6 • March 2024 • Powersports Business

The Motorcycle Industry Council ( MIC ) announced that Erik Pritchard , president and CEO of the powersports industry association that also encompasses the Motorcycle Safety Foundation , Specialty Vehicle Institute of America and Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association , is stepping down on March 22 to pursue new opportunities .

“ It has been a privilege to work with the boards , the member companies , the broader industry and the talented staff at the associations ,” Pritchard says . “ We were able to help the powersports industry not only survive but grow during a global pandemic , and we launched numerous strategic programs to support future success . I ’ m confident that powersports will continue to be an important part of transportation and recreation in America and that the associations will be there to help .”

Under Pritchard ’ s guidance , the MIC grew as the voice for powersports . During the Covid−19 pandemic , he helped navigate the industry through global shutdowns , led the team in working with the U . S . government to ensure powersports businesses could stay open , launched campaigns to position powersports as the perfect way to social distance and provided tools to give businesses real-time information on guidelines and available support .

“ Under Erik ’ s leadership over the past 10 years , the MIC has been strengthened as an association that ’ s keenly focused on ensuring the livelihood of our industry ,” says MIC Chair Derek Brooks , motorcycle product line manager , Yamaha Motor Corporation , U . S . A . “ The work Erik led , with the MIC govern-

See MIC , Page 7

Pritchard began his work with the industry as outside legal counsel . He was hired as the organization ’ s general counsel in 2014 . In 2017 , he became president of SVIA and ROHVA , and in 2019 , he was appointed president and CEO of all four associations . Photo courtesy of the

Motorcycle Industry Council ( MIC )

LeMans Corporation ’ s vice president of purchasing , Bruce Schumacher , announced his retirement recently in an email sent to dealers and vendors . Schumacher was a well-respected part of the LeMans team and many are sad to see him go , but the company wishes him the best in his well-deserved retirement and new phase of his life .

BRUCE SCHUMACHER

Introducing RFID Physical Inventory

By placing RFID tags / labels on inventory and assets , dealers can cycle counts or conduct physical inventory with one or two employees anytime . RFID reader terminals do not require line of sight , so counters don ’ t need to bend down under partitions , climb shelves , or position each item to be visually seen to be counted . RFID physical inventory provides accurate , up-to-date data leading to better analytics , improved asset utilization , and reduced lost sales .

Schumacher was named vice president of purchasing in 2017 . At the time , Fred Fox had just stepped back as chairman of the LeMans Corp ., and he also named Mike Collins as his replacement as CEO .

“ Schumacher has been a valued member of the LeMans team for many years ,” Fox said . “ Most recently , he has been very instrumental in our successful expansion into the European market . He will continue to direct the purchasing team at Parts Europe in his new role .”

In his email to vendors , Schumacher says he has enjoyed his time at LeMans , where he spent 35 of his 50 years in the industry working . But he says it is time for him to spend more time with family and to get out and enjoy the sport .

LeMans Corp . is the parent company of Parts Unlimited , Drag Specialties , Moose , Icon , Thor , Arctiva , Slippery and Z1R .