SnomadS Presidents Message

Yeehaa. That’s the only way to describe my excitement as I look at the winter storm forecast while making last minute preparations for the Shakedown Ride. The moment us snowmobile enthusiasts wait for all summer and fall is about to arrive and I’m relieved that I still feel just as giddy about the first big storm of the year as I did 40 some years ago. It means I’m still a “Snow Lover.” Yes, I’m proud to say I love snow and I don’t care how many dirty or confused looks I get from neighbors or co-workers, I can no longer deny my love for the heavy, deep, fluffy white stuff that seems to give fits to so many others.

I actually get dismayed when I listen to TV, radio and weather reporters talk about how bad the pending snow storm will be, as if that’s a bad thing, and I get downright angry when they gleefully exclaim that the temperatures will be high enough to make the precipitation come down as rain. For crying out loud, what good is 40 degrees and rain? I’ve always been of the mindset that if you’re going to live in an area that gets snow, you should find a way to enjoy it.

But it’s not simply for its physical features that I love snow, although one can argue that a fresh, fluffy snow covered landscape is hard to beat when it comes to scenery shots. Instead, I love snow because of the many opportunities and activities it provides. My memories of winter include the joys of skiing, ice fishing, sledding, making snow forts, snowball fights, and a biggie - the cancellation of school. They never cancel school because it’s too hot. But the most enjoyable winter activity for me, and most of you, is snowmobiling.

We’ll drive hours, even a full day if necessary, just for the opportunity to ride. The news reports might say don’t venture onto the roads unless it’s absolutely necessary. But here we are, zipping up snow covered I-75 because, well, it’s absolutely necessary. We gotta ride.

Snowmobiling offers a freedom that is unmatched. The relaxation of riding through snow covered forests, walking along the shores of the Great Lakes, or standing at an overlook with a grand snowscaped vista is something I wish we could show all those winter skeptics. Maybe then they would understand.
Until then, I look forward to seeing all you Snow Lovers on the trails in the coming months. And don’t deny it. I know you too are a Snow Lover. It’s a common bond we Snomads have. Be safe.

Bill Chatfield
President
SnomadS Snofari Club

The nights are starting to dip below the freezing mark, the first flurries of the year have been spotted and before you know it, the brown landscape will be covered with a soft, deep blanket of white gold. White Gold, you ask? That’s right. It wasn’t too many years ago that most up north resorts, lodges and restaurants would close their doors after deer season or even Labor Day because they couldn’t afford to stay open all winter for only a handful of local customers. Nowadays, many northern destinations see their business increase during the winter due to the influx of snowmobilers who flock to the snow belts to enjoy their favorite winter activity. When it snows snowmobilers go to the snow and spend lots of cash. Hence, snow equals white gold.

Several of your fellow Snomads recently attended the MSA Annual Convention in Lansing where we were the host club (which you’ll read about later). We got to hear from a number of industry leaders about the status of the snowmobile industry. One of the featured speakers was Ed Klim, Executive Director of the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA). He always provides a great insider’s perspective and mesmerizes you with facts and figures along with stories of his snowmobiling exploits around the world.

According to ISMA the snowmobiling industry pumps more than $20 billion into the US economy with more than $1 billion in Michigan alone. Snowmobile registrations in Michigan remain around 350,000 despite the faltering economy. Even though new snowmobile sales are falling, the number of people keeping their old sleds and continuing to enjoy the sport remains extremely high. Snowmobiling continues to be the second largest recreational activity revenue generator in the state (behind golf).

So everything is rosy, right? Not exactly. The Governor recently abolished the Snowmobile Advisory Committee (SAC) and replaced it with a new Michigan Trails Advisory Council (MTAC). While the SAC had their disagreements about what was best for the snowmobiling community, at least they focused solely on snowmobiling issues. The MTAC will be a seven member board that will consist of representatives from various recreational groups including non motorized trail users. Only one snowmobile representative – and it may not even be somebody who rides a snowmobile – will be on the MTAC. This is bad news. Snowmobilers have been solely responsible for the development and financing of Michigan’s 6000 mile snowmobile trail system, which benefits many other outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year at no cost to them. To put the decision making process of our trail system in the hands of some folks who have stated their desire to abolish the use of snowmobiles on state land is outrageous. This would be like making laws to prohibit the use of snow machines in national parks due to their global warming CO2 production without considering the input of scientists who present evidence with a differing point of view. Wait, they’re doing that too. Never mind.

If you want more information you can visit our own message board or the MSA website at msasnow.org.

Enough of the bad news. We’ve got an exciting KOP coming up on November 21st, the trails open December first, and the Shakedown Ride starts December 11th. Don’t forget to submit your Ski-Doo club promotion form to get $10 for the Snomads. Hurry, it ends on November 15th. See you on the trails soon.

Bill Chatfield
President
SnomadS Snofari Club

By now you should have received the latest edition of the Snomad Magazine. A tremendous thanks to Brian Wright and his daughter Jamie for tackling this huge task. The magazine is a valuable link to our members that keeps folks informed of club matters and events. The new format is crisp and easy to read. Please understand that the publisher only formats the magazine. He needs articles and information to put into the magazine so get your typing fingers warmed up and get your articles to Brian, even if they’re from older rides.

As winter approaches many snowmobile related events are just around the corner. We recently completed our annual general membership meeting, which had another nice turnout. Folks were treated to a fantastic spaghetti dinner and we got some important club business taken care of as well. Thanks to the FWO ladies (and their spouses) for the beautiful set up and great dinner. All proceeds will go to support the Easter Seals For Women’s Only ride in January.

Congratulations to Ron Schroeder who was elected to the vacant Trustee position. As you know, Ron is past president and a long time Board member. After a brief sabbatical, we look forward to adding his renewed enthusiasm to the Board. I’d also like to thank JoAnn Bagnasco, Dennis Winowiecki and Brian Wright for running for the vacancy. We are a fraternal club that is run by the members for the members. The willingness of new folks to step into leadership roles is invaluable in bringing fresh ideas to keep the membership involved and create enticements for future members to join.

On October 23-25 the MSA will hold their annual convention in Lansing. This is as close as they’ve ever been to SE Michigan and as a result the Snomads will serve as the host club providing entertainment for snowmobilers from across the state. This is a great opportunity for the Snomads and a testament to the great relationship we have with the MSA brass.

On November 6-8 the Novi Snow Show takes place. Once again, the Snomads will have a display booth to sell trail permits and generate memberships. If you want to help at the booth, contact James Jetke and if you want to assist with the all day safety class on Saturday, contact me.

Mark your calendar for November 21st when the Snomads will celebrate the start of our 25th season with the Silver Anniversary Kick Off Party. As usual, we’ll have a great dinner at Santia Hall along with prizes and an auction. There will be some silver anniversary give aways for all attendees and just in……the theme will be 1984, the year the Snomads were founded. So dig out those platform shoes and be prepared to party like it’s 1984.

After that, the ride season starts with the Shakedown Ride in Munising from December 11-13. There are many more great rides following that. A few open weekends remain and if you want to try your hand at coordinating a ride in one of your favorite riding places, please let me know. We have lots of folks who are willing to assist you in setting up a successful ride.

Finally, Ski-Doo is running an unbelievable Support Your Club promotion. Fill out the coupon on the inside of any snowmobile magazine or at Ski-Doo.com, listing the Snomads, and take the coupon to any Ski-Doo dealer. Snomads gets $10 for every coupon turned in. You don’t even have to ride, or like, Ski-Doo to participate so there’s no excuse. And one club will win a brand new Ski-Doo - it could be us. Hurry, the promotion ends on November 13th.
Have a great season and we’ll see you soon.

Bill Chatfield
SnomadS Snofari Club
President

Yes, you read that right. For the first time in a long time, the President’s Message is being prepared by somebody other than Ron Schroeder. After seven years at the helm of the Snomads Snofari Club, Ron has decided to turn over the reigns and focus his efforts on work and family obligations as well as spending more time at his Whispering Pines retreat in Mancelona. Under Ron’s leadership, Snomads garnered a great deal of recognition and respect across the state for being leaders in safety training, fund raising and organizing terrific club rides, not to mention being named MSA Club of the Year in 2007.

While Ron has relinquished his official duties, including that as publisher of the popular Snomad Magazine, he will remain active in ride related events and perhaps a few other special projects. We wish to thank Ron for his many years of exemplary service on behalf of the Snomads. We truly appreciate the leadership and direction you’ve provided.

As Vice President, I was appointed the interim President by the Board of Directors at our last meeting. I will be completing Ron’s term until it expires in September 2010. It’s one of those duties you never really expect to be called upon as Veep, but one I’ll do my best to fulfill.

The Vice President vacancy has been filled in accordance with the bylaws which require the Vice President to be selected from the current Board of Directors. As a result, the Board appointed Trustee Matt Baxter to interim Vice President. As webmaster, Matt has a pulse on club activities and will do a great job in his new role.

In other Board news, Trustee Heath Crow has also submitted his resignation from the Board due to growing family commitments and increased work obligations. Heath was instrumental in the technology side of the club as well as procuring some of our coolest wearable gear. His contributions to the Board will be missed. We thank Heath for his years of service to the club, in multiple capacities. We’ll continue to see Heath on the trails at future club events – or in Heath’s case, off the trails.

At the last meeting, the Board appointed Merle Fitch to fill the remainder of Heath’s term which expires in September 2010. Merle brings and lot of energy and fresh ideas to the Board and we look forward to his contributions. Thanks for your time, Merle.

All these changes have created one vacant Trustee position. This position will be filled by a vote of the general membership at our annual membership meeting scheduled for September. If you’re interested in contributing to the future of the club and have the desire to attend several meeting per year, let me or any club officer know.

We are saddened to report that Jodi and Kevin Coghill have moved out of Michigan and now live in the Chicago area. They were casualties of the economy but we’re glad to see them land on their feet, even if it’s out of state. While Jodi and Kevin will remain active members of the club, including organizing some rides next season, Jodi will be passing the FWO Coordinator torch to Marlene Kish.

Marlene is a long time FWO Easter Seals participant and brings a great deal of stability to this important program as well as some new ideas. We greatly appreciate Jodi’s efforts over the years and Marlene’s willingness to take over this huge task.
With all of these changes, we have some voids that need to be filled.

We are searching for an editor and publisher of the Snomad Magazine. This publication has become a staple of communicating and connecting all of out club members and we’d like to continue with its publication if at all possible. If you’re interested in applying your editing skills to this ambitious venture, let us know - soon.

In the meantime, we’ll be using the club website (snomads.org) to share information and solicit input. It’s cheap, easy to use, and certainly the direction of the future and the younger generations. In order to make sure we contact as many people as possible, please forward your email information to webmaster@snomads.org and you’ll be included in any Club updates.

We’re still searching for a new location for the annual general membership meeting in September. Our requirements are a location that will accommodate around 100 people and one that we can use to prepare and serve a spaghetti dinner as a fund raiser for the FWO ladies. And it needs to be affordable. If you know of a location that meets these criterion, please let us know. At the general meeting, we’ll be asking the membership to vote on some bylaw changes that will align our bylaws with our practices.

As we enter our 25th season, we have a lot of initiatives on our plate. We plan to host the MSA Annual Convention being held in Lansing this October. As the host club, our responsibilities will be to set up some entertainment and keep the MSA brass and participants amused. We’ll be looking for volunteers.

We’ve got the Novi Snow Show coming in November followed by our Silver Anniversary Kick Off Party. There are a host of snowmobile safety classes to conduct and then the snowmobile season starts. We really need some folks to step into the ride coordinator role. It’s a full agenda that will require the assistance of as many people as possible. For those that have been waiting for an opportunity to get more involved, here’s your chance. We’ll be soliciting volunteers.

But before all that, don’t forget about the Snomads Picnic on August 29th at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area. Merle and Julie Fitch are coordinating this event which promises to be a lot of fun. More details will follow.
Have a great summer and remember - the trails open in 5 months.

Bill Chatfield, Interim President

2008, what an historic year it was. On the Fourth of July, I filled up the boat with gas and paid $4.28 for regular. I never thought that I would see gas below $2.00 per gallon again in my lifetime. Yet I filled up yesterday for $1.42 per gallon. We paid $1.94 for premium in da U.P. on the Shakedown.

We saw a lonnng and grueling Presidential campaign season. At times it got nastier than Courtney Love. However, in the end, the country accepted and got behind our new President and said,” O.K. let’s fix our nation.” No bombs were thrown, no churches burned. Heck there weren’t even couches burned at MSU.

Then, a guy that used to work at Goldman Sachs on Wall Street said, “If the Government doesn’t hand over 750 billion dollars the world will spin off it’s axis.”Yeah, $750,000,000,000. Congress said, Uh... we’re not so sure. But back the truck up and haul it off until we are.”

Now, we’ll need someone to oversee the disbursement of this money. Guess who? Yup, the guys who lied and gave out questionable loans that got us into this mess. Then the auto companies, which are responsible for over 10% of the nations jobs, asked for a 14 billion dollar loan. And congress said,”Come back with a 10 year plan, retiree concessions and a DNA sample from every GM employee and we’ll debate it. Doh!

Next, we got to witness the national embarrassment that is the Deetroit Lie Downs. 0-16. History. Forever. No one will ever be able to touch that record. Ever. Because no organization on earth would allow ineptitude like that to go on that long. 100 losses in 8 years under Matt Millan. So you finally fire him and still owe him 12 million dollars. Brilliant!

I could go on, but my blood pressure meds are kicking in. We’ve got to witness a lot of history this past year. Mostly negative. At least we got cold temps and early snow to ride on. With the 2 to 4 feet of snow statewide to ride on. It would take 60 degree temps and thunderstorms to wipe all of that out, and what are the odds of that happening in December?

There are those out there that would say I’m frugal. Maybe even thrifty. OK, most say a cheap S.O.B. Probably no one hates to open their wallet more than me. However, this time is different. When it comes to riding groomed trails to my favorite off-trail spot, I’m ready to pony up.

Next season, the groomer fund will be 1 million in the hole unless a permit increase is proposed this year. Let me make it a little clearer. $1,000,000 short. That means that without the proposed $10 increase, your favorite trails will be bumpier than a gators ....behind. Whew, caught myself.

That’s right, a mere $10 increase will insure that grooming will continue on into the 2009-2010 season. It’s too late for an increase for this season, but we have to act now to get it to the legislature to be inacted for next season. Unlike most tax hikes, it’s pretty obvious why this is necessary. Fuel and maintenance costs have risen exponentially. If you think about it hard enough, you might ask yourself, “Is $10 enough?” Well that’s all that the MSA is proposing. $10 per permit. That will cover the grooming.

The other proposal is for a bump in the 3 year registration from $22 to $30. This additional $8 over 3 years is markedly more important than the $10 permit increase. The $8 raise would go 100% into a a permanent trail acquisition fund. Right now, there are several miles of trail through the U.P. that is on private land. This land is owned by several different factions. Some are paper company properties, and others are trust fund and investment properties purchased years ago. Now, the investors are in need of cash and are looking to unload the properties. And, there is no shortage of new investors looking to buy these lands and turn them into fenced hunt clubs, Lake Superior resort communities etc. If the State doesn’t purchase these tracts of land, huge sections of the seamless trail across the U.P. we now enjoy, will be lost forever.

Think about it. You can take steps to insure that generations of future snowmobilers have a permanent trail system to enjoy. For only $8 over 3 years!! Imagine your great-great grandchildren one day saying, “You mean they could have given us a permanent trail for $8 and didn’t”
Don’t delay.

Go to msasnow.org and sign the petition cards to make this happen. They’d do it for you.

Ron Schroeder - Pres.

The old adage, “The only thing constant is change” really applied to this years Annual Membership meeting Election. First, Treasurer Mike Leppeck announced that he would be stepping down in September. Trustee Ray Williams then decided to run for that position. At the Boards’Annual Meeting, he was voted in. This left a three year Trustee position opening. After the Membership meeting election, Bill Green was chosen to fill Ray’s vacant position. The next position up was a two year term for President. Incumbent Ron Schroeder and Trustee Bill Sheldon ran for the position. Due to
a heavy amount of campaigning, the election was very close. The results were Schroeder 56% and Sheldon 44%.

Now, throw another monkey wrench into the mix. Less than a week before the meeting, Secretary Amy Saurini resigned due to personal reasons. Just 1 month after being re-elected as Secretary. So, at the October 6th Board meeting, per our Club by-laws, the Board will appoint and Bill Sheldon has accepted the position of Secretary. Clear as mud? Just wait. Bill’s move creates a trustee vacancy for the remainder of his term for one year. Once again, per the by-laws, the Board has to appoint a replacement. Beings as Matt Baxter received the 2nd highest vote total for the Trustee position vacated by Bill Sheldon, he has been offered and has accepted the Trustee position for a one year term.

So your Board for the 2008-2009 season will look like this.

President --------- Ron Schroeder
Vice President ---- Bill Chatfield
Secretary --------- Bill Sheldon
Treasurer --------- Ray Williams
Trustee ----------- Heath Crow
Trustee ----------- Bill Green
Trustee ----------- Matt Baxter

What does this mean as far as changes. First, the Club phone number will always remain the same, as we purchased a cell phone a couple years back with the Club number on it. Second the Club address will remain the same for the remainder of the season. The big change being,dues invoices, MSA raffle ticket stubs, and Kick Off Party responses will have to go to Ray Williams' address. When you receive your invoices, they will have Ray’s return address on them. What this also means is that even though two new officers will be learning to deal with our two most labor intensive positions. Also, two new trustees will have to learn their way onto a Board that allows for all input to be heard, yet they must be capable of compromise for the best interest of the Club.

With all of this change happening, the roles at the top remain unchanged. Bill Chatfield and I bring close to 20 years total Board experience to the equation. Now whether you consider this a blessing or a curse, it is what it is. Stability. sense of where we’ve been and where we’d like to go as an organization.

One issue we’ll have to deal with in the future is fundraising. As the economy tightens and the trail permit price rises, we will have to address whether the liability vs. profit margin of $1 per permit sold is worthwhile. To receive our usual block of 2000 permits, when prices rise to $35 each, puts us at a liability of $70,000. That’s right. seventy thousand dollars, in hopes of making $2000. Last year we actually only sold 1300 permits. When you account for Novi Show booth costs, we might have made $1000. As the permit price increases, we aren’t going to sell as many due to the reality of cash vs. credit. How many shoppers are going to come to Novi and spend $70 cash on 2 permits? They can buy permits anywhere. They’ll be looking for merchandise bargains.Most will look to purchase permits with credit cards or debit. For us to purchase a credit card machine, plus pay 3% to Visa on each purchase looks like this.

$35 per permit times 3% = $1.05 per permit.

We get $1 for each permit sold. Hmmmm sound like a good business proposition to you? Therefore, we will have to explore other funding options. One of the best bang for your buck deals going, is the MSA raffle tickets. When we turn them in as a Club, we get back 50 cents for every dollar taken in in total sales. If every member bought the $10 pack that we mail you, and then buys the $10 pack that the MSA mails you, that would result in $20 per household times 120 member households, or $1200 back to the Snomads. Wow! And no liability or expense out of pocket. So when you get your MSA raffle tickets in the mail, send the stubs (connected please!) to Ray Williams, so we can turn them in for credit to the Snomads. This is just one of the many issues that we as a Board will be dealing with this season. But rest assured, we have the right people in place and all you’ll have to worry about is whether there’s enough snow on the ground this season.

Ron Schroeder - President

July for most people is a time to enjoy the comforts of the water, as we seek to escape the summer heat. For the Snomads Board however it’s a time to start planning for the snowmobile season that will be here quicker than you can say, “Bye bye Hillary.”
It’s time to make plans for the upcoming picnic, Board elections, General Membership meeting, the Novi Snow show, Safety Classes, ordering of trail permits and MSA raffle tickets. Time to reserve the hall for the Kick Off Party and block rooms for the rides as well as all of the other items necessary to insure a successful season.

Even though it’s still a year away, it’s time to begin planning for our 25th anniversary season. We have a couple ideas in mind for a special celebration, but welcome any and all suggestions.
I also need to make you aware of an opening on the Board for a trustee position. Our Treasurer, Mike Leppeck will be stepping down due to an increased work load, in order to support Wendy’s shopping habit. Ray Williams has volunteered to step up and assume the Treasurers duties, creating a Trustee vacancy.
If you are interested in running for the open position, here are the qualifications. You must have internet capability, be able to commit to monthly meetings, as well as possible special meetings.
You are required to bring your own unique ideas and point of view to the table, yet be flexible enough to compromise when necessary. If interested, email me at president @snomads.org and I’ll pass your name on to the nominating committee. Please include a brief note explaining the qualities and experiences that you feel makes you a good candidate.

Speaking of elections, this marks the end of my third two year term as President. At the end of the last ride season, I not only felt, but heard rumblings from several prominent members that made me feel it was time to consider stepping aside and not seek another term.
After all, the goals I had set were mostly realized. I hoped to not only maintain, but expand our visibility through our Safety program. With the hard work and dedication of Chuck Comstock and the members who’ve volunteered as Safety Instructors, that goal has been accomplished.

My other goal of making us the most recognized snowmobile club in the State, has been realized through the efforts of members like James Jetke, Kevin and Jodie Coghill, Ray Williams, Matt Baxter and the many other members that tirelessly promote us to both snowmobilers as well as the non-snowmobiling community. The result, being named as the 2007 Snowmobile Club of the Year by the MSA.
Plus, as a result of inviting Video Mike of Snowtrails TV along on the Mancelona Fun Ride, to document the Club experience, we will be featured in an upcoming Snowtrails TV show this fall.
So this would be a good time for me to slowly fade into the sunset and turn over the reins to a fresh face. Except I have one more thing I’d like to accomplish. I’d like to see us through our 25th anniversary. This is a special milestone and this organization deserves to mark it with class by honoring our past as well as going into the future with a memorable celebration.
Therefore, I will seek another two year term as your President. I will leave it up to you the membership to decide if you want to put up with me for two more years, at the General Membership meeting in September.

Finally, I’ve stayed away from bemoaning the negatives like the economy, the war, the price of oil etc. because you not only hear about it on every channel, you’re living it every day. So remember that one of the reasons you joined this Club, was for the opportunity to escape from the problems of everyday life. Let’s concentrate on this upcoming season. We already have eight rides scheduled with more to be added. Before you know it, you’ll be firing up the sleds and smelling the 2 cycle oil and Stabil . Unless you own a 4 stroke or a Cat. 4 strokes don’t smoke and Cat’s won’t start. Let the fun begin! See you all at the Picnic August 3rd at this years venue, Hadley Recreation Area, in southern Lapeer County.

Ron Schroeder - Pres.