December 3, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

During the past ten years, the American Sand Association (ASA) has relied on the dedication of loyal volunteers to accomplish its mission to “Unite, Inform and Mobilize” its members. This support and management has been the foundation by which the ASA has grown into the professional Organization that it is today. Due to the extent of ASA’s recent important activities, and in an effort to bring the organization to the next level, the ASA Board of Directors voted to hire an Executive Director to continue the ASA’s scope of work in a professional manner.

“Continuity of governmental affairs, as well as business and membership communications programs are critical to our success,” stated ASA President Bob Mason. “The Board of Directors recognizes that we have reached the point where ASA needs a dedicated Executive Director to maintain our contacts and relationships with local, state and federal agencies. If the ASA is going to maintain sand sport recreation opportunities at the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, and other recreation venues, we must continue to operate in a business-like manner.”

The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Nicole Nicholas Gilles has been selected as the ASA Executive Director, and her employment began on December 1, 2009. Gilles is a long time resident of the Imperial Valley and the former Chief Executive Officer of the Brawley Chamber of Commerce and the Brawley Economic Development Commission. She is currently the President of the United Desert Gateway and a dedicated duner. Gilles’ husband, Bob lived in Glamis for 22 years and helped his dad operate the family buggy repair business which was known as “Dirty Bob’s.”

According to Bill Jones, ASA Chairman of the Board, “Gilles will provide the day to day management of many important functions that are spelled out in a detailed job description, which can be viewed on the ASA website. Jones also stated, “The ASA will continue to rely on volunteers for most of its functions which include the treasurer’s duties, newsletter preparation, and managing the support required at many events such as the annual Sand Sports Super Show.” Gilles will also assist in providing timely communications with the membership and news media on matters affecting the ASA and sand sport recreation.
The ASA is excited to have Gilles in this important new role. Your continued support of the ASA is greatly appreciated. To learn more about the ASA and its involvement with the ISDRA, please visit <http://www.asasand.com/>.

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About the American Sand Association
The American Sand Association is a non-profit organization of approximately 34,000 members dedicated to preserving the use of public lands for sand sport enthusiasts’ use, improving OHV safety and promoting responsible land use. Some local sand sport areas include the Imperial Sand Dunes, Oceano Dunes (Pismo Beach) and Dumont Dunes in California, Sand Mountain in Nevada and Hotwell Dunes in Arizona. The ASA is a volunteer organization and it relies on the financial support of sand sport enthusiasts and small businesses. Most of the members are family-oriented, have a rich family history going back for generations enjoying the sand sport; and most have a significant financial investment in their equipment, gear and campers. Additional information can be found on the ASA web-site at <www.americansandassociation.org>.