OFSC Announces Resignation of CEO Ryan Eickmeier

Posted on | by OFSC

(Barrie, ON – November 12, 2019) – It is with a mix of gratitude and regret that the OFSC Board of Governors announce Ryan Eickmeier will be leaving his position as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 11, 2020, to help lead his family business.

During his time at the OFSC, Ryan has been instrumental in advancing a host of programs and services critical to our Clubs, snowmobilers, our partners, and the long-term sustainability of our sport. Ryan’s energetic approach to the business of snowmobiling in Ontario has altered the landscape and will allow us to continue to build the organization as we move forward. Ryan leaves the Federation positioned very well for future success, and we sincerely thank him for his contribution, dedication, and leadership during his tenure as CEO.

“It has been the privilege of my career to serve as the CEO of such a passionate organization. The way snowmobilers welcomed me in to their homes, clubhouses, and meetings helped us listen, learn and deliver on many new initiatives. My departure is certainly bittersweet, and I can only hope that I’ve left this community better than how I found it. I wish to thank the OFSC Board of Governors, my staff, our Clubs, government partners, and over 100,000 snowmobilers for their confidence and trust in me.”

The Board has named a committee to lead the search for the next leader of the OFSC. Please join us in thanking Ryan for his dedication to advancing snowmobiling in Ontario and wishing him continued success in leading his family business.

OFSC Board of Governors

Online Driver Training

Online Driver Training Now Available

Posted on | by OFSC

(Barrie, ON – October 18, 2019) – The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) is pleased to announce that online driver training is now available in Ontario. The new online course will increase access to safety training and licensing in an effective way to ensure riders receive the proper information on how operate a snowmobile.

“We all know how busy families are and that time is a highly valuable commodity,” said OFSC Chief Executive Officer Ryan J. Eickmeier. “By making the driver training course available on-line we are offering choice, particularly for those who live in rural and remote areas of the province, to receive proper training in time for the upcoming season. I sincerely thank Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney and the officials at the ministry who supported this initiative over several months.”

“This is great news for the next generation of snowmobile drivers and anyone else looking to brush up on snowmobile safety,” said Mulroney. “Our government is committed to bringing more services online and making life easier for the people of Ontario.”

The OFSC, in co-operation with the Ministry of Transportation, issues Motorized Snow Vehicle Operator’s Licences (MSVOL) which require the successful completion of a snowmobile driver training course. Anyone with a valid Ontario driver’s licence (any class) may also drive a snowmobile on Ontario’s 30,000 kilometres of snowmobile trails.

Click here to access the course.

For further info, please contact: Andrew Walasek 705-739-7669 x251

OFSC GIFT CARDS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE!

Posted on | by OFSC

 

The much-anticipated Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) Gift Cards are now available for purchase online. Everyone now has the opportunity to purchase permit gift cards both for sleds which have not yet arrived and for others as gifts.

The gift card fee is the same as the permit fee at the time of purchase and can be redeemed any time throughout the season. All Gift Cards purchased for the 2020 season expire on May 31, 2020.

The process is simple and the purchaser only requires the last name and postal code of the registered sled owner. Gift cards can be purchased at: https://permits.ofsc.on.ca/giftcard

“Gift cards are unquestionably a welcome and convenient option that directly benefits consumers” said OFSC Chief Executive Officer Ryan Eickmeier.

Give the gift of snowmobiling this season!

Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permits

ONTARIO SNOWMOBILE TRAIL PERMITS NOW ONLINE!

Posted on | by OFSC

October 1, 2019 (Barrie, ON) – The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) launched early bird permit sales online on October 1st, giving riders an opportunity to save 30% on a Seasonal Permit until midnight November 1st. Classic Permits are also available at a savings of 20% until midnight on December 1st. Permits can only be purchased online at ofsc.on.ca and snowmobilers will require an email address, VIN and registration numbers to purchase their permits.

“On behalf of our clubs and volunteers, I am thrilled to officially open permit sales for the 2019/2020 Season.” said Ryan Eickmeier, OFSC Chief Executive Officer. “With a favourable winter forecast ahead of us, I invite snowmobilers from near and far to purchase their permits so they are ready as soon as trails become available.”

Ontarians will also soon be able to purchase permit gift cards both for sleds which have not yet arrived and for others as gifts. The OFSC will announce additional details pertaining to permit gift cards shortly.

Further details on permits, snowmobile destinations in Ontario, and the latest news can be found online at ofsc.on.ca.

 

PROVINCE OF ONTARIO ANNOUNCES SUPPORT OF SNOWMOBILING INDUSTRY

Posted on | by OFSC

September 23, 2019 (Mississauga, ON) – Ontario’s Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney addressed over 200 members of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs at their annual meeting in Mississauga on Friday, committing to long-term, sustainable funding of $500,000 annually to support Ontario’s snowmobiling industry. Minister Mulroney also reiterated the government’s support for online snowmobile driver training and permit vouchers, streamlining processes and cutting red tape.

“On behalf of our clubs, thousands of volunteers, and more than 100,000 snowmobilers who come from near and far to enjoy over 30,000kms of trails each winter, I want to thank Minister Mulroney and the Government of Ontario for their incredible support of the snowmobiling industry. With an annual economic impact of up to $3.3 billion in Ontario, this announcement provides a model for how industry and government can work in partnership to deliver world-class experiences. A multi-year funding agreement affords us the ability to plan our infrastructure renewal well into the future, a key pillar in ensuring our long-term sustainability” said OFSC Chief Executive Officer Ryan J. Eickmeier.

In addition to the long-term funding, Minister Mulroney announced that online driver training would be available in October and that Ontarians would soon be able to purchase gifts cards and redeem them for a permit, locking in the permit price at the time of gift card purchase.

“The OFSC has listened to its members and is happy to deliver on these two important initiatives,” Eickmeier said. “I thank the Minister as well as Ministry of Transportation officials who have worked closely with us for over a year on developing the online course and gift cards. The launch of the online driver training course will open up our sport to a whole new generation of Ontarians, and the new permit gift card is unquestionably a welcome and convenient option that directly benefits consumers.”

Further details on the online training course and permit vouchers will be available shortly.

For further info, please contact: Andrew Walasek 705-739-7669 x251 [email protected]

NEW STUDY FINDS SNOWMOBILING CAN CONTRIBUTE UP TO $3.3 BILLION ANNUALLY IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY

Posted on | by OFSC

(Barrie, ON – June 12, 2019) – The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) has released a new economic impact study based on the 2018-19 snowmobile season. The study found that the economic impact of snowmobiling has the potential to generate between $1.6 and $3.3 billion in total economic activity in any given season, dependent on factors such as weather.

“Snowmobiling continues to be the major driver of Ontario’s winter economy,” said OFSC Chief Executive Officer Ryan Eickmeier. “Thanks to our Club volunteers, snowmobilers experience 30,000kms of world-class riding conditions, supporting local businesses across the entire province. From job creation to taxation revenue to keeping a small business open all winter, snowmobilers certainly contribute across the board.”

Among the key findings of the study was that $842 million in expenditures contributed to $403 million in direct GDP and a total of $665 million in direct, indirect and induced GDP impacts. Additionally, direct employment from the season’s snowmobiling expenditures totaled an estimated 6,436 full-time equivalent jobs.

“Through our strong partnership with the Government of Ontario and increased marketing of our product, the economic impact of snowmobiling will continue to grow in the years ahead” continued Eickmeier.

The OFSC retained Harry Cummings & Associates Ltd to study the 2018-19 snowmobiling season, using the Ontario Ministry of Tourism’s Tourism Regional Economic Impact Model (TREIM). The study was generously supported through a grant by the International Snowmobiling Manufacturers Association (ISMA).

A copy of the report can be found here: OFSC Economic Impact Study

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) is a volunteer led, not for profit association that provides the voice for organized snowmobiling in Ontario. OFSC snowmobile trails managed by 200 community based, member clubs generate up to $3.3 billion in economic activity in the province each year.