Cypress, CA (12/17/2014)
- Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., today announced it has
contributed more than $40,000 in critical cash and equipment to five local riding groups to support OHV
access in their respective areas.
The awards – part of Yamaha’s Outdoor Access Initiative third quarter funding cycle of GRANTs
(Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation’s Trails) – coincided with the company’s participation
at the 87th National Future Farmers of America (NFFA) Convention and Expo in October, where
Yamaha went to great lengths to promote safe, responsible ATV and Side-by-Side vehicle use to future
farmers.
“The National FFA convention is a terrific opportunity to discuss the importance of safe and responsible
riding habits for all uses of off-highway vehicles, whether recreational or as farming equipment,” said
Steve Nessl, Yamaha ATV and SxS group marketing manager. “The expanded platform of the Yamaha
Outdoor Access Initiative has increased its importance as a vehicle for reaching out to OHV users
within the greater outdoor recreation community.”
Yamaha’s multifaceted support of the NFFA and its members includes Yamaha’s annual sponsorship of
the National Agricultural Proficiency Award for Outdoor Recreation. This year’s Proficiency Award was
given to Garret Eugene Leeds of Ohio for developing outdoor recreational activities as an incomeproducing
enterprise on his uncle’s farm that improved marketing abilities and social media exposure.
Yamaha also partnered with the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) for its booth activities that
taught hands-on safety lessons with an ATV simulator, gave away a custom painted NFFA helmet, and
ran a Viking giveaway promotion to NFFA Alumni to encourage their participation and future
involvement in safety training for their chapters.
“Yamaha has been proactive in promoting responsible messages to National FFA members and
alumni,” said National FFA Alumni Promotional Program Manager Jada Buchanan. “NFFA Alumni
members all around the country were thrilled to hear about Yamaha’s Viking promotion, and the NFFA
applauds the company’s efforts to support the future of agriculture.”
NFFA alumna Kaitlyn Benjamin of Massachusetts was the lucky winner of the Viking drawing.
“When the FFA Alumni Association notified me that I was one in five recipients to win the Yamaha
Viking SxS, I was ecstatic. I never thought I would really win. I was simply thrilled to know I had a
chance,” said Benjamin. “Winning this Yamaha will be a huge asset to the family farm, where it can
take 10 or more minutes to reach the outer borders. This SxS vehicle will surely be put to good use,
and I'm so happy to have received such an amazing gift from the FFA Alumni Association and
Yamaha.”
The third quarter Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative GRANT recipients are:
- Aroostook Riders ATV Club, Maine
- Coastal Off-Road Riders Association (CORRA), South Carolina
- Mountwood Park ATV Adventures, West Virginia
- Rice Creek Trail Association, Minnesota
- Vermont ATV Sportsman’s Association (VASA)
The projects awarded GRANTs support the program’s industry-leading dedication to safe, responsible
riding and open sustainable access to land, trails and riding areas for OHV users. Yamaha continues to
seek qualified projects and applications at local, state and federal levels. The current Outdoor Access
Initiative GRANT application form and guidelines are available online at
www.yamahaoutdooraccess.com.
About National FFA
The National FFA Organization is a research and support organization that does not select, control or supervise state FFA association, local chapter or individual member activities. Educational materials are developed by FFA in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Education as a service to state and local agricultural education agencies. The National FFA Organization is led by a board of directors and six student national officers. Together, they act on recommendations from the national convention delegates and agricultural education’s stakeholders to set the vision and policy for FFA.
The National FFA staff carries out the policies and provides programs and services for the organization. The National FFA officers represent the members and actively guide the course of the organization during their year of service.
About the Yamaha
OHV Access Initiative
The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative is the industry leader in Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation’s Trails (GRANTs). Through this program, Yamaha has directly and indirectly supported thousands of miles of trails, maintained and rehabilitated countless riding areas, improved staging areas, built bridges over fish-bearing streams and partnered with local riding communities across the country to improve the OHV experience. Each quarter, Yamaha accepts applications from non-profit or tax-exempt organizations including OHV riding clubs and associations, national, state and local public land use agencies, outdoor enthusiast associations and land conservation groups with an interest in protecting, improving, expanding and/or maintaining access for safe, responsible and sustainable use by motorized off-road vehicles.
A committee then reviews each application and awards GRANTs to deserving projects. Examples of appropriate projects for GRANTs include, but are not limited to: Trail development, restoration and maintenance Trail signage and map production Staging area construction, renovation and maintenance Land stewardship, safety and education
Updated guidelines, an application form and information on the Outdoor Access Initiative are available here.
For specific questions about the Outdoor Access Initiative, call Yamaha’s dedicated hotline at 1-877-OHV-TRAIL (877-648-8724), email OHVAccess@yamaha-motor.com or write to:
Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative Review Committee
6555 Katella Avenue
Cypress, CA 90630-5101
About Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., (YMUS) a leader
in the motorsports market, makes the toughest,
most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side
vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding
product offerings also include motorcycles,
outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles,
boats, outdoor power equipment, race kart engines,
accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products
are sold through a nationwide network of dealers
in the United States.
Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its
incorporation in 1976, Yamaha also has facilities
in Wisconsin and Georgia as well as factory
operations in Tennessee and Georgia. For more
information on Yamaha, visit www.yamaha-motor.com.