[dropcap]I [/dropcap]received a copy of the Consumer Spending Report the other day, which is geared toward retail chain stores and restaurants. I’m not sure why I was on the list, but I read it anyway. It was interesting to find that Americans are feeling more optimistic about the economy. In fact, the report said that it was the highest percentage it has ever recorded since the report began almost a year ago, with 34.6 percent stating they believed the economy is excellent or fair. Now, I’m not sure this will lead to more sales on the powersports side of the retail sector but it’s comforting to know that there’s some sunshine peeking through somewhere.

Speaking of consumer confidence, we want to take a moment to congratulate Yamaha on the milestone three millionth vehicle built at its Newnan, Georgia plant! That’s three million votes of confidence for the company’s ATVs and UTVs if you ask me. I was pretty excited to be invited down to see the plant in action last month, and to see the new Wolverine R-Spec revealed to the press for the first time.

I have toured manufacturing facilities around the globe throughout my career, and the Newnan plant is one of the most modern manufacturing centers I have ever seen. This facility produces some of the best golf carts, ATVs and UTVs in the industry, right here in the U.S. One of the most impressive things was watching the production line move along with the help of automated robotic trailers that carried every necessary component to the next station for assembly.

Finally, I want to highlight our off-road focus this issue. The off-road segment may be a smaller slice of the overall powersports pie, but it is also one of the most passionate. Editor-at-Large Robin Hartfiel put together a piece with suggestions from off-road industry leaders on ways to do it in the dirt, expand your customer base and get started in this market.

Whether it is getting involved with the local track, grassroots rider sponsorships or becoming the “expert” in the terrain, tracks and riding spots in your area, there are a variety of strategies local dealers can employ. While the Supercross season is fully underway, dirt riders are just starting to come out of winter hibernation. Get the holeshot on customers looking to get themselves geared up and their bikes tuned up for the new riding season. There’s more than one way to kick up dirt in this arena.