WELCOME TO THE IRON DOG BRIGADE

An Honorary Society Dedicated To The Fun Of Snowmobiling

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.

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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.

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Businesswise the last year we were able to hold and conduct the necessary business the Iron Dogs needed to get done.

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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.

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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.

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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

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President Bob King

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EVENTS

2022 IRON DOG RIDE
February 27 thru March 3
Best Western Derby Inn
Eagle River, WI

• Call 715-479-1600, ask for Iron Dog Snowmobiles
   

• Four King Beds, 11 Queen Beds (2 in each room
   

• All rooms are on first floor $100.00/night.
   

• 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.