August 25, 2005 – The Sea Otter Classic, the largest, most celebrated cycling and outdoor festival in North America, is delighted to announce that Michael Phillips will join the Sea Otter Classic organization as Director of Sponsor Services.

“As Director of Sponsor Services, Michael will deal directly with one of the most important elements of the event, our corporate partners,” said Frank Yohannan, president and CEO of Sea Otter Classic. “His extensive business experience and leadership skills make him well suited for this challenging role. Michael is the person we need in this position as Sea Otter continues to grow and expand.”

Michael Phillips brings a wealth of cycling industry and partnership building experience to the Sea Otter Classic Organization. “I’ve been involved with the Sea Otter Classic since 1994, both as a sponsor and a fan, and am in awe of what this event has become to the bicycle industry and the outdoor enthusiast,” said Phillips. “I’m thrilled to have an opportunity to participate in the continued growth of this event and make whatever contribution I can to the event’s future success.”

Phillips brings to the Sea Otter Classic more than thirty years of marketing, sales and operational experience in major corporations and entrepreneurial environments. From 1989 to 1992, he held the role of vice president of sales for Avocet, Inc., a specialty manufacturer of accessories for the cycling enthusiast. Phillips served as Managing Director of Veltec Sports from 1994 to 2000 during which time the company experienced excellent growth and profitability. Veltec Sports manages the sales, marketing and distribution of products to the cycling enthusiast for a number of European and United States based companies.

Currently, Phillips is the President, CEO and partner of OutdoorMind, LLC, an organization that provides Internet marketing tools, web site hosting and Internet consulting to over 400 clients in the outdoor and adventure travel markets worldwide