VSA BULLETIN
October 11, 2007

Last chance for volunteers: Salesperson & Motorcycle, Moped Advisory Committees

Excellent candidates have come forward offering to serve on the VSA's new Salesperson Advisory Committee and the Motorcycle and Moped Dealer Advisory Committee, but the number of responses from some areas of the province has been disappointing.

Space is still available on each of these important new bodies, which will report directly to the VSA Board of Directors.

The deadline has once again been extended, this time until November 9. If the committees fail to fill with outstanding representatives of these industry sectors, the VSA Board of Directors and management, in consultation with industry associations, will recruit candidates for these committees.

Acting upon suggestions from several potential committee members, the Board has also decided to establish an honorarium of $200 per meeting for each member. Provision of travel expenses for those from outside the Lower Mainland had been previously announced. About two meetings per year are expected for each committee.

“Obviously, we don't think this small gesture replaces a lost day of work, but we think it is at least a tangible thank-you for volunteering time to help improve the industry," said Ken Smith, the President of VSA and the Registrar of Motor Dealers. "And, as I have said before, recognition as a leader in the industry should definitely have some credibility value with prospective customers." 

The deadline for applications has been extended to Friday, November 9, 2007
FOR BACKGROUND INFORMATION
see Page 2
And to download application forms, please visit
www.vehiclesalesauthority.com

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Motor Vehicle Sales Authority of B.C. is now accepting applications for membership on two industry advisory committees to the Board of Directors. These committees are being formed to address a long-standing concern.

Since the beginning of the independent regulatory authority in 2004, the Board has recognized that these sectors of the industry have been insufficiently represented. Motorcycle and moped dealers have not had a formal path to bring their views forward about this growing segment of the industry. In addition, no provision was made to give a voice to the industry's 7,000 licensed salespeople, other than through the dealer representation on the Board.

"The best evidence that these are to be important and influential participants in the consideration of future policy is that they are to be advisory to the Board of Directors with board-appointed liaisons, not merely contacts for informal consultation," said Doug Longhurst, the VSA's Manager, Projects and Research. "It can be quickly seen by a review of the application and selection process that considerable effort is being made to put together the best possible groups, with province-wide representation."

Committee members will be reimbursed their travel costs to allow the full participation of representatives from around the province, and a $200 honorarium will be paid for attendance at each meeting. Full details of the application and selection process can be found on the VSA web site.

Advisory Committee Composition:

Each committee will have seven members:

• Three from the Lower Mainland (Regions 1 through 6)
• One from Vancouver Island (Regions 12 and 13)
• One from the interior part of the province (Regions 9 and 10)
• One from the North (Regions 11 and 12), and
• One from the Kootenays (Regions 7 and 8)

Committee members will be selected through a public process conducted by the VSA management.

MOTORCYCLE & MOPED – An applicant must be a General Manger or Dealer Principal of a licensed motorcycle or moped dealer and have at least two sponsors who have provided written support for the applicant. Sponsors must be official representatives of two additional licensed motorcycle or moped dealerships.

SALESPERSON -  An applicant must be active as a licensed Salesperson and have a minimum of three sponsors, who are also active as licensed Salespersons and have provided written support for the applicant. Two sponsors must work for dealerships other than the one worked at by the applicant.

In addition to geographical distribution, committee members will be selected to represent a cross section of each sector, with consideration given, but not limited to, their industry background, skills and experience, gender and type of dealership.

In addition to the industry representatives, each committee shall have one Board member liaison, one Board member alternate and the President of VSA, or his designee, serving as ex-officio members.

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