This January issue marks the kick off every year of the SAMMY nomination period. From January 1 to March 31 we will be accepting nomination forms (page 15) for those individuals who will lead our industry to new heights. The best way we can give you an idea of the perfect SAMMY candidate is to look at the winners from the past five years (also page 15). We are very proud to say that every SAMMY winner has been, and continues to be, an exemplary model of innovative, strong leadership.
We would also like to recognize the 2003 SAMMY sponsors—Leitner-Poma and Acordia. They have supported the SAMMYs since the beginning five years ago and we’re happy to have them back for another year.
Nominations can come from either the resort or the supplier side of our industry. You can fax the form in this issue to us or fill it out online by clicking the SAMMY icon on our home page at www.saminfo.com. So, take a moment to look around your organization and see who shows exciting promise of great things to come.
Rental Handbook 2003
With many resorts seeing in the neighborhood of 30 percent of their clients renting and some suppliers reporting up to 40 and sometimes 60 percent of their equipment going into the rental pool, it is more important than ever to give rental the attention it needs and deserves. It has always been the less glamorous side of the industry, with images of beat-up equipment, smelly feet and frustrated customers. But a growing number of resorts and suppliers are putting the time and money into what is one of the fastest growing segments of our industry.
Along with your January issue, you received a copy of our annual Rental Equipment Handbook. Under the new direction of Rick Kahl, the handbook underwent a redesign of its own. The goal this year was to provide more buying guidance in each category to make the decision-making process as simple as possible. We also gave more focus to helmets because of the rise in awareness about this product. And, snow tubes and snow bikes were added to the mix.
What can you expect from rental equipment next year? Bombproof skis are back. Rossignol came out with one for the Midwest buying group and now other manufacturers are offering their own versions.
Please, use the book and feel free to give us any suggestions to make it even more useful in the future. We are committed to doing everything we can to serve the rental market because we feel that it is vital to our growth. And for your rental decision-makers, we are once again sponsoring Rental Alley at the SIA Vegas show from January 27 to January 30. Resorts and rental shops can compare products and preview the latest trends all in one place.
Olivia Rowan, Associate Publisher
