The first-of-its-kind campaign promoting public awareness of motorcoach travel in North America continues to gain support within the industry.

Already attracting dozens of motorcoach operators who are installing promotional wraps on their buses and trade groups that are signing up with cash contributions, the fledging Motorcoach Council now has received a big boost from two major coach manufactures and distributors.

Motor Coach Industries and ABC Companies have set up voluntary programs where their customers who purchase parts from them may have one-half percent added to their net bill that will go toward supporting the council and its campaign.

MCI said it would match the first $50,000 contributed by its customers, while ABC said it will match its customers total contributions up to $25,000 annually.

Operators interested in joining the "op-in parts programs" with MCI can sign up at http://www.mcicoach.com/AboutUs/getMotorcoachified.htm or by speaking to a MCI service parts representative.

ABC customers who want to join can visit the companys website, at www.abc-companies.com, to access and download a form and return it to Kimberli Martin by fax at (407) 905-7051.

Both companies are founding members of the nonprofit Motorcoach Council, which this past summer launched a major promotional effort called Get Motorcoachified. It involves motorcoach operators wrapping their buses with messages that spread the campaign theme and the benefits of motorcoach travel.

ABC said it is proud to offer its support to the council and give operators an opportunity to help promote motorcoach travel to consumers.

"We encourage our customers to opt in and support the Motorcoach Councils efforts," added Patricia Ziska, MCI vice president and chief customer officer. "A program like this has never been done before, and participation will drive its success. Its a great grass-roots campaign, and MCI is pleased to offer a way to sustain the mission."

Operators are expressing support for the program.

"Buying parts is something all operators do," said Callen Hotard, president of Hotard Coaches and Calco Travel, a founding member of the council and one of the first operators to commit to the MCI parts program.

"Its great to have manufacturer support in this way, and Id like to encourage every operator that buys from MCI to sign up. Together, we can increase awareness, mold public perception and help each others businesses flourish. We all stand to benefit by the councils efforts."

Meantime, the council and the Get Motorcoachified campaign are drawing support from state trade groups and their operator members.

According to council spokeswoman Heather Horton, 10 state motorcoach associations have joined the group and more than 40 operators have ordered campaign wraps for their buses.

For more information about the bus wrap program, go to www.motorcoachcouncil.org/campaign. Questions should be directed to pr@motorcoachcouncil.org, or phone (720) 449-9000.