From an elite slate of highly qualified candidates, Motorcycle Industry Council members recently elected Steve Menneto, Larry Little and Sarah Schilke to each serve two-year terms on the MIC Board of Directors.
A leader in the powersports industry for nearly 20 years, Menneto was the driving force behind the successful New York dealership, Menneto Powersports. He has also held multiple positions with Polaris, including Director of North America Sales and General Manager of Victory Motorcycles. Currently, Menneto is Polaris’ Vice President, Motorcycles, and leads the return of the Indian Motorcycles brand. This year marks Menneto’s first term on the MIC Board.
As Vice President and General Manager, Motorcycle Group for Marketplace Events, Little recently spearheaded the start-up and successful launch of the American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo). Currently, he’s busy working on preparations for the show’s second event. Prior to that, Little was Senior Vice President, Chief Brand Officer, of Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S.’s Cycle World print, digital and event platforms. No stranger to the MIC Board of Directors, Little served as Chairman for 10 years and Vice Chairman for six. This year marks the beginning of his 18th year on the Board.
Likewise, Schilke is also a veteran of the industry and currently serves as Marketing and Public Relations Manager for Schuberth North America. Schilke brings to the MIC Board a wide range of industry marketing experience, drawing upon her former roles as Western Advertising Manager for American Motorcyclist Magazine and Marketing Director and Show Feature Manager for Advanstar Communications. This will be Schilke’s third term on the MIC Board.
The MIC Board is composed of 12 directors; six are elected and six are appointed by the motorcycle manufacturers/distributors who pay market share dues. In addition to Menneto, Schilke and Little, the 2014 MIC Board of Directors includes Hans Blesse (BMW Motorrad USA), Steve Bortolamedi (Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.), Russ Brenan (Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.), Jon-Erik Burleson (KTM North America, Inc.), Don Emde (Don Emde Inc.), Frank Esposito (Kendon Industries, Inc.), Robert Gurga (American Honda Motor Co.), Steve Johnson (Tucker Rocky) and Dennis McNeal (Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.).
“We’re excited that so many talented people have sought positions on the MIC Board, and we’re looking forward to significant contributions from all Board members as we chart the course for our industry association, ” said MIC Board Chair Mark Blackwell. “The year 2014 marks MIC’s 100th anniversary, and this new incoming Board has the talent, enthusiasm and experience to successfully kick-off MIC’s second century.”
The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. As a not-for-profit, national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers, distributors, dealers and retailers of motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, ROVs, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts, accessories and related goods and services, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.
The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.
