Here’s a few thoughts on the MIC’s current website:
- Why are there no communication tools for the various committees and working groups on the site?
- Why are the board’s past minutes not available on the member’s only site?
- Why are there no discussion forums, or other opportunities for member participation?
- In fact, the last entry in the “news” section is from 2006!
- There’s not even any mention of the MIC’s USSB initiative on it’s home page!
I’m willing to bet that most of you have access to more robust information and tools for groups as basic as your children’s school or their motocross club.
Surely if the MIC has the resources to create, develop, and promote a new race sanctioning body they have the resources to provide a more modern communication platform on their website.
Nomination Acceptance Letter:
To the membership of the Motorcycle Industry Council:
First I’d like to thank the MIC for this opportunity to lead our industry by running for a position on your Board of Directors.
You might recognize me from my monthly column on e-commerce and the internet in Dealernews. Or you may have come across my company’s website if you’ve searched Google for terms such as “motorcycle e-commerce” or “motorcycle industry internet.” Regardless of where (or if) you’ve heard of me, I’m not what you would call an industry insider.
That’s precisely why I am able to bring a fresh perspective to the MIC. I am a passionate motorcycle enthusiast and businessman that sees an incredible opportunity to lead this organization, and by extension this industry, into an increasingly complex yet opportunity laden future.
The MIC will benefit from my leadership, especially when it comes to technology and the modern organizational practices that technology affords. One specific example would be the MIC’s official website. It may have been appropriate for 1999, but it’s inadequate for 2009.
It’s unfortunate that in today’s internet everywhere age that the MIC’s member’s only website was not able to facilitate a discussion (or even post an announcement) on the decision to use the MIC’s limited resources to launch a new road racing sanctioning body. This decision has the potential to effectively split the already limited road racing market in the US and may reduce the overall market that the MIC is charged with promoting. This is the type of topic that the MIC membership should have been able to discuss on their website.
When you elect me to the Board, one of my first priorities will be to radically improve the MIC’s web presence. I will make sure that the MIC’s site is up to the level of a 21st century organization.
Our industry needs the MIC to take a leadership position that includes more creative industry development, better communication, and expanded member participation opportunities. If elected to the Board I will make sure that the MIC is able to meet those challenges.
If you think that the motorcycle industry is going to look the same in 10 years as it did 10 years ago, then there’s really no reason to vote for me. If you feel that our industry is being served to the highest possible level by the current direction, efforts, and decisions of the MIC, then there’s no reason to vote for me.
However, if you believe that our industry’s primary advocate should be a progressive and forward looking organization that is working to boldly and radically expand our industry’s market size, then the best way to see that change start is by electing me, Todd Shafer, to the MIC’s Board of Directors.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration and I look forward to serving on your Board.
