The Maryland Automobile Dealers Association Foundation [MADAF] recently celebrated it's 2nd year with a black tie gala in Annapolis, MD. Over 200 guests joined us for an evening filled with dancing, dinner, and remembering those who made our industry the powerhouse that it is today...

The evening began with a cocktail hour during which guests mingled.   After a seated dinner, we then paid tribute to our 2011 Hall of Fame nominee, Robert "Bob" Suddith of Hoffman Automotive Group in Hagerstown, MD.  

Members from Shockley Honda enjoy the evening.

Sam Weaver, MADAF Chairman, regaled us with Bob's life story and provided examples of his wonderful philanthropy. Everyone was presented with a USA flag pin-a remainder from Bob's 9/11 tribute cause which raised over $200,000 in funds for victim's families.   Sam then called up Bob's widow, Shelly, who said a few kind words on Bob's behalf before accepting the award in his honor-a crystal tablet bearing Bob's image. 

Shelly Suddith accepting the award on Bob's behalf.

The evening ended with lively music as guests danced to the sounds of The Swing Machine. The ladies and gentlemen crowded the dance floor as the songs of Frank Sinatra and other dance classics filled the air.

We thank everyone who joined us for this event and we look forward to announcing the total amount of funds raised. Thank you again and we look forward to seeing you in 2012!  

Dancing the night away...

MADA is proud to recognize Robert B. Suddith (1932-2004) as our second inductee into the Maryland Automobile Dealers Association Hall of Fame.   

Bob began his automotive career as the Used Car Manager at Chevy Chase Chevrolet in Bethesda, MD. He purchased the Executive Pontiac dealership in Baltimore in 1968 and then purchased Hoffman Chevrolet in Hagerstown, MD in 1980 and expanded the business in the years that followed.

Throughout his career, Bob was the recipient of numerous awards and distinctions in the industry. He served as Chairman of the Board for MADA; served as the Maryland Director on the National Automobile Dealers Association; and was the 1997 Maryland nominee for the TIME Magazine Quality Dealer of the Year Award.

Bob was also known for his extreme generosity and his philanthropic passions. He and Shelly founded the Suddith Charitable Foundation which gives annually to local schools, Boys & Girls Clubs, and also contributes to international needs. Following September 11, 2001, Bob and Shelly opened Uncle Sam's Workshop. They made and sold beaded flag pins, ultimately donating over $200,000 in funds to the families of 9/11 victims.

MADA is quite proud to induct Robert B. Suddith into our Hall of Fame. He was truly a remarkable and an unforgettable man!

Annapolis Volvo has been recognized by Volvo Cars of North America for their 25 year affiliation with Volvo Cars North America. Volvo marked the milestone with a presentation of a commemorative crystal by Steven H. Schwartz, Volvo Mid Atlantic Market Manager, to Frank Ferrogine, president and retailer principal of Annapolis Volvo.

"As a long-time Volvo retailer, I have witnessed the transformation of Volvo models from the 'box on wheels' to their current sleek and sophisticated silhouette," said Ferrogine. "Volvo holds a broad appeal in the Annapolis area. I am confident that the exciting models scheduled for release in the next few years will increase the demand for Volvo cars in our market," he added. Frank Ferrogine acquired the Annapolis Volvo franchise in 1991. He has been associated with the Volvo brand since 1979.

The Maryland Automobile Dealers Association will be sponsoring a workshop presented by Dale Pollak, a leading used car expert and best selling author. Drawing from 13 years of experience as a dealer principal and more than a decade as a successful high technology executive, serving the automotive retail industry, he's one of the automotive industry's most highly sought after authorities on maximizing profits from sales and operations. Dale will discuss the following objectives:

• A stocking strategy that is critical for success in the current used vehicle market
• Increasing used vehicle volumes and per unit gross profit
• Implementing effective strategies for using documentation as an integral part of the sales process and
• Identifying the importance of utilizing new sales processes for improving gross.

LOCATION:  Turf Valley Resort   

     2700 Turf Valley Road

                    Ellicott City, MD 21042

                    (410) 465-1500 

DATE:   December 15, 2011   

TIME:    9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon         

FEE:     $99.00 per person

You may fax your registration form with credit card payment to 410-269-1549. Checks should be payable to Maryland Auto Dealers Services, Inc. (MADS) and mailed to 7 State Circle, Suite 301, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Please Return the Registration Form by fax or mail to reserve your spot today! 

MADA announces the next live webinar coming to you from DealersEdge... 

What's New in Service Lane Selling?

Date/Time: Thursday, November 17, 2011 at 1:00 p.m .

Cost: $149.00

Presenter: Steve Kwaitkowski of Liqqid Express   

How can your service department create the consistent selling process that is so often in evidence in the showroom? System-selling guru, Steve Kwaitkowski of Liqqid Express will update you with real-life examples of dealerships employing new selling systems & technology tools to impressively increase sales of maintenance packages and other high-profit products.

You will learn:

• How other dealerships have improved sales and profits by employing a systematized service lane selling processes
• How the consultative approach to service lane selling helps to build long-term customer relationships and repeat sales of service, after sale products and even more front-end vehicle sales
• The psychology of selling from a menu and why it works to everyone's benefit
• The pros and cons of different menu presentations, from one-page printed menus to the latest technology solutions

 CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY!