Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley said this week that he is considering the possibility of holding two Special Sessions, one in May to focus on revenue to avoid $500 million in budget cuts, and another in August to look into an expansion of gambling in the state.

"If we're able to resolve the budget in May and then come back, say, in early August to resolve the open questions on gaming, that would be enough time to put a referendum on the ballot in the fall," O'Malley told reporters.

While our industry remained unscathed during the 2012 General Session, there remains the possibility that we could end up under the microscope as a possible funding source. Should this occur, MADA will address any issue head-on, but we will need your help. If we issue a request for help, please respond as requested.

Further updates on the status of the Special Session will be provided in upcoming issues of On the Move.

We hope that you will join us June 17-20th at our annual Summer Business Convention in Cambridge, MD!

MADA is pleased to return to the lovely Eastern Shore to host our summer convention for members and their families. We have planned a fantastic event, to be hosted at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa & Marina. We have two speakers, Chip Thomas, a nationally recognized Sales Consultant, and Bill Acheson, an expert on body language and non-verbal communication. Both men will impart their wisdom, intended to improve your bottom-line.

The resort features many fine activities, including a Championship Golf Course, the Sago Spa, and two awesome pools. MADA has arranged for a 15% discount for any spa services, please be sure to mention that you are with the "MD Auto Dealers" group to receive the discount. Appointments should also be made in advance; to reserve a Spa treatment, please call 410.901.6590.

We will also host two fun, themed dinner parties during the convention. Monday we'll gather by the pool for a Margaritaville themed party while we listen to the tunes of Jimmy Buffett. We will close the convention on Tuesday night with a Monte Carlo dinner and casino with all of your favorite table games, followed by dancing.

If you have not returned your registration materials, please do so today! You may register and return your form ONLINE.

Convention attendees are reminded that they must make their hotel registrations separate from their convention registration. To ensure that you receive the convention room rate, reservations MUST be made prior to May 17th!

If you need to make your hotel reservation with the Hyatt, you may do so ONLINE. We look forward to seeing you in June!

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

Internet Ups: Guiding the Prospect from Email to Phone to Your Showroom

Date/Time: Thursday, May 10 at 1:00 p.m.

Presenter: Jennifer Suzuki, President of eDealerSolutions    

Cost: $149.00 per person

An alarming number of Internet prospects, up to 95% by some estimates, never make it into the showroom.  Some aspect of the experience turns them off to your dealership.  All too often it is the e-mail-to-phone transition that is the dead end to the sale! Converting online shoppers to showroom customers requires specially-designed processes and a well-developed skill set.

Jennifer Suzuki, president of eDealerSolutions, has developed just such a game plan for auto retailers and she will share it with DealersEdge members during a special Webinar presentation. 

You Will Learn:

• The 10 Steps for Setting a Showroom Appointment using both inbound and outbound contacts
• How to create and use professional scripts to support your game plan
• The Essential Elements for building your value story over the phone
• Methods for staying in control of the call
• The deal breakers and how to overcome

Telephone introductions that engage prospects and  encourage questions that lead them to your showroom.

 CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY! 

NADA has extended the deadline to participate in their Dealership Workforce Study to May 15, 2012. "So far, we've had a great response to the study. We do not want dealers to miss out on the benefits of participating," said Michelle Primm, chair of NADA's Dealership Operations Committee. "We're extending the deadline so that every NADA and ATD member has the opportunity to be represented in this groundbreaking study."

Participating dealers will receive, at no charge, the Basic Report comparing their individual dealership to the regional and national industry as well as the Driven Management Guide summary report. The report will provide dealers with solid data to make competitive compensation and benefits decisions and enhance the dealership's recruitment efforts. There is no cost to participate in the study. All information will remain secure and anonymous. Dealers can sign up for the study by visiting the NADA University website.

We thank those members who have already paid their 2012 Membership Year dues. If you have not submitted your membership dues, please do so as soon as possible. We are currently compiling our 2012 membership information to be included in the yearly directory and if we do not have your dues payment, your business will not be included. If you need a 2nd copy of your dues statement, please contact Charlotte Rutkowski at 800.526.7423.