Motorcycle Industry Council Adds Two Members to Dealer Advisory Council

Bob Althoff, owner of A.D. Farrow Co. in Columbus, Ohio, and Sandy Stroope, owner of Boat World Honda Polaris in Harrison, Ark., are the inaugural members of what will be an eight-member council. The council will advise the board and aftermarket committee, while the board will direct dealer/retailer dues revenue to market expansion, training and education, public policy and government relations activities.

The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) has welcomed the first two members of its new Dealer Advisory Council.

Bob Althoff, owner of A.D. Farrow Co. in Columbus, Ohio, and Sandy Stroope, owner of Boat World Honda Polaris in Harrison, Ark., are the inaugural members of what will be an eight-member council.

“The MIC’s new Dealer Advisory Council is an integral part of the support system that we are providing to our members,” said MIC President and CEO Tim Buche. “Both Bob Althoff and Sandy Stroope have dedicated their lives and careers to the powersports industry. The value of the Dealer Advisory Council is in listening, discussing, discerning and acting on key issues that manufacturers, dealers and retailers alike can focus on to improve the rider experience. We believe a solid Dealer Advisory Council with members like Bob and Sandy will create better understanding between members and help us all improve.”

Sandy Stroope The Dealer Advisory Council is intended to represent the needs and interests of these new dealer members. The council will advise the board and aftermarket committee, while the board will direct dealer/retailer dues revenue to market expansion, training and education, public policy and government relations activities.

“It’s an honor to be asked to join the MIC’s Dealer Advisory Council,” said Althoff. “I was one of 25 dealers from 18 states to initially join the MIC and I’m proud to be one of the first two members to serve on the advisory council. I believe that it’s crucial for powersports dealers to come together and help support the MIC as they help support our industry as a whole. I look forward to being a contributing member of this united group and to assisting the new dealer members as they join our growing numbers.”

As owner of A.D. Farrow Co., Althoff runs the oldest Harley-Davidson dealership in the U.S., which recently celebrated its 100-year anniversary.

Stroope is the owner and operator of Boat World Honda Polaris in Harrison, Ark., a multi-line dealership with a decidedly off-road clientele. He is also chairman of the Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission and president of the Arkansas Motorcycle Dealer Association.

“I’m extremely proud to serve on the new MIC Dealer Advisory Council,” said Stroope. “As a dealer, I’ve always felt it’s important to be active in your local community. As new members of the MIC, we as dealers now have the opportunity to participate in, and help develop, the larger powersports community that we all have in common. I’m excited about the potential of this advisory committee, and I’m looking forward to working with the MIC and with dealers nationwide to help promote our sport.”

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame recently named Marilyn Stemp and Steve Piehl to its board of directors.

Stemp is a pioneering figure in the motorcycle industry, founding IronWorks Magazine with her late husband, Dennis, and becoming the first female editor of a nationally circulated, mainstream motorcycle magazine. She also revived their trade magazine, Iron Trader News; edits the monthly Kiwi Indian News; contributes to several powersports media outlets; and is the founding editor of Sturgis Rider Daily. Stemp is a noted editor and writer of several motorcycle-focused books. Her consistent support for charitable efforts in the industry include the annual Biker Belles Celebration, Las Vegas BikeFest and as campaign chair for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s development plan in 2014. She co-founded the Flying Piston charity events taking place in Daytona and Sturgis each year and is a National Ambassador for All Kids Bike. Stemp was inducted into both the Las Vegas Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Sturgis Museum's Hall of Fame in 2018, and in 2022 she was recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Powersports by DealerNews.