MADA and our members recently returned from another wonderful convention hosted with VADA at the Greenbrier Resort in lovely West Virginia.  All who attended enjoyed the elegant comforts of the Greenbrier Resort, important business news, and family fun. 

We opened with an outdoor BBQ picnic and lawn party on Sunday evening.  Children enjoyed an outdoor moonbounce, juggler, and pony-rides, while adults took a break from the Mid-Atlantic humidity in the cool mountain air. 

Monday's business meeting featured various speakers.  Frank Trivieri, Executive VP of Sales for Volkswagen of America shared the company's vision for the next several years.  He told us of Volkswagen's commitment to the North American market.  Mark O'Neil of DealerTrack left dealers with an appreciation for the future of websites and mobile purchasing behaviors of the Millennial generation.  We also heard from Glen Mercer, an independent consultant.  Mr. Mercer spoke of the "Dealership of the Future" and provided us his predictions that while the number of dealerships will stay relatively the same in coming years, the store size will increase.  He also agreed that more business would move to the internet. 

MADA members met on Tuesday morning for a special MD session.  MADA President, Peter Kitzmiller, provided a run-down of state-specific issues and our legislative agenda.  Mike Charapp, of Charapp & Weiss, LLP,  also provided his expertise on legal issues that MD dealers are facing.

Peter Kitzmiller speaks to MADA Members

Members enjoyed free time on Tuesday afternoon before coming back together for the closing party, an 80's themed rock party.  Many guests arrived with their neon tights, side pony-tails, and BIG shoulder-pads!  While the DJ spun classic 80's tunes, the even more classic (and somewhat cheesy) videos were projected onto screens flanking the dance floor.   Children got into the theme wearing glow stick necklaces and Michael Jackson studded gloves.  It was totally an awesome and wicked scene!  

Lace and Leggings at the 80's Rocks Party!

We thank everyone who joined us and we hope that you enjoyed yourself as much as we did!  To those who could not attend, we certainly hope you will join us next time! 

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We would like to thank the following MADA sponsors for making this a wonderful convention!  When making your business decisions, we request that you consider those who support your Association. 

Charapp & Weiss, LLP

Chesapeake Petroleum

Computerized Vehicle Registration (CVR)

Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell, P.C.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Federated Insurance

Helion Automotive Technologies

JM&A Group

Kelly Integral Solutions, Inc.

Rifkin Weiner Livingston Levitan & Silver

SunTrust

The Salamon Agency

TrueCar

Zurich

MADA is accepting nominations for the 2014 Time Quality Dealer of the Year Award and ATD Dealer of the Year Award.   To be considered for selection, a nominee must:

• Be a franchised new-car/truck dealer;
• Be a member of NADA/ATD;
• Be a member of a state dealer association;
• Be the operating head of the dealership as designated in the franchise paragraph of the factory agreement for a minimum of one year;
• Have a presence in the dealership offices during at least 60% of business hours;
• Have at least a five-year record of active participation in affairs of the nominee's state or local dealer association;
• Agree to be available for participation in Dealer of the Year activities at NADA's Convention.

To nominate a fellow dealer for this award, please download, complete, and mail or fax your completed Nomination Form to MADA by July 31, 2013 to:

Maryland Automobile Dealers Association

7 State Circle, Suite 301

Annapolis, Maryland 21401 or FAX to: (410) 269-1549

The Red Flags Rule is in place to protect consumers by requiring businesses to watch for and respond to warning signs or "red flags" of identity theft. Late last year, the FTC revised the Red Flags Rule to more narrowly define the types of creditors subject to the rule's requirements, and it has now issued an updated business guide.

 Download revised Red Flags Rule business guide 

Under the revised rule, the Red Flags program implemented by a dealership must have four parts:

1. Include reasonable policies and procedures to identify signs or red flags of identity theft in the day-to-day business operations.

2. Detect the red flags identified by the business.

3. Set out the actions the business will take upon detecting red flags.

4. Periodically re-evaluate its program to reflect new identity theft risks.

Topics include who must pay it, how it is calculated and how it is paid.  In addition to the PCORI fee, this seminar will discuss the fee imposed on plan sponsors and issuers to fund the temporary reinsurance program, including what it is, who must pay it, how it is calculated, and when it is due.  This fee will be a significant impact on plan sponsors and premiums for insured programs, and employers need to understand it now to start planning.

Because of our association partnership with American Fidelity, we have been able to secure the reduced "customer" pricing of $50 for our members, regardless if you have American Fidelity products or services in your group. 

Date: July 9, 2013
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. CDT
Fee: $50.00 Association Member Pricing

Click Here to Register Today!

As a reminder, effective July 1, 2013 the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will cease to issue the plastic bags for temporary plates. The new temporary plate is printed on Teflon coated paper which will not require the use of the plastic bags.

Please make sure your dealership has the new paper stock available for use no later than June 28, 2013. If you do not have the Teflon coated paper by July 1, 2013, your dealership will not be able to process temporary plates.

Still need to order the new paper? Contact Maryland Correctional Enterprises (MCE) by telephone to (410) 799-1240 or via fax to (410)799-1370 soon as possible. Any questions concerning can be directed to mvablcsd@mva.maryland.gov.