Keeping our members informed, involved and up-to-date
WEDA elects new board president
The Western Equipment Dealers Association has announced Kevin Pawlowski as the president of its board of directors.
Pawlowski has 30 years of industry experience. He previously worked as a field representative for CNH Capital (formerly Case Credit) and later moved to Farmers Equipment company, a two-store Case IH dealership in northwestern Washington state where he now serves as the company’s president and general manager.
Before joining WEDA as a board member in 2015, Pawlowski was on the board of the former Pacific Northwest Association, which merged with WEDA.
John Schmeiser, CEO of WEDA, says Pawlowski’s extensive leadership experience will prove to be beneficial to the organization and industry. “Over three decades, Kevin has built an impressive track record of strategic, operational and commercial accomplishments.”
Pawlowski began his term as president of the 10-member board on July 1. He succeeds Wally Butler, president, Mazergroup, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Dealer Institute announces fall and winter course schedule
Here is a look at the upcoming schedule of courses presented and facilitated by WEDA’s Dealer Institute.
Parts Counter Sales Training
October 10, 2019 – Twin Falls, Idaho
October 17, 2019 – Austin, Texas
February 20, 2020 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
February 25, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta
February 27, 2020 – Edmonton, Alberta
Service Counter Sales Training
October 8, 2019 – Kennewick, Washington
October 15, 2019 – Lubbock, Texas
January 14, 2020 – Austin, Texas
January 16, 2020 – Kansas City, Missouri
March 17, 2020 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
March 19, 2020 – Regina, Saskatchewan
Financials 101
November 12, 2019 – Lubbock, Texas
February 18, 2020 – Regina, Saskatchewan
Psychology of Peak Performance
February 11, 2020 – Austin, Texas
Iron Management (first module* of two)
October 22-23, 2019 – Denver, Colorado
Aftermarket Management (first module* of three)
November 5-6, 2019 – Kansas City, Missouri
Register online at www.dealerinstitute.org. For more information, call 800-762-5616.
The new, the fairly new and the not new at all
Dealers will see some new faces in the field at future Dealer Institute events. Erin Dueck rejoins the association as a project administrator. Dueck spent three years with the association prior to relocating for her husband’s work in 2015. She will assist Jan Williams, senior program manager, with all projects related to DI.
Mark Eckles is the newest face in the crowd. Mark has been in the equipment industry for 25+ years. Eckles’ previous employers were involved in retail and wholesale financing which included working with the association, its members, and other dealer associations throughout the U.S. on finance solutions and programs. He joins the Dealer Institute as dealer development manager.
Jan Williams has been with the Dealer Institute for nearly two years. Williams serves as senior program manager. She works with DI staff on various projects. She ensures that dealerships involved in training receive excellent customer service prior to attending a course and meeting their expectations. She also works with DI trainers in setting up meetings and providing dealers and attendees with information about what to expect during training.
Michael Piercy is a familiar face with a new title, vice president of dealer development. Piercy joined the 
association in 2015 and has served the Dealer Institute as dealer development manager and most recently as director of business development.
Federated Insurance
For over 45 years, Federated Insurance has offered WEDA members in Canada a wide range of health, dental, disability and life insurance benefit plans through the Association. Endorsed by WEDA, Federated Insurance also provides dealer/members property and casualty insurance with quality service and comparable rates within the insurance industry.
With Federated Insurance you work directly with an industry expert who is committed to understanding the unique risks and opportunities associated with our industry. As a preferred partner of the Association for over 45 years, we encourage you to speak to one of their commercial insurance agents for your property & casualty needs… they are dedicated to knowing your business.
FARM CREDIT CANADA
The WEDA and FCC partnership has proven to be one of the most beneficial association relationships to WEDA members. Since our agreement was signed in 2009, FCC has provided numerous financing options to equipment dealers throughout Canada.
These options have included a dealer designed lease program, competitive rates during times of lending uncertainty and specialized rate promotions.
Farm Credit Canada is Canada’s leading agricultural lender. Contact FCC for all your retail and inventory financing needs, plus capital financing for mergers and acquisitions. Visit www.fcc-fac.ca/en or call 1-888-332-3301.
Editor’s note: Dealership and industry providers that would like to share information about their dealerships and businesses are encouraged to send news releases to Joanne
