Press Release –

By the year 2020, tourism will be the world’s largest industry – predicts the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies. 

Today, Travel and Tourism in North America is a $2 Trillion Dollar business and accounts for millions of jobs and generates billions of dollars in state and federal tax revenues. 

Clearly tourism is an important part of North American’s product inventory and tourism overall continues to grow.

A very important part of that Tourism growth is the snowmobile community which includes the products, the trails, the resorts, the restaurants, and the many great amenities available for winter tourists. 

A quick look at the snowmobile numbers supports our claim as an important part of the economic engine of North America.  Registrations of snowmobiles in the United States for this past year are now over 1.625 million snowmobiles – a 2.6% increase from last year.  In Canada there are over 708 thousand registered snowmobiles – a 1.5% increase from last year. 

Miles ridden by snowmobilers in North America jumped 17% this past season.  The average snowmobiler rode over 1040 miles this past winter. 

Sales of snowmobiles worldwide increased 2% to 163,753 units and notably Parts, Garments and Accessories sales increased over 17% this past season vs. the season before.  Yes, 5 key measurement indicators of the snowmobile community reported positive gains and as you can see, in some instances double digit growth.

We know the record snowfalls reported in parts of North America were important related factors to the increased riding activity and registration numbers. 

Those increased numbers are showing up in new economic impact statements from states and provinces, reporting that Winter Tourism spending overall was up in 2007-2008 vs. the winter of 2006-2007. 

Much of the increase can be attributed to an increase in snowmobiling activity.  Final reports of sales tax collections and room taxes are still to be finalized but the reports are positive. 

Tourism and Travel Bureaus and Commerce departments are consistently telling the ISMA office that snowmobiling is becoming a larger part of the winter economic action picture than ever before.

A successful 2007-2008 winter should be followed by a successful 2008-2009 winter.  Average temperatures in North America are falling and the forecast is favorable for good snowmobiling conditions. 

People want to get out and enjoy themselves escaping from the stresses of a normal work day and a less than entertaining TV schedule, so snowmobiling with friends fills the need.

The manufacturers are working closely with the American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA) and the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO) in the expansion and development of the Go Snowmobiling – Take a Friend Snowmobiling campaign. I’m confident we will introduce many new winter outdoor enthusiasts to the great family activity of snowmobiling this winter.

Press Release –

Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE:PII) today named Scott W. Wine Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1, 2008.

Mr. Wine will succeed outgoing CEO Thomas C. Tiller, who will continue to serve as a member of the company’s Board of Directors.

Mr. Wine joins Polaris from UTC Fire and Security, a unit of Hartford, CT, based United Technologies Corporation (NYSE:UTX), where he served as President, Fire Safety Americas.

He also held senior leadership positions at Danaher Corp., Honeywell International and served as an Officer in the United States Navy.

Wine’s selection comes at the end of an extensive and carefully conducted search process. The Polaris Board of Directors, led by Chairman Greg Palen, conducted a comprehensive evaluation of all candidates and unanimously believes that Wine is the ideal candidate to lead Polaris in the future.

“As a proven leader with considerable experience across a variety of industries and three outstanding international companies, Scott has an impressive track record of producing outstanding results,” Palen said. “We’re confident that Scott, together with our strong management team, will continue Polaris’ remarkable history of innovation, leadership and results benefitting all of our stakeholders.”

Polaris announced in January that Tiller expected to step down from his CEO position by the end of 2008, when his current employment contract expires. Tiller, 47, has been with the company since July, 1998 and its CEO since May, 1999. Tiller said his decision was for personal reasons and that he will remain on the Polaris Board of Directors.

“Tom and his team did an outstanding job of leading Polaris for the past ten years and we feel very fortunate to be able to continue that success by adding Scott’s experience and skills to that team,” Palen said.

Mr. Wine will be only the third Polaris CEO in the past 27 years and will work with a senior management team that includes Chairman Palen and President and COO Bennett Morgan to execute on the 10-year vision to become a much bigger and more profitable global company. Mr. Wine will join the Board of Directors of Polaris.

“I’m extremely excited to be joining such a great management team and a company with such amazing products and a strong and innovation-focused culture,” said Wine. “Tom and the senior management team have had such consistent success and I look forward to building on that accomplishment.”

Wine, 41, is a 1989 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and received a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Maryland. He will relocate shortly to Minnesota with his wife and two children from his current home in Connecticut.

***ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTES!***

There’s Only One OFSC Official Publication Taking Your Message to OFSC Permit Buyers!

Beginning July 1st, 2008 Go Snowmobiling Magazine, published by Supertrax Publishing Inc., assumed the role of Official Publication for the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC).

Since last November’s awarding of Official Publication status to Supertrax, business operators across Ontario, Canada and the North American snowmobile industry have been signing on in support of the all-new Go Snowmobiling Magazine.

Make sure your snowmobile business is represented to the absolute largest number of snowmobilers in Ontario by advertising in the ONLY MAGAZINE WITH EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO THE OFSC’S HUGE PERMIT BUYERS LIST.

Make no mistake about this fact: Go Snowmobiling Magazine is the only publication with access to the OFSC Permit Buyers list. Go Snowmobiling Magazine and Supertrax Magazine are the only magazines mailed to OFSC Permit Buyers.

Go Snowmobiling Magazine’s John Arkwright had this to say:” Business operators across Ontario have been waiting for an enthusiastic and comprehensive publication mailed directly to OFSC Permit Buyers. The new Go Snowmobiling Magazine not only delivers OFSC messaging four times a year but also includes a copy of snowmobiling’s Number One enthusiast title, Supertrax International Magazine.” Arkwright continued: “Business operators understand Go Snowmobiling Magazine is the only way to communicate with the OFSC’s exclusive Permit Buyer list”.

The first issue of the new Go Snowmobiling Magazine adds this incredible bonus: The September Go Snowmobiling Magazine is the Official Show Program of the OFSC’s Go Snowmobiling Show held at the Toronto Congress Centre September 26th to 28th.

On top of gold plated mailed circulation of this issue to OFSC Permit Buyers, every Go Snowmobiling Show attendee will receive a copy of Go Snowmobiling Magazine when they come through the doors of the Toronto Congress Centre.

For more information visit the OFSC’s official website at www.ofsc.on.ca or call 705-739-766. For advertising information in the Supertrax Go Snowmobiling Magazine, call John Arkwright at 705-724-1905.

**ANNOUNCEMENT**

As a result of an extensive selection process initiated by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) during the summer of 2007, the Board of Governors of North America’s largest snowmobile sanctioning entity approved the selection of Supertrax Magazine as its official publication, beginning in July 2008. The announcement came in late November 2007.

Supertrax Publisher, Kent Lester, was thrilled with the OFSC’s determination to work with Supertrax: “My brother Mark and I are no strangers to working with the OFSC and have a deep respect for what this organization’s strong profile in Ontario and across North America. The all-new Go Snowmobiling Magazine will be produced by the same people who publish snowmobiling’s number one rated and circulated title. The same enthusiastic, thought provoking and entertaining content that propelled Supertrax to the top of the snowmobile publishing industry will be featured in every issue of the new Go Snowmobiling Magazine”.

Go Snowmobiling Magazine will be mailed four times a season to current OFSC Trail Permit purchasers and other industry participants.

Adding increased value to an OFSC Trail Permit purchase in 2008/2009 is the addition of Supertrax magazine with all four Go Snowmobiling Magazine mailings.

OFSC Trail Permit purchasers receiving the Go Snowmobiling Magazine will benefit from informative, accurate opinion and reporting on many aspects of the sport in Ontario.

Go Snowmobiling Magazine will have a deliberate focus on what’s happening with the clubs and trails OFSC trail permit purchasers and club members love.

Every current (2007/08) OFSC seasonal trail permit purchaser who signed up for Member Benefits will receive the Go Snowmobiling Magazine and Supertrax Magazine in September 2008.

Look for Go Snowmobiling Magazine at the OFSC’s 2nd Annual Go Snowmobiling Show at the Toronto Congress Centre this September 26-28, 2008 and in your mail box September 2008!

For more information visit the OFSC’s official website at www.ofsc.on.ca or call 705-739-766. For advertising information in the Supertrax Go Snowmobiling Magazine, call John Arkwright at 705-724-1905.

Press Release –

The Yamaha Factory Snocross team has announced its intention to compete in the International Series of Champions (ISOC) national snocross series.

“The new organization has good people already in place and they are working hard to deliver a strong race schedule,” said Yamaha Snowmobile Racing Manager Greg Marier. “We are looking forward to the ISOC snocross season opener in Duluth.”

The 8-race ISOC national snocross series offers a professional venue for competition as well as opportunities for wide audience exposure.

“One main advantage I see with the ISOC program is the ability to leverage the Sled Head 24/7 television success to produce and promote the national snocross series effectively and efficiently,” Marier continued. “A strong TV program builds interest and excitement for everyone involved.”

For more information about Yamaha snowmobile products and racing, visit www.yamaha-motor.com.

Press Release –

North America’s Largest Snowmobile Publisher to Produce Official Publication for the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs

The publishers of Supertrax International Magazine, Canada’s largest circulation snowmobile enthusiast title, are pleased to announce the launch of a new snowmobile publication, Go Snowmobiling Magazine, produced for exclusive circulation to the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) Ontario permit buyers who sign up for member benefits.

The new Go Snowmobiling Magazine will be included with every issue of Supertrax International (Canadian Edition). Distribution of Supertrax will remain the same across Canada with the addition of approximately 55,000 OFSC Ontario permit buyers – primarily in Ontario and the United States.

OFSC Executive Director Paul Shaughnessy had this to say about the new agreement between Supertrax Publishing and the OFSC: “The new Go Snowmobiling Magazine is the official publication of the OFSC. The OFSC is extremely excited about our new partnership with Supertrax International and the value this new publication will provide to OFSC members.”

After successfully competing in an intense selection process and being awarded “Official Publication” status with the OFSC, Supertrax Co-Publisher Kent Lester was pleased the sport’s largest and most recognized publication was viewed as a valuable member benefit for OFSC Ontario permit buyers. “Supertrax has been produced to the highest levels of editorial and photographic excellence for 20 years. As a result of its huge circulation and strong reputation for accuracy and informed opinion, OFSC Ontario permit buyers who sign up for member benefits will now receive the authoritative voice of the sport with every issue of Go Snowmobiling Magazine.”

Go Snowmobiling Magazine will carry all the information snowmobilers who love riding in Ontario will need for a great winter season on OFSC trails. Features on clubs and associations, on great places to ride, programs the OFSC is offering snowmobilers and all the latest on what’s happening with the sport in Ontario will be carried in every issue.

Go Snowmobiling Magazine will also cover the latest in new snowmobiles, features on trail grooming and tips on how to get more out of your sled this season.

Supertrax Publisher Mark Lester spoke about the new relationship with the OFSC: “All of us on the Supertrax Team are impressed with the efficient inner workings of the world’s largest and most respected snowmobile sanctioning organization. We’re excited to be taking the OFSC’s messages to OFSC Ontario permit buyers this season.”

If you’re a current OFSC Ontario permit buyer, look for Go Snowmobiling Magazine this September included with the Supertrax’s 2009 “No Bull Buyers Guide”. The Premier Issue of Go Snowmobiling Magazine will be the “Official Show Program” for the OFSC’s huge Go Snowmobiling Show September 26, 27th & 28th at the Toronto Congress Centre.

For more info contact 1-888-905-TRAX.

Users Can Share Outdoor Adventures with New Web-Based Mapping, GPS Tracking and Broadcast Email Tool

Press Release –

Globalstar Canada Satellite Co., a leading provider of satellite, voice and data services, today launched the beta release of shared pages for the SPOT Satellite Messenger – a free, easy-to-use Web-based software application that enables users to share their GPS location waypoints and SPOT messages with others via an email link displaying sophisticated mapping and real time tracking on Google Maps™.

SPOT, the world’s first satellite messenger, sends the users’ GPS location and custom messages to family and friends or emergency responders over a satellite communications network.

Users can designate up to ten email or cell phone addresses to receive messages directly. Now with SPOT shared pages, users can create, manage and share their SPOT messages, with enhanced GPS waypoints, from around town or around the world for anyone online to track the SPOT user’s progress.

“For adventurers or workers who spend time outside of cell coverage areas, the SPOT satellite messenger provides them the ability to send a message to a small, select group in real time.” said Steve Bell, Senior Vice President International Sales, Marketing and Customer Operations for Globalstar Canada. “With shared pages, they can now broadcast their GPS location history to anyone with a web connection from virtually anywhere.”

The shared pages service is a no-charge optional feature that is available to any SPOT subscriber so others can view their SPOT messages whether they have a SPOT account or not.

The user creates his or her shared page, chooses what information is to be shown and emails a web link to friends and family. Currently, shared pages can display the last 24 hours of any subscriber’s SPOT data.

Later this summer it is expected users will be able to share up to seven days’ worth of information. Shared pages can be either password protected for limited access or available to the general public without restriction.

SPOT subscribers control every aspect of their shared page including:

• Public and private settings
• Multiple shared pages
• One or multiple SPOT messengers to be shared
• Personalization/naming of shared pages
• Password protection
• What Information is shown
• Creation of new and overall maintenance of their shared pages

SPOT enables users, to send their location and message to friends, family, or emergency responders, and to visually track the location of the SPOT satellite messenger through four simple functions:

• Alert 9-1-1 notifies the emergency response center of your GPS location
• Ask for Help sends a request for help to friends and family
• Check In lets contacts know where you are and that you are OK
• Track Progress sends and saves your location and allows contacts to track your progress using Google Maps™

Weighing just over 7 ounces and sold at CDN $169.95, the SPOT satellite messenger provides a new level of safety and peace-of-mind for anyone who spends a considerable amount of time in the outdoors or just wants to stay connected with a line of communication.

For more information about SPOT visit www.findmespot.com.

About Globalstar Canada Satellite Co.

Globalstar (NASDAQ:GSAT), offers satellite voice and data services to commercial and recreational users in more than 120 countries around the world. The Company’s products include mobile and fixed satellite telephones, simplex and duplex satellite data modems and flexible service packages. Many land based and maritime industries benefit from Globalstar with increased productivity from remote areas beyond cellular and landline service. Global customer segments include: oil and gas, government, mining, forestry, commercial fishing, utilities, military, transportation, heavy construction, emergency preparedness, and business continuity as well as individual recreational users. Globalstar data solutions are ideal for various asset and personal tracking, data monitoring and SCADA applications.

Press Release –

Outstanding Snowmobile Dealership
Awarded To: Barrhead Motor Sports
Nominated by: Alberta Snowmobile Association (ASA)

Barrhead Motor Sports is a Polaris dealership in Barrhead, Alberta and has been a friend of snowmobiling to the Northern Lights Snowmobile Club and the ASA. Darren and Irene Strawson are avid snowmobilers and supporters of organized snowmobiling.

They provide a complimentary pass with every new sled sold along with a copy of the trail rules with hand signals and a local trail map. From spearheading a fight to ban local snowmobiling to loaner sleds for the RCMP on search and recue Darren and Irene are there to help.

The Northern Lights President says “ I know of no other dealership or owner that is more deserving of the honor of dealer of the year.”

Outstanding Organized Snowmobile Related Company
Awarded To: Carrot River Agencies Ltd.
Nominated by: Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association (SSA)

Perry Cavanaugh purchased the business in 1983 and has always been an avid supporter of organized snowmobiling. Perry volunteers to oversee the advertising campaign for the local club.

Each year he contacts the businesses to advertise on special signs along the trail and he raises over $5,000 to help with grooming expenses. As a business owner Perry understands the economic impact of snowmobiling to his community. Every club would love to have the support of their business leaders as willing volunteers like Perry Cavanaugh.

Outstanding Snowmobile Promotion and Development of Snowmobiling
Awarded To: SnowTrax Television
Nominated by: Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association (SSA)

SnowTrax Television is broadcast in over 8 million households in Canada (plus 64 million in the USA) and have worked in partnership with Tourism Saskatchewan.

They showcased a portion of the extensive SSA trails system concentrating on features including accommodations, restaurants, Saskatchewan’s proud prairie hospitality and love of the outdoors.

By having Deputy Minister Clay Serby, SSA President Barry Bradshaw and CEO Chris Brewer interviewed on the SnowTrax episodes, it reconfirmed the high level of commitment that Saskatchewan has shown towards the safety, promotion and future of organized snowmobiling in the province.

Debbie Burke works closely with local clubs and is very well known for the positive exposure and imagine of organized snowmobiling.

Outstanding Snowmobile Club
Awarded To: Driftclimbers Snowmobile Club
Nominated by: Snowmobilers Association of Nova Scotia (SANS)

The Driftclimbers Snowmobile Club was established in 1969 and is the oldest club in Nova Scotia. The Club maintains about 150 kms. of trail in Fall River, Beaverbank, Mount Uniake, Rawdon and Nine Mile River.

An additional 200-300 kms. were opened in the Kewnnetcook Stanly area. From the Halifax Parade of Lights to Santa parades in Fall River or Truro this club is available to promote safe snowmobiling for the whole family.

The club has initiated some very exciting youth programs such as – the Junior Groomer Operators or the Junior Trail Warden to get the “new” volunteers hooked on this great pastime. Club volunteers are involved at the provincial level as well.

President Brian Carter, for example: hosting the Warden Training or Cindy Patriquin who is now certified as a Train the Trainer for the Snowmobile Safety Instructor Course. Some of the founding members of SANS still remain active at the club, like Alma Russell who is in charge of fundraising.

Outstanding Snowmobile Family
Awarded To: Cooper Family
Nominated by: Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC)

The Cooper Family lives near London, Ontario in St. Thomas in the OFSC’s District 5. They are a family that has been actively involved in snowmobiling from babies in their mother’s arms in a ski-boose.

Later in their teens Bryan and Shelley met as teenagers and now they ride as a family with their girls on day trips. The Cooper family is involved in every aspect of the Elgin Trail Riders Snowmobile Club.

Bryan started in 1999 as a Director and never says no – from fundraising, wardening, groomer operator and maintenance to signage with full family help and support for many of the activities. Shelley is very active as well from the Easter Seals Chapter President to club secretary to Santa Float Building Chair — this couple is doing it all in the spirit of making a difference.

If you have a problem with a local farmer, need a bridge installed, a trail signed or groomed or need to hold a meeting, this family is willing to offer a hand. Bryan, Shelly and their 2 daughters – Alex and Bryanna – are involved at every level and make sure that all volunteers feel welcome and appreciated.

Outstanding Snowmobiler
Awarded To: Jeannie Brewer
Nominated by: Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association (SSA)

Jeannie started snowmobiling in 1967 and got her own snowmobile in 1982. Jeannie was one of the founding members of the Mountain Lake Drifters Snowmobile Club and continues to volunteer for the club today.

Jeannie is currently the Treasurer and can be found helping out at fundraisers, selling tickets, working the concession stand on Canada Day, working at the grass drags, working at the fishing derby, always offering a hand or leading the group by cooking , cleaning or running the cash box or making late night deposits.

As Jeannie says “Just to see the smiles on the faces of the children is thanks enough”. Several years ago Jeannie was diagnosed with breast cancer. After surgery and treatment, she decided to raise awareness.

With the help of a close friend Jeannie started Prairie Women on Snow and remains a member today. On the annual ride Jeannie raises about $2,000 per year for breast cancer research and awareness.

Jeannie’s hard work and determination have helped snowmobiling grow to what it is today and her continued efforts will shape the future of snowmobiling in Saskatchewan

Outstanding Snowmobile Tourism, Promotion and Development
Awarded to: North East Muni-Corr Ltd.
Nominated by: Alberta Snowmobile Association (ASA)

In 1999, CN Rail gave notice it planned to abandon its rail in NE Alberta. Ten municipalities agreed to work together under the umbrella of Muni-Corr to gain community support to convert the land into a multi-use corridor.

In June 2000 the paper transfer from CN was then developed into a multi-use trail and named the Alberta Iron Horse Trail (AIHT). The government recognized the economic, tourism and community development opportunities led by Muni-Corr and supported the initiative with funding from Canadian Tourism Commission for a 3-year program.

Muni-Corr contributes funding and resources which provide recreation opportunities to everyone. The Muni-Corr model has been recognized for their win/win negotiations with CNR, reclaiming former CN right-of-way and transforming them into corridors that accommodate a range of natural and public uses but in particular organized snowmobiling for the winter.

Outstanding Youth – The Pete Greenlaw Award
Awarded To: Crystal Tracey
Nominated by: Alberta Snowmobile Association (ASA)

Crystal Tracey was born into a snowmobiling family and has been on a snowmobile since she was 3 years old. Crystal has been attending meetings at her home club the Crowsnow Riders, Crowsnest Pass Alberta.

She has started her own website for young riders to visit and share their experiences and pictures. Crystal is a regular contributor to the club newsletter, has attended workshop forums and is constantly promoting safe riding and environmental friendliness.

As a willing volunteer she has helped to man the phone when looking for support or to help to organize a ride. You see many young people on the trail but you only see one (Crystal) at the meetings.

Crystal is often saying that she loves sledding and wants to ensure that we have a place to ride long into the future.

For more information contact Dennis Burns at (807) 345- 5299.

Press Release –

Fast Trax is offering you the opportunity to win ONE of SEVEN getaways to amazing snowmobiling destinations in North America.

Here’s how to enter:

– CLICK THIS LINK
– You will be redirected to an online survey that will take you about 12 minutes to fill out.
– You will be asked a few eligibility questions as we are looking for respondents with a specific profile.
– Once you have completed the survey, you will have access to information on the seven getaways that will be awarded to respondents.
– You will also be asked to provide contact information in order to register for the draw.

Please understand that Fast Trax cannot provide any specific information in this invitation letter on the trips that are given away by the sponsors of this survey, as this may bias results. You will get a description of each of the seven getaways at stake once you complete the questionnaire.

Fast Trax is limiting the number of respondents to the survey so that your chance of winning one trip will be 1 out of 200.

The draw will take place on June 2, 2008, among all participants who have completed the survey and have provided contact information.

Winners will be contacted within the next 14 days.

Once again, Click here to begin.

Good luck!

Press Release –
 
We are excited to announce ISOC Racing as the New Snowmobile National Race Circuit .
 
After many meetings and careful review of the ISOC Racing’s business plan, we have made an unanimous decision as Team Owners, supported by Manufacturers to work with ISOC Racing Circuit at a Regional and National level.

John Daniels and the ISOC bring us as Team Owners, Manufacturers, Sponors and Racers a pumped-up experienced crew ready to take snowmobile racing to the next level . 

We will have an excellent television schedule, increased payouts, a full National and Regional Race Schedule.
 
WPSA has ended its tenure building a venue for snowmobile racing and we thank them for all they have done over the years for racing and the snowmobile industry. 

John Daniels and his crew at ISOC will take over from here and the future of snowmobile racing couldn’t be brighter!

There is so much excitement preparing for the new year and all we can acheive working together.
 
Let’s give John and his crew our complete support and we will all win!!!!
 
Look for a press release soon from the ISOC Crew with more details and let’s go racing!!