Ackerman named chair of MIC Aftermarket/Allied Trade Committee
Arnold W. Ackerman, chairman emeritus and founder of Motorsport Aftermarket Group, has accepted the appointment of Chair of MIC’s Aftermarket/Allied Trade Committee. Ackerman will be replacing the committee’s previous Chair, Steve Johnson, who was the president and chief operating officer of Tucker Rocky Distributing for 12 years before retiring in 2012.
“As we continue to focus on strengthening our industry’s recovery, we are excited to have a key contributor like Arnie Ackerman lead our Aftermarket Committee,” said Dennis McNeal, MIC chair and vice president, motorcycle operations at Yamaha Motor Corporation. “Arnie’s resume is filled with industry experience, and he’s no stranger to the MIC. He’s worked with and supported the MIC on a variety of projects and issues over the years, and we look forward to Arnie’s leadership as he takes the helm of this industry-critical committee.”
Ackerman, a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast whose ties to the industry run deep, founded Motorsport Aftermarket Group in 2000. MAG, an MIC member for 12 years, is an assemblage of many of today’s great motorcycle industry brands representing segments in dirt/off-road, street, V-Twin, all-terrain vehicles and recreational off-highway vehicles, also known as side-by-sides.
“Some tough shoes to fill,” said Ackerman, referring to Steve Johnson. “Steve has been a vital supporter of aftermarket development programs such as the MIC’s Membership Task Force and Revive Your Ride!. He was fundamental in the establishment of the Right Rider Access Fund and has been a big help with defending land access for riders. He will be greatly missed.”
“Our industry is facing persistent and ongoing challenges and some never-before-seen threats,” continued Ackerman. “A strong MIC is necessary to combat these threats and at the same time be able to offer sensible solutions. The MIC Aftermarket/Allied Trade Committee’s cadre of board members represents all aspects of our industry and is qualified and ready to take on the challenge.”
The members of MIC’s Aftermarket/Allied Trade Committee are Arnold W. Ackerman, Gary Bryson of K & N Engineering, Joan Dyal of GE Commercial Finance, Don Emde of Don Emde, Inc., Frank Esposito of Kendon Industries, Inc., Kerry Graeber of Marketplace Events, Kevin Hagerty of MotoQuest, Robin Hartfiel of Resmarket, Inc., Dick Lague of Ignition3, LLC, Larry Little of Marketplace Events Motorcycle Group, Tom McCarthy of Motorcycle Management Consulting Services, Inc., Sarah Schilke of Schuberth North America, Tigra Tsujikawa of Advanstar, and Jayson Wickenkamp of Scorpion Sports, Inc.
