MADA hosted yet another successful Annual Membership Meeting and Legislative Reception on January 17th in Annapolis. We were pleased to see many members of Maryland's legislative body.

MADA Chairperson, Marisa Shockley, addressed our membership, noting that her first year serving as Chairperson has increased her appreciation for the Association and the power we represent as a group. She reminded our members of the importance the 2012 Gen

eral Session has on our industry and to answer any call to action that we may generate.

Peter Kitzmiller discussed our Legislative victories in 2011 and highlighted the speed with which MADA addressed any bills which posed a negative threat to our industry. He discussed, in depth, the potential bills that MADA may have to address in the 2012 General Session.

Vincent Trasatti recognized for his service to MADA as a Board Director.

During the business portion of the meeting, we approved Director, JP Bishop, to serve a second three-year term. We also voted in three new Directors for a three-year term: Robert Adams of Adams Automotive in Annapolis; Kevin Bell of Win Kelly Chevrolet in Clarksville; and Michael Lynch of Academy Ford Sales in Laurel, MD. We also recognized Vincent Trasatti, Jr. who completed two consecutive terms on the Board and De Willard, who will represent Maryland in February as our 2012 TMQDA nominee at the NADA/ATD Convention. Although he was not able to attend, we also want to recognize Brand Fowler who also completed two consecutive terms on the Board.

We thank all of our members who attended the meeting and reception.

Local political guru and WBAL commentator, Blair Lee, spoke to our members during the 2012 Annual Membership Meeting. Mr. Lee managed to make the most of his 30 minute speech and shared with us his vast knowledge and expectations for Maryland in the coming year.  

Regarding Maryland, Mr. Lee noted that the current General Session will be marked by budgetary concerns and attempts to reconcile the budget. He expects that we may see a local, Maryland version of the Federal stimulus package, but he fears that attempts to fund the package will hurt the next Governor. Regarding the Transportation Trust Fund and the proposed gas tax increase, Mr. Lee said that the ability to pass the tax increase will depend largely upon the price of gas in the coming weeks.

He also said that the November general election will be interesting, particularly the questions on referendum which will be included on the ballot. Of note, he expects that we may see gay marriage, a gambling expansion, and the divisive Dream Act all on referendum come Election Day in November.

We were pleased to host Mr. Lee at our Annual Meeting. His insight and frankness are welcome at any time, but never are they more appropriate than at the opening of the General Session.

If you are attending the 2012 NADA/ATD Convention and Expo in Las Vegas, please join us on February 4, 2011, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the brand-new Chateau Nightclub at Paris Hotel for the MADA/VADA/WANADA reception. The event is 21 and over and guests must present a valid form of government issued photo ID to security to gain access to the Chateau.

Please view the enclosed invitation and RSVP to Natalie Toler with VADA at ntoler@vada.com or 804.545.3035.  

MADA is proud to recognize Conrad V. Aschenbach, of King Buick GMC in Gaithersburg, upon reaching 50 years in service as a dealer. General Motors honored Mr. Aschenbach, in November 2011 with the 50 Year Dealer Award. In addition to this notable accolade, November 16, 2011 was also declared "Conrad V. Aschenbach Day" by the Mayor and City Council of Gaithersburg.  

Chris Hoolehan, Regional Director Buick GMC, Northeast Region, presents the Fifty Year Award to Condrad Aschenbach

In recognition of this rare and milestone achievement, we wish to include a portion of the letter which Conrad received from Mark Reuss, President of GM North America. We believe it speaks volumes to the character and legacy of Conrad:

"The fifty year dealer award is an achievement reached by few, and is an acknowledgement of your commitment, perseverance, and your humble approach to a leadership in your market.

Over the past fifty year as a General Motors Dealers, you have been responsible for the sale of nearly one-hundred thousand new General Motors cars and trucks, and the service and care of countless thousands of General Motors owners. Furthermore, the King Buick GMC dealership has remained a pillar of the Gaithersburg and Montgomery County communities, and to this day, stands as a proud testimonial to your dedication toward your customers, your employees, and you family. On behalf of the entire General Motors organization, we congratulate you on this esteemed milestone, and are truly grateful for your representation of General Motors."

Congratulations Conrad, you stand out amongst your peers!

At the 2012 Annual Membership Meeting, Maryland's 2011-2012 Teacher of the Year, Joshua Parker, a middle school English teacher from Windsor Mill Middle School in Baltimore County, thanked our dealer members and the Association for their very generous support of the TOY Program. Mr. Parker was gracious as he told us, "I bring thanks on behalf of all members of the #1 public school system in the country, your support means so much to all of us."

Mr. Parker mentioned that everyone wants to see the new car, a 2012 Honda Civic, which he received from MADA on behalf of all of our members. This marks the 11th year that MADA has served as a sponsor of the program and has awarded the gift of a new car to the winning teacher. When asked about the car, Mr. Parker said, "I ride in style and I ride in pride, because I'm riding in service to our community."

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

#1: Financial Statement Analysis for Dealership Department Managers 

Date/Time: Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.

Presenter: Ron Sompels CPA and Partner-in-Charge at Crowe Horwath LLP Retail Dealers   

Cost: $149.00 Per Person

Most dealership department managers look at their store's financial statements as though they are written in a foreign language.  That's because few department managers have any training in how to read a financial statement and the various analytical reports that support the statements.

You can obtain a certain level of understanding of how this reporting works just by meeting with the dealer and GM, but often there is a lot more that you can learn that will help you as the manager, and the dealership as a whole. 

Ron Sompels is a CPA with Crowe Horwath LLP and will join us on January 26th for an in-depth look at dealership financial statements. 

His goal will be to provide you with a greater understanding of this report and how you can use the monthly data to improve your department's financial performance. 

#2: 7 Essentials for Buy-Here, Pay-Here Success

Date/Time: Thursday, January 31 at 1:00 p.m.

Presenter: Don Miller, Senior Consultant, Constellation Automotive Solutions  

Cost: $149.00 Per Person

If your dealership is looking for an additional profit center, this is worth a closer look...

The BHPH concept is certainly not new.  In fact, its success has stood the test of time.  And now more and more dealerships are seeing the wisdom of creating a highly profitable BHPH business.

Don Miller is a 24-year veteran consultant and trainer in this field and will visit with you on January 31st to lay out a seven step plan for success in the BHPH and LHPH markets.

Some DealersEdge Members rave about this plan and its effectiveness in providing a new a vibrant profit center.

Learn the details of the 7 Essentials:

• The Business Model & Inventory
• Controls & What Numbers to Monitor
• The Unique Selling Process of BHPH
• Applications & Underwriting
• Secrets of the Payment Process
• How to Manage Delinquency
• Best Marketing Practices  

 CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY! 

We remind all of our members that the 2012 Motor Trend International Auto Show comes to Baltimore February 9-12. Encourage your customers to attend this great event. Other than being in your showroom, this is the next best thing to trying out that new car they've been admiring.