KANSAS CITY, Mo.  – The joint boards of the FarWest Equipment Dealers Assn. (FWEDA) and Western Equipment Dealers Assn. (WEDA) have voted to move forward with a proposal that would consolidate the two associations. This action was the first step toward a merger, which requires a vote by dealer members which should be completed this summer.

Upon member approval, the merged association will be positioned to provide more access to programs and services for FWEDA members, enhanced training and recruitment, and one unified voice for the combined members. “The goals, objectives and vision of our two associations are closely aligned,” stated Scott Eisenhauer, WEDA president. “This consolidation will be undertaken on a long-term sustainable basis with a continued commitment to grass roots involvement and a localized approach.”

Eisenhauer added that once the merger is completed, dealer members, endorsed providers, association management clients and industry suppliers of both WEDA and FWEDA will experience little to no change in their daily interactions with their association. He said the goal is to make the merger effective Jan. 1, 2017.

“Our joint boards of directors have acknowledged that the dealership network has evolved over the past number of years, and the service level that they require from their association has changed,” added Jason Wickham, FWEDA chairman. “We are excited to provide our members with a stronger voice in the industry while delivering extraordinary services to build the best business environment for our members.”

The merged association will operate as the Western Equipment Dealers Assn. WEDA will deliver programs and services on a regional basis defined in four regions. Canada; representing dealers in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan; Southwest, representing dealers in the states of Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas; and Pacific Northwest, representing dealers in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington are current WEDA regions. A new FarWest region of WEDA will be implemented with this merger. The FarWest region will continue to represent dealers in the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming.

Over the next 2 months, a series of informational meetings will be held with FarWest members to share the dealer benefits of this merger. Both WEDA and FarWest members will vote on the merger and transition plan; with the vote expected to be completed by the end of October.

To be eligible for admission as a member of the Western Equipment Dealers Assn., the dealer must be primarily engaged in the retail hardware business or in the retail sale and service of agricultural, construction, industrial, forestry, outdoor power, lawn and garden and/or turf equipment. 

About Western Equipment Dealers Assn.
WEDA represents approximately 1,250 farm, industrial and outdoor power equipment dealers in four Canadian provinces and 9 states. The largest equipment dealer association of its type in North America, WEDA provides products and services that include industry and manufacturer relations, industry information and intelligence, business support, accounting services and training and educational initiatives. Visit www.westerneda.com for more information.

About FarWest Equipment Dealers Assn.
The FarWest Equipment Dealers Assn. represents approximately 400 retail farm equipment, outdoor power and industrial equipment dealers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. First established in 1946, the FarWest Equipment Dealers Assn. offers members a comprehensive array of dealer-oriented legislative, educational and communications services, ranging from lobbying to business support. Visit www.fweda.com for more information.