The highlight of the recently concluded MADA-VADA Convention in Williamsburg, VA was an outstanding line-up of industry greats.  On Monday, Jeffrey Gitomer, author of the bestselling book, "The Little Red Book of Selling", gave an outstanding presentation on how to develop loyal customers and how to avoid focusing on the wrong ones.  Tuesday's presenters focused on two key areas for dealers-the used car department and the importance of social media on the selling process.  Dale Pollak of VAuto and Jared Hamilton of DrivingSales.com are the best in the industry and gave attendees vital information to take back to their dealerships.  On both days, we also weclomed executives from Kia and Hyundai who gave their perspectives on where the market is heading.

Jeffrey Gitomer captivates the crowd.

Following Monday's general session, MADA met for their business meeting during which Peter Kitzmiller and Chairperson, Marisa Shockley, updated members on Association news.  Peter mentioned the new laws which became effective on July 1, 2011 and Marisa encouraged members to become active in the Association.  MADA Foundation Chairman, Sam Weaver, also reminded guests of the 2nd gala to fund the Foundation which will take place on November 12, 2011.

Besides attending to the important business at hand, we also set aside time for some fun.  Guests spent Monday afternoon and evening at Busch Gardens.  The park wasn't crowded, so everyone had plenty of opportunity to ride each ride, often multiple times.  We all gathered for a picnic dinner with cold beverages and ice cream for dessert-a welcome treat after a rather hot and humid day!

Patrick Wergin and his family learn about Colonial games.

Tuesday afternoon featured a variety of activities.  Some guests battled the heat on the golf course while others chose to immerse themselves in the history of Williamsburg.  Many, of course, also chose to spend the afternoon at Water Country USA.

Our movie-themed party, dinner and dancing marked the close of the convention.  During the cocktail hour, guests were treated to traditional movie fare such as popcorn and soft pretzels.  Children had a blast dressing up in outlandish costumes for the photo booth and we even caught some of their parent's putting on a feather boa or Viking horns, too!  Inside the ballroom, guests chose from four themed buffets.  A DJ provided dance tunes and we enjoyed seeing many guests and members out there on the dance floor.

Marisa and Jill Shockley caught at the photo booth.

After many months of planning, MADA is pleased to look back on yet another successful convention.  We thank all of our members who joined us in Williamsburg.  We hope you enjoyed yourselves as much as we did!

Many thanks to those Associate members who sponsored our 2011 Summer Convention.  Your support is greatly appreciated!  As always, we encourage our dealer members to keep those who support your Association in mind when making business decisions.

American Fidelity Assurance Co.

Bel Air Auto Auction, Inc.

Computerized Vehicle Registration (CVR)

Councilor Buchanan & Mitchell P.C.

Dealer Track

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Helion Automotive Technologies

JM&A Group

Kelly & Associates Insurance Group

Landmark Insurance & Financial Group/Steve Salmon

Manheim Auto Auction

SunTrust Bank

Zurich

MADA Board Member and president and CEO of Beltway Companies, Jack Saum, his wife Jeanne Brady Saum, recently donated a gift of $50,000 to their alma mater, St. Mary's College in Maryland.

The Beltway Companies Endowed Scholarship Fund will make annual scholarship awards to students with demonstrated financial need. Preference will be given to students from Baltimore City public schools and family members of those who work in the commercial trucking and transportation industry. Internship opportunities also will be made available to scholarship recipients at Beltway Companies or within the commercial trucking and transportation industry.

"This industry has been good to me and I want to give back to the community," said Saum, who has been involved with Beltway since he was 14. "Commercial transportation can provide many career opportunities.  I hope the internships will help develop individuals who will want to grab those opportunities and build careers in this industry."

This scholarship is part of Saum's and Beltway Companies' greater commitment to corporate social responsibility. MADA is proud to have Jack Saum serve as a representative of our Association.

New Laws Effective July 1, 2011

Dealer members are reminded of the many new laws which became effective July 1, 2011.  We provided a description of each law and it's relative impact in our last issue, On the Move-June 14, 2011.  Please see this issue for a review of the new laws. 

Titling Fee Increase Effective July 1, 2011

MADA has received several phone calls regarding the new titling fee increase.  Effective July 1, the certificate of title fee increased from $50.00 to $100.00 for all vehicles, except daily rentals, that are titled on and after July 1, 2011.  Rental vehicle titling fees remain at $50.00 for fiscal years from the present through fiscal year 2014.

IRS Increases Mileage Rate

The increase in the price of fuel has prompted the IRS to raise the reimbursement rate allowed for the business use of a vehicle.  As of July 1, the rate is 55.5 cents per mile.

Dealers Must Use New IRS Cash Reporting Form

The IRS has issued an updated Form 8300, effective July 1, 2011, that dealers must use to report cash transactions of more than $10,000. Cash payments of more than $10,000 in one transaction or in two or more related transactions must be reported to the IRS using the new form. Please visit NADA's website for a link to the new form and details about cash reporting requirements.