Pub. 9 2019 Issue 4

6 AUTOMOBILE DEALER NEWS ILLINOIS www.illinoisdealers.com IADA CHAIRMAN’S Message | BY PAT MANNING O ne of the greatest pleasures of working in the auto industry is witnessing the industry’s growth first-hand and seeing how far the industry has developed over the years. Our Illinois Automobile Dealers Association (IADA) has been instrumental in this growth, and as we approach its 100th anniversary next year, we continue to recognize them for the role they play in advocating for dealer interests over the past century. In 1920, a group of dealers from around the state joined together to accomplish what several widespread local associations had been unable to accomplish. The dealers, many of whom may be our fathers and grandfathers, believed the auto industr y could become a huge force and a more powerful and unified organization was needed to serve and protect its interests. As a result, the Illinois Automobile Dealers Association, the twelfth state automobile trade association in the nation, was chartered. IADA has been an extremely valuable resource for dealers over the past century. As this year’s IADA Chairman, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the thousands of current and past dealers who have worked diligently to make our state association the powerful advocate that it is today. Dealers dedicate their lives to running their businesses, delivering the absolute best service to their customers, and then selflessly donating their time and efforts to support an association that benefits the entire industry. Rest assured we’re in good hands with an IADA management staff that boasts over 200 years of experience providing legislative, legal and service support to all Illinois dealers. Our association is one of the most recognized voices at the State Capitol, our legal counsel has many years of experience working with the various state regulatory agencies, and our service staff provides an Electronic Title & Registration Program (IADA-CVR) that is one of the premier dealer benefit programs in the country. As we continue to maneuver through the many challenges in our industry, some that come naturally and others that are artificially inflicted upon us by our Illinois bureaucrats, please continue to be involved in the efforts of our state association. Our focus is naturally on our own dealerships, but we must also work together through IADA to battle burdensome government regulations to ensure t hat we have a busi ness environment that is most conducive for our dealerships’ success. When we all work together, we can accomplish so much more. We encourage you to stay up-to- date on your membership, make an effort to know your elected officials so you can participate in the legislative process when IADA needs grassroots contacts and take advantage of the IADA-CVR program and other association programs. IADA does everything in their power to offer the best programs to us, and when you participate, you fund your own association so they can continue to be our strong unified voice. IADA has a proud history promoting the collective interests of member dealers, and our continued support ensures an exceedingly strong representation in the industry’s future. 