MIC Welcomes Inaugural Members of New Dealer Membership Class Advisory Council

Bob Althoff, Sandy Stroope to Help Support MIC’s New Dealer Members

IRVINE, CA – May 21, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) -  The Motorcycle Industry Council continues to welcome dealers and retailers to its membership for the first time since 1974 and today welcomed the first two members of the new MIC Dealer Advisory Council. Bob Althoff, owner of A.D. Farrow Co. in Columbus, OH, and Sandy Stroope, owner of Boat World Honda Polaris in Harrison, AR, are the inaugural members of what will be an eight-member council.

“The MIC’s new Dealer Advisory Council is an integral part of the support system that we are providing to our members,” said MIC President and CEO Tim Buche. “Both Bob Althoff and Sandy Stroope have dedicated their lives and careers to the powersports industry. The value of the Dealer Advisory Council is in listening, discussing, discerning and acting on key issues that manufacturers, dealers and retailers alike can focus on to improve the rider experience. We believe a solid Dealer Advisory Council with members like Bob and Sandy will create better understanding between members and help us all improve.”

The Dealer Advisory Council is intended to represent the needs and interests of these new dealer members. The council will advise the Board and Aftermarket Committee, while the Board will direct Dealer/Retailer dues revenue to market expansion, training and education, public policy and government relations activities.

“It’s an honor to be asked to join the MIC’s Dealer Advisory Council,” said Althoff. “I was one of 25 dealers from 18 states to initially join the MIC and I’m proud to be one of the first two members to serve on the advisory council. I believe that it’s crucial for powersports dealers to come together and help support the MIC as they help support our industry as a whole. I look forward to being a contributing member of this united group and to assisting the new dealer members as they join our growing numbers.”

As owner of A.D. Farrow Co., Althoff runs the oldest Harley-Davidson dealership in the U.S. The venerable company, which has three Columbus, OH, locations, recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. Additionally, Althoff was recently awarded the Dealernews Don J. Brown Lifetime Achievement Award, given to representatives of the powersports retail community who have demonstrated a lifelong dedication to the business, the lifestyle, the community and the sport.

Stroope is the owner and operator of Boat World Honda Polaris in Harrison, AR, a multi-line dealership with a decidedly off-road clientele. He is also chairman of the Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission and president of the Arkansas Motorcycle Dealer Association.

“I’m extremely proud to serve on the new MIC Dealer Advisory Council,” said Stroope. “As a dealer, I’ve always felt it’s important to be active in your local community. As new members of the MIC, we as dealers now have the opportunity to participate in, and help develop, the larger powersports community that we all have in common. I’m excited about the potential of this advisory committee, and I’m looking forward to working with the MIC and with dealers nationwide to help promote our sport.”

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. As a not-for-profit, national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers, distributors, dealers and retailers of motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, ROVs, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts, accessories and related goods and services, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.

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Steve Johnson Takes Over as Motorcycle Industry Council Aftermarket Committee Chair

Former Chair Frank Esposito to Remain Active on MIC Aftermarket Committee

IRVINE, CA – May 15, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Motorcycle Industry Council board member Steve Johnson assumes the position of MIC Aftermarket Chair. In his new role, Johnson takes over for former Chair Frank Esposito, who is stepping down after serving in this position since 2004. Esposito, who also sits on the MIC board, will continue to be an active member of the Aftermarket Committee.

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to lead the Aftermarket Committee for the MIC,” said Johnson, president and COO of Tucker Rocky Distributing. “Our industry has survived the greatest recession in our lifetime. We are seeing signs of an economic turnaround and it is critical that all constituents in the powersports industry find ways to capitalize on this recovery. There are many pressures on our industry ­– from land closure to unfavorable laws from both the state and federal level – that will have negative consequences. MIC has recently created the opportunity for powersports dealers to become MIC members. It is important that all interested parties come together with a stronger, united voice to make sure the powersports industry is represented. The Aftermarket Committee will continue to play a key role in initiating and supporting these efforts.

“I want to thank Frank Esposito for his leadership of the Aftermarket Committee,” continued Johnson. “Frank has always been a passionate, creative and articulate voice in the Aftermarket Committee. I also want to thank MIC President Tim Buche for his outstanding leadership of the MIC.”

Added Esposito, president of Kendon Industries, Inc.: “I am very grateful to everyone who supported me during my time as chair of the MIC’s Aftermarket Committee. I’m pleased with and proud of the accomplishments and diligence shown by the committee and the membership task force over the last 10 years. But change is healthy; it keeps us fresh and challenges the status quo. Now is the right time for change and so the time has come to rotate from the chair. I believe that Steve is the ideal next candidate. His industry experience and commitment to the aftermarket will prove invaluable as he takes over as chair. I look forward to working with him in this new capacity and also to continuing to serve as an active member of the committee.”

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. As a not-for-profit, national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers, distributors, dealers and retailers of motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, ROVs, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts, accessories and related goods and services, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.

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Motorcycle Caucus Officially Registered for the 113th Congress

Representative Michael Burgess Joined by Representative Tim Griffin as Co-Chair

IRVINE, CA – May 10, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Congressional Motorcycle Caucus Co-chairs, Representatives Michael Burgess (R-TX) and Tim Griffin (R-AR) today announced that the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus (CMC) has been officially registered for the 113th Congress.  At the start of each Congress all official caucuses must be reestablished and recognized formally by the U.S. House of Representatives.

The CMC is a bipartisan group of Members of Congress committed to advancing motorcycling and improving the safety of motorcyclists.  This is the fourth consecutive Congressional session that the CMC has been formed.

“We are excited to reregister the Motorcycle Caucus for the 113th Congress,” Burgess said. “Having been the Caucus’ chair previously, I am glad that we can once again provide a platform and a voice for motorcycle enthusiasts here in Washington. Also, I am pleased that Congressman Tim Griffin has decided to become Co-Chair; he along with the other Congressional Members will be able to provide valuable insight as we seek to develop and implement the Caucus’ agenda.”

“I look forward to growing the Motorcycle Caucus as the voice in Congress for America’s more than 25 million motorcyclists,” Griffin said. “As a rider, I recognize that there are many important issues affecting us, such as unreasonable limits on trail riding areas, the need for additional safety awareness, and ethanol mandates that harm motorcycle engines.”

Caucus Member and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Vice Chairman, John Duncan said, “Motorcycling is important to my District and to me personally.  I look forward to continuing to work with the Co-Chairs and other members to highlight the need for motorcycle safety and to promote the use of motorcycles and scooters as fun, fuel efficient transportation options for many Americans.”

MIC’s Director of Federal Affairs, Duane Taylor noted, “Motorcyclists continue to have strong support in Congress, and the Caucus Co-Chairs and members will provide all riders a powerful voice as transportation policy continues to evolve.  Everyone who rides owes a debt of gratitude to the Caucus members as they advocate for our safety and ensure that motorcycles are considered by Congress in hearings, on the House floor and in legislation.”

He continued, “I encourage all riders to get in contact with and urge their Member of Congress to join the Motorcycle Caucus.  While we currently have strong support, riders can only benefit from having more Members formally associate themselves with motorcycling and motorcycle safety.”

The Motorcycle Caucus has actively highlighted motorcycling by passing Congressional Resolutions supporting the goals of May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, hosting a Capitol Hill event attended by the Secretary of Transportation, drawing attention to Ride to Work Day and ensuring that motorcycle safety is remembered in the transportation reauthorization process.

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. As a not-for-profit, MIC a national industry association seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment firms, media companies and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.

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Fourth Annual Revive Your Ride! WIN BIG SPRING GIVEAWAY is Here!

Powersports Customers Can Win More Than $30,000 in Cool Prizes

IRVINE, CA – April 12, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The Revive Your Ride! WIN BIG SPRING GIVEAWAY is back. Scheduled to run from April 15 through June 30, the annual powersports promotion offers customers a chance to win one of 50 aftermarket prizes and gift certificates – all together worth more than $30,000.

“The Aftermarket Members of the Motorcycle Industry Council are once again happy to fund this dealership-traffic-driving promotion successfully being used by some nine hundred retailers and counting,” said Frank Esposito, MIC aftermarket committee chair. “Shops and dealers can really run with this and use it to get customers into their stores, and it costs absolutely nothing to participate. This year, the program is offering a lot of excellent prizes that any rider would be glad to win.”

Lucky customers will ride away with a prize package of gear, parts, accessories, or gift certificates. This year’s Grand Prize is a $5,000 gift certificate, while 1st Place is a $3,000 gift certificate and 2nd Place is a $1,500 gift certificate. The product package giveaways include a Schuberth S2 helmet, a Tour Master jacket, a Brand 34 sweatshirt signed by Kevin Schwantz, Tucker Rocky gift certificates, a Klim Overland pants and jacket set, a Shoei helmet, a Kendon stand-up lift and much, much more.

MIC Aftermarket Members who contributed to the prize collection include: ACCEL, AFX, AIMExpo, Avon Tyres, Biker’s Choice, Butler Motorcycle Maps, Haynes Manuals, Helmet House, Kendon, Klim, LeoVince, Mad Maps, Memphis Shades, MotoTV, MotoQuest, Motul, Powerlet, Renthal, RK Racing, Saddlemen, Schuberth, Schwantz School, Scorpion, Sunstar, Suzuki, Tucker Rocky, Two Brothers Racing, Van Leeuwen and Yuasa.

All of the prize packages can be seen at mic.org/reviveyourride. To enter, customers simply visit a participating dealership or retailer, get a unique entry code that can be posted on Revive Your Ride! posters, and enter online at reviveyourride.org. There are eight gift certificates totaling $13,500 and they are redeemable at the participating dealers’ stores. Each participating dealer receives two free promotional posters and they can also access downloadable banners, postcards and other digital materials – all for free – on the Revive Your Ride! website. Dealers who have participated in previous Revive Your Ride! promotions do not need to sign up again.

Questions about the promotion can be sent to RYR@mic.org.

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, business advisories and forecasts, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. As a not-for-profit, national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.

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Mark Blackwell Named Chair of the Motorcycle Industry Council Board of Directors

Former Chair Larry Little Completes 10-Year Tenure

IRVINE, CA – March 28, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The Motorcycle Industry Council congratulates Mark Blackwell, vice president, special projects, Polaris Industries, on being elected chair of the MIC Board of Directors, effective immediately. Blackwell has served intermittently on the board since the early 1980s and takes over for outgoing Chair Larry Little, who remains an active elected board member after having served as chair for the last 10 years. For 2013, Blackwell joins the other officers: newly elected Vice Chair Jon-Erik Burleson as well as returning Secretary/Treasurer Eric Anderson and President Tim Buche.

“It is an honor for me to serve the industry as chair of the MIC,” said Blackwell. “This is a very exciting time for the industry and for the MIC. Although we certainly face many challenges, I believe the MIC’s work in providing valuable research, educational opportunities, and government relations and marketing support are all vital to our current and future success. Also, I’d like to thank Larry for his lengthy tenure and for continuing service as a director. On behalf of the members, the other directors and the industry at large, we are grateful for his exemplary service, leadership, counsel and investment.”

Blackwell added that one of the many initiatives that he’s excited about is the recent implementation of the MIC’s new dealer and retailer class of membership. Said Blackwell: “I am excited about the many benefits MIC can provide to dealers, including the ever expanding range of marketing and statistical information, as well as educational opportunities like the new webinar series. Plus, having dealer representation across the country will add a powerful voice when the MIC works on behalf of the industry on legislative and regulatory matters and increasing other threats to our industry.”

Little did not seek re-election to the office of chair after having served in the position since 2003.  Also the vice president and general manager of the recently formed Motorcycle Group of Marketplace Events, Little requested that he not be considered as a candidate for chairman in 2013 due to time conflicts.

“Simply stated, the pace of my day job – of launching the inaugural AIMExpo this Fall – is increasing, and is requiring significantly more of my personal bandwidth,” said Little. “The role of board chair involves much greater interaction with MIC staff, and I was reluctant to try and strike a balance between my responsibilities at Marketplace Events and as MIC chair. With a year left on my current term, I remain an ardent enthusiast of the industry and look forward to continuing to serve as a fully active member of the board. Congratulations to Mark Blackwell on his new position. His commitment to the industry is well-documented, and his leadership skills make him the perfect choice to lead us as MIC continues to actively promote, protect and grow the business of motorcycling.”

Newly elected Vice Chair Burleson is president of KTM North America and has served on the MIC board since 2008. Burleson is excited to assume the new role of vice chairman this year and is enthusiastic about his new responsibilities.

“I feel very honored being elected vice chair,” said Burleson. “I have nothing but respect and admiration for the other board members, their diligence and their dedication to MIC’s mission. In my new role, I look forward to helping further the efforts of the MIC and increasing my contributions to the board’s overall goals. Finally, I want to express my appreciation to Larry for his years of leadership and commitment, particularly during the most challenging market environment of the last decade.”

This year VROOM Network President Anderson returns for another term as Secretary/Treasurer on the MIC board. He has been an active board member for the last 12 years and is eager to work with MIC as it faces the challenges of the future.

“I was originally an MIC staffer back in the 1980s,” said Anderson. “So this feels like coming full circle – I’m home. It’s my hope that my experience as an apparel expert, branding consultant, start-up entrepreneur, retail trainer and MIC board member will help grow our industry. I want to thank Larry for his years as chair. It was a pleasure to serve with him in that capacity and now I look forward to serving with him as a director as we move forward. I also look forward to working with MIC’s new generation of leadership, including Chair Blackwell and Vice Chair Burleson, who will assist us in making a huge difference as we enter a totally new era for MIC.”

In addition to Blackwell, Burleson, Anderson, and Little, the 2013 MIC Board of Directors includes Bob Gurga (Honda), Steve Bortolamedi (Suzuki), Russ Brenan (Kawasaki), Hans Blesse (BMW), Dennis McNeal (Yamaha), Frank Esposito (Kendon Industries), Steve Johnson (Tucker Rocky) and Don Emde (Don Emde, Inc.).

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. As a not-for-profit, national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers, distributors, dealers and retailers of motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, ROVs, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts, accessories and related goods and services, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.

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Motorcycle Industry Council Focuses Resources on Recruiting New Dealer and Retailer Members

More Than 150 Dealer Locations Signed Up for Extensive MIC Membership Benefits So Far

IRVINE, CA – March 12, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Having recently expanded its membership to include powersports dealers and retailers, the Motorcycle Industry Council is now proactively reaching out to them regarding the new membership class and its significant benefits. So far, the MIC has signed up more than 150 dealer / retailer locations representing congressional districts in 38 states.

Initially, the MIC is contacting the 900 dealers currently participating in Revive Your Ride, the MIC’s industry-wide contest that draws consumers into powersports retailers. Since its inception in 2010, dealer participation has increased exponentially and Revive Your Ride has awarded more than $120,000 in prizes to help increase retailer floor traffic. Building on the momentum from Revive Your Ride, the MIC takes its dealer support to an entirely new level to include advocacy, market expansion, and training and education via this new membership class.

As new MIC members, these dealers and retailers join the organization’s nearly 300 existing member companies, which include motorcycle manufacturers and distributors, aftermarket product manufacturers, insurance companies, retail finance sources and more. All of these businesses work closely with dealers and retailers, and share with them the end goal of better serving current and prospective enthusiasts.

In an effort to encourage dealers to sign up and help increase the MIC’s support for and strength of the powersports industry overall, the MIC has streamlined the dealer membership application process. Easy online registration is available at www.mic.org with annual dues being paid on a quarterly basis.

“I was one of 25 dealers who joined the MIC within days of the announcement that dealers would be encouraged to join their ranks,” said Bob Althoff, owner of A.D. Farrow Co. in Columbus, Ohio, and 2013 Don J. Brown Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. “The MIC needs us. Our voice is critical. The dialogue between us and the MIC’s industry membership [regarding] our common issues can only strengthen us all, and improved advocacy will result. United, we are formidable. Failure to come together will only lead to more industry threat and lost opportunity for us all. I applaud what this organization is trying to do and want to support those efforts.”

Dealers who join the MIC prior to May 31st will receive Charter Memberships and access to growth strategist David Nour’s “Social & Mobile Innovation Webinar Series,” free of charge. Other MIC benefits available to new dealer and retailer members include access to the MIC’s proprietary market research, sales data, industry news, legislative support, media relations support, discounted fees for MIC Bankcard Program, information on local laws and much more.

“In addition to being a dealer, I am also chairman of the Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission and president of the Arkansas Motorcycle Dealer Association,” said Sandy Stroope, owner of Boat World Honda Polaris in Harrison, AR. “In this capacity, I’ve worked with the MIC over the last five years on three different issues and was impressed by how the whole organization handled the issues and problems. I felt like they had a lot of good information to offer and that it was worth my while to be a member of the MIC when they opened it up to dealers such as myself.”

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. As a not-for-profit, national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers, distributors, dealers and retailers of motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, ROVs, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts, accessories and related goods and services, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.

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Motorcycle Industry Council’s 2013 Webinar Series Presents Strategies for Powersports Dealer/Retailer Business Growth

MIC Dealer Members Can Benefit from Low-Cost Online Marketing Strategies

IRVINE, CA – March 1, 2013 – In an effort to help new MIC Dealer Members grow their businesses, the Motorcycle Industry Council is hosting six webinars conducted by growth strategist, best-selling author and motorcycle enthusiast David Nour.

The hour-long, monthly, interactive webinars focus on Nour’s specialty: social market leadership. At their core, they are designed to help businesses market themselves more effectively. Some of Nour’s suggested methods include utilizing today’s free or low-cost online tools and strategies, such as blogging, Twitter and Facebook.

Although the first session, titled “Blogging, Content Curation and Online Best Practices,” has already been conducted, each of the monthly sessions are recorded and are available to MIC Members for viewing for one year.

“The first webinar was very informative and helpful,” said attendee Patrick Clynes, owner of RP Creative. “It really motivated me to get serious about social marketing for my company. The content was very relevant and I was glad to see it focused on our industry. I was also very impressed with David Nour, who I’d met at the MIC’s Communications Symposium last year. I’m looking forward to participating in the next webinar in March.”

“I liked David Nour’s message at the MIC Communications Symposium and was looking forward to the webinar series,” said Dick Lague, partner at Ignition3, LLC.  “The first webinar really exceeded my expectations, and I am looking forward to the rest. I feel like a David Nour convert. I am reading both of his books, and I am excited about what this new knowledge will do for our business.”

New MIC Dealer Members are eligible to participate in the five remaining webinars in this series for free. All of the sessions will be recorded and available for viewing by MIC Members for up to one year.

“I enjoyed the webinar,” said participant Sarah Schilke, marketing and public relations manager at Schuberth North America. “I’d recently attended a full-day Social Media seminar; however, David’s content, delivered in just one hour, was specific to our industry and very actionable. He gave great advice and good tips. I also liked the format. It’s definitely a good forum for MIC Members and I’m looking forward to the next one.”

The MIC has already released the dates for the next three sessions. Scheduled for March, April and May 2013, Nour’s MIC webinars will address the following topics:

• “Why You Should Get More Proactive on Twitter, Now!” (Friday, March 22, Noon, Pacific)
• “Leveraging Facebook for Business” (Friday, April 19, Noon, Pacific)
• “The Power of Internet Video to Engage & Influence” (Friday, May 10, Noon, Pacific)

“I did not know what to expect,” said attendee Frank Esposito, president of Kendon Industries. “I thought it was going to be too technical. It wasn’t. It was easy to understand. It helped a tiny little company like Kendon change our position to ‘we really can tackle online marketing at this time.’ Mostly, I like David’s style. He kept a good pace. It’s obvious that he’s enthusiastic and enjoys what he’s doing. Our industry will become better because of both his professional contributions and also because of his newly found addiction for the sport. Together they are a great multiplier.”

In order to participate in these MIC webinars, MIC members can register here.  Non-MIC members interested in the webinars can attend after joining the MIC and can get started by visiting here.

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. As a not-for-profit, national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers, distributors, dealers and retailers of motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, ROVs, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts, accessories and related goods and services, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org

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Motorcycle Industry Council Expands Membership to Powersports Dealers

New Class of Membership Supports Market Expansion and Enhanced Consumer Experience

IRVINE, CA – February 12, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) -  Powersports dealers and retailers can now take advantage of proprietary market research and technical data, local, federal and state regulatory support, and other benefits of membership in the Motorcycle Industry Council to grow and protect their businesses and enhance the customer experience.

The MIC today announced it has expanded its membership to dealers and has already begun signing up charter members.

“Powersports dealers are impactful businesses on Main Street throughout the United States and are a direct link to consumers,” said Tim Buche, president and chief executive officer, MIC.  “By bringing in the new dealer members, we are exponentially extending our collective reach and, as a result, significantly growing our industry community.  We look forward to the day when we represent businesses in every congressional district in America.”

A Dealer Advisory Council will be appointed later this year to consult with the MIC board of directors on issue spotting and opportunities to improve the rider experience.  “MIC’s mission has always been to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling with the emphasis on riders,” Buche said.

He added that the MIC has long supported dealers by working with them on subjects of common interest, and including them in the membership will provide them with more resources to grow and protect their businesses.

MIC will be meeting with potential new members this week at the 2013 Dealer Expo in Indianapolis, Ind. (MIC Business Center, Indiana Convention Center, Room Wabash 3).  As new MIC members, powersports dealers and retailers will join approximately 300 existing member companies, which include motorcycle manufacturers and distributors, aftermarket product manufacturers, importers, distributors, and more.

Buche said, “An important goal in integrating the dealers into the MIC is to help redefine how both enthusiasts and policymakers view the powersports industry overall.  The synergistic relationship created by bringing in the dealers can help evolve the definition of industry so it applies to everyone – companies and consumers – who enjoys the motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, recreational off-highway vehicles, gear and services that drive our industry.”

MIC membership is available to approximately 5,000 existing dealers and 6,000 independent outlets that offer traditional sales and service, service only and ancillary retail services.  More information on membership is available at http://www.mic.org or membership.mic.org.

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. As a not-for-profit, national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers, distributors, dealers and retailers of motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, ROVs, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts, accessories and related goods and services, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.

 

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Fifteen Lucky Winners Enjoying Revive Your Ride! Year-End Giveaway Prizes

Two Retailers Win, Grand Prize Customer Takes $2,500

IRVINE, CA – February 7, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Two dealerships won Revive Your Ride! Party Packs and 13 customers collected a total of $13,500 in the Revive Your Ride! Year-End Giveaway.

Lisa Horney of Horney’s Custom Cycles in Fort Meyers, Fla. will be celebrating with a Revive Your Ride! Party Pack because one of her customers became the grand prize winner after simply obtaining an entry code from the dealership.

“We’re very much looking forward to celebrating Brian Gibens’ win, and are inviting all our customers to join the party,” Lisa said. “We have been participating in Revive Your Ride! since the beginning and have had several winners over the past few years, but this is our first Grand Prize winner. We will most definitely continue participating in Revive Your Ride! when it comes back in the spring.”

Lisa Horney has long known Brian Gibens who recently inherited his father’s Harley and plans to lower it front and rear, add a new seat and change the handlebars with his prize money.

“At first, I thought the phone call about winning was a prank,” said first place winner Tim Dietrich of Ithaca, NY, who has never won a contest like this. “I contacted the Motorcycle Industry Council to verify it and got really excited about winning the $1,000 gift certificate to Country Rode Motowerks in Fairport.”

After being picked at random from a pool of all Revive Your Ride! participating dealers, David Preston of Ride West BMW in Seattle, Wa. won the second Revive Your Ride! Party Pack. “You made my day,” said Preston, manager of Team Ride West. “We can’t wait to get started thinking about ways to throw a good party.”

Although Preston didn’t have a winner in the Revive Your Ride! Year-End Giveaway, he has had several winners in past promotions. Preston said he feels that Revive Your Ride! brought new customers into his dealership. In preparation for the upcoming spring promotion, the team at Ride West BMW plans to promote Revive Your Ride! via social media, e-mail base, Facebook fans and of course the website.

Winners of the 2012 Revive Your Ride! Year-End Giveaway

Grand Prize Winner

• Brian Gibens, Cape Coral, FL, $2,500

First Place Prize Winners

• Jeff Huber, Concordia, KS, $1,000
• Greg Garrett, Hernando, MS, $1,000
• Kathryn Penno, Grand Rapids, MI, $1,000
• Matt Lamar, Coatesville, PA, $1,000
• Ron Hayden, Stapleton, AL, $1,000
• Ben Kempen, Lafayette, IN, $1,000
• Tony Ventrice, Plum, PA, $1,000
• Tim Dietrich, Ithaca, NY, $1,000
• Shanna Berry, Los Angeles, CA, $1,000
• John Osborne, West Farmington, OH, $1,000

Second Place Prize Winners

• Richard Beeson, Austin, TX, $500
• George Dewey, Hillsboro, OR, $500

“We’ve been excited to offer this promotion to powersports retailers, for no investment at all, to help them boost floor traffic,” said Cam Arnold, vice president aftermarket programs at the Motorcycle Industry Council.” And we’re working hard on the Revive Your Ride! Spring Promotion scheduled to run April 15 through June 30. Retailers can sign up now.”

Revive Your Ride! was created and is funded by the aftermarket members of the Motorcycle Industry Council specifically to build excitement for two-wheeling and to bring the riding community back to the many retailers of motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides, service and aftermarket parts and accessories.

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. As a not-for-profit, national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org. Visit the Revive your Ride! website at www.mic.org/reviveyourride.

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Motorcycle Industry Council Reports Motorcycle Sales Among Leading Brands Up in 2012

Scooters, Dual-Purpose Motorcycles Lead the Increase

IRVINE, CA – February 6, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The Motorcycle Industry Council reports that retail sales increased 2.6 percent last year among 19 leading manufacturers tracked by the trade association. And for the first time since 2002, all four segments (scooter, dual, on-highway and off-highway) showed increases in year-over-year new unit sales, according to the MIC’s Retail Sales Report.

Scooters posted the most significant rate of growth with an increase of 7.7 percent, while dual-purpose motorcycles also showed impressive growth with a rise of 7.4 percent. Off-highway motorcycle sales were up 2.1 percent, while sales of their on-highway counterparts improved by 1.8 percent.

“The MIC is optimistic about this increase in motorcycle and scooter sales,” said MIC President and CEO Tim Buche. “In spite of some challenging economic times, the sales of used motorcycles has also increased. Though revenue is not reported to MIC, the major aftermarket distributors have acknowledged strong demand and increased sales as well. Further, we know that Americans are still enjoying themselves a great deal on bikes as tire sales have increased over the past 3 years. Estimated vehicle miles travelled were 29 billion in 2009, an increase of eight billion miles since 2003.  All of this signals that motorcycling is an increasingly mainstream mode of transportation and fun.”

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. As a not-for-profit, national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.

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