Pub. 2 2019-2020 |Issue 2

4 Craig Bickmore, Executive Director W e’ve finished our auto show, we’ve finished our NADA convention, and we’re knee-deep in our legislative session. It’s been a busy beginning of the year. Once again, our international auto show was a big success. I’d like to thank all of you who braved the weather that first day, but as always, the consumers came out and the feedback was outstanding. The NADA Convention is always a bright spot. For those of you who attended, you know exactly what I mean, and for those of you who didn’t, I hope that you will consider attending next year. NADA 2020 Chairman Rhett Ricart’s first message to America’s franchised auto dealers was straightforward: “You’ll be just fine.” “Actually, we’re going to be more than just fine,” said Ricart, when he took the reins of our national organization at the convention. “There’s something to be said of auto dealers that went through wars, recessions, depressions, oil embargoes, global economic meltdowns, OEM bankruptcies, and are still upright, standing tall, and stronger than ever. “I see our success every day in our packed service departments, where we’re working to staff the best technicians and where customers come for warranty, recall and maintenance work. And that will only continue. Because if you think it’s going to be easy fixing an all-electric or fully autonomous car without a tried and true service department network to back you up, you’re in a dream world.” Actually, we’re going to be more than just fine,” said Ricart, when he took the reins of our national organization at the convention. “There’s something to be said of auto dealers that went through wars, recessions, depressions, oil embargoes, global economic meltdowns, OEM bankruptcies, and are still upright, standing tall, and stronger than ever. Rhett Ricart, NADA 2020 Chairman continued on page 6 He’s right. We will be fine. Yes, our industry is facing many disruptors, but someone will need to sell all the new technology and then once it’s sold, someone will need to fix it. To think that the franchise business model is going away is silly. We have a place and it’s an important one. But in order to maintain our businesses, to thrive and grow, we will need to be vigilant as an organization when it comes to protecting our rights as franchise owners. So what does this mean for Utah’s franchise auto dealers? We have a business model that is constantly being challenged. That probably won’t change much. But I can say this: there has never been a better time for this membership to become involved in the political process within our state. Change requires action. Change requires that we work with — and most importantly — continue to educate our elected officials in what we as franchise auto dealers accomplish within, and contribute to, the communities we serve. Change is an opportunity for collaboration andbuilding relationships. The truth is that politics are a necessary part of modern life. We rely on each other to talk and get things done in our neighborhoods, cities, states, and country. It’s not all that different from taking care of a business when you think about it. If the inventory on your lot needs to be washed you take care of it. If an employee needs training, you do what is necessary to help them be successful. You wouldn’t say you don’t want to get involved A Lot is Going On …