LANSING, W.Va. —  Three southern West Virginia whitewater rafting companies today announced they will merge their operations and focus their efforts on developing an outdoor recreation destination resort that emphasizes diverse outdoor recreation activities, first-class amenities and lodging options.  The resort will include a new family- and youth-oriented outdoor recreation center as part of its strategic development.

            The three companies — Adventure Mountain River, Class VI River Runners and The Rivermen — will operate under new management, headed by Paul Buechler a long-time whitewater rafting guide at Class VI.  Buechler was formerly a vice president at McJunkin Redman, headquartered in Charleston, W. Va.  Within the new organization, the management partners of all three companies will continue to have managing responsibilities.

            “Guests of all three companies will see some exciting changes over the next few years,” Buechler said.  “Our new organization will remain committed to exceptional guest services, quality recreation activities and the best whitewater rafting on the East Coast.

            “ I feel strongly that the whitewater industry must evolve from a one-day activity to a full service resort destination that offers our customers many outdoor recreational options, “ Buechler said. “In the next twelve months, we will develop new products including: paintball, hiking, ropes course and swimming pool. Our industry leadership in food and beverage will continue to be a primary focus of the new organization.

 “I’ve been lucky to have a 25 year weekend career as a river guide. In 2007 I came to the conclusion that I have the right experience in finances and corporate strategy to consolidate some of the major players into a premier recreation destination,” Buechler said.  “I have known the management teams of these companies for a long time and I am excited about our future as a combined company.”

The merger calls for the three companies’ operations to be completely integrated by 2009, with coordination of activities to begin this spring.  Adventure Mountain River and Class VI will integrate all operations at the Class VI base camp on Ames Heights Road for the 2008 season.  The Rivermen will continue to operate out if its present base camp just south of the New River Gorge Bridge.

            One major change will be the introduction of a family- and youth-oriented outdoor recreation facility for whitewater rafting and other outdoor activities.  That center will be alcohol-free and provide a base for the organization’s family, youth and group activities. 

            “The whitewater rafting industry has faced some challenges in the past few years and our companies have recognized a need to expand our services to ensure that guests find the activities they want when they visit our sites,” Dave Arnold, Class VI managing partner, said.  “Each of us began to see that we could build a stronger business base if we developed a partnership, and Paul’s decision to enter our industry brought us together.”

            The combination of companies is a reunion for the owners of the three companies, according to Adventure Mountain River’s president Paul Breuer.  “We discovered a love of running rivers at about the same time and we’ve been friends throughout our years in southern West Virginia, the place we all call home.”  Breuer said that he, Dave Arnold and Jeff Proctor, Class VI managing partners, took a 28-day river trip in 1970 that led to their river careers.

            “It’s exciting to see how we can merge three companies —  all founded in whitewater rafting but that offer our guests different services — and build a stronger future for our businesses, our guests and our employees,” Brian Campbell, owner of The Rivermen said.

            The merger plans will result in some operation changes, such as the combination of management and administrative operations into the office of Class VI River Runners, and the consolidation of whitewater rafting centers into one site.  Employees of the three organizations know about the merger.