As a kick off to the December 11-13, 2009, Toronto Motorcycle show, the Motorcycle and Moped Industry Council (MMIC) and the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV) executive committee took the opportunity to recognize MMIC and COHV president, Bob Ramsay, for 25 years of service.

In appreciation, Mario Lajoie, managing director of KTM Canada, Inc. and chair of the MMIC/COHV executive committee acknowledged Bob’s dedication and leadership with a plaque and a Rolex watch.

Lajoie, speaking on behalf of all MMIC & COHV member manufacturers and distributors, credited Bob’s positive attitude and vision for the continued success of the MMIC and COHV as the not-for-profit trade associations representing the responsible interests of its membership.

In December 1984, Bob Ramsay joined the MMIC and the newly founded Canadian All-Terrain Vehicle Distributors Council (CATV) as the national co-ordinator for safety and training. It wasn’t long before Bob found himself at the helm when he became the MMIC/CATV Executive Director in 1987. Ramsay became president of the MMIC and CATV in 2005.

In 2007 the CATV, was officially renamed the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV). “Why change the name?” queries Ramsay. “As the voice of the industry and in our ongoing efforts to educate the public on safe riding practices and environmental awareness, the COHV believes that it can more effectively represent the industry to government and the general public with the integration of offroad motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles under one umbrella.”

Founded in 1971, the MMIC mandate was to monitor motorcycle market developments. Since its inception, MMICs mandate has expanded to serve as a forum to identify and act on issues of importance to the motorcycle and scooter communities; monitor and respond to changes in legislation and regulations affecting the use of on-road and off-road motorcycles and scooters; make representations to the senior levels of government on behalf of its members and affiliate members; act as a statistical gathering base for the industry; and develop and offer group programs to serve dealers and motorcycle and scooter riders.

A strong, credible voice is crucial to the success of any industry. Over the years, with Bob Ramsay at the helm, the MMIC & the COHV have done exactly that. They have established a strong and respected working relationships with the various governments in this country. This ensures that MMIC/ COHV member companies are taken seriously and that industry positions are respected. CPT