IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 16, 2005 -- The Motorcycle Industry Council has called on two industry veterans to co-chair the recently formed MIC Business Advisory Committee (BAC). Sharing this important new role are Jack Gray, senior manager, motorcycle sales operations of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., and Mark Blackwell, vice president, Victory Motorcycles and international operations.

The BAC is initially charged with helping to ensure the successful introduction and ongoing operation of the MIC's Powersport Standard Protocol (PSP). PSP is a powersports industry standard that will allow any dealer to transact business with any supplier entirely from within his dealer management system. The committee considers such matters as overall PSP policy direction, support requirements, communications programs, funding issues and approaches, PSP business partnerships, intellectual property issues, and development priorities.

"We are fortunate to capture the talents of these individuals, both of whom have distinguished backgrounds and a strong sense of the importance of working together for the benefit of the industry," said MIC Board Chairman Larry Little.

Gray has chaired the MIC Statistical Committee for several years and Blackwell serves on the MIC Board of Directors.

The Business Advisory Committee is a permanent committee and, according to MIC President Tim Buche, will be asked to address additional projects as determined by the MIC Board of Directors.

"Few things are more important than the quality of the people we choose to fill responsible roles," Buche said. "In opting for a co-chair approach, the association will benefit from the combined talents and experience of two outstanding individuals, both of whom are respected for their professional competence as well as their ongoing commitment to the powersports industry."

Committee membership is intended to reflect a cross-section of industry disciplines and may change from time to time as particular skills or experience are sought to address new projects.