WELCOME TO THE IRON DOG BRIGADE
An Honorary Society Dedicated To The Fun Of Snowmobiling
2019 Grand Rapids
2018 Iron Dog Banquet, Halifax, Nova Scotia
2019 Grand Rapids
ABOUT US
It is an honor to tell you about the Iron Dog Brigade Distinguished Service Award winner for 2021. We know of no one more deserving of this honor. This is a person who started out as a novice snowmobiler and became a super volunteer at all levels of our sport. This person then moved into the dream of a lot of snowmobilers, getting to work for one of our snowmobile manufacturers in an area she was born to work, Public Relations and Project Management.
Her name is known far and wide in all aspects of snowmobiling because she seldom says no to a request and always has a smile to greet you. By now most of you have figured out we are talking about Joann Smith, snowmobiler extraordinaire.
She has served in multiple positions in her local clubs, the Kellner Knights and Trailmates Snowmobile Club as well as for the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs. She is currently in charge of the web page for the Trailmates Club.
She does not stop at the club and state level in her volunteerism. She has been a tireless supporter of the American Council of Snowmobile Associations currently serving on the Marketing /Public Relations Committee bringing with her lots of ideas and her ever present enthusiasm for all things snowmobiling. Joann & husband Dave, man the ACSA booth at the Milwaukee Snow Show each year. Joann is a great asset at the ACSA Fly-In. She knows the right questions to ask of our speakers and is well known by the Wisconsin Senators and Representatives.
Joann is a firm believer in safe snowmobiling and club involvement. If you own a snowmobile, you need to be an active member of your local club and state association.
Joann, through her work with Ski-Doo, continues to help organize the annual International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association photo shoots. These photo shoots are valuable to all of us in snowmobiling in order to have a supply of good current photos to use as we all promote snowmobiling.
In 1995 Joann became a member of the Snowmobile Industry Communications Committee which was formed to create various safety materials to be used by clubs, state associations & provinces, ACSA & CCSO. Joann was a part of the group that created the first safety video, safety poster series, PSAs, and the previously mentioned photos. The Safe Riders program continues today with new materials being added annually.
Joann continues to be a consultant with the ISMA’s Public Relations Committee for safety and education which includes the annual photo shoots. She was instrumental in initiating state and club loaner programs through Ski-Doo. She chaired the Badger State Winter Games Torch Run while Ski Do was a corporate sponsor. This was one of the most successful programs in the state of Wisconsin for snowmobile exposure.
Joann chaired the 2002 US Winter Olympics for Ski-Doo coordinating supplying sleds for opening and closing ceremonies and coordinated all other Ski-Doo activities at these Olympics.
Ski-Doo was a major participant in the 1992 Super Bowl 26 halftime show “Winter Magic” in Minneapolis.
Joann formed a consulting company, Power Sports Productions, after her retirement from Ski-Doo. She has worked with all four of our snowmobile manufacturers on various projects. She has put her stamp on each one of them.
She & friend Marlys Knutson have served as Thirsty Dog “handlers” since 1986. Because of their dedication to this group not only do all the members have boxes of Thirsty Dog Memorabilia but the Thirsty Dog membership have now given $60,000.00 to snowmobile groups and causes.
Joann is currently serving as President of the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame after several years on the Board of both ISHOF and World Snowmobile Headquarters. She currently sends on-line newsletters four (4) times a year to a large variety of snowmobile enthusiasts interested in recognizing the “movers and shakers” of snowmobiling. She also maintains the web page for ISHOF as well as the handling on-line registrations for the annual banquet.
Joann participated in the first Women on Snow ride in Eagle River, Wisconsin in 1986. She was selected by Ehlert Publishing/SnowGoer Magazine as the Rode Reports Woman Guest Rider in 1986. Joann was inducted into the Iron Dog Brigade in 1996 in Edmonton, Alberta.
Joann, with husband Dave, are known as the go to people if you want something done and done right. We could not agree more. They support growing memberships, safe riding, mentoring, and fundraising for many worthy causes but especially for the ACSA Legal Defense Fund.
We could go on for hours on Joann’s accomplishments in snowmobiling and are sure we have left off something others would consider especially important, but we have to draw the line somewhere and just say WOW – what a woman!
It is the Iron Dog Brigades privilege and honor to present Joann Smith with the 2021 Distinguished Service Award.
2021 Distinguished Service Award
NEWS
Iron Dog Brigade Presidents Report International Snowmobile Congress
Omaha, Ne.
June 11, 2021
It has been an interesting year and a half with everything that has been going on, as I will try to cover the last two years in this report.
We were fortunate enough to have the Midwest Iron Dog in February of 2020 in Grand Rapids, MN. I would like to thank Les Ollia for the well- organized event. There was particularly good attendance along withexcellent riding and a chance to see great friends.
In 2021 we made a return trip to Spearfish Canyon Lodge, South Dakotafor this year’s Midwest Iron Dog ride. I would like to thank Duane Sutton for a great event. We had a good turn out as usual along with great weather. The first day it was 40 degrees and on the next two days the temperaturewas in the high 20’s along with up to a foot of new snow in some places. As usual it made for an excellent ride, great friendship, and fun storytelling.
Businesswise the last year we were able to hold and conduct the necessary business the Iron Dogs needed to get done.
As usual the biggest problem is getting themembership to pay their dues each year.
I also attended the ISC Planning Meeting for the 2021 convention in Nebraska. We talked about some changes in Regina, Saskatchewan and you will see some of them at this Congress.
Another thing that is just a fact of life is the passing of our many great Iron Dogs. Since our last meeting we have lost 11 members. Judy and I were able to attend the services for Dick Mellick and Bob Linn in May representing the Iron Dogs.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the ISC in Omaha and at theIron Dog Ride in Eagle River, WI. February 27, 2022, to March 3, 2022
President Bob King
Three Dogs who have served and promoted
the sport for a combined 140 years are Bill Howell, Ed Skomoroh and Edgar Hetteen.
WHO ARE THESE IRON DOGS?
First of all, what is an Iron Dog?
Well, back in 1960 a guy named Edgar Hetteen took a ride across Alaska on a new contraption called a Polaris snowmobile. When the natives saw it, they promptly named it an ”iron dog” because it did the work of their dog teams and the term began to be a popular name for snowmobiles.
EVENTS
2022 IRON DOG RIDE
February 27 thru March 3
Best Western Derby Inn
Eagle River, WI
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Call 715-479-1600, ask for Iron Dog Snowmobiles
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Four King Beds, 11 Queen Beds (2 in each room
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All rooms are on first floor $100.00/night.
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Room block will be held until February 13, 2022.
Our goal at the non-smoking Best Western® Derby Inn is to make you feel at home. At this renovated, full-service hotel in Eagle River you will find luxuries that include pillowtop mattresses, comfortable and upscale décor, Internet access, cable television with HBO®, an office table with desk chair and an in-room microwave and refrigerator. Guests are invited to indulge in amenities like our daily complimentary breakfast, game room, and indoor heated pool with a hot tub.
Lunch will be on the trail all three (3) days.
Our banquet facility has not been chosen as of this date.
Gas is readily available in the Eagle River area.
Contact Bob King with questions: 712-242-6299 rek4cb@gmail.com
Judy King will probably be driving to the lunch stops again this year.
January 2022 -
Dues Letter
It’s hard to believe we are in 2022 already. A lot of things have changed in our world but a lot more needs to change. You have to decide what is best for you. One of the things that needs to change for the Iron Dog Brigade is prompt payment of dues.
I hope that all of you consider it an honor and a privilege to have been deemed worthy of being inducted into the Brigade. There are responsibilities that come with having been inducted. Some of those responsibilities include:
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Participating in Iron Dog Brigade functions when at all possible. It is frustrating when a member is at a snowmobile function with an IDB function and not only do they not attend the IDB function, they don’t let us know they aren’t attending. Why do they belong?
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Volunteering for committees.
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Volunteering for Board positions.
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Letting the president or a member of the Board know when you have ideas and/or concerns.
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Nominate deserving people to be members of the Brigade. We, like every other organization, need new blood.
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Nominate a deserving person to be recognized by receiving the Iron Dog Brigade Distinguished Service Award.
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PAY YOUR DUES PROMPTLY UPON RECEIPT OF ONE DUES NOTICE.
DUES ARE DUE JANUARY 1 OF EACH YEAR. DUES ARE DELINQUENT MARCH 31.
Respectfully,
Judy King
Secretary
Iron Dog Brigade
Iron Dog Attire
The official Iron Dog Brigade dress:
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Navy Blue Blazer
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Gray Slacks
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White Shirt
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Red Bolo Tie or Red Tie
It would be nice if all the male Dogs wore this uniform to the Banquet for the pictures.
The female Dogs are welcome to wear their Iron Dog outfit or another outfit of their choice.
When collecting tickets, please wear your IDB Dress Suit or IDB Polo Shirts and name tag. We want to be easily identified as Iron Dog Brigade Members. See Dog Bling for more info shirts & etc.
During the rest of the Congress events, if you are not wearing the “uniform” please be sure you have your Iron Dog name tag and pin on.
Iron Dog Memorabilia
We have been finding Iron Dog memorabilia for sale on the internet. Iron Dog memorabilia is for DOGS only. Please inform your family to dispose of your Iron Dog pins, bolo ties, clothing and etc, appropriately upon your demise. Or if you decide to no longer be an Iron Dog, please properly dispose of your Iron
Dog stuff.
Ways to dispose of Memorabilia:
Give items to another Iron Dog member.
Contact an Iron Dog Board Member or the World Snowmobile Headquarters.
PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
SECRETARY/
TREASURER
PAST PRESIDENT
IRON DOG DIRECTORS
Bruno Andreini
2306 230th St.
Dallas Center, IA 50063
(cell) 515-240-3858
515-992-3455
Florence Mohler
2130 Lower Peoh Pt. Road
Cle Elum, WA 98922-8474
509-674-4401
(cell) 206-406-1929