Merger of Dealer Associations

Kim Rominger, Executive Vice President of Mid-America Equipment Retailers (MAERA) has announced that the Board of Directors of the Association of (MAERA) and the Ohio-Michigan Equipment Dealers Association (OMEDA) have unanimously agreed to pursue a merger of the two associations. The Boards’ plan will be submitted to the dealer members of each Association for approval.

In column in the July/August issue of Pinion, MAERA's newsletter, Rominger wrote that the Board of Directors of both Associations agreed that in light of industry changes, the consolidation will be beneficial moving forward. He said the merger will:

• Give the Association a greater voice with manufacturers and suppliers as well as state and federal legislative entities.

• Allow the Association to position itself better with members given the increasing number of member dealers who have locations in both associations in addition to locations in other affiliate areas.

• Streamline decision-making for all dealers in the Associations's four-state area to allow it to react more quickly to changing trends, governmental issues and industry issues, and

• Provide for a more common platform for all dealers in the Association territory.

"Changes in our industry continue to occur at a rapid pace," Rominger wrote. "This combination of leadership of our organization increases our ability to be ahead of the change curve and position the Association as a leader in our industry representing independent dealers."

He continued: "Being an advocate for dealers in all areas of the industry and governmental agencies is our primary responsibility. Regulations continue to be a heavy burden on our members and the Association’s ability to get the correct information to all members in a concise and quick manner will be enhanced as will the delivery of new programs to our members."