John Donaldson
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.
Chris Manthos
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.
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.
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Contact the American Watercraft Association
PO Box 1993 | Ashburn, VA 20147 | p. 800.913.2921 | f. 703.777.1566
PO Box 1993 | Ashburn, VA 20147 | p. 800.913.2921 | f. 703.777.1566
| When Good News is No News |
| Written by Chris Manthos |
| Tuesday, 01 June 2010 13:22 |
 Perhaps you missed it. We certainly almost did. The Environmental Protection Agency recently slipped out a reporton the nation’s air quality, and the news isn’t just good; it’s fantastic! According to a very quiet press release, the EPA announced America’s air quality has “improved significantly for the six common air pollutants” since 1990. In fact, emissions of toxic air pollutants have declined by an astounding 40 percent in the last two decades.As boaters who spend a goodly amount of time on the water, this is welcome information. Yet strangely enough this much needed good news is nearly absent from the standard feed of looming environmental disaster offered by large media outlets and big corporate envrio groups. The silence this spring is deafening. As an independent observer I know correctly remarked; “those people aren’t in the business of good news.”
AWA members and personal watercraft manufacturers have been at the forefront of the technology trend which in large part produced these dramatic declines in pollution. While some self-flagellate over a perceived notion that human kind is some sort of invasive species to our blue ball here in space, personal watercraft riders don’t need government studies to know that air and water quality have improved. Nature is
in our face every time we hit the start button. From every part of the PWC Nation, we often hear riders comment on striking improvements in air and water quality. So, where is everyone else talking about this fantastic news? We too, wonder.
As boaters who spend a goodly amount of time on the water, this is welcome information. Yet strangely enough this much needed good news is nearly absent from the standard feed of looming environmental disaster offered by large media outlets and big corporate envrio groups. The silence this spring is deafening. As an independent observer I know correctly remarked; “those people aren’t in the business of good news.”
AWA members and personal watercraft manufacturers have been at the forefront of the technology trend which in large part produced these dramatic declines in pollution. While some self-flagellate over a perceived notion that human kind is some sort of invasive species to our blue ball here in space, personal watercraft riders don’t need government studies to know that air and water quality have improved. Nature is in our face every time we hit the start button. From every part of the PWC Nation, we often hear riders comment on striking improvements in air and water quality. So, where is everyone else talking about this fantastic news? We too, wonder.
Even more good news hit the PWC community; sales of personal watercraft were up in late winter according to a report in the industry publication Trade Only Today. While notable declines were evident for larger boats, PWC sales rose over 5 percent. Perhaps boaters are seeing the amazing advances and extreme cost savings associated with owning a modern per- sonal watercraft. They’re safe, stable, easy to operate, and most important, fun. PWC provide unique capabilities to explore out of the way locations and waterways at a fraction of the expense a larger boat brings. Be it camping on a remote river beach with good friends; or a near shore island with family, or even pulling into your own driveway at the end of the day, either way, you’re not paying by the foot for dock space or watching the fuel pump numbers blur by at wallet draining speed. Riding a personal watercraft is freedom, and not just the legislative kind; rather it’s a freedom of mind. Many of us ride regularly with friends and family members. We all share the same passion of our unique segment of the boating commu- nity. For many, some of the best friends we’ve ever made we met in a personal watercraft related activity. One way to spend time with like-minded folks is to attend an AWA club event this year. From the west coast, to the heart land, to the north woods, back down to Dixie, AWA clubs are holding their own events and all riders are welcome to come and enjoy our common choice of outdoor recreation. I encourage you to look through this issue of Ride and see the diverse events taking place all over the PWC Nation. Then hook up the boats, and go. Many are only a few hours away from anywhere. We believe any time spent on the water strengthens bonds and keeps positive information flowing through the community.
After the brutality Mother Nature threw down on us this winter, we all desire some warm sunshine, smooth water, and the rush of freedom brought on by a personal watercraft. There are few ways better to unwind and refresh the soul and clear the mind. Leave the petty bureaucrats and intrusive fun-haters to your AWA; that’s our job. What we need you to do is ride more than ever. In fact, we challenge every member to look at their hour meter today, and then tack on 100 hours of riding this season. That’s a hundred hours of fun, nature, fresh air and mental clarity. Commit yourself and those you ride with to do 100 hours. We don’t have to tell you how easy and enjoyable it is. We think that after this winter, you deserve the incredible therapeutic benefits which come with a long personal watercraft Ride.
Think Free. Live Free. Ride Free.
Chris Manthos |
