VSA BULLETIN
September 10, 2007

Are you an industry leader? Two VSA advisory committees being formed.

Earlier this summer, the VSA issued an invitation for volunteers who would form two new advisory committees: The Motorcycle and Moped Dealer Advisory Committee and The Salesperson Advisory Committee.

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

“What greater credibility could there be for an industry professional than to be able to authoritatively advise both customers and colleagues that they are leaders in their business, respected as such by the regulatory authority, and formally consulted on relevant issues?,” asked Ken Smith, the President of VSA and the Registrar of Motor Dealers.

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 concerns and views forward and yet it is a 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. 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:
i. Three from the Lower Mainland (Regions 1 through 6)
ii. One from Vancouver Island (Regions 12 and 13)
iii. One from the interior part of the province (Regions 9 and 10)
iv. One from the North (Regions 11 and 12), and
v. One from the Kootenays (Regions 7 and 8)

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

MOTORCYCLE & MOPED - Applicants 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 - Applicants 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 will 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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