created with the Fin industry at Haydays, the Snocross Mobile Medical Team (SMMT) Snocross Mobile Medical Team (SMMT) was created with the purpose of providing world-class was created with the purpose of providing world-class on track st spo on track medical care (emergency, trauma, 1 responder) for the snocross athletes at every responder) for on track medical care (emergency, trauma, 1 medical care (emergency, trauma, 1st responder) for the snocross the round of the AMSOIL Championship Snocross Tour. athletes at every round of the AMSOIL Championship Snocross The Tour. round of the AMSOIL Championship Snocross Tour. Former AMSOIL Championship Snocross assistant race director, Jake Vanada, was prompted to Pre start this organization after seeing first-hand how the Alpinestar Mobile Medical (formerly Former AMSOIL Championship Snocross assistant race director, Former AMSOIL Championship Snocross assistant race directo known as Asterisk Mobile Medical) works within the professional Supercross and Motocross Jake Vanada, was prompted to start this organization after seeing first-hand how the Alpinestar Polaris Industries has sponsored the team with a brand new Polaris Ranger XP wit Mobile Medical (formerly known as Asterisk Mobile Medical) works within the professional industry. In his new role as the MX and SX Chaplain, Vanada consulted the Alpinestars Mobile serve as the medical rapid response rig at the races. The team at Polaris, lead by start this organization after seeing first-hand how the Alpines Supercross and Motocross industry. In his new role as the MX and SX Chaplain, Vanada consulted Team Manager Tom (Junior) Rager., came on board immediately, offering their fu Medical director, Tom Carson, and it became clear the sport of snocross could greatly benefit the Alpinestars Mobile Medical director, Tomsupport. Tom Jr. has expressed his strong support and excitement about bringing Carson, and it became clear the sport of snocross could known as Asterisk Mobile Medical) works within the professio from a similar program. greatly benefit from a similar program. needed part of our racing series into a reality. To make this program a reality for snocross, Vanada formed a board of like-minded industry industry. In his new role as the MX and SX Chaplain, Vanada To make this program a reality for snocross, Vanada formed a board of like-minded industry leaders leaders to launch a 501c3 non-profit. Sara Schultz (trained as medical nurse, Wife of “Monster” to launch a 501c3 non-profit. Sara Schultz (trained as medical nurse, Wife of “Monster” Mike Schultz) Mike Schultz) , Trace Leighton (team owner of Leighton Motorsports), Levi Lavallee (X Games , Trace Leighton (team owner of Leighton Motorsports), Levi Lavallee (X Games Gold Medalist, Medical director, Tom Carson, and it became clear the sport o distance jump world record holder, team owner), and Jesse Strege (20 year veteran snocross racer, Gold Medalist, distance jump world record holder, team owner), and Jesse Strege (20 year assistant race director with ISOC) have all stepped up to serve alongside Vanada to help launch this from a similar program. veteran snocross racer, assistant race director with ISOC) have all stepped up to serve alongside medical team for the industry. On why he said yes to being involved, Levi stated, “Because it is great Vanada to help launch this medical team for the industry. On why he said yes to being for the sport of Snocross! We all love this sport and the riders that are on the track so being able to To make this program a reality for snocross, Vanada formed a bring a service like the SMMT, elevates Snocross and aids in the riders safety. It is a honor to be a part of such a great cause and hats off to Jake for bringing it to life! “ leaders to launch a 501c3 non-profit. Sara Schultz (trained as Mike Schultz) , Trace Leighton (team owner of Leighton Moto Gold Medalist, distance jump world record holder, team own st
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SMMT is a non-profit organization which exists thanks to the generosity of teams, team owners, families, and businesses in our sport. All donations are fully tax-deductible.
FXR Racing Inc. has agreed to an inaugural three-year sponsorship of our medical team. The SMMT will be naming the new medical team FXR Mobile Medical. FXR Racing Inc. is just the kind of company the SMMT had in mind to be a sponsor. Doug Rust (FXR Snocross Marketing Director and Brand Manager), Milt Reimer (Founder and President of FXR Racing Inc.) and their whole team over at FXR Racing are amazing people with a passion for not only our industry, but for the health, safety, and wellness of our athletes. FXR is passionate about the sport, all of the riders, and the safety and development of the riders and the sport, which is what makes this sponsorship very unique and very In addition, Action Graphics and RedPlateMedia of Baxter, MN has agreed to special.
with the complete FXR Mobile Medical graphics kit. “Gary Walton and his te Triton Trailers has come alongside FXR Mobile Medical to provide a brand new custom trailer from the start,” says Vanada. “He approached me right away at Haydays off In addition, Action Graphics and RedPlateMedia of Baxter, MN has agreed to sponsor the team which will be the “mobile medical rig” used at each round. Jeff Goodwin (Triton Trailers with the complete FXR Mobile Medical graphics kit. “Gary Walton and his team were on board Director of Sales) and thesupport.” team at Triton Trailers are some amazing and passionate people in the industry and their heart for the care of our athletes has been front and center through this from the start,” says Vanada. “He approached me right away at Haydays offering his full whole process. Inside thisFinally, the FXR Moblie Medical rig will be harnessed to a brand new RAM 25 premium all aluminum sled hauling trailer, the FXR Mobile Medical support.” team will be building out a state of the art medical trauma center which will sit track-side at all sponsorship with Cornerstone Auto Group of Elk River, MN. The Cornerston 17 rounds of the snocross series for our athletes. e the kind of passionate, enthusiastic company and staff that SMMT is proud t ss Finally, the FXR Moblie Medical rig will be harnessed to a brand new RAM 2500 through a new The SMMT is incredibly grateful for Cornerstone’s owner Scott Powell, Rob P Polaris Industries has sponsored the team with a brand new Polaris Ranger XP with tracks to sponsorship with Cornerstone Auto Group of Elk River, MN. The Cornerstone Auto Group is just serve as the medical rapid response rig at the races. The team at Polaris, lead by Polaris Race President), and Cornerstone Auto’s Ram manager Roy Quade. the kind of passionate, enthusiastic company and staff that SMMT is proud to partner with. Team Manager Tom (Junior) Rager., came on board immediately, offering their full support. Tom Jr. has expressed his strong support and excitement about bringing this much to The SMMT is incredibly grateful for Cornerstone’s owner Scott Powell, Rob Powell (Vice needed part of our racing series into a reality. President), and Cornerstone Auto’s Ram manager Roy Quade.
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The Doctor Dr. Odom from Odom Health and Wellness will be FXR Mobile Medical’s lea
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In addition, Action Graphics and RedPlateMedia of Baxter, MN has agreed to sponsor the team with the complete FXR Mobile Medical graphics kit. “Gary Walton and his team were on board from the start,” says Vanada. “He approached me right away at Haydays offering his full support.” Finally, the FXR Moblie Medical rig will be harnessed to a brand new RAM 2500 through a new sponsorship with Cornerstone Auto Group of Elk River, MN. The Cornerstone Auto Group is just the kind of passionate, enthusiastic company and staff that SMMT is proud to partner with. The SMMT is incredibly grateful for Cornerstone’s owner Scott Powell, Rob Powell (Vice President), and Cornerstone Auto’s Ram manager Roy Quade.
The Doctor Dr. Odom from Odom Health and Wellness will be FXR Mobile Medical’s lead Doctor and Medical Director. FXR Mobile Medical will have an ER Doctor, Athletic Trainer and a medical coordinator (volunteer) at each race. Dr. Odom is a board-certified medical doctor who levels and all disciplines in an effort help them get back to peak performance. He has years of specializes in sports medicine, and continues to practice emergency medicine in experience providing medical coverage at the USA Olympic Training Center, US Ski and Minnesota. When he is not providing care in the ER Trauma rooms, he is treating athletes of all levels and all disciplines in an effort help them get back to peak performance. He has years of levels and all disciplines in an effort help them get back to peak performance. He has years of Snowboard Team, Dew Tour, USA Triathlon, Chicago Marathon, and multiple high school and experience providing medical coverage at the USA Olympic Training Center, US Ski and levels and all disciplines in an effort help them get back to pea Snowboard Team, Dew Tour, USA Triathlon, Chicago Marathon, and multiple high school and experience providing medical coverage at the USA Olympic Training Center, US Ski and college level sports teams. experience providing medical coverage at the USA Olympic Tr college level sports teams. Snowboard Team, Dew Tour, USA Triathlon, Chicago Marathon, and multiple high school and Snowboard Team, Dew Tour, USA Triathlon, Chicago Maratho college level sports teams. college level sports teams.
levels and all disciplines in an effort help them get back to peak performance. He has years of experience providing medical coverage at the USA Olympic Training Center, US Ski and levels and all disciplines in an effort help them get back to peak performance. He has years of Snowboard Team, Dew Tour, USA Triathlon, Chicago Marathon, and multiple high school and experience providing medical coverage at the USA Olympic Training Center, US Ski and levels and all disciplines in an effort help them get back to peak performance. He has years of college level sports teams. Snowboard Team, Dew Tour, USA Triathlon, Chicago Marathon, and multiple high school and experience providing medical coverage at the USA Olympic Training Center, US Ski and college level sports teams. Snowboard Team, Dew Tour, USA Triathlon, Chicago Marathon, and multiple high school and college level sports teams.
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JERRY SCHMIER, LONG TIME BRP DEALER AND SNOWMOBILE ADVOCATE, INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME Ski-Doo dealer Jerry Schmier of Yellowstone Adventures was recently recognized for more than 50 years of supporting and promoting snowmobiling with induction into the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame.
Schmier on the right accepting his award
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Schmier was a true pioneer in the West Yellowstone Montana area, creating a Ski-Doo dealership and motel to serve the Yellowstone National Park area in winter, a model that many followed. He also worked tirelessly to develop trails systems in the area, key to turning it into one of the premier snowmobile destinations in the world. He also devoted much of his time ensuring snowmobilers could ride within Yellowstone National Park, a fight that has lasted for over two decades.
“I have known and done business with the Schmier family for nearly 30 years. Their dedication and personal contributions to the sport of snowmobiling are inspiring,” stated Matt Hill, National Sales Director BRP, U.S. “Jerry’s induction into the Snowmobile Hall of Fame is well deserved and we are proud that he has represented BRP.” Jerry is “retired,” and his sons have now taken over Yellowstone Adventures.
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Mark Turner Honored with the 2016 LTAA Ron Webster Memorial Award Daystar Products CEO Mark Turner was honored with the 2016 LTAA Ron Webster Memorial Award at this year’s SEMA Light Truck Accessory Alliance reception. This award is not necessarily presented each year, instead it is bestowed as viable candidates are nominated and selected for their Outstanding Performance and Dedication to the Light Truck Accessory Industry. Image: Mark Turner CEO of Daystar Products and Board Member of ORBA receiving the Ron Webster award at this year’s SEMA.
Marlys Knutson, Polaris Hall of Fame Employee, Announces Intention to Retire MINNEAPOLIS (Nov. 15, 2016) – Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today announced that Marlys Knutson, External Relations Manager, has announced her intent to retire at the end of the year, after 33 years with Polaris. Since joining the company in 1983, Marlys has served in a variety of roles, including Marketing Communications, Government Relations, and Corporate Communications. Marlys has made significant contributions to Polaris during her three decades with the company – including working to advance the sport of snowmobiling, planning dealer meetings, and building Polaris’ reputation as a snowmobile leader through her work with snowmobile enthusiast media. In recognition of her dedication and contributions to the company, Marlys was inducted into the Polaris Hall of Fame in 2008. “Polaris and snowmobiling have been my passion for more than half of my life,” said Knutson. “The lifelong friendships I’ve made around the globe are special and it’s been my pleasure to work together with the best team in powersports and watch the tremendous growth and diversification of Polaris. While I am moving on to the next phase of my life, I hope to continue to be involved with the snowmobile community.” Craig Scanlon, Chief Marketing Officer, said, “There’s a reason that Marlys has the honor of being the only active employee inducted into the Polaris Hall of Fame. It was her combination of passion, dedication and loyalty that has truly set her apart. Marlys has been a driving force behind the Polaris brand during her three decades with the company and we will miss her greatly.” PAGE 40
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Polaris Industries Inc. Announces Agreement to Acquire Transamerican Auto Parts
• Vertically integrated, multi-channel market leader in Off-Road Jeep and truck aftermarket accessories with sales of approximately $740 million and significant growth potential • Highly complementary products serving off-road enthusiast customers; extends Polaris market reach • Compelling financial benefits, including significant synergy opportunities • Expected accretion to earnings per share, excluding purchase accounting/acquisition costs, for the full year 2017 apability. Always wear a helmet and other safety apparel. Never drink and ride. MINNEAPOLIS, MN (October 12, 2016) — Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) (“Polaris” or the “Company”) announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Transamerican Auto Parts Company (“TAP”), a privately held, vertically integrated manufacturer, distributor, retailer and installer of off-road Jeep and truck accessories, for an aggregate consideration of $665 million, subject to customary closing adjustments. After adjusting for the $115 million estimated net present value of future tax benefits, the purchase price implies a multiple of approximately 9.0 times TAP’s EBITDA for the 12 months ended September 30, 2016.
8/23/16 10:59 A
TAP is a leader in the highly fragmented and growing $10+ billion Jeep and truck accessory market. TAP sells and installs an extensive line of accessories for Jeep and truck enthusiasts, including products manufactured under its seven proprietary, industry-leading aftermarket brands: PRO COMP®, RUBICON EXPRESS, SMITTYBILT®, POISON SPYDER™, G2™, LRG® and TRAIL MASTER®. TAP is the largest retailer and installer in the North American market, selling through its own retail and online network while also supporting numerous independent accessory retailers/installers. For the last 12 months ended September 30, 2016, TAP generated approximately $740 million in sales, and from 2012 through 2015, achieved compound annual sales growth of 15 percent and compound annual EBITDA growth of 17 percent. “We are excited to add TAP’s market leading multi-channel business, proprietary brands, proven management team and experienced employees to the Polaris portfolio,” said Polaris Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Scott W. Wine. “This transaction is consistent with our long term strategy, provides us an immediate leadership position in a growing market, and allows us to accelerate Polaris’ growth and profitability. TAP’s products and services for customers in the off-road four-wheel-drive (‘4WD’) market correspond closely to our Off-Road Vehicle (‘ORV’) business. Further, by broadening
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TAP’s proprietary product lines, expanding its retail and distribution footprint, where appropriate, and cross-selling both companies’ extensive product offerings to a large combined installed base, we believe we will create significant value for our stakeholders. Our similar cultures, centered on innovative brands and performance, make TAP a great addition to Polaris’ expanding portfolio.”
“Over the past 55 years, our employees have built a company that prides itself on serving our customers with quality products at competitive prices,” said Greg Adler, TAP’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We see tremendous opportunity for further growth as we become an integral part of the Polaris organization. Combining TAP with Polaris’ aftermarket brand portfolio facilitates significant synergies, while Polaris’ financial resources provide the backing we need to pursue a variety of growth prospects we have identified across the organization.” Strategic and Financial Benefits • Highly Complementary Product Lines: This acquisition creates a leading company across the 4WD off-road enthusiast market and extends Polaris’ presence in aftermarket accessories to attract new consumers to Polaris’ existing portfolio. In particular, TAP’s four-wheel-drive aftermarket products are highly complementary to Polaris ORV business. • Expanded Accessories Portfolio and New Product Innovation Capabilities: Significant opportunities exist to incorporate TAP’s considerable off-road product development expertise into the creation of innovative accessories and capabilities for Polaris Engineered product offerings, while utilizing Polaris’ financial strength to accelerate TAP’s product development for its Jeep and truck customers. • Significant Growth Potential: TAP manufactures and sources seven proprietary brands and sells and distributes products through multiple channels, including 75 4Wheel Parts stores and two robust online platforms (www.4wheelparts.com and www.4wd.com). TAP sells its brands, as well as more than 200 non-proprietary leading brands, through its own distribution channels and various independent retailers/installers. Polaris’ financial strength creates opportunities to accelerate TAP’s market penetration, and where appropriate, sell select Polaris aftermarket brands through TAP’s retail outlets. • Compelling Financial Benefits: The transaction is expected to be accretive to Polaris’ earnings per share, excluding purchase accounting/acquisition costs, for the full year 2017. The Company expects meaningful annual cost savings within three years following closing, primarily from efficiencies related to procurement, distribution, and expanded product offerings. • The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions, and is expected to close by year-end 2016. Following the closing of the transaction, TAP will operate as a distinct business unit reporting to Steve Eastman, Polaris’ PG&A President. Polaris expects to fund the acquisition with borrowings under existing credit facilities.
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BofA Merrill Lynch acted as exclusive financial advisor to Polaris, and Faegre Baker Daniels LLP acted as Polaris’ legal advisor. Jefferies acted as lead financial advisor to Transamerican. Houlihan Lokey also served as financial advisor to TAP and Sullivan & Cromwell acted as TAP’s legal advisor. Call and Webcast information Polaris Industries Inc. will host a conference call and webcast today at 8:00 a.m. central time to further discuss the TAP acquisition. The call will be hosted by Scott Wine, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Mike Speetzen, Chief Financial Officer; and Bob Mack, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Strategy. A slide presentation and link to the webcast will be posted on the Polaris Investor Relations website at ir.polaris.com. To listen to the conference call by phone, dial 877-706-7543 in the U.S. and Canada, or 973-200-3967 internationally. The Conference ID is # 98314655. A replay of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the call for a oneweek period by accessing the same link on our website, or by dialing 855-859-2056 in the U.S. and Canada, or 404-537-3406 internationally. About Polaris
Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) is a global powersports leader with annual 2015 sales of $4.7 billion. Polaris fuels the passion of riders, workers and outdoor enthusiasts with our RANGER®, RZR® and Polaris GENERAL™ side-by-side off-road vehicles; our SPORTSMAN® and Polaris ACE® all-terrain off-road vehicles; Victory® and Indian Motorcycle® midsize and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot® moto-roadsters; and Polaris RMK®, INDY®, Switchback® and RUSH® snowmobiles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and accessories sold under multiple recognizable brands, and has a growing presence in adjacent markets globally with products including military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. www.polaris.com
Media Contact Kelly Basgen 763-519-1740 kelly.basgen@polaris.com Investor Contact Richard Edwards 763-513-3477 richard.edwards@polaris.com
Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this news release, including management’s expectations regarding the effective purchase price, financing of the purchase price, timing of closing, synergies and other benefits of the acquisition, and future performance of TAP and the combined companies are forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include factors such as the proposed transaction may not be completed, or completed within the expected timeframe; costs relating to the proposed transaction may be greater than expected; the possibility that a governmental entity may prohibit, delay or refuse to grant a necessary regulatory approval in connection with the proposed transaction; anticipated tax benefits may not be achieved by the Company; problems may arise in integrating the businesses of the two companies and the integration may not be successful; the combined companies may be unable to achieve the anticipated synergies or those benefits may take longer to realize than expected; the businesses of one or both companies may suffer as a result of uncertainties surrounding the proposed transaction including disruption of relationships with customers, employees or suppliers; increased competition and its effect on pricing; the combined companies may not perform as expected following the closing; and other risks beyond the control of either party. Investors are also directed to consider other risks and uncertainties discussed in documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake any duty to any person to provide updates to its forward-looking statements.
LRG® is a registered trademark of Custom Wheel House, LLC
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OUR MEMBERS The companies listed below are proud members of ORBA. They support our common goal of preserving off-road recreation for America’s families. ORBA appreciates their support and looks forward to working with them on the future of off-road recreation. Learn how to join our team efforts and become a member at www.orba.biz. COMPANY WEBSITE 4 Wheel Parts Wholesalers www.4wheelparts.com SEMA www.sema.org OMIX-ADA Inc. www.omix-ada.com BFGoodrich www.bfgoodrich.com Falken Tire www.falkentire.com Fox Racing Shox www.foxracingshox.com MAXXIS International www.maxxis.com AMA D37 Off-Road www.district37ama.org ARB USA www.arbusa.com The Carlstar Group LLC www.carlstargroup.com CNSA www.cnsa.net DynoMax www.dynomax.com Family Events/The Promotion Co. www.familyevents.com KAR TEK Off-Road www.kartek.com Kawasaki Motors Corporation www.kawasaki.com McKenzie’s Performance Products www.mckenzies.com MOTOWORLD of El Cajon www.motoworldofelcajon.com Off Road Warehouse www.offroadwarehouse.com PAC Racing Springs www.racingsprings.com Performance Automotive Group www.p-a-g.net Pro Comp Suspension www.procompusa.com Race Car Dynamics, Inc. www.racecardynamics.com Rancho Performance Suspension www.gorancho.com Southern Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA) www.sfwda.org Southern Motorcycle Supply, Inc. www.southernms.com Tenneco, Inc. www.tenneco.com Thrush www.thrush.com Yamaha Motor Corporation USA www.yamaha-motor.com YUASA Battery, Inc. www.yuasabatteries.com Accion el la Baja TV View on Facebook Advance Adapters Inc. www.advanceadapters.com Advantage Performance www.advantage-on-line.com All German Auto www.allgermanauto.com Alpinestars www.alpinestars.com Alumi Craft www.alumicraft.info AMA D36 www.ama-d36.org APE Wraps www.apewraps.com Baja Designs www.bajadesigns.com Baldwin Motor Sports www.baldwinmotorsports.com Beaumont Yamaha www.beaumontpowersports.com Bell Helmets www.bellsports.com Berts Mega Mall www.bertsmegamall.com Bestop, Inc. www.bestop.com Bilstein/ThyssenKrupp of America www.bilstein.com California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs, Inc.www.cal4wheel.com Calmini Manufacturing www.calmini.com C&D Cycle Center www.cndcyclecenter.com CB Performance Products, Inc. www.cbperformance.com Champion Wheel Co., Inc. www.championwheel.com Coyne Motorsports www.10westmotorsports.com Currie Enterprises www.currieenterprises.com Custom Decals, Inc. www.customdecal.com Cycle Gear www.cyclegear.com D.I.D. Chain/Daido Kogyo Co. www.did-daido.co Daystar Products International www.daystarweb.com Dirtboy Designs www.dirtboydesigns.com
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CITY STATE Compton CA Diamond Bar CA Suwannee GA Greenville SC Fontana CA Santee CA Suwanee GA Garden Grove CA Renton WA Ontario CA Bakersfield CA Monroe MI Indiana IN Corona CA Irvine CA Anaheim CA El Cajon CA San Diego CA Southfield MI Chino Valley AZ Chula Vista CA El Cajon CA Monroe MI Friendsville TN San Diego CA Monroe MI Monroe MI Cypress CA Laureldale PA Baja California Mexico Paso Robles CA Riverside CA Escondido CA Torrance CA Santee CA Pioneer CA Coronado CA San Marcos CA Las Vegas NV Beaumont CA Santa Cruz CA Covina CA Broomfield CO Poway CA Sacramento CA Bakersfield CA San Diego CA Farmersville CA Lake Elsinore CA Banning CA Anaheim CA El Cajon CA Benicia CA Chuo-Ku Japan Phoenix AZ Eltopia WA
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ORBA.BIZ Don Emde Publications – Parts Magazine www.partsmag.com Duncan Racing www.duncanracing.com DWT Racing www.douglaswheel.com Dyno Shop www.thedynoshop.com East Bay Motorsports, Inc. www.eastbaymotorsports.com EBC Brakes USA, Inc. www.ebcbrakes.com ECP Powder Coating ecppowdercoatinginc.com El Pato Rojo Off Road Racing www.elpatorojo.com EMPI, Inc. www.empius.com Extreme Terrain www.extremeterrain.com F&L Racing Fuel www.fandl.com F. K. Bearings Inc. www.fkrodends.com Factory Effex www.factoryeffex.com Factory Pipe www.factorypipe.com Full Traction Suspension www.full-traction.com Fullerton Sand Sports www.fullertonsandsports.com Fun Bike Center www.funbike.com Funco Motor Sports www.funcomotorsports.com G&G Auto Repair No website Garvin Industries www.garvin-industries.com GenRight Offroad www.genright.com Hammerking Productions No website Hanson OffRoad PureJeep www.hansonoffroad.com Hella, Inc. www.hellausa.com Hellwig Products www.hellwigproducts.com Helmet House www.helmethouse.com Hinson Clutch Components www.hinsonracing.com Howe Perf. Power Steering www.howeperformance.com Imperial Valley Cycle Center www.ivcycle.com K&N Engineering Inc. www.knfilters.com KC HiLiTES www.kchilites.com Kennedy Engineered Products www.kennedyeng.com King Shock Technology, Inc. www.kingshocks.com Lake Tahoe Adventures www.Laketahoeadventures.com Latest Rage www.latestrage.net Lazer Star www.weekendconcepts.com Liberty Motorsports www.libertymotorsports.com Lightforce USA, Inc. www.lightforceusa.com Lucas Oil www.lucasoil.com Marketplace Events – AIMExpo www.AIMExpoUSA.com M.I.T. Drivetrain Specialists www.mit4x4.com M.T.A., Inc. www.mta-la.com MasterCraft Race Products www.mastercraftseats.com Maxima Products www.maximausa.com Mickey Thompson Perf. Tires www.mickeythompsontires.com Mid-Cities Honda/Kawa/Sea-Doo www.mid-citieshonda.com Moore & Sons M/C www.motorcycle-usa.com Moore Parts Source www.mooreparts.com Motion-Pro www.motionpro.com Motive Gear www.motivegear.com Motorcycle Racing Association of Nevada www.mranracing.com National Powersport Auctions www.npauctions.com Neanderthal Cycle Salvage www.cyclesalvage.com Nemesis Industries www.nem-ind.com Off Road Design www.offroaddesign.com Offroad Power Products www.offroadpowerproducts.com Off Road Protectors www.offroadprotectors.com Off-Road Adventures Magazine www.offroadadventures.com Off-Road.com www.off-road.com OMF Performance Products www.omfperformance.com O’Neal, Inc. www.oneal.com Outerwears, Inc. www.outerwears.net Outfront Motorsports www.outfrontmotorsports.com Painless Performance www.painlessperformance.com Palomar Communications www.allwaysracing.com
WINTER Aliso Viejo CA Santee CA Vista CA Santee CA Hayward CA Sylmar CA El Cajon CA Cabo San Lucas Baja California Anaheim CA Malvern PA Long Beach CA Southington CT Valencia CA Ukiah CA Bakersfield CA Stanton CA San Diego CA Rialto CA Bakersfield CA El Cajon CA Simi Valley CA Twin Peaks CA Bakersfield CA Peachtree City GA Visalia CA Calabasas Hills CA Upland CA Lakeside CA El Centro CA Riverside CA Williams AZ Palmdale CA Garden Grove CA South Lake Tahoe CA Alpine CA Paso Robles CA Yuma AZ Orofino ID Indiana IN Irvine CA El Cajon CA Choudrant LA Santee CA Santee CA Corona CA Paramount CA Santa Cruz CA Anaheim CA San Carlos CA Chicago IL Henderson NV Poway CA Bloomington CA Englewood CO Carbondale CO Spokane WA Murrieta CA Compton CA Joseph OR Riverside CA Simi Valley CA Schoolcraft MI Buena Park CA Fort Worth TX Escondido CA
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WINTER PCI Race Radios, Inc. www.pciraceradios.com Petroworks Off-Road Products www.petroworks.com Phoenix Stamping Group, LLC www.phoenixstamping.com Pirate4x4.com www.pirate4x4.com Pit Bull Tire Company www.pitbulltires.com Poison Spyder www.poisonspyder.com Polaris Industries, Inc. www.polarisindustries.com Poly Performance, Inc. www.polyperformance.com Power Tank www.powertank.com Predator 4 Wheel Drive, LLC www.predator4wd.com Primedia Off-Road Group Pro Competition Tire & Wheel Co. www.procomptires.com PRP Seates www.prpseats.com Racer X Illustrated www.racerxonline.com Rancho Performance Transaxles www.ranchoperformance.com Replay XD www.replayxd.com Rocky Mountain ATV/MC www.rockymountainatv.com Rough Country Suspensions www.roughcountry.com RuffStuff Specialities www.ruffstuffspecialities.com San Diego’s House of Motorcycles www.houseofmotorcycles.com San Luis Motorsports www.sanluismotorsports.com Sand Sports Magazine www.sandsports.net Sand Sports Super Show www.sandsportssupershow.com Savvy OffRoad www.savvyoffroad.com Scat Enterprises www.scatenterprises.com Scott’s Performance Products www.scottsonline.com Scorpion Motorsports www.scorpionlasvegas.com SXS Performance www.sxsperformance.com Skyjacker Suspensions www.skyjacker.com SLiME/Accessories Marketing, Inc. www.slime.com SoCal SuperTrucks www.socalsupertrucks.com Sullivans Motorcycle&Snowmobile Access. www.sullivansinc.com Superlift Suspension www.superlift.com Sway-A-Way, Inc www.swayaway.com Team Alba Racing www.teamalbaracing.com The Brothers PowerSports www.brotherspowersports.com The Converter Shop www.tcsperformance.com Torchmate, Inc. www.torchmate.com Total Chaos Fabrication www.chaosfab.com Toyota of Escondido www.toyotaescondido.com Trail Gear, Inc. www.trail-gear.com Trail Tech Inc. www.trailtech.net TrailReady Products,LLC www.trailready.com Trails Preservation Alliance www.ColoradoTPA.org Troy Lee Designs www.troyleedesigns.com Truck-Lite Company, LLC www.truck-lite.com Tuff Country Suspension www.tuffcountry.com Tuffy Security Products, Inc. www.tuffyproducts.com UM Performance Products www.umracing.com VP Racing Fuels, Inc. West www.vpracingfuels.com VW Paradise www.vwparadise.com Walker Evans Racing www.walkerevansracing.com WARN Industries www.warn.com Weddle Engineering www.2weddle.com Wheel Pros www.wheelpros.com Wide Open Excursion www.wideopenbaja.com Wilco Products/Tiregate www.tiregate.com Wiseco Pistons www.wiseco.com Works Connection, Inc. www.worksconnection.com WPS/Fly Racing www.flyracing.com Xtreme Tire Co. Inc. www.xtremetireonline.com Yukon Gear & Axle www.yukongear.com
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ORBA.BIZ Signal Hill Fallbrook Atlanta Georgetown Saint Louis Banning Medina San Luis Obispo Elk Grove Colorado Springs Anaheim Compton Temecula Morgantown Fullerton Newbury Park Payson Dyersburg Loomis San Diego San Luis Obispo Costa Mesa Torrance Tustin Redondo Beach Montrose Las Vegas Riverside West Monroe Grover Beach San Bernardino Hanson West Monroe Chatsworth Santee Bremerton Chino Reno Corona Tustin Fresno Battle Ground Lynnwood Colorado Springs Corona Falconer Salt Lake City Cortez N. Las Vegas Wildomar San Marcos Riverside Clackamas Goleta Cerritos Irvine Santa Ana Mentor Diamond Springs Boise Phoenix Everett
CA CA GA CA MO CA MN CA CA CO CA CA CA WV CA CA UT TN CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA NV CA LA CA CA MA LA CA CA WA CA NV CA CA CA WA WA CO CA NY UT CO NV CA CA CA OR CA CA CA CA OH CA ID AZ WA
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December 30th: Log Road MX - Bronson, MI December 31st: Salinas Ramblers M/C - Salinas, CA
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Off-Road Business Association 1701 Westwind Drive #108 Bakersfield, CA 93301 661.323.1464 Fax 661.323.1487 ORBA Board Members • Chairman: Greg Adler, Transamerican Auto Parts • Treasurer: Mark Turner, Daystar • Secretary: Lindsay Hubley, Family Events • Member: Brad Franklin, Yamaha Motorsports USA • Member: Stuart Gosswein, SEMA • Member: Kurt Miller, The Enthusiast Network • Member: Jim Chick, Bestop, Inc. • Member: J.R. Burke, Polaris Industries, Inc. ORBA Staff President & CEO: Fred Wiley 661.323.1464 fwiley@orba.biz Office Manager / Accounting: Deborah Burgess 661.323.1464 dburgess@orba.biz
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