Letter of Endorsement

Endorsements

	From Kenji Haroutunian Group Show Director - Outdoor Nielsen Business Media / Sports Group "The Outdoor Retailer Show considers Ogden more a part of the show than ever before, with our winter and summer demo events happening now in the area, the housing needs reaching into Weber County, and the new Front Runner train connecting Salt Lake City with Ogden. Having new resources in Ogden that resonate with our audience is an exciting prospect, as we are always looking to offer more to attendees of the shows that relate to their own business, and lifestyle. Making OR a must attend event means developing meaningful services to buyers and sellers of outdoor gear, and there's no facility in the world that will match Ogden if there were ice climbing offered year round [on the tower], along with the trail access, water sports and snow sports options already in place."

	From Duane Raleigh Group Publisher and Editor in Chief ROCK AND ICE: The only magazine owned and operated by climbers TRAIL RUNNER: one dirty magazine "As a climbing publication, Rock and Ice is very interested in Ogden's support of the climbing community. We are excited that Ogden has taken the lead in promoting the sport, and for that reason listed Ogden as one of North America's "Top 10 Climbing Towns", in a feature to run in the issue currently at press. Ogden has, thanks to the pioneering efforts of climbers such as Jeff Lowe, long been on climbers' radars. And, when the new ice tower goes in, Ogden will become one of the few destinations with reliable farmed ice, the popularity of which is booming. The Ouray Ice Park and annual Festival (launched by Jeff Lowe) is climbing's most popular consumer event, attracting several thousand participants for the festival weekend alone. The Ice Park is itself so popular all season that the influx of climbers has revitalized Ouray's sagging winter economy. Likewise, the Ogden ice tower will also be a major climbing attraction, giving climbers yet another reason to put Ogden on their map. Ogden's close proximity to world-class climbing as well as the bi-annual Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City will, no doubt, provide a steady stream of ice climbers. At Rock and Ice, you can count on us for editorial coverage of the tower's debut and ongoing coverage of events (we're especially excited about an Ice World Cup on U.S. soil!). We'll be pleased to promote the tower and Ogden at every available editorial opportunity."

"Jeff,

Thanks for speaking with me earlier this week about "life in Ogden". As I mentioned, I am a cardiologist from Boulder about to move to Ogden for a new job. When I originally received the job offer, I thought "great job", but I was concerned about what Ogden might have to offer. I am used to having ready access to rock and ice climbing, cycling, skiing...

I found out about you, Ogden Climbing Parks, and the ice tower all by searching the internet. I was thrilled to learn about the exciting future of Ogden as a hub for adventure enthusiasts like myself. In particular, I was thrilled when I learned about the ice tower! I enjoy my job, but I want to be able to do it in a place where, when not working, I can be outside doing the things I love.

There is no question in my mind that what you and the other folks at Ogden Climbing Parks have been doing will be fabulous for Ogden's future and will bring more young professionals to the area. It certainly brought one more cardiologist (me) to the area, and I will be moving in June. Please let me know if I may be of assistance in any way.

Regards,

Ellen Gallant, M.D."

	From Merri Ann Perkins Pioneer Adult Rehabilitation Center (PARC), Davis County "We look forward to partnering with Ogden Climbing Parks. PARC employs and trains people with disabilities. Climbing has the potential to increase their confidence levels and show them possibilities beyond what they have imagined. The staff has been great to work with, too. They seem to have the same vision as we do in what this can accomplish."

	From Daniel Turner Coordinator, Wilderness Recreation Center Weber State University "The Wilderness Recreation Center is excited for the proposed ice tower and looks forward to introducing Weber State University students to the sport of ice climbing in a controlled environment that is conducive to skills growth. Such activities play into the overall educational outcomes that we strive to achieve with each outdoor adventure program offered at the Wilderness Recreation Center."

From Jeff Long
New York Times multiple bestselling author whose book “The Wall” won the Best Fictional Book category at this year’s Cassar Jewelers ClimbFest Ogden, a celebration of Mountain Adventure, Art, Literature and Environment produced by Ogden Climbing Parks

Hi Jeff,

My measure of a hugely successful festival is when no one wants to go home. None of us wanted to. Once again, the famous Lowe vision had that far horizon depth and breadth and was born in a gorgeous setting.

Ogden is a terrific venue with a far thinking mayor who clearly appreciates big dreams. Coming from Boulder where the city council has been cowed by a decade of dwindling tax base, it was great to see a city investing in the future. I want to hear how the ice tower is progressing. The tower itself will be awesome. The story behind the story will be worth a book.

So, in short, congratulations. You dream big, you put together great teams, and you execute: those have been the hallmark of your climbing and extracurricular activities ever since I've known you. I was really honored to be part of this debut. I was not among peers, but giants. Dick Dorworth was great. I loved the second evening with its potpourri of speakers and styles. That selection and diversity bode well for your film festival. Deanna is a dynamo. Anasatasia, Abe and Devaki worked their butts off. I won't forget this one for a long time.

Take care,
Jeff Long"