Six new members to be inducted into ISHOF

Recognizing and honoring their contributions to the sport of snowmobiling, six new members will be inducted into the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame (ISHOF), now located in Eagle River, Wis. The induction will take place on Sept. 18, 2010 to culminate a full weekend of activities for the inductees, their families and friends.  All interested snowmobilers are invited to this gala event.

“We are very pleased to add five new members to this very prestigious program who will now take their rightful and honored place alongside 78 past inductees.” says Scott Eilertson, ISHOF President.

“We have a full weekend of activities for snowmobile fans to enjoy including a golf outing, shopping tours, pontoon boat rides, horseshoe tournament and lots of story telling,” says Tom Anderson, ISHOF VP and secretary. “Also, the Eagle River Derby Track is hosting their annual “Reunion” with grass drags and an antique/vintage swap meet that same weekend. It will be an excellent place to enjoy summertime snowmobiling.”

John Ehlert – Minnesota/Florida John Ehlert has been an advocate of snowmobiling for over 30 years, first as a writer and then publisher, founding Ehlert Publishing in the late 1970’s.  He grew the business into the largest snowmobile publishing company in the industry with several magazine titles. His editorial department was instrumental in creating the annual reviews of new models and was a strong voice for the advancement of snowmobiling.  He enters ISHOF as “Publisher”.

Fred Fox – Wisconsin Fred Fox entered the snowmobile business manufacturing the Fox Trac snowmobile back in the early 1960’s. The family went on to create the sport’s largest aftermarket supply business under the name of Parts Unlimited. The company’s motto, “We support the sport”, is evident in the many ways that Parts Unlimited’s name appears at numerous snowmobile events and activates as a sponsor or supporter of the event. Fred also has a very large collection of antique and vintage snowmobiles.  He enters ISHOF as “Industry”.

Judy and Bob King – Minnesota The Kings have been active in snowmobile organizations and promotion of the sport since 1974. They have served officer capacities and chaired numerous special events throughout Minnesota since then including chairing the International Snowmobile Congress in 2007. Operating as a husband and wife team, the Kings have dedicated thousands of hours of their time supporting, training, educating and testifying on behalf of the sport. They enter ISHOF as “Volunteers”.

Charles Kurtz –  New Hampshire Charles “Charlie” Kurtz, since entering the sport in 1971, has been front and center in the promotion and development of the trail system in New Hampshire. Starting at the local club level, Charlie soon moved on to assume many offices at the county association level and then onto the state and national levels. He served as President of the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association and Chairman of the Northeast Chapter of the American Council of Snowmobile Associations. Charlie enters ISHOF as “Volunteer”.

Ed Skomoroh – Minnesota Ed Skomoroh first got involved in snowmobiling back in 1967 through his father’s Arctic Cat dealership in Canada. Two years later he was hired in Cat’s R&D department and quickly moved up through the ranks to become head of Arctic Cat – Canada. In 1981, Polaris came knocking and Ed became General Manager of Polaris – Canada, moving up to Corporate VP of Sales and Marketing Worldwide in 1985. Retiring in 2000, Ed continues to actively promote the sport from the grass roots level whenever he can and is an avid rider. He enters ISHOF as “Manufacturer”.

The International Snowmobile Hall of Fame is located in the World Snowmobile Headquarters in Eagle River, Wis. Opened in 2006, the “HQ” showcases several snowmobile groups and organizations. Last year 3,475 visitors toured the facility.