Calgary, AB — The Western Equipment Dealers Assn. (WEDA) is pleased to announce Wally Butler from Mazergroup, has been elected as President of the Board of Directors. His term will be from 2017–19.  

Butler has more than 20 years of equipment dealer leadership experience, including many years serving on the inventory finance advisory board for Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and the Ag advisory board for Wells Fargo. He has also played an active role in helping guide the strategic plan for Western Equipment Dealers Assn., and prior to that the Canada West Equipment Dealers Assn.

“Wally’s appointment is an exciting next step in helping the association achieve its long-term strategic goals,” says John Schmeiser, CEO of WEDA. “Wally’s leadership, industry expertise, and market understanding will build on the success he has helped the association achieve.”

Established Experience, Industry Advocate

During his Mazergroup career, Butler progressed in various leadership roles after joining the business in 1997 where he now holds the position of VP Finance & Admin/CFO. Now residing in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Wally spent 14 years living in Brandon, where he has been active in helping local businesses become not only successful competing in the global economy, but also forging reputations as leaders in their respective industries, by serving as Treasurer of the Brandon Business Development Corporation.

“I’m excited and honored to be serve as president of WEDA for the next two years,” says Butler. “It is vital that we continue to grow and strengthen our North American dealer involvement while maintaining our position as a top-tier value-added service provider dedicated to leadership and expertise to dealers across North America.”

Adds Schmeiser, “Wally’s proven leadership will continue to provide an excellent foundation to build for the future.”

WEDA directors and staff work on behalf of all member companies, giving their time and talent to provide strategic direction and guidance for Association action in areas including government affairs, public policy, market data and exhibitions, as well as technical, safety and regulatory issues, and education/training.

“Member participation is vital to WEDA’s success in representing its membership and the industry; we greatly appreciate the dedication of our volunteer leaders and the support of their companies that allows them to serve WEDA for the benefit of all,” says Schmeiser.

About Western Equipment Dealers Assn.

WEDA represents approximately 2,200 farm, industrial and outdoor power equipment dealers in Canada – British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario — 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.