Editor's Note: The upcoming spring 2017 issue of Rural Lifestyle Dealer features a profile of KanEquip. 

ST. LOUIS — The Equipment Dealers Assn. (EDA) has announced the appointment of James B. Meinhardt to serve on its board of directors. Meinhardt will complete the term of Harold Chapman, Jr., who resigned because of family matters.

“We are extremely pleased to have someone of Jim’s caliber complete Harold’s term on the board,” said Brian Carpenter, chair of the EDA board. “Harold has been a real asset as we’ve transitioned to a new governance model. We needed a dealer with experience and an understanding of the issues to complete his term and Jim fulfills every need. I am excited to welcome him to the EDA board and look forward to serving with him.”

“I am excited to have this opportunity to serve EDA and its members,” said Meinhardt. “For many years, the board desired to move the association in a new direction and I am thrilled to have this opportunity to participate. As a dealer, I’ve seen tremendous progress the past 3 years and I will do my best to make certain we keep the momentum and serve dealers to the best of our ability.”

Meinhardt is owner of KanEquip Inc., a Kansas-based dealership with 9 locations. KanEquip focuses on the agriculture and light industrial markets and offers an extensive line of equipment, including AGCO, Bobcat, Case IH, Great Plains, Kinze, Kubota, Kuhn, Land Pride, New Holland and more. He currently serves on the board of the Equipment Dealers Foundation. In addition, he previously served on the board of the national association when it was known as the North American Equipment Dealers Assn. (NAEDA). His service included a term as NAEDA board chair in 2005. In his spare time, Meinhardt enjoys restoring antique farm equipment, cars and toys. His hobby grew into such a noteworthy collection that it is currently housed in a museum. He and his wife Barbara reside in Wamego, Kan.

About EDA

Founded in 1900, the Equipment Dealers Assn. (EDA), formerly known as the North American Equipment Dealers Assn., is a non-profit trade organization representing 4,500 retail dealers extensively engaged in the sale and service of agricultural, construction, industrial, forestry, outdoor power, lawn and garden, and/or turf equipment. EDA provides essential value to its members by enhancing the dealer-manufacturer relationship and advocating for a positive legislative and regulatory environment. EDA is headquartered in St. Louis, Mo., and is affiliated with regional associations located throughout the U.S. and Canada. For additional information, visit www.equipmentdealer.org.