JERRY BASSETT, Publisher, Journalist, Historian, began his association with snowmobiling in the mid-60's when be became involved in the racing aspect of the sport, competing both nationally and internationally.After graduation from the University of New Hampshire he joined Ziff-Davis Publishing as an associate editor. Then, in 1974, Bassett joined the St. Paul based firm of Webb Publishing Company. There he served as associate editor of the original "SnowGoer", "SnowGoer Trade" and "SnoGoer Racing Annual" from 1974 to 1978 and as editor until 1986. While at Webb, Jerry also edited several ATV, motorcycle and recreational corporations' customer-oriented publications.

While at Webb, Jerry traveled extensively and was involved in many races and rides which promoted the sport of snowmobiling. But in 1986, Bassett left Webb and established Recreational Publications, Inc. His first publication, "Lake Country Tracks", was a regional, tabloid-size news magazine for midwestern snowmobilers. The popularity of this publication led to a national news magazine called "American Snowmobiler". This publication became known for delivering news and reviews in a non-biased, knowledgeable manner.

In the early days of RPI, Bassett produced a newsletter for Arctco called "Tales of the Cat". He also began publishing "Polaris Spirit" which is now called "Polaris Pro Spirit". Then, in 1989, Bassett wrote the first of two books for Polaris Industries. "Polaris Pioneers' is a comprehensive history commissioned for Polaris' 35th anniversary. "Polaris Partners", a book on the company's more recent, post-buyout years was done for Polaris' 40th anniversary celebration in 1994.

After his many years in the sport, Bassett recognized the need for a comprehensive guide to snowmobiling. Now the "American Snowmobiler Source Book" is recognized as "the information standard for the sport".

Jerry Bassett's long association with the sport has uniquely qualified him as one to speak out on the issue facing the sport today.

ROSS EDMONSTONE, Volunteer, Club organizer, nominated by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) purchased his first sled in 1972. In the years since, he has moved from local club involvement to becoming OFSC Director, Vice-President and finally became the organization's President in 1976. He also served a term as provincial Treasurer. Following this he was elected President of the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO) and subsequently became its General Manager.

Ross Edmonstone has helped shape some of the most momentous years in the history of organized snowmobiling in Ontario as well as Canada. His contribution to the OFSC, to its member clubs, to its volunteers and to our collective snowmobiling future will be valued and remembered for years to come. His legacy is that of building the OFSC into a leader in international snowmobiling and that of building the foundation for the CCSO to play a key role both in Canadian snowmobiling and in the International Snowmobile Council.

More importantly, Mr. Edmonstone is a snowmobiler who dedicated himself to the betterment of the sport he loves and enjoys. His illustrious career in organized snowmobiling has assured him of local as well as national and international respect and admiration.

Mr. Edmonstone has also been actively involved in the charity aspect of the sport. As an organizer and supporter of "Snowarama" which began as a local fund-raiser for the Faster Seal Society, Ross has seen this event grow were, within the past twenty years, "Snowarama" has been responsible for raising over $12 million to benefit Easter Seals and the disabled children it serves.

Ross Edmonstone certainly personifies the Volunteer/Organizer aspect of the sport.

WILLIAM G. NESS, Inventor, Designer, of Thief River Falls, MN joined Arctic Enterprises, Inc. in 1966 as Director of Engineering and served on that company 5 Board of Directors. His engineering skills made possible many of Arctic Cats' new model snowmobiles. He was also involved in the development and production of several of the famous Arctic Cat "dragsters" which served to enhance the publics' awareness of the sport of snowmobiling.

Mr. Ness was a leader in assisting the snowmobile industrys' establishment of safety standards for snowmobiles in the late 1960's and early 1970's. This set of rules eventually became the criteria for the present Snowmobile Safety Certification Program which is in effect today.

His management skills and contacts with various domestic and foreign manufacturers and suppliers were crucial in making possible the formation of Arctco, Inc. present manufacturer of Arctic Cat snowmobiles. During his association with both Arctic Enterprises and Arctco, Mr. Ness has held management positions ranging from Board of Director's member and Director of Engineering with Arctic Enterprises to President and Chief Executive Officer of Arctco, Inc.

Mr. Ness presently serves as a Director of the International Snowmobile Industry Association as well as the National Snowmobile Foundation. In addition to his involvement with Arctco, Inc. and snowmobile-related organizations, Mr. Ness presently serves as a director for numerous local, regional and state organizations. He has also garnered numerous awards resulting from his civic activities. In addition to remaining active in civic affairs, Mr. Ness is intimately familiar with agri-business as he presently manages and operates a 1600 acre grain farm.

William G. Ness is an excellent example of the type of management person needed to make snowmobiling the recreational activity and industry it has became today.

KEN STEWART, a Volunteer/Club Organizer who resides in Redfield, SD, originally became interested in the organizational aspect of the sport in 1969 when he attended his first South Dakota Snowmobile Convention. At that time the South Dakota Snowmobile Association (SDSA) was a fledgling organization. Stewart's first SDSA convention was held in Watertown, SD, lasted about three hours and had an attendance of approximately twenty delegates. But, it was this initial exposure which impressed on him the importance organization could and would have regarding the sport.

Ken began his organizational efforts on the local club level where he assisted in organizing the first snowmobile club in Redfield being elected Vice-President that first year. He then became the club's President and also served as Membership Committee Chairman.

Ken has attended every SDSA Convention since 1969 and was elected a Director of that organization in 1974. In 1977 he became SDSA's President and following year served as its Executive Director. It was at this time he was appointed to the Governor's Advisory Council on Trails.

Ken attended his first International Snowmobile Congress (ISC) when it was held in Chicago, IL in 1976. He has attended each congress since and also serves as SDSA's delegate to the Midwest Chapter of the ISC. He also served as Chairman of the committee responsible for organizing the congress when it was held in Rapid City, SD.

At the state level, he assisted in the passage of numerous laws beneficial to the sport including: establishment of a state trail fund, a gasoline tax refund, a 3% sales tax levied on both new and used sleds as well as a two year registration for resident's sleds. All of these sources of revenue benefited a Dedicated Trail Fund.

As a result of his involvement at all levels of the sport, Ken has been the recipient of numerous awards recognizing his dedication and leadership. He also has a very impressive collection of over a hundred antique snowmobiles.

Ken Stewart is a volunteer who enjoys serving the sport of snowmobiling and embodies all of the qualities necessary to be honored as a true Volunteer/Club Organizer for the sport.