Two states form dealer associations
Nevada and Oklahoma powersports dealers have formed state dealer associations.
Motorcycle dealers in Oklahoma revived the Oklahoma Motorcycle Dealers Association on March 20, according to a press release from the National Council of Motorcycle Dealers Association. A handful of Nevada’s motorcycle and off-highway vehicle dealers formed the Nevada Powersport Dealers Association during a meeting Thursday, the NPDA said in a statement Friday.
Dealer Ron Bray led a group of 20 dealers who reactivated the OMDA at a meeting in Stroud, Okla. The NCMDA Chairman Mike Marks and Executive Director Ed Lemco made presentations to the group. At the meeting, 15 dealers pledged immediate financial support and committed to recruiting at least one more dealer each.
Twelve Nevada dealers met in Reno, Nev., to create the NPDA. Elected officers were Chairman John Glenn, Vice Chairman Robbie Burgess, general manager of Michael’s Cycle Works in Carson City; and Treasurer-Recorder Rich Thorwaldson, general manager of Big Valley Honda in Reno. District directors for Southern Nevada are Paul Langford, general manager of Motorcycle City in Las Vegas, and one additional member, to be determined. District director for Northern Nevada is Spencer Barr, sales manager for Cope and McPhetres Marine in Reno.
“The more communication we have industry-wide, the better we can focus on our individual businesses,” said Stephanie Nethers, manager of Reno Cycles and Gear and a potential member of NPDA. “We need to share information about issues we all face.”
The NPDA estimates there are nearly 120 powersports dealers in Nevada. The association will act as a clearinghouse and resource for members and will provide legislative advocacy on behalf of the industry.
The NCMDA has assisted in the reactivation of three state associations to date. The organization is a resource for all existing state associations and dealer groups that want to form or reactivate an old association.
