USA-WS ED Report 6/09/08

Excutive Director Report
June 09, 2008

USA Water Ski Executive Director Report-Week of June 9, 2008

Late last week we sent a press release and an E-Blast about information regarding a new relationship we have developed with iDrive. The principal reason the relationship was created was due to a number of expressed concerns that it was becoming extremely difficult to find qualified drivers for grassroots events.

In the past we required potential drivers to attend an all-day clinic that involved written classroom work and a practicum of demonstrating boat-driving capabilities after the classroom portion was completed. The convenience factor was a huge player in this effort (getting a clinic together; driving to the clinic; spending an entire day; and so on). In consult with Jerry Bautsch, and with an assist from USA Water Ski’s Risk Management Committee chaired by Jeff Smith, we worked through the need for an online
opportunity; found the appropriate provider; and then worked on language within an on-line course that was specific to driving for towed water sports. We found a superb vendor in Shannon Starling. Shannon has developed a highly praised curriculum for boat drivers oriented around safety. He was quite willing to work with Jerry, Jeff and the Risk Management Committee, along with Brandon Wolf, USA Water Ski’s manager of competition, to modify the course for our purposes.

The iDrive online program is now available and can be accessed by going to http://www.idriveboats.com/usawaterski/ and using Promo Code USAWS38. By using this code, USA Water Ski members are entitled to 30 percent off of the normal cost of $29.95. The end cost is $20.95.

Thanks are extended to Jerry, Jeff and the Risk Management Committee, as well as Brandon and Shannon for this very convenient new training opportunity for grassroots’ drivers.

I have a personal broker, Joe, in Colorado and have used his services for years. He has been highly successful with my small investments, so I think he knows what he is talking about. He is a positive fellow when it comes to the economy. I had an interesting conversation with him earlier this week. He says the economy is not in a recession (although Warren Buffet may
disagree) because well-established indices for a recession have not been met. He recognizes we are currently mucking along through various adjustments, but as the election approaches we will become more stable, and toward the end of 2008 we will see growth. I like his way of thinking. He says that it is actually the media that skews the economy to appear worse than it is. He recently purchased a new motorcycle, and he is not going to suspend his normal spending practices. After listening to Joe express
confidence, I immediately went to a couple of USA Water Ski's catalogue sponsors and bought a couple hundred dollars worth of water sports stuff. That is so very unlike me. So, I encourage you to go buy a new boat, or some new apparel, or lines, or skis, or several wakeboards, and a handle or two.

Speaking of water sports commerce, you may have noted that we have been doing regular E-Blasts and often highlight USA Water Ski sponsors. A good measure of the health of a sport is seeing how well endemic sponsors' commerce is progressing. Recently we had a measured result from Overton's, a catalogue company with sophisticated methodology in determining where sales are originated. After our E-Blast highlighting Overton's was sent, it measured results and determined that the amount of
sales generated was a little more than a third of its total sponsorship investment with us. To be able to liquidate a third of a sponsorship investment through one E-Blast is impressive, and it demonstrates that communications through USA Water Ski holds some sway. It also indicates that the economic standing of our constituency is still vibrant, albeit rather hesitant currently as people are still purchasing fundamental need items for water sports.

Marissa Foglia, media relations and Web site coordinator for USA Water Ski, has been developing each E-Blast. She gathers newsworthy information from the staff and volunteers of our enterprise. Most of the commercial information originating around sponsors is provided through Steve Upp, director of marketing.

This past weekend I attended a local tournament for three-event water skiing. It was the 60th Lakeland Open, a Lakeland (FL) Ski Club event. It is the longest continuously running tournament in the United States. Lakeland’s Jeff Clark organizes it and has done so for the past 20 or so years. It is located near Mulberry at Ski Paradise, a property owned by Ruth and Richard Johnston, and Donna and Stan Switzer, all four are national and international level veteran skiers. I met the owners and they described the efforts they had made for more than 20 years to develop the two lakes on their property. It has been a monumental project over that time span and it shows. It is just a beautiful ski venue.

For me, watching the skiers work on their performances was great fun, particularly two groups. The older skiers were amazing as they agilely skied their sets effortlessly. All were truly graceful and athletic. The most fun of all was watching the young skiers. Brenda Baldwin was there with her family. She has two daughters and it was obvious from the outset that they both are genetically gifted. Besides Brenda’s daughters were the sons and daughters of past elite team members/Masters’ champions/pro tour champions Ricky McCormick, Lucky Lowe, Dr. Mike Morgan, Frankie Dees and Jennifer Leachman. They are all the “next generation.” All in all, the day seemed to be to be what everyone within this organization wants skiing to be – an All-American, sun-drenched healthy activity.
By the way, Anne O’Brine-Satterfield was at the event and chuckled at last week’s executive director report mention of it being
93 degrees and sticky on a regular basis in Florida already. Ann says I haven’t seen anything yet. Great.

I am off to Colorado on Wednesday and will return on Sunday. I hope everyone has a terrific weekend.

Steven M. Locke
Executive Director
slocke@usawaterski.org
Ext. 134
Member United

Steve Locke
Executive Director
USA Water Ski