AAA Elects First Canadian Executive as Chairman of National Board

Leading the Association into new era of connected cars and automotive technologies

ORLANDO, FL -- May 28, 2015: Don Main, President of Main Group, Incorporated, and past Chairman of the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), was elected chairman of the AAA Board of Directors at the 112th AAA Annual Meeting in Orlando, the first Canadian to hold the distinguished post. Over 230 delegates and club officials, representing the federation's 43 affiliated clubs in the United States and Canada elected the former vice chairman of the national AAA Board of Directors during the two-day meeting held in Orlando, Florida. Mr. Main will serve as Chairman of the Board for the 55 million member, not-for-profit federation for two one-year terms.

The newly elected chairman served as Chairman of CAA Manitoba from 1996 to 1999 and has been its Director since 1991. He was elected to the AAA Board in 2006, serving as Secretary from 2012-2013 and Vice-Chair from 2013-2015. In addition to actively supporting the AAA Board's governance responsibilities, Mr. Main provides leadership and strategic counsel to AAA's senior management team. He has a dedicated history of advancing and protecting the rights and interests of motorists and travelers of both the CAA and the AAA.

"This is a unique time in the AAA's history as automotive technology is changing faster than ever before," said Marshall Doney, AAA President. "It is essential we continue to meet and exceed the needs of our members including placing an emphasis on educating motorists about the growing fleet of connected cars and the safe use of technology in the vehicle. Don Main has been an integral part in maintaining AAA's position of leadership in the automotive industry over the past decade, and in his role as chairman, he will ensure we maintain that position to enhance the power of the AAA brand and the relevance of AAA's offerings."

In 1999, Mr. Main was elected to the CAA Board of Directors and from 2003 until 2005 he held the position of Chairman. He continues to provide advice and counsel to the CAA Board. Throughout his CAA career, Main has chaired a number of key committees, including the Accreditation, Governance, Standards and Performance, and Audit Committees.

"I'm honored and at the same time, humbled by the trust placed in me as I assume the leadership role in this wonderful Association. This is an exciting time for AAA. As we navigate thru the challenges of connected car issues, we must not lose sight of our responsibility to our core products, our commitment to be the motorist's advocate and continue to build on our reputation of quality, trust and peace of mind to our 55+ million members," Main said.

Main brings an extensive business background to his role as AAA chairman. A highly regarded and successful businessman, he actively participates in the management of several businesses in Brandon, Manitoba. His company, Main Group, Inc. is a holding company that has held ownership interests in a variety of retail operations ranging from Recreation Vehicle Dealerships to office supplies to retail furniture, appliance and electronics sales as well as a trade show rental display company.

In 2001, Don was honored as the Brandon Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year. He has been the recipient of a number of awards for his contributions to Canada's Recreation Vehicle industry, including the RVDA/Camping Canada Canadian RV Dealer of the Year.

Along with Main, AAA welcomed a distinguished group of new national board officers including Valerie Daniels-Carter as Vice Chair who is chief executive officer of Milwaukee-based holding company V&J Foods; Paula R. Collins as Secretary who is the chief executive officer of WDG Ventures, Inc. and president of Portfolio Real Estate Consulting. In addition, newly elected directors are Donald K. Boswell, Williamsville, NY who is President & CEO of Western New York Public Broadcasting, and William A. Mekrut, Lincoln, RI who is Vice-President – Finance, FM Global.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 55 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.