Westworld Alberta
Issue link: http://westworldmagazine.ama.ab.ca/i/309330
Signs of Summer A message from AMA's president s u m m e r 2 0 1 4 | w e s t w o r l d A l b e r t A 5 A lberta summers are relatively short, so we all want to make the most of them. In this issue of Westworld, we're helping members do just that. For those who like to enjoy the sunshine with RVs , watercraft, ATVs, motorcycles and bicycles – we have some tips and suggestions for your adventures (p. 39). One of the great things about living in Alberta is the ability to travel to remarkable places that are relatively close to home. So in this issue, we also highlight a few West Coast wonders – from schooner sailing in B.C.'s Gulf Islands (p. 17) to road- tripping in Santa Barbara, Calif. (p. 26). No matter what you get up to this summer, I encourage you to download the new AMA app for iPhone and Android devices. Over the past few years, we've been looking at technologies to provide AMA Roadside Assistance in a more timely manner. e app has one-touch Roadside Assistance and a Find Me feature that helps our drivers locate you and your car anywhere in North America. You can also use the app to plan and book a trip directly from your smartphone – which comes in handy on a summer road trip. One of the things I'm proud of at AMA is the approach we've taken to help build greater awareness about green driving. Back in 2004, we purchased a Toyota Prius, which was cutting-edge green technology at the time. Our employees drove it to events across the province, logging more than 160,000 kilometres. e Prius made a few appearances at summer parades and small- town festivals, where our employees would meet with residents to share green-driving tips. Whenever our Prius pulled up at red lights, people would look over, surprised, and give us the thumbs-up. I'm glad to say that doesn't really happen anymore. Hybrid vehicles have become a more common sight on our roads as motorists increasingly look for ways to reduce their environmental footprint. For more clean- driving inspiration, have a look at the articles starting on p. 61. You'll find fuel- efficient driving tips, a discussion about carpooling, a review of the latest green vehicle technologies and a look at car2go, Calgary's leading car co-op. I hope you take the time to enjoy all that summer has to offer. Don Smitten President and CEO AMA News Summer shredding events This summer we'll be in communities across Alberta with our annual shredding events. The service is free of charge to the public, and we'll be collecting donations for local food banks. ama.ab.ca/Shredding Award-winning iPad edition In March, our iPad edition won a gold Alberta Magazine Award for best digital presence. Download the iPad edition of Westworld to find great videos, exclusive articles and more. It's free for AMA members. ama.ab.ca/WestworldDigital Come out and see us AMA will be in Wetaskiwin for History Road at the Reynolds-Alberta Museum the weekend of June 14–15. On June 21, we'll be at Calaway Park in Calgary. Visit our booth for a chance to win prizes. p04-05Mast/PrezMessage.indd 5 14-04-29 9:08 AM