With less than two weeks left in the 2011 Session of the Maryland General Assembly, the legislature is still working on very important issues including balancing the capital budget.  Unlike previous years, MADA is heavily engaged in the budget negotiation process.  MADA's involvement stems from the title fee increase from $50 to $100 proposed by both chambers.  MADA is using this administrative fee increase as leverage to get the legislature to recognize the limitations imposed by the dealer processing charge cap.  MADA recognizes that the dealer processing charge must be increased soon, and MADA is using the budget process this year to educate legislators.

MADA has been opposing some nasty trial lawyer bills the last two weeks of session as well.  One bill seeks to make arbitration clauses in contracts moot if the person seeks to become a member of a certified class action.  This bill is being heavily opposed by all business lobbyists.  Legislators are being educated that arbitration is an efficient way to resolve small business disputes for customers who don't have the financial means to hire a lawyer.  An additional negative, this bill will further contribute to the anti-business climate in Maryland.

The second trial lawyer bill makes a uniform definition of employer in Maryland Code.  This will add liability for third party vendors and sub-contractors that perform services on behalf of one employer.  Furthermore, this bill will allow private citizens to get treble damages and attorney's fees from all employers.  This bill will be shelved this year and studied over the summer.  MADA will take part in the summer study.

As the session concludes, MADA may need dealer help with contacting individual legislators.  Please be prepared to make calls as the voice of the dealer in the district is always the most important.

With the assistance of Auto Outlook, Maryland Automobile Dealers Association surveys dealer members to gather information to prepare an Economic Impact Report. 

This report shows the tremendous economic impact the automobile industry has on the State of Maryland.  The Association uses this report when dealing with the legislature, governmental agencies and the media.  It is a very important report which cannot be prepared without your help!  Please take a few minutes to complete the attached survey and return it as soon as possible.  All responses will be held in strict confidence, please return them to Auto Outlook via fax 610.640.2907 or by mail to 5 Great Valley Parkway, Suite 234, Malvern, PA 19355. 

If you operate more than one dealership, please complete one survey form for each location. We will provide dealers a copy of the report upon its publication.

We appreciate your participation and thank you in advance for your timely response.

Fax the completed survey to Auto Outlook, 610.640.2907, or mail to 5 Great Valley Parkway, Suite 234, Malvern, PA 19355. 

The National Automobile Dealers Association's online education and training resource launched a new supportive website on Monday containing videos designed to help things run a bit smoother at dealerships. Connected with NADA University, the association explained that the videos on the new site can help dealers resolve business challenges and create new opportunities for success. The series is titled "Dealer Pain Points." The association indicated the videos include tips and strategies from NADA University experts to address the specific "pain point" and find a resolution in each case.

The Maryland Automobile Dealers Association invites Dealers and Managers to a half-day workshop on employment law.  Presented by Art Brewer of Shawe & Rosenthal LLP. Topics to be covered include the following:

• Navigating Federal and State Wage and Hour Laws
• Hiring Practices Do's and Don'ts
• Understanding the Employer's Rights and Responsibilities

DATE:   Thursday, April 21, 2011
TIME:    9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
LOCATION:   Turf Valley Resort
                     2700 Turf Valley Road
                     Ellicott City, Maryland 21042
                     (410) 465-1500

REGISTRATION FEE:  MADA Members  $  90.00 P/P
                                  Non-Members      $180.00 P/P

Advance registration is necessary.  To register today, please download the registration form and return to MADA's office. 

Save the date for an informative follow-up to the 2011 General Session.  MADA has reserved a date to host the Legislative and Legal Update Seminar.  Event details are still being hashed out, but we have reserved Tuesday, May 10th, for this seminar.  Details will be released at a later date...

It is imperative all members maintain their MADA membership so that the Association can continue to represent your interests in Maryland and Washington.  Dues represent a large portion of the Association's annual budget, if you haven't done so already, we ask that all members remit their payments as quickly as possible.

Any member that has not remitted their dues payments by April 30, 2011, will no longer be eligible for MADA member benefits, various programs and services.

April 21, 2011 - Employment Law Workshop, Turf Valley Resort   

May 10, 2011 - Legislative and Legal Update Seminar 

June 26-29, 2011 - MADA/VADA Family Convention, Williamsburg, VA