Convention
The 21 st Annual Outdoor Connection Convention was held recently at Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs, CO. In attendance were many veteran franchises, as well as some new faces. The official convention kickoff began on Wednesday, July 29 th, when eight fly fishermen hit the streams and rivers for some great trout action. Whitewater rafting was on the agenda for Thursday. With a cool, brisk morning to start with, the adventurers were off to Canon City to raft down the Bighorn Sheep Canyon. With only a few spills during the morning session it was time for lunch. After a short break, back in the boats we went! The afternoon proved to be a little more challenging with more rapids than the morning session. For the many first timers this proved to be a great experience with awesome scenery!
 The meetings kicked off on Thursday night with the opening ceremonies including an awards presentation and state of the company address given by OC President, Marc Glades. Friday the meetings continued with a presentation from Pack String Ranch Outfitters (Patrick Faast), Eagle Nest Resorts (Jessica Pedruchny) and K&K Outfitters (Keaton Kelso). Outdoor Connection also had the pleasure to have Arlene Hanson in attendance to do a presentation on involving more women in the outdoors. Arlene and her husband, Bob have hunted all over the world. Streiff Sporting Goods wrapped up the meetings on Friday with their presentation on the new agent buying program, VIP program and the new line of OC clothing.
Friday evening the group attended a dinner buffet on the balcony of the resort overlooking Cheyenne Mountain.
Saturday began with a lodge presentation from High Lonesome Ranch (Sean Scully). Scott Marvin followed with an open forum with sales questions being bounced around to rookies and long standing franchise owners. The meetings were wrapped up with a presentation by Angie Merkel on the DAT program and by Marc Glades on the new Advisory Panel and the Continuing Education trip set for October.
After all presentations, numerous items were then raffled.
Cheyenne Mountain Resort was a wonderful setting for the 2009 convention. Outdoor Connection franchise owners not only experienced beautiful mountain views, but also gained valuable knowledge from their peers and presenting lodge owners.
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