Harley-Davidson opens the throttle on caring

Lacey dealership sets the pace in service

By J.M. Simpson on September 12, 2019

In 1901, a man by the name of William Harley completed a blueprint of an engine designed to propel a bicycle. For the next two years, he and his friend, Arthur Davidson, worked on the "motor-bicycle" in a small machine shop in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Their engineering efforts proved successful, and the public became interested. In 1904, Charles Lang became the first official dealer of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles in Chicago, Illinois.

"Harley-Davidson has been and is all about community," Kyler Locke, marketing manager of Northwest Harley-Davidson, explained in an email. "It has always found itself at the center of peoples' lives, and our shop here is no different."

A significant part of Harley-Davidson's South Sound community involvement involves servicemembers at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) and the veteran community.

"We have a long and deep connection with our military," continued Locke, "and our goal is to serve the men and women of our Armed Forces the best we can."

The dealership's motto is "The Friendliest Shop on the West Coast," and some organizations have recognized this.

Northwest Harley-Davidson has received the American Legion Military Employer Award for its commitment to hiring military members re-entering the civilian work world.

The dealership has also been recognized for the integrity behind the financial services it renders to all individuals purchasing their dream motorcycle.

But then the throttle opens up on caring for community.

"Through the countless rides we host each year, we are major supporters of our veterans and numerous charities," Locke explained. "We also host safety and training sessions in conjunction with the motorcycle mentor program at JBLM. We are about community."

Locke took pride in pointing out a couple of upcoming military-related events:

The family-friendly Christmas In September Bike, Car & Truck Show, hosted by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, Chapter 11-4, took place at the Northwest Harley-Davidson dealership.

On Sept. 14, the 10th Annual Freedom Ride will be presented by the Association of the United States Army - Lacey Sub Chapter. A $25 donation gets participants into the ride, a coffee and donut breakfast and a gourmet chili dog lunch. The event also includes a National Anthem singer, a color guard, a live band and lots of giveaways. Call 360.705.8515 to RSVP; the first 50 to call in will receive a free ride bandana.

"We want you to feel welcome when entering our shop," concluded Locke. "Many of our staff members have served in various branches of the military, and we all understand the challenges that come with serving our country. We honor and respect that."

Northwest Harley-Davidson, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday-Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 8000 Freedom Lane NE, Lacey, nwharley.com