MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY COUNCIL BOARD MEMBER AND DISCOVER TODAY’S MOTORCYCLING INNOVATOR RAY BLANK RETIRES

Published on November 7, 2012 under Born To Ride

MIC Grateful for Blank’s Years of Service, Dedication and Enthusiasm

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 6, 2012 – After devoting more than 25 years to supporting, promoting and growing the motorcycle industry through the Motorcycle Industry Council and Discover Today’s Motorcycling, MIC Board of Directors member Ray Blank announced his retirement, effective Oct. 1. Blank’s MIC retirement comes closely on the heels of his corresponding retirement from American Honda, where Blank was senior vice president of the Motorcycle Division.

Blank has been an avid motorcyclist and passionate supporter of the motorcycle industry for more than 25 years. He has also been an active member of the MIC Board since 2010 and served on the Marketing and Public Policy Committee. Additionally, Blank was one of the original organizers of the very successful, motorcycle industry-promoting Discover Today’s Motorcycling program.

“Ray Blank has been an integral part of the motorcycle industry for as long as I can remember,” said MIC President Tim Buche. “His forward thinking, his commitment, and his passion and perseverance have made him a powerful force in supporting the MIC’s mission to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling. As a member of the MIC Board, Ray was diligent in his efforts. And as one of the original members of DTM, Ray was tireless in his pursuit of sharing motorcycling with the non-riding public. Everyone at the MIC wishes him well in his retirement, but he will be sorely missed.”

American Honda’s newly promoted Vice President, Motorcycle Division, Robert Gurga will assume Blank’s duties on the MIC Board when Blank steps down. Gurga has been with American Honda’s Motorcycle Division for 34 years and previously served as assistant vice president of marketing.

“After nearly 30 years in the motorcycle industry and 25 years working with the MIC, I have made the decision to step down,” said Blank. “I am very proud of my time working with the MIC and Discover Today’s Motorcycling, and what we have all achieved together. I never thought I would have the good fortune to be involved with so many great motorcyclists and industry friends during my career. I want to thank everyone I’ve worked with for memories I never dreamed possible.”

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 and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, 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.