October 25, 2012 (Washington, DC) – Earlier this month, SnowSports Industries America (SIA) Board of Directors Chair, Tim Petrick, presented the 3rd annual Industry Achievement Award to longtime snow sports industry leader, educator and promoter Mary Jo Tarallo. The Industry Achievement Award acknowledges dedication to the snow sports industry, willingness to support and partner with industry suppliers, leadership and creativity within the industry. Past recipients of the award include The Gart Family (2010) and Ned Hamilton (2011) owner/founder of Peter Glenn specialty retail stores.

Tarallo currently is the Executive Director for two national consumer initiatives – Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month and the Bring a Friend program – using her vast experience to increase snow sports participation by encouraging lessons from professional instructors. She works with many businesses and organizations within the industry on these extensive grass roots programs.

“The success of Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month and now Bring a Friend is due to the unbelievable collaboration taking place among industry supporters. These initiatives work because so many different businesses and organizations have rallied behind a common goal to provide support in their own unique way. I am very fortunate to be involved at a very exciting time for the ski and snowboard industry,” said Tarallo.

For nearly twenty years, Tarallo held several positions within the SIA organization including Director of Public Relations and Director of Education and Special Projects. During her time at SIA she helped launch Snowlink, developed the successful Winter Feels Good program and worked with SIA members to extend the reach of Winter Trails, which introduced cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to consumers and significantly increased participation numbers. Tarallo has also tapped into her background within the industry and love of skiing to report on snow sports-related topics for media outlets including OnTheSnow.com and the Baltimore Sun.

“Mary Jo has always been passionate about snow sports and getting more people on the snow. Creating consumer programs, encouraging government policy, writing articles and working with varying industry groups for a common goal – Mary Jo has never stopped promoting snow sports in the 25 years I’ve known her,” said David Ingemie, President of SIA.

In addition to the Industry Achievement Award, SIA also recognizes specialty retailers, sales reps and industry suppliers in the U.S. and Canada who have excelled in fostering relationships, moving product and setting their brand apart from the competition while pushing forward the passion and growth of snow sports through the SIA SnowSports Regional Rep and Retailer of the Year Awards.