The 2013 Dealer Expo, held in Indianapolis Feb. 15-17, attracted powersports dealers from
across the U.S. and Canada to check
out thousands of new products introduced by over 500 exhibitors. This year,
dealers also were encouraged to get more involved in public land access issues.
At the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) Business Center,
dealers and other industry professionals were invited to register with Americans
For Responsible Recreational Access (ARRA) and join its efforts to preserve
trail access for off-highway vehicle use. "Dealer Expo is a great opportunity
for dealers and everyone who cares about OHV recreation to sign up for ARRA,"
said ARRA executive director Larry Smith. "It's free and ARRA's effectiveness
is undeniable. ARRA members who use our alerts to weigh in with their decision makers
provide a grassroots punch to augment our lobbying activities on Capitol Hill.
The one-two combo has proven very effective."
Most recently, ARRA helped stop the lead-related ban on
youth ATVs and motorcycles and provided much needed support for the
continuation of the successful Recreational Trails Program. ARRA allows for
individuals to join with thousands of other members to speak with one
collective voice. It does this by providing its members with relevant and
timely alerts that allow them to quickly and easily communicate their views to
key decision makers. In the past few years alone, ARRA members have contacted
Congress more than 2 million times and influenced countless bills, regulations
and proposals.
"Access is a huge issue for the powersports industry," said
Duane Taylor, director of federal affairs with the MIC. "Not only are sales
contingent on riding opportunities for consumers, but the powersports industry
is an industry of passion. Most of us are riders and use these products
ourselves and with our families. Signing up with an organization like ARRA is a
no-brainer, and the rate of return for clicking the `take action' button in an
ARRA alert a few times a month is huge compared to the very minimal effort it
takes to participate."
A grassroots organization based in Washington, D.C.,
ARRA represents millions of outdoor recreation enthusiasts in the fight against
unnecessary land closures. ARRA urges all powersports dealers, riders and
enthusiasts to register for free by visiting www.arra-access.org. You can also
follow ARRA on Facebook andTwitter.
* Parts of this article were reprinted from the ARRA's Washington newsletter.
