制造商 & Industry Relations
WEDA’s signature priority is manufacturer and industry relations because our members know it’s key to their success. WEDA believes that open dialogue between dealers, manufacturers, 协会, and customers is essential for our industry – and your business – to thrive.
“制造商 relations is one of the most important activities our association conducts on behalf of our dealer members.”
– John Schmeiser, CEO of WEDA
WEDA takes many steps to ensure smooth working relationships within the industry. Here are just a few examples.
Relationship-Building With Equipment 制造商s
WEDA helps maintain a high level of trust and mutual understanding between manufacturers and dealer 协会. As part of this, we regularly communicate and meet with OEMs on contractual and policy issues. As we bring issues forward from our dealer members, collaborative discussions lead to balance and fairness in these relationships.
WEDA has developed a series of key principles that are important to dealers in their relationship with their various suppliers. These principles recognize key areas of the operating environment and are fundamental to the success of an independent dealership. To review the nine key principles 点击这里
Listen to this two-part 播客 on the Dealer/制造商 Relations Nine Key Principles with John Schmeiser, WEDA首席执行官.
Industry Relations Task Force (IRTF)
WEDA participates in meetings and makes one-on-one visits with manufacturers and 协会 through the Industry Relations Task Force (IRTF). As we continue to work closely with manufacturers, we see that they value our opinion on dealer issues such as market share, right to repair, inventory demands and other areas of expressed concern.
The IRTF’s goal is to encourage mutual trust and respect between dealers and manufacturers and establish open lines of communication. Over the years, we’ve found that there’s much common ground and mutual benefit for all players can be achieved.
The IRTF meetings take place once a year, or more often if required. Members table the priorities and emerging issues on behalf of the industry then discuss and create solutions that best serve the industry. The working group of four equipment dealer managers have more than 110 years of combined experience. They represent North American dealers who have provided their input in advance. Notes are taken at these meetings and are distributed back to all member dealers to keep them in the loop.
This formal process takes place outside legislative processes and is extremely effective. The IRTF was started in 1998 and WEDA has seen 20 years of successful relationship-building and collaboration using this format.
Listen to our 播客 on the Industry Relations Task Force.