Washington State Motorsports Dealers Association Appoints Board Members

SEATTLE, Aug. 15, 2003 -- The Washington State Motorsports Dealers Association today announced the roster of its first official board of directors. They are Carol Snyder, owner of Spokane Yamaha in Spokane; Craig Southey, general manager of Smokey Point Cycle Barn in Arlington; Vicki Gray, owner of South Sound Honda in Olympia; Ron Orr, owner of Hinshaw's Motorcycle Store in Auburn; and Dean Owen, owner of Owen's Yamaha/Harley-Davidson in Yakima.

These dealers will oversee the strategic direction of a trade organization representing more than 100 of the state's most professional motorsports dealers. The association will be heavily involved in pursuing a legislative agenda, the establishment of best-business practices and standards for the industry, and the promotion of safe, responsible family entertainment through the growing arena of motorsports.

"I want to personally thank these five dealers for their commitment to the future of this industry," said Mark Briant, WSMDA executive director. "Even as motorsports grows in popularity with the general public, the industry faces some serious challenges. Carol Snyder, Craig Southey, Vicki Gray, Ron Orr and Dean Owen have shown us that they intend to work for the betterment of this industry and its retail dealers, whose economic contribution to their local communities is often overlooked."

According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, in the year 2002 a total of 246 motorsports dealers in the state of Washington collectively employed 2,812 people and supported a payroll of more than $67 million.