Now is the Time for Dealers to Advocate Alongside the Industry

Stepping out of the DC Metro at Union Station, I felt like a fish out of water. As a powersports dealership owner from a rural Idaho town, I never imagined I would have the opportunity to sit across from senators and representatives, advocating for issues that directly impact my business and the industry I love.

The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) invites dealers to represent their home states at the annual DC Fly-In, giving us a chance to voice concerns and influence policy. I met fellow dealers like my friend Jerry Lenz from Beaverton Honda, who shares my passion for protecting the livelihoods and lifestyles of those in the powersports world. We all recognize that bad government policies could have devastating consequences for our industry.

I was paired with Paul Vitrano, an experienced government relations expert and in-house legal counsel for Polaris Industries at the time. Together, we met with three Idaho congressional offices, including Senator Jim Risch. As we sat down, Paul provided a handout outlining key issues we were advocating for. Senator Risch listened carefully, asked follow-up questions, and took a genuine interest in my dealership, our employees, and the farmers and recreationalists we support. Because of our conversation, he later helped promote a bill that protected essential public land access for powersports vehicles. That experience solidified my belief in the power of dealer advocacy.

Now, more than ever, it is essential for dealership owners to show up. The MIC DC Fly-In on April 7-8, 2025 provides a platform for you to speak directly to lawmakers about the policies shaping our industry’s future. Here’s why your participation matters:

• Tariffs are driving up costs – The rising costs of manufacturing and importing motorcycle products either eat into your bottom line or force you to pass costs on to your customers. Congress needs to hear directly from dealers on how potential tariffs will affect business.
• The Highway Bill & Recreational Trails Program (RTP) – Funding for trail development and maintenance is crucial to ensure that our customers have places to ride. We must advocate for the inclusion of RTP funding in the next Highway Bill to sustain and grow our nearly $50 billion industry.
• Autonomous vehicle technology – Emerging self-driving technologies must be designed to recognize and react to motorcycles. Lawmakers need to meet the people behind the bikes to understand how this matters for rider safety.
• Access to Federal lands – Riding opportunities drive sales. Continued access to public lands means more riding, more customers, and more growth for your business.

Representing our industry on Capitol Hill ensures that lawmakers are aware of and responsive to the needs of powersports dealers. The MIC DC Fly-In is your chance to advocate for policies that help our industry thrive and to oppose those policies that threaten our success.

Join Herohub in Washington, DC, this April 7-8. Your voice matters. Your business depends on it.

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