Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I'll allow the individuals here at the table to introduce themselves.
I would like to thank Howard Mains from the Manufacturers Association of Canada for joining us. We try to work as closely as possible with the manufacturers in Canada on issues that are of importance to both of our organizations.
I certainly would like to thank the committee for the opportunity to make a presentation on behalf of the 800-plus retail equipment dealers in Canada. Farm equipment dealers in Canada are represented by three regional associations and one international organization, all of which are present here today.
The directors who serve on these associations are elected by dealers in their respective areas. In addition to that, the three Canadian organizations are part of 18 like organizations that comprise the North American Equipment Dealers Association.
I'll ask each of the representatives here today to introduce himself and give a brief background on his association, starting with Bob Frazee, who is the president of the North American Equipment Dealers Association.