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Feb. 13, 2006 – New national council aims to spur growth in state dealer association

The National Council of Motorcycle Dealer Associations, a new group with an old purpose, is hoping to lend state dealer associations a helping hand in the coming months.
The council held its first annual meeting on Jan. 28 in Orlando, Fla. Dealer representatives from 13 states and from Canada were on hand as well as the council’s executive board, which includes Ed Lemco, the nonprofit group’s executive director.
Council chairman Mike Marks said the council will provide information and support to state associations. The council’s sole aim isn’t to individually lobby for franchise laws, he said.
“One of our first purposes is to get some states organized that should be in position to have a strong dealer association,” he said.
That’s particularly critical now, Marks said, because of the need for industry groups to ensure that imported vehicles, like scooters and ATVs, are held to the same safety and EPA regulations that machines sold in most dealerships are.
“The motorcycle industry as a whole can take great pride in the responsible manner that street motorcycles, off-road vehicles and ATVs have been marketed to the public by a regulated and licensed body selling safe products that meet federal standards and providing only factory-authorized and trained service,”? the council’s released resolution said. “The council is committed to assuring the continued
responsible marketing of these products by providing all state associations with the information and assistance needed to inform” their lawmakers.
Marks said the council, previously known as the Motorcycle Trade Association Executives, has already helped one state, Georgia, get organized a couple of months ago. Now dealers in Oklahoma have expressed an interest in getting a state organization running.
Other council purposes, according to the group’s news release, include:

  • to strengthen existing state motorcycle dealer associations;
  • to develop a basis for forward planning of new state motorcycle dealer associations;
  • to promote and support state and federal legislation beneficial to motorcycle dealers.
    “The NCMDA is committed to being a positive force within the industry and is open to input from all segments of the industry,” the council’s released resolution said.
    The council also elected an executive board. It includes Marks from Texas, Vice Chairman Jim Boltz from Washington state, Secretary Charlie Finley from Virginia, Treasurer John Paliwoda from California and Wayne Jones of Utah. psb

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