SIA WORKS WITH CONGRESS TO REDUCE TARIFFS ON SNOW SPORTS PRODUCTS
SnowSports Industries America notches another success in its efforts to reduce tariffs on imports of manufactured snow sports products. In cooperation with the SIA's law firm, DLA Piper US LLP, SIA worked with members of Congress to extend duty breaks for snowboard boots, which were set to expire this year, until the end of 2009. Additionally, the duty was further reduced from 4 percent to 0 percent. Products included in this duty reduction are snowboard boots, ski boots and cross country ski footwear.

Footwear that fit the following description may now be imported free of duty: "Ski boots, cross country ski footwear or snowboard boots, the foregoing valued at over $12/pair, with outer soles of rubber, plastics, leather or composition leather and uppers of textile materials (provided for in subheading 6404.11.90)." All other ski and snowboard boots and cross country ski footwear (i.e., those with uppers of plastic or leather) already enter duty-free.

This duty reduction means that all snow sports footwear may now be imported into the United States duty-free. SIA members who manufacture snow sports footwear with textile uppers overseas will save hundreds of thousands of dollars on duties. Last year, importers spent $235,000 on duties for snowboard boots, ski boots and cross country ski footwear with textile uppers. SIA points out this may be a good opportunity for cross country ski footwear makers to explore making more products with textile uppers in order to take advantage of this significant duty break.

SIA would like to acknowledge the continued support it has received from Chairmen Grassley and Thomas, Senator Leahy, and their respective staffs on this bill. We would also like to express our appreciation to the Outdoor Industry Association for supporting our efforts.

URGENT CASTING NOTICE - FEMALE CROSS COUNTRY SKIER FOR NATIONAL TV COMMERCIAL
Casting call for a a national SAG TV commercial for Ford. The scene involves a female nordic skier 20-35 years old. Casting is THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9 between 11:00AM - 1:00PM at SOUTH BAY STUDIOS - 20434 S. Santa Fe Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90810. You must bring your skis, boots and poles and wear Nordic ski attire. This commercial SHOOTS on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10 at the same studio.

Please call Cathi Carlton Casting to set up an audition or for more information 310-581-3000, x 234.

The National Snow Industries Association and the Canadian Ski Council Join Forces with Winter Trails Organizers to Promote Venues in Canada
Organizers of Winter Trails, the National Snow Industry Association and the Canadian Ski Council are collaborating to better promote existing and new Winter Trails sites in Canada. Winter Trails is the annual international event that introduces children and adults to snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Since its inception 12 years ago, Winter Trails venues have grown from 11 sites to more than 100 sites in 2006. Winter Trails is spearheaded by SnowSports Industries America (SIA) in partnership with the Cross Country Ski Areas Association (CCSAA) and the American Hiking Society (AHS).

In 2006, there were eight Winter Trails sites in the provinces of Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia and at least that many are expected to participate in Winter Trails 2007. "This seemed like a natural fit, considering the synergy between SIA in the states and NSIA in Canada," said Anna DiMeglia, president of NSIA.

"We have wanted to work more closely with the National Snow Industry Association to promote snow sports in North America and Winter Trails is an excellent program on which we can collaborate," said David Ingemie, president of SIA. "The Canadian Ski Council has an extensive media relations outreach effort and established resources that can strengthen the credibility of Winter Trails throughout North America."

"We are pleased to be working with SIA and CCSAA in Canada and we look forward to collectively introducing children and adults to snow sports," said Colin Chedore, executive director of the Canadian Ski Council.

Winter Trails will take place in North America on January 6, 2007. For locations and more information, visit www.wintertrails.org.

TSL Snowshoes Sets Up Shop in Williston, Vermont
In 2004, Tubbs snowshoe company was acquired and all Vermont production was relocated to China. This move not only left a void in the Vermont economy, but it left several former employees to contemplate their next move. These employees decided to join forces taking advantage of their vast knowledge of snowshoe design, manufacturing and distribution to start their own innovative snowshoe company, TSL Snowshoes.

In 2005, Arnaud Claude, an industry veteran, created Vermont Snowshoe Ventures, LLC in preparation for the launch of TSL Snowshoes, LLC. With the recent exodus of wintersport companies from Vermont, Claude and TSL Snowshoes were awarded substantial tax credits from the Vermont Economic Progress Council to locate within the state of Vermont. A partnership is formed with TSL Sports Equipment of France -the snowshoe industry world leader- to develop a new and innovative binding system working with a revolutionary and proprietary toe-cord rotating system to be used exclusively on its U.S. made aluminum snowshoes. The partnership continues with TSL Sports Equipment becoming the exclusive distributor of the U.S. made aluminum snowshoes through its extensive international distributor network of 35 countries outside of North America. In return, TSL Snowshoes, LLC will be the exclusive distributor in North America of TSL Sports Equipment's composite snowshoes and accessories including trekking poles, head lamps, gaiters and backpacks. All snowshoes, aluminum and composite, sold in North America will be assembled in the new Williston, Vermont facility.

In January 2006, TSL Snowshoes, LLC unveiled its first line of aluminum snowshoes made in Vermont, including 20 models in four different series at the outdoor retailer show in Salt Lake City. The product was well received and orders were placed

Throughout this time period, Claude has been building one of the finest and most knowledgeable teams in the business. Lee Jobin, Production Manager, and Fran Mahoney, R&D Manager, with 20+ years of snowshoe experience were hired early on to design, build and produce prototypes and samples for display at the Outdoor Retailer show. With the success of the show, they now are deep into the process and logistics of coordinating the mass production of TSL products. Ted McGuinness has signed on as the Director of Sales and Operations. McGuinness, formerly Vice President of Operations with Trak Sports USA, will be responsible for building the U.S. sales team as well as day to day operations at TSL's U.S. headquarters in Williston.

For more information please contact Arnaud Claude at arnaud@tslsnowshoes.com or Ted McGuinness at ted@tslsnowshoes.com or (866)342-5579.

Minnesota-Made Ski & Snowboard Bags
zebulonUSA.com is pleased to announce the introduction of a line of American-made Ski and Snowboard bags manufactured by Battle Lake Outdoors. Battle Lake Outdoors is known for their durable products constructed from high quality American-made materials. Located in the heart of Minnesota, Battle Lake Outdoors is a family-owned business dedicated to crafting high quality packs and bags. They practice environmentally conscious manufacturing through minimal waste generation, little or no packaging and by designing and producing intentionally long-lived products. Based in Shakopee, Minn. zebulonUSA.com is an online retailer selling items made in the U.S. in an effort to promote American manufacturing and the employment it provides. Current product lines include apparel, bags, luggage, toys and games.