As winter comes to an end and we start looking forward to spring, I am confident and hopeful that our members — and the industry as a whole — have many bright days ahead. The past few years have tested us as an industry, but I am proud to say that we triumphantly weathered the storm. Once again, we are gearing up for a successful new year and many more to come.

The Utah International Auto Expo was held in January. The event was a great success and allowed us to show the public not only everything new on wheels but how Utah’s auto dealers are committed to their craft. A big thanks to all of our sponsors and dealers that participated.

While at the Auto Expo, two new Hall of Fame Inductees were introduced. You can read more about Dean Fitzpatrick and Bart Warner and their extraordinary lives in this issue.

Also, I want to remind you that the FTC’s Safeguards Rule has been delayed six months, and dealers MUST comply with this federal requirement by June 9 of this year. The Safeguards Rule requires financial institutions under FTC jurisdiction to have measures in place to keep customer information secure. It creates significant technical and administrative compliance requirements for dealers and others, like internal penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, data encryption, security awareness training, and the performance of written risk assessments. We will continue to advocate for you on this issue and keep you posted on any changes.

As your Executive Director, I am happy to serve you and am pleased to provide you with information and guidance. I will do my best to answer any questions you may have.

You, as auto dealers, have a unique opportunity to make a difference every time you interact with a customer, vendor, or employee. I share with you the commitment you make to do your very best. Because that is what I want to do for you: my very best.

If you need anything, please reach out to us here at NCDU. We are glad — and proud — to be here for you.

Sincerely,
Craig Bickmore