BEEN SICK with the flu, knocks down an old guy pretty bad............
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The Sturgis (SD) Chamber of Commerce has finally hit rock bottom. Like an alcoholic drinking Aqua Velva filtered through a baby’s diaper, they can’t go any lower. The entirely NON-BIKER Chamber Board of Directors filed a federal lawsuit this week accusing Sturgis Kentucky of infringing on their trademarks.
Sturgis Kentucky hosts an annual rally each July. First year for the event was 1993. In that time the organizers have donated more than TWO MILLION DOLLARS to charity. The lawsuit alleges the use of the name “Little Sturgis Rally” constitutes trademark infringement, false designation of origin, unfair competition and deceptive trade practices”.
The Sturgis Chamber claims in a news release that they use proceeds from licensing to support community and economic development projects. The Chamber has never had qualms about playing fast and loose with the truth. As most locals know, nearly all of the Chamber revenue goes to pay legal fees. Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent by the Chamber in an attempt to trademark the words “STURGIS” and “BLACK HILLS”.
Sturgis Kentucky is a town of about 2,000 people. The 16th Annual Little Sturgis Rally and Races for Charity is planned for July 17-20 at the county fairgrounds.
(Editor’s Note) Our company was once sued by the Sturgis Chamber for putting “Welcome to Sturgis” on a billboard without their permission. They lost that battle.
Another Edit: The City of Sturgis issued the following news release late this afternoon:
STURGIS, S.D. – The City of Sturgis, SD and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Department would like to offer this clarification regarding the March 20, 2008 news release issued by the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce in connection with a lawsuit filed in the United States District Court against the organizers of the Little Sturgis Rally and Races in Sturgis, Kentucky.
The Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce filed this lawsuit without the knowledge or consent of the City of Sturgis, SD.
The City of Sturgis, SD is not a party to this legal proceeding.
Go to the blog link above to read the comments..................
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"This spring, sand residue will likely be widespread on highway ramps, street intersections and curves. Motorcyclists can quickly lose traction and balance on sand when accelerating, braking, or leaning into a curve"
Because of a shortage of salt in many areas of the state, snow removal crews used more sand than usual on roadways this winter to provide traction for vehicles. via WFRV-TV Green Bay
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From Cyril Huze Blog... - Sabers Specialties Custom Motorcycles from Mitchell, SD unveiled the Official 2008 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Raffle Bike on Jan. 26th in Sturgis. Sabers Specialties was chosen again this year to build the one of a kind motorcycle, nicknamed “The Sturgin’”.... This is a content summary only. Click on headlines for full links, images, other content and more!
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From Cyril Huze Blog... - I know Ron Lewis from Lewis Custom Cycles. On March 9, 2008, his motorcycle shop and a family owned business next to his, Lewis Market, located in Southeastern Kentucky were both totally destroyed by fire. Unfortunately, neither business was covered by fire insurance. He... This is a content summary only. Click on headlines for full links, images, other content and more!
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