Creates One of the Nation's Largest Whitewater Operations
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Hico, WV (Vocus) April 18, 2008 -- The largest, oldest, newest and one of the fastest growing whitewater outfitters in the state have joined together to create the ultimate outdoor adventure destination on the East Coast. ACE Adventure Resort, Wildwater Expeditions, Songer Whitewater and New River Gorge Adventures have created an alliance to offer visitors to southern West Virginia a full slate of outdoor adventures and lodging opportunities.
Working cooperatively the new venture will become the West Virginia's largest outfitter and the third largest guided whitewater venture in the United States. "The economic contribution, consumer benefit and growth potential have us all excited as we move forward to establish West Virginia as the leader in whitewater and outdoor adventure travel," says ACE Adventure Resort (http://www.aceraft.com) owner, Jerry Cook. "We do not have to rely on raising capital or new construction to offer enhanced products. These resources exist among the four companies, and together we can strengthen our businesses. Since this alliance is not designed to overcome economic obstacles, we can focus immediately on improving our products." The four entities will be based at three locations and will retain their respective workforces with 65 full-time employees and a seasonal payroll of more than 250 people.
The Cabins on Miller Ridge located on the Songer campus add to the alliance's lodging options. The companies can now accommodate more than 2,000 guests choosing between deluxe chalets, lodges, bunkhouses, safari-style cabin tents and RV sites. Songer Whitewater (http://www.songerwhitewater.com) principal Len Hanger says, "We formed the Songer business model on solid, consistent growth and development over the years. Our reputation in the industry combined with ACE's industry leadership in resort development and management are exciting for us."
Wildwater Expeditions (http://www.wvaraft.com) began operations in 1968 by Jon Dragan, the first commercial whitewater outfitter in West Virginia. "Jon had a vision for Wildwater and the state's whitewater industry," says Jonathan Danz, Wildwater Expeditions Manager. "Our affiliation with this new venture allows us to look forward and expand his vision." The four companies have more than 100 years of management experience on the New and Gauley rivers.
In addition to the three existing operations, ACE recently added a new company to their adventure options. Located on Fayette Station Road off US Route 19, New River Gorge Adventures (NRG Adventures) features a complex dedicated to family-based and Christian-orientated programming. ACE Managing Partner Ernie Kincaid says, "The time has come for a non-alcohol, non-smoking environment in the outfitting industry. Our guests have asked for this alternative and the property provides plenty of room for growth and niche development." ACE Adventure Gear Shoppe, currently located in downtown Fayetteville, will relocate to the new facility as one of the area's best-equipped outfitter shops for whitewater and recreation products. The facility will also include the deluxe vacation homes at New River Gorge Preserve (http://www.nrgpreserve.com) owned by Land Resources Management and operated by NRG Adventures.
