U.S. Congressman Visits Suzuki Headquarters

Outgoing Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. President, Tak Hayasaki, Congressman Gil Cisneros, and incoming SMAI President, Max Yamamoto. Cisneros presented Suzuki with a Congressional Certificate of Recognition while visiting the company’s U.S. headquarters in Brea, CA, on May, 28.

United States Congressman Gil Cisneros, representing California’s 39^thCongressional District, visited Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.’s headquarters in Brea, CA, on Wednesday, May 28, to tour the facility and learn more about Suzuki’s business and industry. Congressman Cisneros was joined by Deputy District Director Martin Medrano and Field Representative Chris Wade.

“Companies like Suzuki Motor of America Inc. are the engines of growth and socioeconomic advancement in our district. It was wonderful meeting with Suzuki America’s leadership and the many employees who are 39th District residents,” said Rep. Cisneros. “The 39th District’s highways of commerce and highly skilled workforce make it an ideal place for companies like Suzuki to grow their business while investing in their employees. I’m proud that Suzuki America chose to be headquartered in Brea, in the heart of the 39th, and is a key part of our local economy.”

During their visit, Congressman Cisneros met with Suzuki’s senior executive staff to discuss topics of importance to the powersports industry. Among other things, the group discussed the ongoing international trade dispute, land access issues and ensuring California remains business-friendly. Kerry Graeber, vice president of motorcycle/ATV sales and marketing encouraged Congressman Cisneros to join the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus to broaden his awareness and influence on matters that surround motorcycles.

“It was a pleasure to meet with Congressman Cisneros,” stated Graeber. “He was genuinely interested in our industry and we sincerely appreciated the opportunity to sit with him and explain Suzuki’s business.”

Though Congressman Cisneros is not currently a motorcyclist, Graeber joked that he would be happy to teach both Cisneros and his wife how to ride a motorcycle.

At the conclusion of the visit, Suzuki employees came together for an informal reception where they had the opportunity to meet Congressman Cisneros, Medrano and Wade, and enjoy snacks and drinks. Suzuki continues to demonstrate its commitment to powersports by connecting with those representing its community and industry.

Congressman Cisneros was elected to the House in 2018 and represents California’s 39^th Congressional District which includes Brea, Fullerton, La Habra, La Habra Heights, Buena Park, Anaheim Hills, Placentia, Yorba Linda, Diamond Bar, Chino Hills, Hacienda Heights and Rowland Heights.

Link: Suzuki

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.