Don Smith purchased the Arlington Texas Harley-Davidson dealership in 1988. In January of 1990, Don moved the
dealership to its present location in Bedford and the shop-sponsored Harley Owners Group took on its new chapter name, the DFW Texas Chapter.
The chapter is a perpetual, Not-for-Profit State of Texas Corporation. The chapter, named Bedford Chapter, Inc. was corporated on February 27, 1997. The chapter operated several years before incorporating. Our fiscal year coincides with the calendar year and we use the cash accounting method. The chapter is not tax exempt at either the state or federal level. Federal Income taxes and State Franchise taxes must be filed and paid annually. The chapter typically owes no taxes when the returns are filed.
The following paragraphs concerning purpose and membership are excerpted from the Articles of Incorporation:
Purpose: To engage in and promote responsible motorcycling activities for Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) members by conducting chapter activities and encouraging participation in other H.O.G. events and other charitable activities. Chapter activities and operations shall be conducted in a manner consistent with a family oriented non-political philosophy.
Membership: Chapter membership is open to any person that provides proof of his or her current national H.O.G. membership. An expired National H.O.G. membership automatically terminates the Bedford Chapter membership and any associated memberships.
In 1997, HOG hired one of our former chapter directors, Valerie Ledterman, as the regional director.
In June of 1998, the 95th Anniversary Ride Home that started in Mexico City, Mexico stopped overnight in Fort Worth with a send off breakfast from Texas Motor Speedway. Texas Harley-Davidson hosted a party for the riders.
In September of 2000 the HOG Sea to Shining Sea ride stopped over in Fort Worth with a party for all HOG members at Billy Bob's.
In 2001, the DFW Texas Chapter hosted the Texas State HOG Rally in Fort Worth with
Mary Ann Smith as the Rally Director.
Harley-Davidson held a 100th anniversary party at Texas Motor Speedway in October 2002. Entertainment included the Doobie Brothers, Aerosmith and many others. Texas Harley-Davidson (our chapter sponsor) and Fort Worth Harley-Davidson were hosts to Peter Fonda during the 100th weekend. He provided personal appearances at both dealerships.
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