Advocate

Manufacturer and 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, associations and customers is essential for our industry – and your business – to thrive.

“Manufacturer 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 manufacturers

WEDA helps maintain a high level of trust and mutual understanding between manufacturers and dealer associations. 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.

Industry Relations Task Force (IRTF)

WEDA participates in meetings and makes one-on-one visits with manufacturers and associations 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 podcast on the Industry Relations Task Force.

Reaching out to the industry and consumers

Sometimes, issues are identified by dealers, industry partners and/or the Industry Relations Task Force that need a harmonized approach within our industry. One of the best recent examples of this is the Right to Repair/Chipping issue.

There was a lot of misinformation on this issue and the Task Force felt this issue was hurting not only dealers, but manufacturers as well. WEDA helped develop and distribute a professional communication effort to educate farmers, the industry and media about the serious risks associated with chipping and tuning. Materials were made available to WEDA dealer members free of charge.

This campaign was very effective in raising awareness about this important issue. Dealers had an organized toolbox of materials to communicate with their customers. The Chipping Campaign materials can be viewed here.