Whether you’ve owned a Powersports Dealership for a few months or many years, you will have to deal with the ever-present challenges of the Powersports industry, from navigating state franchise laws to factory initiatives that negatively impact dealer profitability and so much more. The National Powersports Dealer Association understands that protection for our member dealerships starts at the state level. Many of the protections that powersports dealers benefit from today were not established by chance. Previous generations worked tirelessly to secure these safeguards through state laws and statutes. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), however, are often opposed to these dealer protections. Each year, they invest substantial resources into efforts aimed at weakening these laws and preventing powersports dealers from enjoying the same legal protections as automotive dealers. It is far more cost-effective for dealers to defend existing legislation than to attempt to restore it after it has been dismantled. Failure to actively maintain a level playing field may result in future generations losing the opportunity to thrive in this industry.
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The NPDA is here to help you navigate this fast-paced industry. This webpage will discuss the reasons for state Powersports associations, and why all dealers should become a member or start an association in their state.
What is a State Powersports Dealer Association?
State Powersports Dealer Associations serve as advocates for powersport dealers. Aside from the fact that they work with local governments to block legislation that could be harmful to our industry in each state, they also provide protection for franchised dealers. This is different from the National Powersports Dealer Association (NPDA), which works on a national level and has less engagement with state and local laws and regulations.
What Does a State Powersports Association Do?
Every state Powersports association offers slightly different benefits, but their main purpose is the same: to help dealers in their respective state.
1) They facilitate the exchange of ideas among its members.
2) They encourage sound business policies.
3) They foster constructive and progressive state legislation relative to the powersports industry, including but not limited to legislation which (a) fosters competition through balance and fairness in the relationships between Association members and suppliers of the products Association members sell and service; and (b) defends the franchises of Association members to encourage investment in and development of businesses providing quality products and services to customers and the public.
4) They discourage destructive, retrogressive legislation, especially as it may effect the sale or operation of powersport vehicles.
5) They cooperate with other powersports trade associations.
6) They promote confidence, respect and good fellowship among all who are directly or indirectly engaged in the powersports industry. ​
Why Do I Need A State Powersports Association?
​They Lobby on Your Behalf
State Powersports organizations speak on your behalf when it comes to legislative matters that impact the powersports industry. This aspect of membership is important because it gives you representation on issues that directly affect your business. Specific benefits include:
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Working with government affairs teams to instate the most fair policies affecting your business
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Lobbying against unfair taxes affecting our industry
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Representing you at the state level on relevant issues, including franchise protection, employee benefits and wage regulations, and disclosure laws​
They Keep You Updated on Industry News and Alerts
Powersport associations have the resources to conduct industry research that’s relevant to your business. This can help you stay current on the latest news and trends, so you can implement them in your dealership.
Specific benefits include:
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Keeping you up to date on the latest news, economic reports, and laws affecting your dealership
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Helping you discover industry trends before they emerge
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Providing newsletters
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Providing information and notice to members about trending fraud and criminal activity.
They Keep you connected to other state dealers and vendors
Powersport associations have the resources to conduct industry research that’s relevant to your business. This can help you stay current on the latest news and trends, so you can implement them in your dealership.
Specific benefits include:
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Hold meetings for dealers and vendors
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Networking - Get to know the dealers in your state
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Find resources
Why do we need both a State and National Association (NPDA)?
It is very simple, the NPDA cannot protect you from the laws in your specific state.
MY STATE DOES NOT HAVE ONE
TAKE ACTION AND GET ONE STARTED
The NPDA is here to support you.
Our goal is to make sure that each state has a Dealer Association.
Access to attorneys
Our partner Bellavia Blatt will help prepare your initial documents and get you started for FREE
CURRENT KNOWN STATE ASSOCIATIONS
How do you join?
You can find information for state powersports dealer associations below via the association's active website. Check out your state powersports dealer association to see the specific benefits you can receive with your membership:
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NPDA State Powersports Dealer Councils
Alabama State Dealer Council
Georgia State Dealer Council
Tennessee State Dealer Council
Email dave@npda.org to get an NPDA State Dealer Council started in your state.​​​​
