Once again, our industry knows how to step up
When a major earthquake and tsunami hit Japan in March 2011, our industry stepped up with financial donations and other types of support for those affected by the disaster. Following Hurricane Sandy, our industry has made similar moves.
Ken Vitulli, general manager of Rocket Harley-Davidson in Madison, Ala., took to the Powersports Business Forum on Facebook to offer to send generators up to any dealers in need. BMW of North America gave $1 million and American Honda pledged $500,000 to the American Red Cross to support Hurricane Sandy relief. The ADP Foundation, part of ADP Lightspeed’s parent company, contributed $500,000 to assist with storm relief, and associate giving will be matched 100 percent. And many dealers on the East Coast are working to get generators to customers as soon as possible, even though they’re dealing with electricity, heat, phone and Internet shortages within their own businesses and homes.
I’m sure the list of what’s being done from those in our industry to support hurricane victims could go on and on, but I thought I’d point out the examples I had heard of. These efforts make me once again proud to be a part of an industry that knows how to become more like a family when assistance is needed.
Liz Hochstedler is the associate editor of Powersports Business, a trade magazine for the powersports industry. She reports on the powersports industry through Powersports Business’ varied media, including in the magazine and online. She assembles the brand’s twice-a-week e-news and handles a variety of assignments for the magazine. Powersports Business is known for its exclusive national dealer surveys, in-depth industry analysis and dealership conference, Profit Xcelerator.
Contact: ehochstedler@powersportsbusiness.com
Website: www.powersportsbusiness.com
