OUTDOOR RECREATION

Motorcycles, ATVs, and Side-by-Sides Deliver Billions in Business Across U.S.

Powersports remains a high-ranking component of the American outdoor recreation business, which generated more than $1 trillion in economic output, provided nearly five million jobs, and grew by nearly 5 percent according to the latest figures from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

A recent Outdoor Recreation Roundtable webinar – which included the MIC’s Scott Schloegel, senior vice president at the Government Relations Office – reviewed some of the 2022 data, showing that outdoor recreation:

• Accounted for 2.2 percent of America’s gross domestic product
• Accounted for 3.2 percent of U.S. employment
• Grew at a rate of 4.8 percent compared to 1.9 percent for the U.S. economy
• Doubled its job growth compared to that of the U.S. economy

“This analysis demonstrates outdoor recreation’s powerful and positive economic impact on the U.S. economy and jobs as the nation continued to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic and Americans continued to prioritize time outside,” the ORR stated.

“The strong data from BEA are in sync with our own sales numbers showing continued and immense consumer interest in outdoor recreation with powersports vehicles,” said MIC President and CEO Erik Pritchard. “In fact, our data show that dual-sport motorcycles, which can be used on- and off-road for recreation, have doubled in sales since 2016, and off-road motorcycle sales are on a significant growth trajectory. Having annual data from BEA will help legislators understand the significant economic impact that the outdoor recreation industry brings to our nation, and why investments to protect and grow access to public lands and waters is essential to the health of America and Americans. It also proves that big dividends come from federal funding for programs like the Recreational Trails Program, which benefits motorized and non-motorized recreational interests for people of all abilities.”

APPLY BY FRIDAY

Exhibitors Invited to Spotlight Their Latest on a Special Las Vegas Stage

The AIMExpo team is inviting show floor exhibitors to launch their new products on the New Product Central presentation stage at the Las Vegas show. Once again, an AIMExpo product ambassador will be available to discuss the new products along with company representatives.

Traditionally only open to media, the NPC stage will be located on the show floor and all attendees are invited to watch. Presentations will be scheduled throughout Tuesday and Wednesday, February 6-7, and participating exhibitors will be highlighted in AIMExpo communications sent to attendees prior to the show.

“We are looking for companies with products that are newsworthy, unique, high-tech, and of interest to the media,” said Andre Albert, MIC director of sales and marketing. “Ideally, these products will also be seen for the first time at AIMExpo.”

Filling out and submitting the online New Product Central application does not guarantee a presentation slot. The deadline to apply is Friday, December 1, and successful applicants will be notified by January 2.

LAS VEGAS 2024

AIMExpo Keynote Speaker: David Savlowitz on Unleashing “Blue Ocean” Success

David Savlowitz and Michael Ponton of Competitive Analytics will deliver the keynote address, “Navigating New Horizons: Unleashing Success with Blue Ocean Strategy,” all about sustainable, long-term growth and finding untapped consumers, up on the Disruptive Thinking stage at AIMExpo 2024.

“The transformative power of blue ocean strategy is essential for achieving unparalleled success,” Savlowitz said. “Currently, many industries and businesses operate in ‘red oceans,’ where merciless competition turns the ocean blood red. But ‘blue oceans’ have vast, uncharted possibilities that can lead to profits and opportunities for all. In a rapidly evolving economic and business landscape, the need for innovation and differentiation has never been more crucial. AIMExpo brings competitors and colleagues together under one roof at one time with a singular goal of continuous improvement to move the industry forward – we do this together.”

“Savlowitz and Ponton are both extremely knowledgeable about our space and recognized leaders in business strategy and economics,” said Erik Pritchard, MIC president and CEO. “Their insights and ideas will help all of us level up our business strategies.”

The keynote session will be on the show floor’s main stage on Tuesday, February 6. The trade show’s full education lineup can be viewed on the AIMExpo website.

RIGHT RIDER ACCESS FUND

Colorado Motorcycle Club Earns a Grant, Buys Riding Gear, Preps New Coaches

The Central Colorado Mountain Riders used its 2023 grant from the Right Rider Access Fund to help purchase seven sets of riding gear for beginners, enroll two board members in a Motorcycle Safety Foundation DirtBike School coach prep, and rent fairground facilities for training. The club is one of six groups across the country that received RRAF funding to help with keeping trails well maintained and open.

The $1,400 gear purchase came with a nonprofit discount from Rocky Mountain ATV/MC. In addition to the prep for the CCMR board members, the club also paid for training three more members and one U.S. Forest Service employee, plus an RRAF banner for display. The club supports rider education and plans to use the DirtBike School coaching certifications to help new motorcyclists in the area.

The RRAF is a charitable, community benefit organization created in 2011 to support off-highway vehicle enthusiasts directly, by supplementing the work of the MIC, the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association. Its mission is to promote the safe and responsible use of off-highway vehicles and to preserve their access to appropriate lands.

The RRAF is accepting grant applications until January 15 and staff members will review them through February 15.

MPN has already garnered great support from numerous powersports companies wanting to back “2 Wheels 2 Ways.” As filming wraps up, don’t let your brand miss out on the chance to be included. Various sponsorships are still available. For inquiries into sponsorship packages, please reach out to David Benson at (330) 670-1234, extension 210, or email him at dbenson@babcox.com.