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Dec. 6, 2004 – Distributor Report

SMITH OPTICS REORGANIZES
The recent retirement of Marketing Senior Vice President Kerry Marumoto has spurred officials at Smith Optics to re-evaluate and revamp the company’s departmental structure.
“Kerry’s knowledge and experience will be missed by the marketing group as well as the company. But, his retirement has given us the opportunity to assess our internal organization and we now will be in a better position to quickly react to the new and constant challenges of our marketplace,” says Ned Post, president of Smith Optics.
One part of the new initiative has Ketchum, Idaho-based Smith relocating its accessories program to its Southern California office in San Clemente. However, according to Post, the primary changes will affect the marketing group, beginning with the formation of a new product department.
Eric Carlson, a Smith Optics veteran of nine years, is now director of product and merchandising, reporting directly to Post. He will oversee all aspects of product management and development.
Christine Gould, formerly the marketing resources manager, will shift duties slightly, with a more focused emphasis on retail displays and collateral as the visual merchandising manager. Ben Flandro, marketing coordinator of three years, has been promoted to fill the position of goggle product manager, replacing Daryl Price.
The marketing department is now headed up by Marketing Manager Tag Kleiner. Kleiner will oversee all promotions managers and direct all marketing and promotional efforts. Current Advertising and Public Relations Manager Liz Randall also reports to Kleiner, and both will continue to oversee all visual communications that come from Smith Optics in collaboration with Nemo Design. The marketing group reports to Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Blair Clark.
For those seeking employment in either Ketchum or San Clemente, Smith is seeking qualified candidates for Carlson’s former job of sunglass product manager, as well as a new accessories manager for the San Clemente facility. That person will report to Smith Optics Western Regional Sales Manager Mike Martin.
Founded in 1965, Smith now retails products in more than 50 countries.

LANGLEY LEAVES PROGRESSIVE
Larry Langley has left Progressive Suspension and can now be found at Travelcade Seats.
Langley worked at Progressive for the past 12 years, ending his stint as head of media relations on Nov. 18.
“It was a very tough decision to make as I have worked for Progressive almost from when Jay started the company and full time for the past 12 years,” Langley said. “I have a lot of friends here and have made many more in the motorcycle industry because of Progressive. But the great thing is that I will still be working in the motorcycle industry and will be able to see my friends on a regular basis.”
Langley started at Travelcade on Nov. 29.

EDELBROCK 1Q REVENUES DROP 5.9%
Edelbrock Corporation, Torrance, Calif., reported net income of $350,000, or $0.06 per diluted share, for the first quarter of its 2005 fiscal year ended Sept. 25, 2004. This compares to net income of $467,000, or $0.09 per diluted share, for the first quarter of fiscal 2004.
Edelbrock revenues for the period ended Sept. 25 decreased 5.9% to $26,032,000 from revenues of $27,658,000 in the same period a year ago.
Results for the quarter reflect professional fees and other costs totaling $179,000 associated with the pending “going-private” transaction proposed by Edelbrock’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, O. Victor Edelbrock, in April 2004, company officials said in a prepared statement.
Furthermore, Edelbrock attributed the decrease in revenues for the first quarter of fiscal 2005 primarily to timing of sales orders in connection with its “VIP” dating program, a stagnant economy, the higher price of gasoline, and uncertainty related to the national election.

CORBIN OFFERS GIFT PACKAGE
Corbin is again offering the Corbin Gift Certificate program for the Holidays.
Corbin dealers will receive a package along with their point of purchase hangers and program information Here’s how it works:
1. Customers purchase gift certificates in any amount over $25.
2. The dealer calls in the order and get the margin immediately. Example: A $100 gift certificate costs the dealer $70.
3. Corbin will drop-ship a gift pack directly to the customer, paying shipping costs to anywhere in the U.S. The gift pack contains the gift certificate in the full amount and a free tee shirt along with a referral to make sure the customer redeems the gift at the dealership from which it was purchased.

BLACKWIDOW OFFERS CANNONDALE PARTS
Blackwidow ATV Works, Inc., Salt Lake City, now offers an online ordering and delivery system devoted to hard-to-find Cannondale ATV and motorcycle parts.
Blackwidow company officials say they have contracted with several parts manufacturers to supply many of the items most highly sought after by those who own and maintain Cannondale motorcycles and ATVs.
The new Web-based ordering and shipping system ensures most orders are filled immediately and shipped the same day. In addition, dealers and owners seeking hard-to-find parts can request a Cannondale part quote, and the Blackwidow parts department will locate the part and return a quote within 72 hours. Quantity pricing is also available for dealers.
Visit www.blackwidowatv.com for more information.

MAG EUROPE EXPANDS WEB OFFERING
Thomas Breed, Managing Director of MAG Europe, says the company now offers approximately 4,000 part-numbers and 1,500 pictures in its online catalog.
Visit www.mageurope.net to see what MAG is doing overseas.

GLOBAL RELEASES 2005 CATALOG
Global Motorsport Group, Inc. has released its 2005 Custom Chrome Catalog.
Company officials say the catalog, with 1,400 pages featuring more than 21,000 products, is the most comprehensive product offering in Custom Chrome’s 35-year history.
Custom Chrome’s apparel line has been reintroduced into the catalog for 2005, sharing pages with brands like Santee, RevTech, Motor Factory, HR3, Streetware, Chrome Gear, and ‘Signature Series’ lines by Rick Doss, Donnie Smith, Paul Yaffe, John Reed and Jesse James.
Global Motorsport Group, Inc., designs, manufactures, markets and distributes aftermarket motorcycle parts and accessories and does business as Custom Chrome, Santee, Custom Chrome Europe, Custom Chrome Far East and Motorcycle Stuff. The company services a network of independent dealers throughout North America, Europe and Asia/Pacific.

MOTOTECH OFFERS 10% DISCOUNT
MotoTech Solutions says it will offer a 10% discount on all first-time dealer orders of PowerPegz. This discount offer will be for a limited time only. PowerPegz are a rotating off-road motorcycle footpeg that improves stability and riding performance.
MotoTech Solutions is based in El Dorado Hills, Calif. PowerPegz incorporate a unique rotating action that allows the peg to rotate forward and backward in movement with the natural motion of the rider’s feet, promoting faster and smoother body positioning while providing constant, maximum footpeg grip and load distribution through the entire body motion range.
“PowerPegz are beginning to gain strong acceptance and loyalty from riders,” said John Christy, MotoTech Solutions Vice President of Marketing. “We are confident that PowerPegz are a solid line for all off-road powersport dealers to carry, and we are willing to back that with a 10% discount on all first-time orders.”
For more information, visit www.powerpegz.com.

MAXSYM INTRODUCES FOUR-STROKES
UK-based Maxsym Engine Technology Ltd. revealed its GP500 and GP600 four-stroke competition engines while at INTERMOT in September.
Designed for motorcycles, karts, ATVs and single-seat racecars, these parallel twins incorporate Maxsym’s patented balance system, weigh between 66 pounds and 82 pounds — including transmission — and will be available in a range of specifications generating 70bhp to110 bhp at between 11,000rpm and 14,000 rpm. A 450cc version may also make it into production. The engines will be sold to vehicle OEMs, race teams and individual competitors. Retail prices start at $9,300.
Build options include transmission and dry clutch, fully programmable EMS and sensors, barrel throttle, butterfly throttle or carburettors. The engines are even available with a fixed reduction gear in place of the transmission for the direct-drive personal watercraft and snowmobiles. Other options: magnesium crankcases and cover sets, and titanium con rods.
The company said first deliveries are scheduled for March. A deposit of approximately $520 will secure an engine. For more information, write an e-mail to info@maxsym.com.

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