 The Leading Edge - Spring 2006
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In this Issue...
Welcome to the fourth electronic version of The Leading Edge, the SMSA's official newsletter.
This issue focuses on the SMSA Annual Conference to be held in August 2006, with a sneek peek at the 2007 Conference.
Is there something you would like to see included in The Leading Edge? If so, send it our way: LeadingEdge@smsa.org.
We look forward to receiving your feedback!
SMSA to Participate in Technical Working Group
SMSA is thrilled to announce that it will participate in a new working group. The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has invited us to participate in a “Motorcycle Technical Working Group.”
Highway Safety Services, Inc. has been contracted by AAMVA and NHTSA to spearhead a complete review revision of two NHTSA documents – the Motorcycle Operator Licensing System, and Integrating Rider Education and Licensing. Mr. Brett Robinson, of Highway Safety Services, Inc, will manage this working group. We expect that this project will take about eighteen months, and will involve at least two face-to-face meetings with other group members, plus many conference calls.
For those of you that have involvement in the licensing process, we hope to have new and up-to-date publications for your use.
 2007 Annual Conference Site Selected
The SMSA is happy to announce that the site for the 2007 conference in Buffalo, New York has been selected. After extensive research by the staff at the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program, the SMSA has secured a contract with the Adam’s Mark Hotel in Buffalo, New York to hold our Annual Conference on August 18-19.
New York State has some great roads to ride and the Buffalo/Niagara Falls region provides a variety of attractions sure to please our attendees and their guests. The Adam’s Mark Hotel was selected as they offered the best facility and opportunities for a successful conference. For information regarding the Adam’s Mark Hotel, please visit their website at www.adamsmark.com/buffalo. Room rates during the 2007 SMSA Conference will be at $99.00 per night single/double occupancy plus applicable service charges and taxes.
We look forward to seeing you in New York!
Opportunity for Motorcycle Safety VendorsThe SMSA would like to invite you to exhibit during the August 2006 National Motorcycle Safety Conference in Austin, Texas – August 19-20, 2006.
Over 400 professionals will attend this conference...people who are interested in and use your products! Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
Vendor Registration Fee is $195.00. Fee includes on 8’ x 8’ vendor area with 6’ skirted table, 2 chairs and draping. Additional 8’ x 8’ vendor spaces are offered based on availability and SMSA approval at $145.00 per space. Electricity and other requirements are available at the Doubletree Hotel Austin.
Click here to view our vendor brochure in PDF, or click here to access our vendor application.
For access to conference sessions and meals for one person, the early registration fee is $170.00. Registration fee received after July 19, 2006 is $195.00. Take advantage of the savings: review and submit our online conference registration form.
SMSA Welcomes Contributions for Annual ConferenceIn order to provide a quality conference for our attendees, the SMSA accepts the following:
- Door Prizes
- Cash Donations
- Product Samples for Attendees
- Sponsorship of Breaks/Meals
- Coffee Break $625
- Continental Breakfast $1,200
- Luncheon $3,000
- Reception $5,500
If you are interested in contributing door prizes or product samples for attendees for the August 19-20, 2006 conference, please contact Clif Burdette at the Texas Department of Public Safety as follows:
Email: Clifton.burdette@txdps.state.tx.us
Phone: 512-424-2021
If you are interested in contributing cash donations or sponsorship for breaks/meals, please contact the SMSA Business Manager, Ruth Wilson as follows:
Email: smsabusinessmgr@smsa.org
Phone: 303-797-2318
Register Now for the 2006 Annual Conference in Austin, TexasOnline registration is now available for the 2006 Annual Conference. Learn more about this year's conference:
 When:
August 19-20, 2006
Where:
National Motorcycle Safety Conference
Doubletree Hotel
6505 Interstate Highway – 35 North
Austin, Texas
Phone: 512-454-3737
Fax: 512-419-0102
www.austin.doubletree.com
- Reservations: 512-454-3737 or 1-800-222-TREE – request SMSA group rate. You can also make your reservations on-line at www.austin.doubletree.com. Please use the following three-letter code when making your on-line reservations to ensure you receive the SMSA group rate: SMC
- Rate $69.00 per night plus 15% occupancy tax.
Room reservations must be made by July 19, 2006 to receive the conference-lodging rate. Limited room block available. Guaranteed reservations will be held until Midnight the day of arrival.
DOUBLETREE AUSTIN:
The Doubletree Hotel Austin is conveniently located at the Intersection of IH-35 and Highway 290 East, just 5 minutes from downtown Austin and 20 minutes from Austin Bergstrom International Airport.
AIRPORT:
The Austin Bergstrom International Airport is located approximately 20 minutes from the Doubletree Austin Hotel.
AUSTIN BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DIRECTIONS:
From airport, turn west (left) onto Hwy, 71/Take Hwy 71 West to 183 North. Take Hwy, 183 North to Hwy 290. Take Hwy 290 West (left) to the IH-35.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION:
The DoubleTree does not provide shuttle service from the airport to the hotel. For Taxi Service Contact:
- SuperShuttle of Austin – 512-258-3826
Approximate cost; $13.50 per person one-way (available at the airport)
- Yellow Cab – 512-452-9999
Approximate cost; $26-$30 for up to four persons one-way
- Roy’s Taxi – 512-482-0000
Approximate cost; $26-$30 for up to four persons one-way
VENDOR REGISTRATION FEE $195.00
Call 303-797-2318 to request the vendor brochure or click here to download the Vendor Brochure (PDF).
Click here for more information on the schedule of events or to register online.
* Detailed agenda available July 20, 2006
SMSA Website Provides Valuable InformationHave you had the opportunity to visit the SMSA website lately?
This website provides valuable information including but not limited to:
- List of SMSA Executive Committee Members
- Benefits of SMSA Membership
- Membership Application
- Listing of Current SMSA Members
- Annual Conference Information
- Annual Calendar
- Promotional Materials
- Reports
- Job Opportunities
- SMSA Gear
Please take a moment to visit the website and let us know if there is additional information you would like added to the site. Your input and recommendations are always welcomed.
Your Regional Representatives
Eastern Region
Mr. Chad Burns
(Term expires 8/2007)
Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program
5036 Highway 85
Forest Park, Georgia 30297-2405
Phone: 404-669-2950
Fax: 404-669-2986
Email: cburns@dds.ga.gov
www.gadmvs.com
Mr. Michael Melis
(Term expires 8/2006)
697 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, New York 10025-6933
Phone: 212-579-5543
Fax: 212-579-7401
Email: mmelis@manys.org
Central Region
Mr. Robert Secrest
(Term expires 8/2007)
Motorcycle Ohio
P.O. Box 182081
Columbus, OH 43218-2081
Phone: 614-466-4041
or 1-800-83-RIDER (800-837-4337)
Fax: 614-728-8330
E-mail: bsecrest@dps.state.oh.us
www.state.oh.us/odps/mo
Mr. Ronald Thompson
(Term expires 8/2006)
Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program
4802 Sheboygan Ave., Room 551
Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7936
Phone: 608-266-7855
Fax: 608-267-0441
Email: ron.thompson@dot.state.wi.us
Western Region
Ms. Carol Thurn
(Term expires 8/2006)
North Dakota Department of Transportation
Office of Traffic Safety
608 E. Boulevard Ave.
Bismarck, North Dakota 58505
Phone: 701-328-4354
Fax: 701-328-2435
Email: cthurn@state.nd.us
Ms. Michele Calvert
(Term expires 8/2007)
Montana Motorcycle Rider Safety
MSU-Northern
P.O. Box 7751
Havre, Montana 59501
Phone: 406-265-3565
1-800-922- BIKE
1-800-662-6132 ext. 3565
Fax: 406-265-3570
Email: mcalvert@msun.edu
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