Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/243961
www.PowersportsBusiness.com Powersports Business • January 27, 2014 • 33 SNOWMOBILE New York launches snowmobiling promotion Empire State Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo travelled to the Tug Hill region in New York's North Country area to launch "I [Snowmobile] NY," the first part of a print, television, radio and digital, nationwide, $4.5 million winter tourism campaign aimed at promoting snowmobiling, skiing and other recreational activities in Upstate New York. "This season, we welcome visitors from around the world to experience winter in Upstate New York," Governor Cuomo said. "The North Country region is unmatched in its natural beauty and now offers new recreational trails for snowmobiling and a wide variety of other activities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages to explore. As one of the biggest and growing employers in the state, the tourism industry continues to play a significant role in boosting our economy. With our new ad campaign, we want more New Yorkers and tourists to come visit regions like Tug Hill to see what winter adventures await in the Empire State." The print and digital "I [Snowmobile] NY" ads began running after Jan. 1 in national newspapers and trade magazines. The state previously released a report showing that the number of visitors to New York increased by 8.8 million, or 4.2 percent, in 2013. In addition, the industry is projected to generate $7.7 billion in state and local taxes with direct spending expected to reach $61.3 billion, up 7 percent from 2012 and double the national average. The industry is also Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo kicked off New York's "I [Snowmobile] NY" tourism campaign in the Tug Hill region of the state's North Country area. projected to add 24,800 jobs by the end of the year, a 3.1 percent increase from 2012, also double the national average. In total, leisure and hospitality is projected to finish the year with 818,700 jobs, making tourism the third fastest growing job sector in New York. There are 10,300 miles of snowmobile trails throughout New York — that's more than Vermont, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania, and more than Massachusetts and Michigan combined. Since 2011, the state has spent more than $11 million for trail maintenance and development, an investment that has helped generate $868 million in economic revenue. Approximately 90,000 New York households ride snowmobiles. The "I [Snowmobile] NY" ad campaign continues Governor Cuomo's ongoing commitment to promoting tourism and supporting economic development in the North Country in order to generate revenue and create jobs. PSB DIGEST USXC I-500 race targets 2015 The 2015 USXC Racing Winnipeg to Willmar I-500 took another step closer to reality with the hiring of Cameron Koopman as event coordinator. Koopman will be specifically responsible for tying together all the loose ends necessary to make the race a reality next season. This is a massive undertaking, making sure all the stakeholders on the almost 600-mile proposed route are on the same page in time for next season. In the past, one of the major hurdles facing a revival of this storied race was the ability to get dozens of cities, counties, law enforcement personnel, snowmobile clubs and a variety of other agencies moving in one direction. Not to mention two countries, Canada and the United States. USXC has channeled its passion for cross country racing into facing down the details of holding this historic race, one step at a time. Koopman was specifically hired to help address the details of this race more efficiently. According to USXC owner Brian Nelson, "Cameron will be traveling the race route from Winnipeg down to Willmar coordinating all the various groups. We've gotten this far, and it was time to bring in a dedicated individual to nail this event down." With the event a little over a year away, Nelson added, "Cameron's hiring just makes sense at this point." Koopman is an avid snowmobile enthusiast who hails from Wisconsin. He recently received a degree in sports marketing from Minnesota State University Mankato. His brother is also a former snocross competitor, P33-PSB2-Snow.indd 33 The I-500 is on its way back to reality, with USXC owner Brian Nelson mapping out the route from Winnipeg to Willmar, Minn. so he is no stranger to snowmobile racing. The original I-500 ran a continuous route between Winnipeg, Manitoba, and St. Paul, Minn., from 1966 through the early 1980s in conjunction with the St. Paul Winter Carnival. After various iterations of the event or no I-500 at all, the race began consistently running, approximately, 150 mile loops over three days out of the Seven Clans Casino near Thief River Falls, Minn., in 2005. Nelson, a two-time winner of the original I-500, has worked to revive the old race format, while understanding that racing into the Twin Cities has become an impractical option. The 2015 race will involve a fourday trek from Winnipeg to Willmar, Minn., remaining as faithful to the original route as possible. A route map is available for viewing at usxcracing.com. POLARIS GIVING AWAY 60 SLEDS IN 60 DAYS To kick-off the celebration of its 60 years as a snowmobile manufacturer, Polaris is giving away 60 Sleds in 60 Days through "The Polaris Sled-a-Day Giveaway." Polaris will give away 60 model year 2015 Polaris snowmobiles in 60 days to lucky riders who will enjoy the ultimate snowmobiling experience. Starting Jan. 1, consumers were encouraged to visit Polaris snowmobile dealerships to enter for their chance to win a new 2015 snowmobile. Polaris is drawing one winner's name daily from Jan. 4 through March 4. PSB 1/15/14 1:06 PM