Chris Manthos serves as executive director of the American Watercraft Association. When not riding, he dedicates his time to educating regulators and other officials on the realities of personal watercraft, in contrast to the fantasy world of the no-access crowd. He mows his own lawn, washes his own truck, served his country, pays his taxes, picks up trash on public roads, opens his own beer bottles, reads books, hunts, feeds his own dogs, doesn’t need government to tell him right from wrong, and deplores sanctimonious hypocrites, bullies, and know-it-alls, particularly the political kind.

Wiley Russell Jr. is the dealer coordinator of the AWA and works closely with personal watercraft dealers nationwide, promoting PWC access for all enthusiasts, as well as promoting dealerships. He is a Virginia native and enjoys riding PWC as much as possible.

John Donaldson is not the longest serving PWC government relations guy, but he’s close. He had been in the power sports industry for over a decade when his then employer decided his gift for gab and ability to write completely confusing letters were a perfect match for dealing with politicians and legislators. Since the course change in his work history, Donaldson has worked for two of the biggest PWC manufacturers as well as having a turn at running the Personal Watercraft Industry Association. Donaldson says that these government relations experiences have helped him understand that it sure isn’t the government one learns about in a text book. Further in Donaldson’s past was his service in the U.S. Coast Guard and a few years as owner of a major power sports dealership in Southern California. This diversity of government, manufacturer, and retail experience qualifies Donaldson to help keep AWA members and others informed on the latest activities of government impact on the use of PWC in the PWC Nation.

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Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Snow, Hypocrisy, Big Fish And Polar Bears
posted by Chris Manthos

The clocks turned ahead. With the smell of warmth in the air, the weeds started growing in the front yard, and then Big Momma Nature laughed and hit most of the PWC Nation with unseasonably cold weather and endless snow.

If there was ever a time for the “pride of the electric company billing office” to start releasing some more of his hypocritical hot air, right about now would be perfect. Of course, he would need to take the fossil fuel guzzling private jet to get here, so he can push for “carbon taxes” on those of us who just want to enjoy the water when we’re not working our butts off. Someday, when I’m super rich like super-sized Al; I’ll have endless hours to ride.

By the time you read this, summer, and warmth, should be right around the corner. Bring on those hot days made for personal watercraft. These boats that we love just keep getting better. It’s not just enthusiasts like you and me who feel that way: A large number of our AWA Supporting Dealers report sales are doing great. In fact, some models are selling out before they’re even delivered to the showroom. That’s nothing but fantastic news; the more the PWC Nation grows, the better off we all are. We stand stronger by standing together.

At your AWA, we don’t just keep you informed of the wacky escapades of the no-access gang, but we also ensure the truth about personal watercraft is in the mainstream. Our May/June issue shared a clear story of how the United States Marine Corps continues to use PWC in a critical role; lifesaving at the beachhead. Indeed, our brave armed forces are quickly grasping the supreme utility and capabilities of modern watercraft. We plan on showing you even more in the future. Our own Steve Dye won the coin toss and headed to see for himself where Jet Skis are born. His report is also in the May/June issue.

The AWA works for you, the PWC owner. Every single member is part of the solution; you have already stepped up and we couldn’t do it without you.

We want to recognize a few members who have made an extra effort to keep their AWA strong. These individuals signed on for three years and then rounded up their membership to an even hundred bucks. These folks aren’t concerned with recognition, but AWA would like thank them anyway:
Cuong Son, California; Brad Waldenmyer, Ohio; Whit O’Daniel, Illinois; Jimmy Kubach, Kentucky; Andy DeBord, Arizona; Dave Hoover, Virginia; Kurk Schneekluth, California; Edmund Mattran, Virginia; Ed Sobole, Ohio; Ron Di Domizio, California; Emory Minter, Virginia; Roger Schneider, California.

We will continue to recognize three-year members in the future.

Live Free. Think Free. Ride Free.

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