TRAIL TALES – TAKE A FRIEND
growth of the industry and the positive economic impact of
snowmobiling throughout the world.
The Take a Friend Snowmobiling campaign was created to
support all snowmobile associations of the American Council
of Snowmobile Associations and Canadian Council of Snowmobile
Organizations and their clubs to enhance and expand
their partnership with local chambers of commerce, visitor
and convention bureaus, snowmobile dealers and other businesses
related to the snowmobiling community.
“The benefits for your state association could mean such
things as more trail signs, groomers and enhancements for
trails in your state, with the biggest benefit of all – introducing
your non-snowmobiling friends to your favorite winter
activity,” said Klim.
All clubs are encouraged to participate in the campaign
and partner with local media, radio stations and
television stations.
“For instance, club riders can hold an event and have members
invite friends on a short ride in a great area and then
have lunch, coffee or rolls afterwards,” said Klim.
“The campaign is proving to be a big benefit for the snow
industry as a whole as more snowmobiles – new and used –
can be sold. More non-snowmobilers are being introduced to
the activity, and club and association membership increases.”
The target demographic for the campaign is essentially government
departments, local businesses and non-riders. So
far, the feedback about the campaign has been very positive.
“There are great reports of non-snowmobilers who didn’t
know how to get started in snowmobiling, getting a taste
of snowmobiling and finding out how much fun it is while
making new friends and strengthening friendships with the
people who invited them,” said Klim.
Spreading the word
While the benefits of the Take a Friend Snowmobiling campaign
are obvious, how do you actually get started in spreading
the word about how fun snowmobiling can be?
First, Klim says, each club should assemble committees to
work on the campaign.
The Importance of Partnering
When planning your activities for Take
a Friend Snowmobiling Week, Ed Klim,
president of International Snowmobile
Manufacturers Association, cannot
emphasize enough the importance
of involving as many organizations
as possible.
Potential sponsors and ideas for how
they can participate include:
Snowmobile businesses. Dealerships,
repair shops or aftermarket suppliers can
provide vehicles for trail rides, technical
assistance and locations for a safety
clinic, and donate prizes for contests.
Community organizations. Your local
chambers of commerce, conservation
commission, planning board, Rotary
Club, Lions Club, police departments,
tourism organizations, schools or emergency
services can co-sponsor an
introductory talk on snowmobiling and
provide locations and manpower.
Private industry and business. Many
snowmobilers are in private industry that
may be able to provide support. They
can also provide funding for specific
activities such as printing, advertising,
awards or refreshments. Partner with
your local businesses that are a part
of the snowmobiling community, such
as banks, restaurants, gas stations, ski
hills, etc.
“Ideas that work for a Take a Friend
Snowmobiling event can include
legislative rides, convention and visitor
bureau rides, chamber of commerce
rides, forest service and provincial
land manager rides, tourist association
rides, military service member rides and
more,” said Klim.
“And remember – following the activities
– make sure you have created a
list of the names and e-mails of the
people who went snowmobiling, so
you can thank them for attending
and invite them to a club/association
function soon!”
30 Jan/Feb 2019 | snowopsmag.com
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