Thank you for your support throughout my term as chairman of IADA. It has been an honor to serve this association and its members, and an experience I will look back on with great pride.
As I prepare to pass the baton, I want to emphasize one important message: The strength of IADA lies in the strength of its members. Each of you plays a vital role in protecting our industry, advancing our shared interests and ensuring a strong future for the Illinois dealership model. I encourage you to remain engaged, support our initiatives throughout the year and continue partnering with us in the important work ahead.
One of our most significant priorities remains protecting the franchise laws that are essential to Illinois dealers. As we communicated during this year’s legislative session, it was deeply disappointing that IADA’s franchise protection legislation, SB 1939, was not called for a vote on the House floor, particularly given the overwhelming support the legislation received. Our bill passed the Illinois Senate unanimously, 55-0, and had the support of 100 of the House’s 118 members; it deserved the opportunity to be debated and decided through the legislative process.
But our fight is not over. IADA will continue to vigorously advocate for franchise protection during the upcoming veto session in Springfield and beyond. Protecting the Illinois dealership model requires persistence, a united membership and a strong association willing to stand up for our industry. We remain committed to that mission.
I am also proud of the progress IADA has made in improving the services and resources available to our members. Through IADA-CVR and Champ Titles, we have advanced the title and registration process by fully implementing electronic liens and are now rolling out the ability to accept customers’ electronic signatures on approved forms. These enhancements represent a significant investment of time, expertise and resources to make the electronic registration and titling (ERT) process more efficient and convenient for our members and their customers.
Beyond these improvements, IADA has invested millions of dollars to protect, represent and advance the interests of Illinois dealerships. Our partnership programs have played an important role in supporting that work, and we are grateful to the members who participate and help strengthen our collective efforts.
As I conclude my term as your chairman, I want to thank you once again for the trust you have placed in me and for the opportunity to serve. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I know there is important work still ahead of us.
With your continued involvement, support and partnership, IADA will remain a strong, effective voice for Illinois dealers and the premier organization defending the Illinois dealership model.
Thank you for allowing me to serve.
