Motorcycle Action Meeting

I want to run this again, for my new blog readers who may not have seen this on the earlier blog pages. It's important...and I'm hopeful things will fall togather with hard work and some spit, cussin' and polish.

V-TWIN EXPO TO HOST MOTORCYCLE ACTION GROUP MEETING-- Wilmington, California, December 30, 2008: Keith R. Ball, President of Bikernet.com has met with several industry leaders to investigate a Motorcycle Action Committee under SEMA. The tough economic times have made it obvious to him and several others that the motorcycle aftermarket industry needs to band together. SEMA, The Specialty Equipment Market Association, which is an aftermarket advocacy group for the Hot Rod and automotive industry, represent over 7,500 members. "Timing is everything," said Ball. "Years ago this was attempted, but the motorcycle industry lacked a unified voice. Fortunately we still have this opportunity to step up, band together and protect our industry through SEMA and the MIC."

In this economic climate SEMA brings a large variety of services and benefits to the custom motorcycle aftermarket, the builders, dealers and the motorcycle rights groups such as the MRF (Motorcycle Riders Foundation). A short list of items SEMA offers to the automotive industry follows:

Business Resources & Solutions
SEMA Membership Directory
Freight Savings Plan (Siriani)
Property & Liability Insurance Savings Program (SEIA)
Manufacturer Credit Reporting Group (SCRG)
Mailing Labels for 7,000 Plus Companies
Industry Classified Ad Postings/Listings
Comprehensive Industry Calendar of events
Retail Credit Card Program (CarCareONE)

Market Research
Ongoing research reports, including
• Market Study • Annual Light Truck Accessorization
• Trends & Forecasts
• Diesel Market
• Compact Performance Market
• Mobile Consumer Electronics


OEM Relations & Programs
Hands-on access to new vehicles (Measuring Sessions)
OEM-provided CAD/CAM drawings (Technology Transfer)
Vehicle Technology Conference
Dealer Relations
Installer Certification
Licensing
Warranty Program (ProPledge)

Educational & Training Programs
National Education Conference (NEC)
Live seminars
Webinars
Installer Certification Programs
Internet Symposium Sponsored by SCC
Internship Opportunities
Scholarships & Loan Forgiveness -

Government Advocacy/Legislative Programs
Professional lobbying staff (Federal & State)
Legislative alerts and comprehensive website
Grass-root Enthusiast Support/SEMA Action
Network (SAN)
Political Action Committee (PAC)
Quarterly PAC Newsletter

World-Class Trade Shows
SEMA Show
SEMA Spring Expo
SEMA OFFROAD
PAACE Automechanika and Salon de SEMA
MPMC Media Trade Conference

Councils & Committees
Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)
Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)
Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (LTAA)
Manufactures Rep Council (MRC)
Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Councils (MPMC)
Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
Sport Compact Council (SCC)
Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)
SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)
Young Executive Network (YEN)

International Resources
International Market Reports
International Buyers' Guide
Consumer Affairs & Public Relations
International Support at Domestic Shows

Industry Communications
Monthly Trade Magazine, SEMA News
• Bi-Monthly SEMA Member News within
SEMA News
Weekly Electronic Newsletter, SEMA eNews
Financial Newsletter, Financial Fax
Comprehensive websites

"This was especially exciting for me because I was a charter member of the ARMO Council that represents the automotive restoration market," said Seth Doulton, President of Horsepower Productions. "I served on and headed up the licensing and OE relations committee, and I can tell you first hand that it was the best thing in my 35 years in the market place to ever come down the road. The restoration industry has benefited three fold by the networking that is strengthened by SEMA's leadership and power. The motorcycle industry has needed this for many years. We need to build a strong team so that SEMA knows we are for real."

An initial meeting was held a few months back to gauge interest and with the overwhelming positive response they have scheduled a meeting during the Cincy V-Twin Expo show to discuss this effort with the Industry, SEMA and MIC members, Sunday, February 8, 2009 at 9:00 a.m ROOM 251. This is a not-to-be- missed meeting during the biggest aftermarket trade show for the custom motorcycle industry.

"This could be the chance of a lifetime for our industry," said Ball. "Especially in this current economic climate, but it's up to us to get involved." This committee will be open to any members of our industry on the American or Metric side, manufacturers, clubs, shops, dealers, builders or individuals. A major goal of this committee will be to support motorcycle rights groups around the world including the MRF with 60 state charters and 250,000 members. "Our primary goal is to keep the custom industry free and vibrant in the coming years," Ball said.

For more information contact:
Keith R. Ball
Bikernet.com
(310) 830-0630
Bandit@Bikernet.com

To Attend the show contact:
V-Twin Expo
Paisano Publications LLC
Executive Producer: Jim Betlach
(952) 443-4168

Ken Conte
Rise Above Consulting
(970) 227-3588
ken@riseaboveconsulting.com