We have now been in session for 45 days and MADA has already achieved one success on State Circle. We swiftly defeated a bill to promote a "cooling-off period" for vehicle sales. This bill would have provided a period during which consumers could return a purchased vehicle. MADA learned of this proposed bill and were able to stall it. We expect to see a gas sales tax increase bill to benefit Transportation Trust Fund revenue; we will do what is necessary to ensure that our industry and our customers are not adversely affected by such a bill. We also expect franchise law bills in the coming weeks and, again, will act accordingly.

We anticipate the need for dealers to be involved in any franchise bill discussions. Please take any requests for help seriously and respond! We have always been more successful when we present a united front on State Circle.  

For any questions regarding the latest happenings on State Circle, please contact Travis Martz at the office, 800.526.7423 or by email tmartz@mdauto.org. We will include updates in all subsequent issues of On the Move.

We hope you attended and enjoyed the 2013 Motor Trend International Auto Show-Baltimore. Attendance was good and we were thrilled to present an expanded show this year!

This year's show featured Ride & Drives from Cadillac, Chrysler, and GM. Over 35 models were available for customers to test drive. New this year were the Electronic Vehicle Ride Along and the Camp Jeep Experience. The EV ride along allowed guests to take a spin in three electric models from Chevrolet, Ford, and Nissan. The Camp Jeep Experience was a huge hit! People waited in line for over 25 minutes to ride in Jeeps-up a 35 degree incline, over logs and bumps, and along a steep embankment-all with the goal to showcase Jeep's incredible traction, steering and maneuverability.

Fans lined up to watch Camp Jeep in action

Friday night featured local Ravens player and recent world champion, Terrence Cody, in the Ford display. Terrence was on hand to greet fans and sign autographs. Around the corner from our football star was WWE Superstar, Wade Blake. WWE fans thronged to the Convention Center to meet with him and take a photograph or two.  

Pro player, Terrence Cody, signs autographs on Friday night

Thank you for attending this year's Auto Show and we look forward to sharing the latest and greatest with you next year!

Courtesy of MADA, this year's Teachers of the Year, enjoyed a day in Annapolis and a luncheon in their honor. Association President, Peter Kitzmiller, welcomed the teachers at their luncheon, held at the historic Maryland Inn. He thanked them for their dedication to public education and for making Maryland's public school system the best in the country for five years in a row!

During the day, each of the 24 teachers had the opportunity to meet with their local delegates and State senators. As a group, they were welcomed and received by the General Assembly. Each teacher also received a poster, provided by MADA, celebrating their distinction as being chosen a Teacher of the Year nominee.

As a presenting sponsor of the Maryland Teacher of the Year Program, MADA annually supports the program through financial contributions. MADA is proud to support our teachers and to recognize the very best in Maryland!

MADA's former Chairman, Sam Weaver, Jr., was recently honored at the 96th annual NADA/ATD Convention & Expo in Orlando. Sam represented Maryland as our 2013 TIME Dealer of the Year award nominee.

The TIME Dealer of the Year award is one of the automobile industry's most prestigious and highly coveted awards for new-car dealers. Recipients are among the nation's most successful auto dealers, but they must also demonstrate a long-standing commitment to effective community service. We congratulate Sam on this honor!

MADA would like to thank all of our generous sponsors who made this year's NADA Reception possible. Please consider those who support your Association when making business decisions...

#1: De-Mystifying Social Media Marketing for Auto Dealerships

Date/Time: Thursday, February 21 at 1pm Eastern

Presenter: Christine Rochelle & Darrah Raneri of PCG Digital Marketing

Cost: $149.00 per person              

The evolving world of Social Media and especially Social Media Marketing is full of options...far too many for any single dealership to use effectively.

PCG Digital Marketing's Brittany Richter will offer advice on where best to focus your time, money and personnel for the best results for your dealership or group.

You will learn:

• How Social Media Marketing is slowly replacing SEO for auto dealers
• Which Social Media Marketing applications are right for your dealership
• How to make sense of the jumble of social media marketing platforms...can you master all of them?
• The Social Media Marketing ideas that are coming on strong in 2013
• Does blogging still have a place in your online marketing plan?

#2: Advanced Google Analytics for Auto Dealerships - Update for 2013!

Date/Time: Thursday, February 28 at 1pm Eastern

Presenter: Brian Pasch of PCG Digital Marketing

Cost: $149.00 per person    

Earlier we produced a Webinar featuring Glenn Pasch from PCG entitled "Google Analytics 101 for Car Dealers - Getting Started." This session is designed for those who needed some guidance in getting started with this treasure chest of analytical tools.

Google Analytics can give you more granular information and more detailed analysis as well. This session is designed for those who want to reap even greater insights and benefits from Google Analytics.

You will learn:

• Create Custom Data Tags
• Create Goals For Conversion and Traffic Measurement
• Setup Google Multi-Channel Sales Funnels
• Create Custom Rules to Track Assisted Conversion Reports
• Integrate Google Webmaster Tools Data

    Click Here to Register Today!