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EYE ON THE INDUSTRY

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY?
Opinion by Darrell Sitarz

I’m often asked; What is KIC? What has it done? And finally, Why should my company join?

Well, let’s first start with what KIC is: The Kart Industry Council (KIC) was established in 1973 by like-minded individuals and is comprised of businesses involved with manufacturing, distribution, importing/exporting, reselling of karting-related products and tracks and clubs. KIC is the oldest and largest independent trade association for the sport in North America.

KIC’s goal is a simple one — to Promote Karting Through Leadership. As an independent organization, KIC offers an objective view and acts as a liaison between its membership and the sanctioning bodies both domestically and internationally. This proves the old adage that a collective voice speaks louder than an individual one.

And in keeping with the overall dynamics of the industry, the KIC’s board is diverse in its makeup:

President: Angelo Sodano – All Kart International
Vice President/Secretary: Darrell Sitarz – Kart Marketing Group, Inc.
Executive Director – Bob White

Board of Directors
Randy Kugler – World Karting Association
Dave Larson – International Racing Association
Tom Patronite – Azusa Engineering
Charlie Pistorio – Grand Products
Brad Sellers – Dill Fabrication
Charlie Sox – Sox Racing

The Karting Industry Council is a non-profit trade organization comprised of karting industry leaders who are dedicated to:
. Providing leadership within the kart racing industry,
. Acting as a liaison between the karting industry and the sports’ sanctioning bodies,
. Creating programs to increase public awareness of the sport,
. Emphasizing programs, activities and information to achieve high quality standards and business ethics within the industry,
. Providing training programs and business resource for its members,
…and more!

Now to answer the next question — What has KIC done lately?

It has…
. Organized the National Sanctioning Association Summit Conference in 2001– Meets Annually
. Organized the National Tech Committee – Meets Annually
. Organized and sponsored six Association Forums at the 2003 Kart Expo
. Organized and is sponsoring the three hour 2-cycle Tech Seminar at 2004 Kart Expo
. Organized and is sponsoring the day-long Track Directors Workshop at 2004 Kart Expo
. Organized an “Introduction to KIC” presentation at 2004 KartFest in Hickory, NC
. Organized an “Introduction to KIC” presentation at 2004 Kart Expo Int’l in St. Charles, IL
. Designed and printed “Let’s Go Racing” brochure describing kart racing – available to all kart shops, promoters, etc.
. Produced an exciting promotional karting video “Introduction to the Exciting World of Karting”.
. Designed a helpful and informative website – www.kartindustrycouncil.com

And finally, Why should my company, track or club join?

KIC offers member benefits including:

Newsletter: KIC’s BI-monthly newsletter brings you news from within the karting industry, helpful business-related articles, and much more, all in a timely manner.

Liaison: Because of its diverse and unbiased nature, KIC has the unique ability to act as a liaison between its members and the sanctioning associations.

Confidential Report: All members receive the KIC Confidential Report, available only to current members. The Confidential Report is assembled from data collected from members and is considered by many to be worth the cost of membership alone. The constantly updated KIC Confidential Report will afford members a first-hand opportunity to access information heretofore unavailable from any source within the karting industry.

Web Site: KIC’s web site (www.kartindustrycouncil.com) contains reports from the President and board members, articles about business and marketing etc., as well as contact information for the KIC board and all members

Trade Shows: Karting Industry Council participates in a number of trade shows promoting the sport of karting.

Promotional Video: KIC has again produced a short 8-minute promotional video titled “Introduction to the Exciting World of Karting”. The video is ideal for karting dealers who wish to educate potential customers. A copy of the video is sent to new members and is available for bulk purchase.

Promotional Brochure: KIC’s full-color “Let’s Go Racing” brochure was produced to help the newcomer understand the difference in karting today. The brochure is available in bulk for distribution.

Meetings: KIC hold quarterly Board of Director’s meetings at various locations around the country. In addition, an annual membership meeting is usually held during one of the annual major karting shows.

Discounts: KIC Offers member discounts on promotional items, apparel and workshops, etc.

Whether you are large or small, well known or brand new to the industry, your company, track or club can benefit from the knowledge and experience of the Karting Industry Council. By supporting KIC, you become part of a collective and unified effort to help to promote and grow the sport of karting. And remember, as the sport grows, so should your business.

The annual membership fee is only $250 which is a drop-in-the-bucket when compared to the valuable service KIC offers to the industry and to its members. Why should your company join? Because joining with help support the industry that is supporting you!

And as Lloyd Milliken, Past President and founding member of KIC said, “Remember, it doesn’t cost to belong to an association—it pays!”.

For more information, please see www.kartindustrycouncil.com or call 859-760-5850. And don’t forget to stop in to see the “Introduction to KIC” presentation at either KartFest in Hickory, NC in January or at Kart Expo in St. Charles, Illinois in February. You’ll be happy you did!

END

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Kart Marketing Group, Inc.
Post Office Box 101
Wheaton, IL 60189 USA
Telephone: 630-653-7368
Fax: 630-653-2637
Email: karting@msn.com

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