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 1. 95th
Anniversary Web Site Cruises the Virtual Hightway
2
Joe Walsh and The Wallflowers Rock Harley-Davidson's 95th Birthday
3.
First fatality of Bike Week '98.
4.
Harley-Davidson Buys Buell Motorcycle Company.
5.
Miller Brewing Co. and Harley-Davidson have joined forces.
6.
Harley Riders Rev-Up For The Big Ride Home.
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PREVIOUS MONTH...
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1. 95TH
ANNIVERSARY WEB SITE CRUISES THE VIRTUAL HIGHWAY
Harley-Davidson Celebrates 95th Birthday In
Cyberspace MILWAUKEE, Wis. -- (May 11, 1998) It has been said that there is nothing quite
like riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, but now there's something virtually as good.
Just in time to celebrate its 95th birthday, Harley-Davidson, in partnership with USWeb
and Microsoft, is adding the 95th Anniversary to its Web site,
http://www.harley-davidson.com/.
For those who'd rather cruise the information highway than
hit the asphalt, the Web site offers cyber-bikers a daily video journal documenting the
experiences of riders during the 95th Anniversary Ride - a week-long cross country odyssey
that ends in Milwaukee on June 9. With the latest in Internet technology, the Web site
also features trivia games, a photo scrapbook, rider profiles, activity updates and an
online guest book.
The Virtual Highway To Milwaukee
The Anniversary Ride video journal debuts June 2 in Road
Stories, a feature section of www.harley-davidson.com. Road Stories travels with riders as
they depart from Spokane, Wash.; Riverside, Calif.; Dallas; Orlando, Fla.; and York, Pa.
Internet riders may "hop on" their virtual bikes to watch video clips and read
memoirs from the road, including stories about the riders and last evening's parties. The
Web site will be updated daily with new video footage and roadside tales.
"The addition of the 95th Anniversary activities to
harley-davidson.com gives people who cannot experience the ride or make it to Milwaukee a
chance to celebrate," said Ken Ostermann, Harley-Davidson's manager of Interactive
Communications. "By capturing the 95th Rides, Rally and Reunion on video and putting
it on the Internet, a whole new audience will be able to share the Harley-Davidson
experience."
The 95th Anniversary Internet experience is an example of
using technology to create what Microsoft calls the "Digital Lifestyle" - Web
sites that change the way we live by being informative, educational and fun.
Beginning May 7, www.harley-davidson. com will host a
special commemorative video presentation of Harley-Davidson's 90th Anniversary. The
historic footage follows bikers rumbling over mountains, slicing through deserts and
plowing through plains to reach Milwaukee for the 90th Anniversary Reunion.
Visitors to the Web site can also sign an online guest
book, receive a free 95th Anniversary screensaver, request daily e-mail updates on event
activities, get ticket information and flip through the pages of an online scrapbook,
which features a collection of pictures and messages from the riders themselves. For those
participating in the Anniversary Ride, a unique link provided by Rand McNally will offer
maps and alternate routes to avoid road construction along the way.
Riders and Harley fans attending the 95th Anniversary in
Milwaukee will have an opportunity to check in for Web site updates at the Global Living
Room. Amidst the heart of the 95th Reunion festivities, the Global Living Room features
dozens of computer terminals to log onto the 95th Anniversary Web site for instant access
to community events and schedules, view video clips from the Rides and share the
experiences of fellow riders.
About Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based
motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of
motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. Buell Motorcycle Company produces
sport and sport-touring motorcycles. Eaglemark Financial Services, Inc. provides wholesale
and retail financing, insurance and credit card programs to Harley-Davidson dealers and
customers and similar programs for other leisure products manufacturers.
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 2. JOE WALSH AND THE WALLFLOWERS ROCK HARLEY-DAVIDSON'S 95TH BIRTHDAY
Anniversary Celebration Rolls Out a Week of
MusicMILWAUKEE, Wis. -- (May 5, 1998) Thousands of roaring Harleys won't be the only sound
echoing off Milwaukee's lakefront this June. In celebration of its 95th Anniversary,
Harley-Davidson today announced that legendary rock 'n' roller Joe Walsh is rumbling into
town to headline the Reunion concert finale Saturday, June 13, at the Marcus Amphitheater
on the Summerfest grounds. Jim Belushi & The Sacred Hearts Band will open for Walsh.
Also, a special 95th Anniversary free concert
at Milwaukee's Veterans Park offers an additional performance during the finale that will
feature rock legend Bob Dylan's legacy, Jakob Dylan and his band, The Wallflowers.
An entire day of concerts on eight different
stages will feature musicians to tempt every musical taste at the Reunion, including:
country sensation Tim McGraw; blues legends Buddy Guy and Koko Taylor; rock 'n' rollers
the Doobie Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cheap Trick and Peter Frampton; and regional favorite
the Freddy Jones Band.
Marcus Amphitheater 95th Finale
Walsh, one of the world's top rock veterans,
began his career in the early 1970s with The James Gang and moved on to legendary rock
status with the Eagles in 1975. His solo career began in 1982 and his hit singles include
"Life's Been Good" and "Ordinary, Average Guy." Walsh will take the
stage at 9:15 p.m.
Belushi, well known to audiences as a film
actor ("About Last Night," "K-9") and cast member of Saturday Night
Live, has joined forces with The Sacred Hearts Band from The House of Blues. They have
performed blues, rhythm and soul across the country, including a performance for President
Clinton and Vice President Gore. Jim Belushi & The Sacred Hearts Band will open for
Joe Walsh at 7 p.m.
The 95th Anniversary at Veterans Park
- Free Concert
Winning two Grammies for "One
Headlight" (Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal) at
the 40th Annual Grammy Awards this year, The Wallflowers are basking in the success of
their chart-topping album "Bringing Down The Horse." The Wallflowers, presented
by Miller Genuine Draft, will perform at 9:15 p.m. the day of the Reunion, June 13, at
Veterans Park.
The Reunion Round Up
Other featured artists headlining stages at
the Summerfest grounds during the Reunion include:
* Hitting Milwaukee fresh off of
four awards at the 1998 Academy of Country Music Awards, including Single of the Year for
"It's Your Love," Tim McGraw is conquering Nashville with his newest release,
"Everywhere." McGraw, a Harley fanatic, will perform on The New Dodge Country
& Bluegrass Stage. * Billed as the best blues player alive, Buddy Guy teams up with Koko
Taylor for blazing blues riffs. Guy, winner of two Grammy Awards, has become a living
legend or nearly four decades. Guy and Taylor will perform on the Cycle World Rhythm &
Blues Stage. * After 25 years and more than 50 million records sold, the Doobie
Brothers knows the open road. In fact, they're making a special stop for the 95th Reunion
in between cities on their national tour, Rockin' Down the Highway: The Wildlife Concert,
benefiting the Wildlife Conservation Society. The Harley-Davidson Roadhouse Stage will
host the Doobie Brothers. *For two decades Lynyrd Skynyrd has been jamming southern rock for
hordes of followers. Currently on a summer tour, the band will bring unforgettable
presence to the Miller Stage to help celebrate 95 years of Harley-Davidson.
*Heralding from Rockford, Ill., Cheap Trick has been touring the
world thundering "power pop" since the early '70s. Now, in support their most
recent album, self-titled "Cheap Trick," the band will rock the Midwest Express
Airlines/Buell Stage.
Tickets for Joe Walsh and Jim Belushi &
The Sacred Hearts Band go on sale Thursday, May 7, for Reunion Ticket holders and
Saturday, May 30, for the general public through Ticketmaster midwest outlets or the
Marcus Amphitheater Box Office. Ticket prices range from $7 - $18 and questions concerning
ticket sales or the concert line-up can be answered by calling 1-800-843-95TH. Admission
to performances on Reunion stages other than the Marcus Amphitheater is included in the
cost of the Reunion ticket.
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3. First fatality of
Bike Week '98.
A Tennessee dentist died after a car pulled into the path of
a friend's motorcycle, the first fatality of Bike Week '98.
Philip O'Rourke, 48, of Knoxville, Tenn., a passenger on the 1995
Harley-Davidson motorcycle, died at the scene of the accident Monday night.
The motorcycle was driven by plastic surgeon Steven Smith, 42, also from Knoxville. Smith
was in stable but guarded condition Tuesday night at Columbia Medical Center-Peninsula.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 65-year-old Kenneth Eaton, of Flagler Beach, drove his
Toyota onto State Road A1A and into the path of Smith's northbound motorcycle.
Neither Eaton or his passenger, Margaret Eaton, was injured. Eaton was charged with
violation of right of way.
Five people have died in motorcycle-related accidents during Bike Week each of the past
two years.
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4. Harley-Davidson Buys Buell Motorcycle
Company.
Harley-Davidson, Inc. announced today that it
has acquired substantially all of the stock of Buell Motorcycle Company (BMC) of East
Troy, Wis. Harley-Davidson had previously owned 49% of BMC with the remaining shares owned
by company founder Erik Buell. Buell has retained a minority interest in BMC and remains
Chairman and Chief Technical Officer. He has now entered into a long-term employment
agreement with Harley-Davidson
"We are firmly committed to Buell as a separate and distinct product and brand,"
said Jerry Wilke, president of BMC. "The ownership change allows Buell Motorcycle
Company to move forward with exciting plans for growth and take full advantage of our
partnership with Harley-Davidson."
"Buell is an integral part of our strategy for expanding into new markets and
attracting new customers into the sport of motorcycling," said Jeff Bleustein,
president and CEO of Harley-Davidson, Inc.
"I couldn't be happier," said Erik Buell. "This is recognition of the
accomplishments that our team has made in establishing Buell as a player in the
highly-competitive sportbike market. And we will continue to develop the most exciting
motorcycles in the industry."
Buell Restructured -- add one The transaction is a stock-for-stock exchange which closed
yesterday following approval by Harley-Davidson's Board of Directors.
Buell Motorcycle Company designs and manufactures sport and sport-touring motorcycles
which are sold in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia.
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5. Miller Brewing
Co. and Harley-Davidson have joined forces.
In an international promotion that's catching fire with
millions of consumers in more than 20 countries worldwide, Miller Brewing Company's Miller
Genuine Draft brand and Harley-Davidson Motor Company (NYSE: HDI) have joined forces to
celebrate the Harley-Davidson(R) 95th Anniversary Reunion(TM) celebration in Milwaukee,
Wis. in June 1998.
Leading up to the June event, which is expected to attract more than 100,000 Harley(R)
riding enthusiasts, Miller Genuine Draft will give away more than 200,000 prizes
world-wide including more than 50 Harley-Davidson(R) motorcycles, more than 250
all-expense paid trips to the Harley-Davidson 95th Anniversary Reunion(TM) celebration in
the United States and other prizes, where legal. Winners of trips to Milwaukee will also
have the chance to win commemorative 95th Anniversary Harley-Davidson(R) motorcycles which
will be given away at the Reunion.
"Miller Genuine Draft is the sixth best selling brand in the U.S., the Number One
American import in Germany and South Korea, and the leading packaged import in Ireland and
Northern Ireland. Harley-Davidson(R) motorcycles are considered to be the quintessential
American motorcycle by people throughout the world," said Richard F. Strup, Miller's
senior vice president-international. "Teaming these two American classics is sure to
generate excitement everywhere."
During the months leading up to the celebration, Miller will honor the anniversary with
commemorative Miller Genuine Draft packages featuring a specially-designed Miller Genuine
Draft/Harley-Davidson(R) 95th Anniversary logo which uses the familiar Miller Genuine
Draft and Harley-Davidson(R) colors.
The promotion will be supported internationally with TV spots and outdoor advertising.
As part of the Harley-Davidson(R) 95th Anniversary Reunion(TM) celebration, which will be
held at Milwaukee's lakefront, Miller Genuine Draft will kick off the reunion celebration
and host a concert for party-goers, including those who have won trips in domestic and
international promotions. At the concert, Miller Genuine Draft will host live musicians
and other entertainers in an open-air festival setting. In Europe, Harley-Davidson Motor
Company will be staging another major reunion in southern Austria at Faake See. The event,
which will occur one week after the Milwaukee reunion, will see upwards of 60,000 bikers
arriving from all over Europe.
"These two American icons are popular with millions of consumers all over the
world," said Strup. "What's more, our headquarters offices are right across the
street from each other. When you look at our common locations, our common Milwaukee
heritage and our international reputations for quality, this is a natural match-up."
Miller Brewing Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Philip Morris Companies Inc. (NYSE:
MO), the world's largest packaged-goods company. Miller products are available in more
than 100 countries
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6. Harley Riders Rev-Up For The Big Ride
Home.
Harley-Davidson is calling its family home. And its
most-favored son, Jay Leno, will host the biggest party to ever hit the heartland - the
Harley-Davidson 95th Anniversary Reunion. More than 100,000 Harley owners and motorcycle
enthusiasts are expected to attend the event on June 13, 1998, in the company's hometown
of Milwaukee, Wis.
The fun kicks off with five, week-long, cross-country rides converging on Milwaukee for
the reunion celebration. The rides depart the first week of June from Spokane, Wash.;
Riverside, Calif.; Dallas; Orlando, Fla.; and York, Pa. An expected total of 40,000 riders
will travel approximately 300 miles a day, raising money along the way for the Muscular
Dystrophy Association (MDA), Harley-Davidson's charity of choice for the past 18 years.
"We conducted a survey of 95th Anniversary ticket holders and found out that more
than half are planning to join the organized rides to Milwaukee. That means there's going
to be a rumble heard all the way from California to Pennsylvania," said Jeff
Bleustein, president and chief executive officer of Harley-Davidson Motor Company.
"And it's all for a good cause. With the help of our riders, we hope to raise more
than $1.5 million for MDA."
Harley-Davidson's 90th Anniversary Reunion in 1993 drew more than 70,000 motorcycle
enthusiasts to Milwaukee from around the world and has been touted as one of the largest
and most successful events in motorcycle history.
The 15th Annual H.O.G. Rally
Leading up to the anniversary festivities will be the 15th Annual H.O.G. Rally at State
Fair Park in Milwaukee June 10 - 12. The Rally -- exclusively for H.O.G. members -- marks
the 15th anniversary of the Harley Owners Group, which has more than 350,000 members
worldwide. The company expects more than 50,000 H.O.G. members, who will enjoy three days
of festivities including entertainment, seminars, games and competitions.
Jay Leno Hosts The 95th Anniversary Reunion Ceremony
Comedian, host of NBC's Tonight Show and Harley-Davidson enthusiast, Jay Leno will act as
master of ceremonies to the 95th Anniversary birthday celebration at 8:30 p.m. during the
95th Reunion on June 13. Earlier in the day, Leno also will take part in the spectacular
parade of motorcycles that will wind its way through Milwaukee to the Summerfest grounds.
The Reunion, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., will feature national and regional entertainment on
eight stages as well as new and antique motorcycle displays, demonstrations, games,
auctions and raffles.
Veteran's Park Extends 95th Celebration
The 95th Anniversary Celebration at Veteran's Park on Milwaukee's lakefront provides a
free location for the community to enjoy the 95th Reunion activities. Harley-Davidson
plans to link the site with the Summerfest grounds so everyone in Milwaukee can share in
the festivities, including the birthday celebration ceremony.
VH1 TV Partnership
VH1 is the Official TV Partner for Harley-Davidson's 95th Anniversary. VH1's participation
will include specially themed weekend programming on June 19, 20 and 21, an on-air
promotion campaign and news coverage of the Anniversary events. In addition, VH1 will
offer viewers a chance to win one of four, custom, 95th Anniversary Harley motorcycles.
Details about the contest will be announced shortly.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces
heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general
merchandise. Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport and sport-touring motorcycles.
Eaglemark Financial Services, Inc. provides wholesale and retail financing, insurance and
credit card programs to Harley-Davidson dealers and customers and similar programs for
other leisure products manufacturers.
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