APRIL 2008
MORE RIVERS, MORE FUN... NARR/NOC FORM PARTNERSHIP

Two of the country’s leading outfitters, North American River Runners (NARR) and the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) based in North Carolina have announced a partnership that will provide a comprehensive network of rafting trips on nine of the East’s finest whitewater rivers. The companies will share marketing and sales efforts, guide and operational staff during their different seasonal peaks, and combined, serve over 150,000 guests annually.

NARR Founder and President Frank Lukacs said “NARR and NOC have been leaders in whitewater adventures for over 30 years, and have always shared a mutual respect. Our reputation for quality has been developed over those three decades, and both organizations intend to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, quality, and fun in the outdoor adventures they offer. I feel proud to recommend NOC trips to our guests, and am honored to be recommended by NOC.”

One of the first companies to offer whitewater rafting at the New River Gorge in 1975, NARR runs world-class rafting trips on the New and Gauley Rivers. They have the longest running kayak school in the State of West Virginia, and offer guided smallmouth bass fishing trips. Known as the industry leader in teambuilding programs, NARR adventures offer a canopy course, rope challenges, a climbing tower and a two-acre paintball field. NARR’s headquarters features lodging and dining and offers guests an anchor destination for an extended adventure vacation. NARR’s guests now have access to NOC’s seven Southeastern rivers and a new headquarters for their adventures in the Southern Appalachians.

The Nantahala Outdoor Center is the nation’s largest whitewater rafting company, rafting seven rivers in the Southeastern United States including the Chattooga, Cheoah, French Broad, Nantahala, Nolichucky, Ocoee, and Pigeon. NOC’s home on the Nantahala River features four restaurants, multiple lodging options, the world-class NOC Paddling School, and the NOC Outfitter’s Store named “the best whitewater store in the country” by Men’s Journal. In 2007 National Geographic Adventure named NOC “One of the Best Outfitters on Earth” and The New York Times noted NOC’s reputation as “the nation’s premiere paddling school.”

For more information about NARR river adventures check http://www.NARR.com or call 800-950-2585. For more information about NOC river adventures check http://www.NOC.com or call 888-905-7238.

INTRODUCING NARR’S OVERNIGHT FISHING TRIP

Cast your cares away while floating down river in a guided fishing raft. NARR is introducing this new trip for the 2008 season to provide fishing guests with a longer, more exciting adventure. With only two fishermen per boat, this trip gives every fisherman full service and close contact with the river.

On the first day you’ll spend the afternoon fishing quiet pools for smallmouth bass. Your skilled guide will maneuver through thrilling Class I – Class IV whitewater rapids while you pursue “the whopper.” NARR guides adjust the trip locations for best fishing action.

Make camp in a rustic setting and enjoy an evening of quiet nature at its best. Bank fish or hike the historic hills of the New River Gorge while your dinner is prepared. Enjoy campfire chatter of your day’s big catch, and bond with friends or family in this beautiful setting. Sleep under the stars, lulled by the sounds of the river flowing downstream.

Wake with a morning dip in the river, bank fishing or sipping coffee by the river while your guide prepares breakfast. Break camp and enjoy another day of fishing as you travel down river. For more information check http://www.narr.com/overnight_fishing_trips.html or call 800-950-2585. One day fishing trips are still available on the New River.

RENE MORRIS NAMED “CHAMPION OF WOMEN”

Rene Morris, CFO of North American River Runners, was announced as a recipient of the Champions for Women in Business Award at the Miami Beach Convention Center in February. Presented by the Women’s Congress, the awards salute outstanding women, men, companies and organizations that support and improve opportunities for up-and-coming women business leaders and business owners.

“I am very honored to receive this award,” said Rene. Each year she mentors new staff members on office and computer skills and encourages women to pursue their goals in outdoor recreation fields.

Criteria for consideration included leadership, mentoring, outreach, education and funding of enterprises and corporate initiatives in support of women during 2007.

Over 150 nominations were received for companies, corporate women and men, entrepreneurs and non-profit executives and organizations.