Michelin backs off its Anti-Hunting association

[Robertesq1]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (May 28, 2004)
From the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance
(Columbus) - Michelin, a leading tire manufacturer, has decided to end its
support of a national anti-hunting group after receiving numerous contacts
from sportsmen.
Michelin told the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance that its sponsorship of the Red
Star Emergency Services Division of the American Humane Association (AHA)
would end at the conclusion of a bobble head promotion on June 25, 2004.
The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, a leading sportsmen advocacy organization,
and other conservation groups had alerted sportsmen about the issue and
urged them to contact the company.
Michelin's program involved a $5 donation to the AHA from every Michelin Man
bobble head distributed between May 1 and June 25. The toys sell online and
are free with the purchase of new Michelin passenger and light truck tires.
"Businesses are often uninformed about the actual agenda of animal rights
organizations," said Bud Pidgeon, U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance president.
"Sportsmen contacted Michelin and let the company know that every dollar
corporate America provides to fund animal rights groups' programs represents
money that is made available for campaigns to end hunting and trapping
nationwide. To its credit, Michelin has responded to sportsmen's concerns
and is ending the relationship."
The AHA opposes all hunting and trapping. It has demonstrated this
opposition through support for federal legislation to ban black bear hunting
using bait and support for state and federal legislation to ban trapping.
It's website states: "American Humane opposes the hunting of any living
creature for fun, trophy, or for simple sport."
Sportsmen should thank Michelin North America for ending its relationship
with a national anti-hunting organization by contacting Mr. James Micali,
Chairman and President, Michelin North America, Inc., 1 Parkway South,
Greenville, SC, 29615. Phone (864) 458-5000. Fax (864) 458-6359. Toll Free
(800) 847-3435.
*******************
This press release courtesy of the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and
www.ussportsmen.org . For more information, contact The U.S. Sportsmen's
Alliance, 801 Kingsmill Parkway, Columbus, OH 43229. Phone: (614) 888-4868.
E-Mail: info@USSPORTSMEN.org .
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[beej99]

I don't think the sportsmen contacting Michelin did anything here. Michelin is still continuing with their bobble head thing until June 25 when the end of the campaign was already planned. So what did we as sportsmen do? Nothing but tell Michelin what we think. Apparently they still don't think enough of our cause to stop supporting the AHA.

[Robertesq1]

ORIGINAL: beej99

I don't think the sportsmen contacting Michelin did anything here. Michelin is still continuing with their bobble head thing until June 25 when the end of the campaign was already planned. So what did we as sportsmen do? Nothing but tell Michelin what we think. Apparently they still don't think enough of our cause to stop supporting the AHA.

You have a point but, better they backed off than not......

[t roy]

beej99, thanks for being such an optimist. it doesnt really mattter what they have decided to to now, the fact that there was a large outcry from sportsmen may discourage other companies from becoming involved with groups such aha, peta, etc.

[summit daWg]

That is good news! thanks for the post
Just thought I'd post a link to the original site I found this item. Ithas good information for all of us-- RE......+Outdoors Unlimited.Private sector asked to ease bullet shortage"

[summit daWg]

TTT!!

[beej99]

t roy,

I was not trying to be a pessimist. I just think that their statement was said to appease sportsmen while they changed nothing. I don't want people to think it is "ok" to buy Michelin tires when they should stop everything now if they want to make sportsmen happy.

I do agree with yhou that it is a good thing that outdoorsmen are banding together. that gives us political clout.

Just don't think that Michelin is now a great company. they backed off of nothing and provided no incentive for me to purchase a french companies product.

[n4deer]

I think it is good news. Maybe they will take this into consideration the next time - that is what is potentially gained. The previous deals are basically done.

To spit in Michelins face sends a bad message to other companies --> regardless of what you do, the gun group will not support you, therefore, future complaints will not be listened to.

[trapper T]

I think it sounds like propaganda to appease the Sportsmen. If they truly would not support the AHA then why are they continuing to do the bobble head gimmick and still giving proceeds to the AHA? They got caught holding the bag and are now trying to stradle the fence. My two cents.

What they said was a cop out, actions speak louder than words so I'll still look to not use their product[:@]