Two Dealer Associations Vote to Merge, Form WEDA

The joint boards of SouthWestern Association (SWA) and Canada West Equipment Dealers Association (CWEDA) recently voted to proceed with a merger of these two associations to form the new Western Equipment Dealers Association (WEDA), according to a joint news release issued by both associations. This action was the first step toward a merger, which requires a vote by dealer members of each association to be completed this summer.

Upon member approval, the merged association will be positioned to provide more access to programs and services for members, enhanced training and recruitment, and one unified voice for the combined members. Once the merger is completed, John Schmeiser, CWEDA Executive Vice President and CEO, said dealer members, endorsed providers, industry suppliers and association management clients of both SWA and CWEDA will experience little to no change in their daily interactions with their association. He said the goal is to make the merger effective September 1, 2014.

The merged association will continue to support its affiliation with the North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA).

The merged association will be named the Western Equipment Dealers Association (WEDA). It will represent dealers in the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba; and the states of Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico. To be eligible for admission as a member of WEDA, a 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.