Excelsior-Henderson Shareholders' Meeting and Biker Bar-B-Que Starts a Big Rumble
30 July 1998
First Annual Excelsior-Henderson Shareholders' Meeting and Biker Bar-B-Que Starts a Big RumbleBELLE PLAINE, Minn., July 30 -- The invitations to Excelsior- Henderson's first annual shareholders' meeting hinted at something big. And the event, held on the Excelsior-Henderson grounds under a football field- sized outdoor tent on Saturday, July 25, definitely lived up to its promise. Under warm, sunny skies, there was a genuine sense of togetherness among people from all walks of life and from throughout the country -- from bikers to shareholders, dealers, and the Excelsior-Henderson Road Crew(TM). Bikers and friends experienced the Excelsior-Henderson lifestyle through special displays and a huge family-style picnic. Attendees purchased over $65,000 worth of apparel, accessories and specially priced commemorative "Road-to-Glory" T-shirts. As part of the event, cash contributions totaling $7000 were donated to the Scott County Food Shelf in Belle Plaine from each commemorative shareholders' Road-to-Glory T- shirt purchased. Turnout was phenomenal for a first year meeting and the day was truly an event to be experienced. An enthusiastic crowd of 5,700 people journeyed out to Excelsior-Henderson's new corporate headquarters and manufacturing plant in Belle Plaine, Minn. to learn of the Company's progress in re-launching this legendary motorcycle brand. The event was believed to be the largest public company shareholder meeting in Minnesota. Judging by their reactions, shareholders liked what they saw. "I'm extremely pleased with the way they're moving forward," said one biker shareholder. "After seeing the facility and hearing their presentations, I'm very optimistic." Excelsior-Henderson's senior management team demonstrated how the company plans are coming together to bring the 1999 Super X(TM) motorcycle to market. They're putting the finishing touches on the factory and the heavyweight cruiser is scheduled to start rolling off the assembly line during the fourth quarter of 1998. And with the company already surpassing its goal of signing over 80 of America's best motorcycle dealers, the market is primed for the brand's long-awaited return. Shareholders listened as Excelsior-Henderson's Co-Founders, Dan, Dave and Jennie Hanlon, along with the Company's senior management team, shared their vision for the company's future. The Hanlons' emotional speeches demonstrated the passion that's driving this grassroots group of bikers to restore the old glory of the Excelsior-Henderson brand. The day was packed with information and activity. Investors enjoyed an Excelsior-Henderson style "Bikers Barbecue" and were also impressed with the factory museum and vintage Excelsior and Henderson motorcycle display area, which is designed to resemble a 20's era street scene complete with old-style street lamps and authentic cobblestone floor. A major highlight of the day's events was a preview of the new production- intent Super X, which will be officially unveiled to the public next week at the annual biker rally in Sturgis, S.D. The overall reaction was a big thumbs up. The crowd overwhelmed the stage in a burst of uncontrolled eagerness creating an impromptu change in the agenda. "Now it's going to be even harder to wait for my own Super X!" exclaimed John Pederson, a biker and early investor in the company. For a company that's created a lot of noise in the industry, it was an appropriate milestone to cap off the meeting. Since announcing their plans to re-launch the Excelsior-Henderson brand in 1993, the Company has generated tremendous excitement at biker rallies and events with their Super X prototypes and "The Experience"(TM) traveling motorcycle museum. Bikers, the motorcycle industry, and the media have closely followed the company as it has passed all the milestones on the road to production. Finally, the time is near for this great American motorcycle to ride again. Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycle Manufacturing Company is a pre-revenue company which plans to manufacture, market and sell premium heavyweight American cruisers and touring motorcycles, as well as related parts, apparel and accessories branded with a name that evokes an authentic American motorcycling heritage and lifestyle. The Company will distribute its products through a quality, nationally recognized dealer network. Excelsior- Henderson is one of only two authentic American motorcycle companies exclusively committed to the manufacture of motorcycles. The production- intent 1999 Super X motorcycle will be unveiled August 3, 1998, during the Sturgis Rally and Races. Motorcycle production is scheduled to begin during the fourth quarter of 1998.