This is a a retyped copy of a letter that I received from Kenwood, dated August 13, 1996. This is Kenwood's response to the concerns that have been raised regarding their plan to distribute Kenwood products at Truck Stops and CB Shops. Since I did not find this letter on Kenwood's home page, I have made it available here on the EIDX network. Read and form your own opinion.
Kenwood
Kenwood Communications Corporation
2201 E. Dominguez St.
Long Beach, CA 90810
Telephone (310) 639-4200
Mailing Address:
P.O.Box 22745
Long Beach, CA 90801-5745
August 13, 1996
Mr. John Papay
4910 Royalton Road
North Royalton, OH 44133
Dear Mr. Papay:
Since Kenwood's May announcement that we would be establishing several distributors for our Amateur products, some people have expressed concern. This letter will try to address your concern and your desire for more information. I apologize for not being able to personally answer your individual letters and e-mails. This is a down to earth, simple approach to answering everyone's questions and providing Kenwood's point of view and position.
To begin, it is very clear to me that not enough information has been made available concerning how Kenwood is making changes in our distribution program. I have spoken to many people in person, over the phone and even e-mail regarding the concerns and questions. Once all the information and facts are presented, a new and clearer level of understanding and acceptance is felt by everyone.
In past years, Kenwood has received hundreds of inquiries about becoming a Kenwood Amateur Radio Dealer. In most cases, these have been from small cities or towns where no Amateur dealer is present. In many areas, over 300 miles separate any person interested in Kenwood Amateur radios and the nearest dealer. Most of these inquiries are from current ham operators in small towns with maybe less than 1000 licensed hams. They typically own small businesses and can see the local needs and the opportunity to sell and promote ham radio in their small town. In the past, the only opportunity in these small towns to see or purchase a new radio was when a local club sponsored a hamfest and one of our ~50 Authorized dealers attended. In recent years it has become more and more difficult for dealers to travel to hamfests. These small dealers can introduce ham radio to new locals interested in Amateur radio. As these new hams' needs grow, they will more than likely buy more radios from the well-stocked "Superstores" of ham radio. Radio Shack has demonstrated the need for more availability of ham products with the success of their HTX-202 in their over 7000 stores.
Choosing distributors was not an easy process. Finding the right companies that would handle our product line in a responsible way was important to us. I am proud to say that all our distributors take great pride in representing the Kenwood line. These new distributors have a responsibility to qualify dealers with good intentions and an understanding and respect for the hobby. Many of our distributors' salespeople are hams now and even more are interested in becoming hams.
I know our enhanced distribution has created some controversy but it has also raised many questions concerning the future of ham radio. Year after year more old time dealers "throw in the towel" after many years as a successful business. Did you know we have 18 states where there are no Amateur radio dealers and 24 states with only one dealer? We have many local clubs and individuals who are working hard to promote Amateur radio with club activities and classes. Why should anyone want to become a ham? Does 9600 baud packet sound exciting when internet is at 28,800 bps. Does a 2 meter HT for $250 sound like a good investment when private cell phones are free? Many think that the airwaves are too full already and that we have enough new people in the hobby now. This is not the case. What about the LEOS issue? This is only the first of more threats the Amateur Radio Service faces. Shouldn't we be more concerned about how to help others become hams? Should FCC testing be more targeted towards understanding theory and not pure memorization of questions and answers? Should an Amateur Radio Operators License callsign be something that a college graduate would be proud to include on his resume when applying for a job or career in electronics or communications? I think so! These are types of changes that we must address.
In my opinion, a lot of people have similar desires. They desire to communicate, do it responsibly and help others in a friendly manner. Most people on the air are friendly and most want to help each other.
Kenwood has strong pride and a heritage in Amateur radio. We will continue building and selling Amateur radios worldwide. We will continue to do what we feel is right for the future of Kenwood and the hobby.
The intent it to look to the future. All things in life change, so must Amateur Radio. Many are in support of our actions and have praised our courage to promote change. It was unfortunate that some have been mislead to believe that Kenwood is acting in a unresponsible manner. I sincerely hope that this information has cleared up any misunderstandings.
Further communications with me can be addressed to me at: Paul Middleton, Kenwood Communications Corporation, PO Box 22745, Long Beach, CA 90801 or e-mail me at paulem@ix.netcom.com
Kenwood Communications Corporation
(signature)
Paul Middleton
National Sales Manager
Amateur Radio Products Group
Read the ARRL Letter Excerpt (May 31, 1996) re: Kenwood's Announcement to its Dealers
Read Kenwood's first response to the amateur community, dated June 10, 1996.
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