The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. First incorporated as the Motorcycle Manufacturer’s Association in 1914, the name changed to include allied trades and then again to include scooters before becoming the MIC in 1969 when it merged with the California based Motorcycle Safety Council.
The organization initially offered and then dissolved an Associate Member Class for dealers, bringing it back a year ago under the presidency of Tim Buche, who took over from Alan Isley in 1996.
Although such a role is never going to be straightforward, ex-Suzuki man Buche is widely respected for his executive management of the MIC, not least through the recent downturn, ATV lead content issues and the dramatic growth and decline seen in powersport vehicle sales since the early to mid 1990’s.
The MIC board consists of 12 members, six of whom are elected, with six appointed by the motorcycle manufacturers and distributors who pay membership dues based on powersport vehicle sales market share. Last year saw Polaris/Victory motorcycle man (and former racer and trainer) Mark Blackwell take over from Larry Little as MIC Board Chairman.
Commenting on the anniversary, Blackwell said that “this is not only a proud moment for everybody who has been a part of the MIC, it’s also significant for the motorcycle community as a whole.
“As we celebrate this milestone, it’s important to remember that from the very beginning, the MIC’s mission has been to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling – and we look forward to continuing with that mission into our next century.”
In addition to Tim Buche, today’s MIC executive staff includes General Counsel Paul Vitrano, Senior Vice President of Government Relations Kathy Van Kleeck, Senior Vice President of Member Relations Scot Begovich, Vice President Pamela Arnette and Vice President of Research Pat Murphy, along with a staff of 20.
“The MIC’s hundredth anniversary actually coincides with another landmark event,” said Buche. “The 1914 transcontinental ride of motorcyclist Erwin ‘Canon Ball’ Baker”.
Now, one hundred years later, the MIC will officially support the May 2014 Cannon Ball Project, a re-creation of Baker’s famous ride led by MIC board Member Don Emde.