DealerNews: Pacific Northwest & Western Dealer Association Merger Moves Ahead

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Joint Boards of Directors Vote to Move Forward with a Merger of Pacific Northwest Association and Western Equipment Dealers Association 

Merged equipment dealer association will represent over 1,250 dealer members in the United States and Canada 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (June 8, 2015) – The joint boards of the Pacific Northwest Association (PNW) and Western Equipment Dealers Association (WEDA) voted to move forward with a proposal that would consolidate the two associations. This action is the first step toward a merger, which requires a vote by PNW dealer members which should be completed this summer. 

Upon PNW member approval, the merged association will be positioned to provide more access to programs and services for PNW members, enhanced training and recruitment, and one unified voice for the combined members. “The goals, objectives and vision of our two associations are closely aligned,” stated John Schmeiser, WEDA CEO. “This consolidation will be undertaken on a long-term sustainable basis with a continued commitment to grass roots involvement and a localized approach.” 

Schmeiser added that once the merger is completed, dealer members of both WEDA and PNW will experience little to no change in their daily interactions with their association. He said the goal is to make the merger effective October 1, 2015. 

“Our joint boards of directors have acknowledged that the dealership network has evolved over the past number of years, and the service level that they require from their association has changed,” added Ron Moore, PNW President. “A major reason for proceeding with this merger is our members will benefit from a larger, financially strong association that will provide more services to address the needs of today’s equipment dealers.” 

Schmeiser and Moore believe the timing is right for this merger and that this initiative will promote further consolidation with equipment dealer associations affiliated in North America. The merged association will operate as the Western Equipment Dealers Association and continue to support its relationship with the North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA). 

WEDA will deliver programs and services on a regional basis defined in three regions. Canada; representing dealers in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan; Southwest, representing dealers in the states of Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas; and Pacific Northwest, representing dealers in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. 

To be eligible for admission as a member of the Western Equipment Dealers Association, the dealer must be primarily engaged in the retail hardware business or in the retail sale and service of agricultural, construction, industrial, forestry, outdoor power, lawn and garden and/or turf equipment. 

About Western Equipment Dealers Association  WEDA represents approximately 1000 farm, industrial and outdoor power equipment dealers in four Canadian provinces and 5 States. The largest equipment dealer association of its type in North America, WEDA provides products and services that include industry and manufacturer relations, industry information and intelligence, business support, accounting services and training and educational initiatives. Visit www.westerneda.com for more information. 

About Pacific Northwest Association  The Pacific Northwest Association has been serving retail hardware, home center, lumber, farm equipment, outdoor power and industrial equipment dealers in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington, since 1899. The Pacific Northwest Association offers members a comprehensive array of dealer-oriented legislative, educational and communications services, ranging from lobbying to legal and business support. Visit www.pnwassoc.com for more information. 

Contacts: 

Ron Moore, Pacific Northwest Association – pnwassoc@pnwassoc.com

John Schmeiser, Western Equipment Dealers Association jschmeiser@westerneda.com