| WATVA E-Newsletter - Annual Meeting Edition!
This week in the WATVA E-Newsletter Update:
- Last Reminder for the WATVA Annual Meeting
- Motorcycle Industry Council Urges Vigorous Support for Two New Bills In Response to CPSC Youth Machine Bans
- Trail Patrol Reports: Recent Report Submitted
Last Reminder for the WATVA Annual Meeting
The WATVA Annual Meeting is only one week away, so if you have yet to reserve your meals or hotel room now is your last chance! The weekend activities are set to kick off Friday April 3rd with our Land Managers Workshop and end on Sunday
April 5th with the WATVA Annual Meeting. Here is a long overview of what is in store for this years Annual meeting:
Friday, April 3rd - 10 AM – 3 PM: Marathon Ballroom IV with meal in Ballroom I
Professional Land Manager, Trail & Idea Sharing Workshop: This workshop is designed and targeted to USFS, WI DNR, all county & municipalities plus private property managers. Lunch will be provided as part of the workshop. $15 registration fee includes the meal. Pre-registration is required. The public and membership are certainly invited but please know our target audience for this workshop is much different than the entire rest of the weekend so limited participation outside of land managers is necessary.
Friday, April 3rd 6 PM – 8 PM: Crystal Ballroom II
Official Skywarn Storm Spotter training specifically geared toward TPA & ATV riders in general. Training is by Jeff Last - Warning Coordination Meteorologist from the NOAA National Weather Service in Green Bay.
Workshops - Saturday, April 4th
8:00 AM – Registration opens. Receive your lunch tickets and get a good seat. Now is a good time to check out the displays and trail equipment.
8:30 AM: General Session for all Members – Crystal Ballroom II
Opening Introductions - National Guest Speakers brief biographies:
Tom Yager - Vice President, Safety Programs - Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA), Irvine, CA.
Mr. Yager will be sharing industry information on the ATV, UTV and motorcycle industry as well as the newest industry organization, the ROHVA specializing in the Side x Side UTV vehicles. Tom will also give an update on the latest Youth Sales Ban Due to the Lead Paint Issue.
Tom Yager has been an active motorcyclist for the past 36 years riding off road, and upon reaching licensing age, riding on the street. He first became involved in motorcycle safety as a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) instructor in 1981 and Chief Instructor in 1983. Two years later Tom completed ATV Instructor training with the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA). Later becoming a Chief Instructor for the ATV training program as well. After training for several years he joined the MSF staff where he served in the Education Department helping to design the curriculum.
In 1988 Tom accepted the position of Director, Education the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America. He continued with SVIA serving in various positions ending with the current position of Vice President, Safety Programs.
Tom has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Vocational/Technical Education from the State University of New York. Professional affiliations include the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and the American Society for Training and Development.
When not working Tom enjoys outdoor activities with his wife and two children which include riding ATVs and motorcycles, boating, canoeing, hiking and flying light aircraft.
Jan Rintamaki – ORV Marketing Director Polaris Industries, Medina, MN
Jan Rintamaki has 15 years of leadership experience in marketing, product development and manufacturing including positions at Polaris and Case New Holland. During his six years at Polaris, Rintamaki has held various positions in marketing and product management, most recently, as marketing director of the Off-Road Division. At Case New Holland, Rintamaki held positions in marketing and manufacturing management. Jan is an avid outdoorsman and Powersports enthusiast and recently was named chairman of the Board of Trustees for the SVIA.
Mr. Rintamaki will be focusing on the changes in the OHV industry, how the machines and technology are changing what the machines use from wheel sizes and tire pressure to overall width and weight. More discussions and overview as to how the traditional ATV and the newer Side x Side machines are linked by rider and driver with questions and answers time at the end. Both Tom and Jan will be available throughout the day and both will be part of the UTV & ATV Definition Changes Roundtable panel.
9:30 AM: Concurrent Workshops begin
Morning Workshops Track A – Marathon Ballroom I & II
9:30 – 10:00 Political workshop: Brian Schimming and reps from Midwest Strategy Group will offer their experience to help members better understand or demystify the “grassroots lobby” efforts. It seems like everything is political when it comes to our sport, and maybe it is. Learn that it may not be as bad or difficult as you think. We have an entertaining presentation to give you some confidence and hope for the future.
10:15 – 10:45 U.S. Forest Service Travel Management Update: Joan Marburger from the USFS will explain, review and update us on one of the status of the Travel Management Plan. We have many miles of ATV trails in our national forest; learn what you can do from this point forward to preserve, protect and expand our ATV trail mileage in our National Forest.
11:00 – 12:00 DNR ATV Safety Instructor & Trail Ambassador Workshop & Updates: Jeff Dautermann (DNR Recreational Safety Warden) will recap and give more background about the new instructor curriculum, the new tests and updates about the on line course. Many instructors have had questions about how the updated materials affect them, Jeff will share the latest challenges with improving the educational materials. There will be some updates on the future Trail Patrol Ambassador (TPA) re-certification process as NOHVIS reps ask for your ideas and input as the Ride Smart educational program matures.
Morning Workshops Track B – Marathon Ballroom III & IV
9:30 – 10:15 Trails Committee Workshop: Targeting trail bosses, trail planners and club activists. We need to build on our success and strengths to keep our trails open and expanding, now and in the future. Hear from the committee appointed last March. What have they learned, what have they done and how the local clubs and this committee can work together to further our/your trail riding opportunities.
10:30 – 11:15 Trail Funding via the Wisconsin ORV Council: Learn how our trail funding process works, what the ORV Council does, how your club and community can communicate and become familiar with how our Wisconsin ATV registration program operates. We will have Diane Conklin from the DNR Grants Program, Mike Peterson, Joe Fitzgerald, and Rob McConnell (others invited) to discuss the ins and outs of how best to interact with this important council.
11:30 – 12:00 Replay from 10:15 Track A: U.S. Forest Service Travel Management Update: Joan Marburger from the USFS will explain, review and update us on one of the status of the Travel Management Plan. We have many miles of ATV trails in our national forest; learn what you can do from this point forward to preserve, protect and expand our ATV trail mileage in our National Forest.
Noon Lunch for all Members – Crystal Ballroom I
Lunch Award Ceremony - Sponsored by Kolpin Powersports & Moose Utility Division
Top Trail Patrol Ambassador award ceremony by Kolpin Powersports & Moose Utility Division: Recognizing our leaders and peers who have changed the face of the sport by teaching ATV safety classes and taking their knowledge out on the trails to the riders and their families. This is a community service where we proudly recognize our top Trail Ambassadors! Come show your appreciation and show your support.
Afternoon Workshops Track A – Marathon Ballroom I & II continues
1:30 – 2:00 Road Routes & Youthful Operators: Various points of view about these two important issues. Road routes in general and kids with no vehicle or road experience. What is in the best interest of our ATV program and our kids’ safety? Is our ATV registration program improving or declining in regard to the increasing trend to add more ATV routes, sometimes without the appropriate number of new trail miles? Let’s address the good and the bad with this hot topic and learn from each other. Draft legislative language will be shown and discussed.
2:15 – 3:15 OWI Roundtable: What are the ramifications of strengthening OWI penalties on the trails? Better yet, what are the ramifications if we don’t? Come hear the discussions from the Governor’s Snowmobile Council chair (Mike Cerny), the snowmobile rep on the Governor’s State Trails Council (Tom Thornton), the ORV Council reps, WATVA’s board of directors, the NOHVIS Group regional coordinators and others. Snowmobiling, boating and ATVing are all interconnected. Let’s keep our sport and riders alive! WATVA members will be asked to vote on a recommendation to lawmakers and law enforcement. We will be asking for WATVA members to vote on some items. A second session will be held Sunday morning.
3:30 – 4:30 UTV Roundtable & ATV Definition Changes: UTV / Side x Side pilot program results and discussions on a permanent registration program or other options/alternatives. Traditional ATV rim sizes, tire pressure and even the 48” maximum width will be discussed. We will be asking for WATVA members to vote on several items. A second session will be held Sunday morning.
Afternoon Workshop Track B – Marathon Ballroom III & IV continues
1:30 – 2:00 Good Public Relations + Rides & Actions, Special Events: Create a positive image for your club and the sport. What are the downfalls and solutions? Hear from a promoter Scotty Biese who is gearing special events to the utility and trail riders. Also hear Skip Schulz recap the Mi-TRALE Ride For Senior Citizens and how your club may want to try a similar activity. Also hear about the annual VIP Ride and how you can be part of that in 2009.
2:15 – 2:45: Replay from 9:30 – 10 Track A: Political workshop: Brian Schimming and reps from Midwest Strategy Group will offer their experience to help members better understand or demystify the “grassroots lobby” efforts. It seems like everything is political when it comes to our sport, and maybe it is. Learn that it may not be as bad or difficult as you think. We have an entertaining presentation to give you some confidence and hope for the future.
3:00 – 3:30: Communications on the Trails - A workshop on Saturday Afternoon was recently added which will discuss and cover the various tools of communications that can be used for our Trail Ambassadors as well as other riders. Some of the technologies that will be covered are: HAM Radio, GMRS Radios, FRS Radios, Citizen Band Radios, Cell Phones and Emergency Satellite Devices.
3:45 – 4:30: Replay from 9:30 – 10:45 Track B: Trails Committee Workshop: Targeting trail bosses, trail planners and club activists. We need to build on our success and strengths to keep our trails open and expanding, now and in the future. Hear from the committee appointed last March. What have they learned, what have they done and how the local clubs and this committee can work together to further our/your trail riding opportunities.
Saturday Night Dinner on Your Own
6:00 PM – 10:00 ?? – Reception, Club & Business Displays, Fun Time With Friends & Family, Awards for ATV / UTV Show Announced, D. J. Services by Infinity Solutions.
Throughout the day on Saturday – Front Hotel Parking Lot
No Riding Please – Static Displays Only
ATV & UTV “Show Off” Contest
ATV & UTV “Show Off” Contest - 3 classes will be judged. Bring your wheeler to display outside on Saturday. No riding in the parking lot but a great opportunity to show off your ride!
Seen But Not Heard / Stealth Class: Our Trail Ambassadors and select enforcement officers will judge the “quietest” machines in honor of the Kolpin Stealth Exhaust efforts that promote quiet sound levels! Have some fun; make your point, loud sound levels can be overcome.
Most Original & Visible Class: We see many ATV / UTV units that are hard to miss; they stand out in any crowd whether with special lighting or equipment that makes them uniquely your own. From custom bags and storage ideas to your own sound or communication systems, no accessory is too small. Judging will be done by ballots by our conference attendees.
The Whatchamacallit Class: Our version of “run what ya brung” for the display showcase, this class is for the “way out there” person who is on the cutting edge of ATV / UTV trail, track, or anything else you use your machine for.
Members responsible for their own vehicle security – no cost to enter, trophies for first place!
Annual Meeting – Sunday, April 5th All sessions in Crystal Ballroom II
8:00 AM – Registration opens. Receive your lunch tickets and get a good seat. Now is a good time to check out the displays and trail equipment.
8:30 AM: General Session for all Members
8:45 – 9:30: Repeat Saturday OWI roundtable from Saturday: What are the ramifications of strengthening OWI penalties on the trails? Better yet, what are the ramifications if we don’t? On Saturday we had the Governor’s Snowmobile Council chair (Mike Cerny), the snowmobile rep on the Governor’s State Trails Council (Tom Thornton), the ORV Council reps, WATVA’s board of directors, the NOHVIS Group regional coordinators and others. On Sunday we won’t have all the same leaders but for the new attendees that couldn’t join us on Saturday, we will discuss and ask those members to vote on three options. Snowmobiling, boating and ATVing are all interconnected. Let’s keep our sport and riders alive!
9:45 – 10:30: Repeat Saturday UTV Roundtable & ATV Definition Changes: UTV / Side x Side pilot program results and discussions on a permanent registration program or other options/alternatives. Traditional ATV rim sizes, tire pressure and even the 48” maximum width will be discussed. For attendees that couldn’t join us on Saturday, we wil discuss and ask those members to vote.
10:45 – 12:00 Noon: Reports from WATVA President, Vice-President and officers plus important and high profile special events, legislative updates and announcements.
ATV registration program partners and administrator reports from Wisconsin DNR
Gary Eddy – Bureau of Law Enforcement
Diane Conklin – Community of Financial Assistance
Others in attendance
12:00 Noon – 1:00 PM: Lunch in Crystal Ballroom I
1:00 – 2:00 ?? : Annual meeting continues with topics from the floor, input, and member discussions.
Regional meetings throughout 2009 will be announced, topics will be based on interest generated from these workshops and meetings.
Motorcycle Industry Council Urges Vigorous Support for Two New Bills In Response to CPSC Youth Machine Bans
Subject: Motorcycle Industry Council Urges Vigorous Support for Two New Bills
Contact:
Motorcycle Industry Council
Media Relations
(949) 727-4211, Ext. 3027
Motorcycle Industry Council Urges Vigorous Support for Two New Bills that would Overturn the Ban on Youth ATVs and Off-Highway Motorcycles
IRVINE, Calif., March 26, 2009 - The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), along with the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA), have announced their support for two new bills - S. 608 and H.R. 1587 - that would overturn the ban that resulted from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008, aka the Lead Ban, which brought the sales of off-highway motorcycles and ATVs designed for kids 12 and under to an abrupt halt on February 10, 2009.
Although the MIC continues to believe that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has the power under the law and based on the scientific evidence submitted to grant the Industry's pending exclusion petitions, the CPSC appears poised to deny these petitions.
As a result, the MIC has intensified efforts to get Congressional support for a regulatory or legislative 'fix,' and is now strongly advocating two new bills that have been introduced, S. 608 and H.R. 1587.
On March 17, 2009, United States Senator John Tester introduced S.608 to amend the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 to exclude secondary sales, repair services and certain vehicles - including youth ATVs and motorcycles - from the ban on lead in children's products, and for other purposes.
On March 18, 2009, in the U.S. House of Representatives, Mr. Rehberg, Mr.Burgess, Mr. Pomeroy and Mr. Simpson introduced H.R. 1587 to amend the lead prohibition provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 to provide an exemption for certain off-highway vehicles and for other purposes.
The MIC will continue to work with the sponsors to provide necessary relief to the powersports industry. S. 608, as currently drafted, will stop the ban on vehicles intended for children ages 7-12. MIC and SVIA advocate for the exemption of vehicles intended for children ages 6-12 to ensure all current models again will be available, since many have been designed for ages 6 and up.
"It's time to start letting kids ride safely again on vehicles designed for their use, and finally put an end to this untimely economic debacle," said Paul Vitrano, General Counsel, Motorcycle Industry Council and Specialty
Vehicle Institute of America. "We're very pleased to see that Congressional action is being taken to end the ban, and we're working with the bill sponsors to ensure these bills would provide immediate and critical relief to the powersports industry."
The MIC urges its members, dealers, and enthusiasts to act now and show their support for S. 608 and H.R. 1587 by contacting their Members of Congress and appropriate committee members via www.StopTheBanNow.com.
MIC statements, press releases, video testimonials, news articles, and additional information relative to the CPSIA are also available at www.StopTheBanNow.com.
The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues.
It is a not-for-profit, national trade association representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as publishing companies, advertising agencies, insurance firms and consultants.
The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office adjacent to Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914.
Since 1983, the Specialty Vehicle Institute of AmericaR has promoted the safe and responsible use of All-Terrain Vehicles through rider training programs, public awareness campaigns, and state legislation. The SVIA also serves as a resource for ATV research, statistics, and vehicle standards.The SVIA, based in Irvine, Calif., is a not-for-profit trade association sponsored by Arctic Cat, BRP, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, KYMCO, Polaris, Suzuki, Tomberlin, Tomoto and Yamaha.
For membership information, call (949)
727-3727. For safety information or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourseSM
nearest you, visit www.atvsafety.org and click on "Online Enrollment"
or call (800) 887-2887..
Trail Patrol Reports: Recent Report Submitted
Wisconsin ATV Association is passing along in each E-Newsletter reports submitted by our Ambassadors who are out volunteering their time almost every weekend to enhance our image and protect our riders and trails.
This weeks report comes from two ambassadors who patrolled near Park Falls. That day they put on 55 miles and spent 8 hours on the trails. Here is what they had to say for that patrol:
"Provided maps and Wisconsin atv rules/regulations. Guided out of state riders from KY and IN."
WATVA and the Ride Smart program thank all of our volunteers for their time and effort on the trails!
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