KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Western Equipment Dealers Assn. (WEDA) has announced the selection of Josh Roemer for a new role as dealer development manager with WEDA’s Dealer Institute.

Roemer will serve in WEDA’s expanded training and educational services division where he will be responsible for connecting with and advising dealers on ways in which the division’s programs, tools and resources will benefit them. Roemer also will assist association leadership with the design and development of services equipment dealers are requesting to help improve the skills of their employees.

Roemer’s business experience includes 8 years of business development, sales, management and leadership. He previously served as an account manager for a global talent acquisition and engineering services firm. While there, he partnered with a broad range of manufacturers in multiple industries to help provide engineering-based solutions in a rapidly growing and changing environment.

“WEDA has an incredible track record and passion for helping dealers. I’m eager to serve our members as well. The WEDA team has quickly made me feel like part of the family,” Roemer said. “Growing up on a fourth generation family farm, I’m proud to lend my strong worth ethic to such a progressive member driven organization that has deep roots in serving ag, construction and outdoor power equipment dealers.”

In January 2015, WEDA launched their Dealer Institute initiative, which provides a comprehensive lineup of dealership offerings designed to help dealers become better at what they do.

Cory Hayes, vice president of training and education, who leads the Dealer Institute for WEDA, also commented, “Since the launch of Dealer Institute, WEDA has been adding resources, staff and infrastructure to better support the demand from North American dealers seeking business counsel, solutions and a trusted partner in helping them improve their operations. Hayes went on to say, “We’re proud to add another professional to our dealer support team. I’m convinced Josh’s experience and genuine interest in serving people will lend well to what dealers are expecting from Dealer Institute and the association.”

In some cases, educational scholarships may be available (through the WEDA educational foundations) to U.S. and Canadian dealers. Dealers are encouraged to contact Western Equipment Dealers Assn. at 800-762-5616 to learn more about programs and tools available to dealers in North America.

About Western Equipment Dealers Assn.

WEDA represents approximately 2,200  farm, industrial and outdoor power equipment dealers in Canada – Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia – as well as in the U.S. – Alaska, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and Washington. WEDA also represents 1,250 U.S. hardware retailers in the same U.S. states plus Arkansas, Louisiana and Nebraska.  As the largest equipment dealer association in North America and the largest regional trade association of its kind in North America, WEDA offers members a comprehensive array of dealer-oriented legislative, educational and communications services, ranging from lobbying to legal, accounting and marketing support. WEDA also provides products and services that include industry and manufacturer relations, as well as industry information and intelligence. The association’s many programs are either available only to members or provided at a reduced cost for members. Visit https://westerneda.com for more information.