April 2010 Independent Dealer Magazine by FIADA

A Publication of the Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association

April 2010

www.FIADA.com

Information and Insight for Florida Used Car Dealers

What’s Inside: red flags rule: Are You Ready? Page 8

free dealer training opportunity Page 14

FIADA Annual Convention registration Page 20

You could win $10,000 Page 16

PERMIT NO. 801 TALLAHASSEE, FL

PA I D PRST STD U.S. POSTAGE

www.fiada.com

Florida’s Capitol Building: Ground Zero for FIADA’s Legislative Agenda April 2010 — Independent Dealer —

April 30th is Getting Close! Have you satisfied your continuing education requirements to renew your license? Do it online! On behalf of the FIADA Board of Directors, you can now complete our Online Continued Education Class for $55.95 (FIADA Members for $39.95) until April 30, 2010 at www.fiada.com. Because the FIADA is committed to helping Florida dealers advance in any way we can, we just wanted to say, ”Thanks for your support…and keep up the good work!” Now, take care of your 8 CE credits, and let’s sell some cars!!

Monday, April 19, 2010 8:00am to 5:00pm Manheim Central Florida Auto Auction 9800 Bachmann Rd. Orlando, FL

Title & Registration Seminar Thursday, April 22, 2010 8:00am to 5:00pm Reflection Plaza 500 West Lake Mary Blvd Sanford, FL 32773

— Independent Dealer — April 2010

Tuesday, April 27, 2010 8:00am to 5:00pm Leon County Tax Collector’s Office 3477 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32301 www.fiada.com

MAILING ADDRESS 1840 Fiddler Court Tallahassee, FL 32308 TELEPHONE (850) 385-2712 (800) 237-0448

FAX (850) 385-3251 WEBSITE www.FIADA.com

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Greg Edwards President Jim Kagiliery Chairman of the Board Jeff Gann Senior Vice President Jeff Zupec Secretary Dino Mercurio Treasurer

Mario Allmond Regional Vice President Brandi Noegel Regional Vice President George Hickey Regional Vice President Steve Marbais, CMD Regional Vice President John Cousins Regional Vice President

FIADA STAFF

Steve Jordan Executive Director Larry Peters S. Allen Monello, D.P.A. Terry Myers Instructors Sarah Langley Membership Coordinator Alex Romans Education Coordinator Christy Taylor Editorial/Advertising

POSTMASTER:

Send address changes to: FIADA • 1840 Fiddler Court Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 385-2712 • Toll Free: (800) 237-0448 Fax: (850) 385-3251 • www.FIADA.com Volume 1 No. 2 The Independent Dealer is a publication of: Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association, 1840 Fiddler Court, Tallahassee, FL 32308. The magazine is published every month in Tallahassee and distributed to Florida new, used, wholesale and lease/retail car dealers. Advertising rates are available upon request. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of Independent Dealer or the Association. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as members of FIADA, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured.

www.fiada.com

Contents April 2010

For members of the Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association

C O LU M N S & F E AT U R E S 2

FIADA Offers Education Opportunities On Line and On Site.

We’ve Got You Covered

Greg Edwards

Steve Jordan

President’s Message Executive Director’s Message

Larry Peters and S. Allen Monello, D.P.A.

John Grant

Technically Speaking Legislative Update We Need You! FIADA’s Legislative Chair Dino Mercurio talks about why dealers need to unite for a louder voice in Tallahassee.

Want to Win $10,000?

Fast Cars and Freedom: FIADA’s Annual Convention & Expo

FREE Dealer Training Event Friday, April 23, 2010 at Manheim Daytona Details on Page 7 and then go online to www.fiada.com to register!

D E PA R T M E N T S 22

Member News & Notes

Internet Extras

UPCOMING EVENTS April 23-24, 2010 FIADA Board of Directors Meeting The Shores Daytona Beach, FL

July 16-17, 2010 FIADA Board of Directors Meeting PGA National Resort & Spa Palm Beach Gardens, FL April 2010 — Independent Dealer —

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Ready to Build A Legacy? BY GREG ED WARDS

hen you pick up a newspaper or watch the news these days, you can’t help but think our country is in the middle of a political revival. Love it or hate it, health care reform has brought out the good and bad in everyone. For the first time in a long time, Americans are choosing to speak up for what they believe in. When the founding fathers came together to create our government, they were clear that it should be built on the theme of “we the people.” Our constituion gives us many freedoms, and one of the greatest is the right to say what we want and question things we disagree with. It is our obligation, as good citizens, to participate in the political process and tell our elected officials how we feel. Brave men have fought, bled and died so that we can have that right, and maybe we should try to remember that. I know you are probably saying, Greg, that is very philosophical but what does it mean for me? Well as a businessman, a Floridian and an American you should care because our representative form of government puts the fate of your future directly in your hands. What happens is driven by you, and you must get involved to make sure you get to your destination. Yes, FIADA is in Tallahassee keeping a close eye on legislative issues, but our voice is only as effective as your ability to make it heard. We need you to speak up.

you give them the keys. Maybe we should be proud that we make it look so easy. You and I both know selling cars is a lot harder than it looks. Not only is competition tough, supply is hard to find and funding opportunities are limited, but the amount of rules and regulations we have to deal with can further complicate things. Elected officials need to understand the burden that excessive regulation, fees and taxes have on our businesses. For example, they need to know why we need legislation that expands the enforcement against curbstoning or why we need to close the loophole allowing customers to skip-out on license plate fees. These things may not be obvious to those who are not directly involved with our industry. A good place to start is with a phone call, introducing yourself and sharing where you stand on an issue. If you were one of the many members who contacted your legislator on behalf of FIADA’s Senate Bill 1182/House Bill 631, thank you! As things stand our efforts have paid off and paved the way for passage of this legislation. Let me remind you, though, that just because the 2010 session is nearing Sine Die, we can’t

If you were one of the many members who contacted your legislator on behalf of FIADA’s Senate Bill 1182/House Bill 631, thank you!

To an outsider, the car business looks simple. Most people think you put a car on the lot, advertise it for sale, someone comes in and signs a contract and — Independent Dealer — April 2010

stop working. Now is the time to fertilize our grass roots efforts and plant ourselves firmly in the middle of the process. Take courage in the braveness of those who fought for us to have these rights. Together we will make a difference, bring respect to our profession and leave a mighty legacy for those who follow. www.fiada.com

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EXECUTIVE DIREC TOR’S MESSAGE

You Are Personally Invited BY STE VE JORDAN Steve with his wife, Tatia on date night.

s I mentioned in past articles, a big priority for the FIADA Board of Directors this year is to expand its already vast Dealer Training Network to include free seminars and Town Hall meetings for dealers around its Board of Director’s meetings. This will add a level of depth to our training that will combine valuable “real-time” industry training with front-line feedback on how the FIADA can better serve dealers around the State of Florida. Simply put, the FIADA wants to hear from you!

Legislative Activity relating to dealers (a complete agenda is on the next page). Other key topics will include:

So, on behalf of the FIADA Board of Directors, I want to personally invite you to attend the free FIADA Dealer Training Seminar & Town Hall Meeting as my guest on Friday, April 23rd at the Manheim Daytona Beach location in Daytona Beach. Our program will get started at 9 a.m. with breakfast at 8 a.m. Lunch will also be provided.

•

For this seminar, FIADA has assembled a top-tier group of industry leaders to take you through critical Finance and Buy Here Pay Here Training, Legal & Regulatory Flashpoints for Dealers and Up-to-Date

Pre-register today at www.fiada.com or by calling (800) 237-0448 and when you check-in at Manheim Daytona for the FIADA training, you will receive $100 off a Manheim Daytona Buy/Sell Fee.

— Independent Dealer — April 2010

• • •

SuperSizing Your Bottom Line: Keys to Buying the Right Inventory Industry Benchmarks that can Impact BHPH Loan Performance in a Recovering Economy Repossession Recovery Attempts: New Legal Strategies to Find Customers that Don’t Want to be Found Learn to Sidestep Legal Landmines that can Cripple Your Business The Impact of New Florida Laws on Independent Dealer Operations FIADA Legal Forum: Ask FIADA’s General Counsel Your Legal Questions FIADA Legislative Forum: Help FIADA Chart its Legislative Course in 2010 and Beyond

Our Town Hall Meeting & Legislative Update will give you a chance to speak up and talk about “realtime” issues that you are facing as a dealer. Your feedback will be funneled to our Board of Directors the following day for strategic direction and planning at their quarterly Board Meeting on Saturday, April the 24th. Please make plans today to attend this seminar. For exact location, directions, schedule and pre-registration information, go to http://www.fiada.com/Calendar_ Education.cfm and sign up today, as space is limited. You do not want to miss this exciting FREE seminar (and lunch) and the opportunity to see how you can protect and grow your business in a recovering economy. I look forward to seeing you there.

www.fiada.com

Dealer Training Schedule of Topics Friday, April 23, 2010

Manheim Daytona Beach • 1305 Indian Lake Road • Daytona Beach, FL 8:00am Registration / Sign-In Coffee & Danish

9:00am Buy Here Pay Here Training: Part 1 Super-Size Your Bottom Line: Keys to Buying the Right Inventory • Know Your Market & Enhance Your Profitability • Industry Benchmarks that Impact Your BHPH Loan Performance • How Does Your Book of Business Stack Up? Industry Standards in a Recovering Economy 10:30am Questions & Answers 10:50am Break

11:00am

Legal & Regulatory Flash Points for Dealers Sidestepping Legal Landmines in the Regulation Age • Frequently Asked Legal Questions • Impact of New Laws: September 1, 2009 & July 1, 2010 • Industry Overview

11:50am Questions & Answers

12:00pm Town Hall Meeting & Legislative Update (Working Lunch) Advocating for the Independent Dealer in Florida’s Capitol • Status of House Bill 631 and Senate Bill 1182 • Fee Increases: FIADA Strategy to Roll Them Back • All Politics is Local: FIADA wants to hear from You 12:45pm Questions & Answers

1:00pm Buy Here Pay Here Training: Part 2 Keys to Limiting Your Risk as a BHPH Dealer • Sales, Marketing & Advertising: Your Recipe for Higher Margins • Underwriting the BHPH Customer: Give Yourself a Chance to Collect • Finding Customers that Don’t Want to be Found: Repossession Recovery Affidavits 2:30pm Questions & Answers 3:00pm Dismiss

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T E C H N I C A L LY S P E A K I N G

Is Your Dealership Compliant With the Red Flags Rule? BY LARRY PE TERS AND S. ALLEN MONELLO, D. P. A .

une 1st is right around the corner and that’s the date the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) intends to begin enforcing its Red Flags Rule. Yes, we know what you’re thinking. The FTC postponed the enforcement date several times before and who knows, it may happen again. Then again, it may not. Regardless, when the FTC begins enforcing the Red Flags Rule, it doesn’t matter because the Rule has been promulgated and dealers need to be in compliance already. As a matter of fact we have already heard from dealers who have told us that some of the lenders they do business with have actually asked them if they are Red Flags compliant. If they are not, the lender will not do business with the dealer. The reason why? Those lenders may be regulated by the FDIC or the National Credit Union Administration who did not postpone their enforcement date. So let’s recap what the Red Flags Rule is all about and what a dealer must do to comply. The FTC Red Flags Rule is mandated by the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACTA), which amended the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

3) 4)

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employee ID card, military ID, professional license, etc.). The others could be a voter ID card, social security card, credit cards, etc. Train your staff to recognize fraudulent driver licenses. This would include areas such as DL number not corresponding to year of birth; initial and first three letters of the Florida license being different for family members with the same last name; physical description on DL not matching individual, etc. Staff can be trained in this area through classes provided by regulatory agencies and/ or law enforcement. Look for current and frequent inquiries on the credit report. Train staff to always ask customers one or more “challenge questions.” For example, while looking at the customer’s credit report, make sure they can tell you correctly: Which states they have lived in. Which financial institution holds their mortgage. Which addresses they have lived at over the past 5, 10, 15 years. Subscribe to a database that provides you with social security number decoding to determine what year and in which state the number was issued. Also whether that number appears on the Social Security Administration’s Death Master File. Train staff on the latest identity theft schemes. Direct staff to report unresolved address discrepancies to Program Coordinator.

The main purpose of this Rule is to prevent, detect and mitigate identity theft. Dealerships must have written policies, procedures and processes in place to accomplish this. These need to be customized to the dealership. Like the Safeguards Rule, the dealership must appoint a Red Flags Coordinator who reports to the owner with an annual report. The dealership should also maintain incident reports describing any attempts to pass on fraudulent identity, unresolved address discrepancies and any other identity theft measures taken. The dealership must also make sure that all new and existing employees are regularly trained regarding the Red Flags Rule and the dealership’s obligation to comply.

The good news for dealers is help is available. FIADA has placed information regarding the Red Flags Rule, along with suggested policies and procedures that can be customized for use in your dealership, on its website at www.fiada.com.

The following is a list of some procedures, processes and practices dealers may wish to adopt and put into place at their dealership:

The material contained in this article is for informational purposes only and not intended to serve as legal advice. Dealers are strongly encouraged to have all of their internal policies and procedures reviewed by their attorney.

1) Require at least two forms of identification. One should be a government-issued identification card with a photo (driver license, passport, government — Independent Dealer — April 2010

6) 7)

Larry Peters and Allen Monello are managing partners in the Automotive Industry Center for Excellence, LLC (AICE) and consultants to FIADA. If you have questions related to compliance issues or of a technical nature, you can reach them at (800) 237-0448. www.fiada.com

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L E G I S L AT I V E U P D AT E

Watch Your Email BY JOHN GRANT, FIADA LOBBYIST

s I write this legislative report, the session is exactly half way through, but by the time you see the printed version, the session will have concluded. As we have over the past several weeks, we will use e-mail to keep you up to date and seek your involvement in the process.

Our legislation is progressing and has passed out of three committees in the House and Senate and changes have been made at each stop. The legislation remains basically as drafter, but the department has asked for slight

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For example, on an issue close to our hearts, the Senate budget would roll back last year’s fee increases and the House budget would not and the list of differences goes on and on. Also there is an eager awaiting if the federal government will be sending an additional one billion dollars for Medicaid. That is likely to happen and will cover a third of the deficit. But if and when it happens, there is great diversity between the House and Senate as to how to spend it.

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changes in the language and the most controversial part has developed in the area of tent sales.

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We will continue to send out e-mail alerts, like the one pictured below. When you see these, we encourage you to respond quickly by calling committee members and your local senators and representatives. So far this system has been working well this session. As I have asked members staff, they have responded by telling me that they have been receiving calls from FIADA members. That is encouraging that you, our members, are becoming a part of our lobby team and your calls are helpful to our legislative priorities. Next month, after the session is over, I look forward to giving you a full report on the final outcome of our legislative program. We then need to turn our attention to the ultimate lobby process and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the one at the ballot box. We need to make sure that friends of our industry are elected this fall.

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Stay on the lookout for e-mails that look like this! The FIADA electronic Legislative Update will hit your inbox with breaking news from Tallahassee.

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D E A L E R F E AT U R E

FIADA’s Legislative Chairman Dino Mercurio encourages dealers to engage. By Christy Taylor

or the past decade, maybe even longer, Dino Mercurio has chaired the Legislative Committee for the Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association. In that time he has learned a lot about the legislative process and built his confidence as an advocate for Florida’s used car dealers.

surrounding a piece of legislation. What may sound good on paper, does not always translate well in the real world. A case in point is last year’s vote to raise fees for driver’s licenses, tags and registration. While legislators thought raising the fees to help raise revenue for budget deficits was a good idea, the reality told a different story. Mercurio says if dealers can do a better job of explaining an issue, and its impact on the industry before the vote, it might make the difference.

Mercurio says FIADA is known by most legislators in Tallahassee; just about everyone knows “who we are and what we do.” The work “You absolutely need to now is maintaining get involved. This is your that presence and business and your livelihood,” enhancing it with a Dino Mercurio Mercurio said. “Without united membership sharing your point of view, that is powerful in both and how the legislation may affect numbers and awareness. Educating you, the legislators may have no idea the Florida House and Senate how your business would be affected. about issues directly impacting They are not in the auto business, so used car dealers, growing FIADA’s they might not understand without membership and strengthening the someone opening their eyes to issue.” PAC Fund are all things Mercurio says are essential to future legislative Whether it is a phone call, an success. e-mail or a personal visit, direct communication holds the key to Legislators may not always know being successful in the legislative or understand the big picture 14 — Independent Dealer — April 2010

process. Mercurio says though you might feel intimidated calling a Senator’s office, you shouldn’t. It is your right as a citizen to speak with your representative, and your elected official wants to hear from you. If it makes it easier, chances of talking to the legislator directly are pretty slim and more often than not you will speak with a staff assistant or legislative aide. “Don’t be hesitant to make that phone all,” Mercurio urges. “After the first call, you’ll realize how easy it is. All you have to do is call, tell the person who answers who you are and what group you are with, in our case the FIADA, and then ask them to tell the legislator the way you hope they will vote. You’re not going to have debate the issue or go into a lot of detail of why you agree or disagree with the issue.” Most senator and representative offices keep running tallies on how many phone calls they receive on an issue, and how many people are in support or opposition to it. If enough Continued on Page 16. www.fiada.com

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April 2010 — Independent Dealer — 15

WE NEED YOU Continued from Page 14. calls are made either way, it shows the legislator he or she may have to look a little deeper into the issue and understand exactly what is at stake. In politics, numbers are the key to getting attention. Mercurio says this is another thing members can do to help FIADA’s legislative efforts: recruit more members. Just as 100 phone calls holds more weight than 10, an organization with thousands of members is usually listened to very closely. “Membership is the biggest key,” Mercurio said. “Politicians are numbers people.” After the 2010 session, when the legislators return to their home offices, Mercurio says the Legislative Committee and Lobbyist John Grant will be working to organize some district meet-and-greets. The plan

will be to have small groups of dealers in each district to visit their local senators and representatives, introduce themselves as members of FIADA and offer to become local liaisons for issues involving the auto industry. Mercurio says watch your e-mail and the magazine for updates about this project and how to get involved. If you do not have the time to be able to make the face-to-face meetings, Mercurio says one of the easiest and most effective ways to help is by contributing to FIADA’s Political Action Committee (PAC) Fund. Like it or not, offering financial support to a legislator’s campaign helps an organization get their foot in the door in Tallahassee. The more money an Association has to make campaign donations, hire lobbyists and promote the election of friends of the industry, the more successful they are in bringing awareness to their message.

“You don’t have to be an active member of the Legislative Committee to help out,” Mercurio said. “One of the best ways to help is to send us a check. We’ll do the legwork for you.” Mercurio has certainly logged enough time monitoring legislation and participating in the legislative process that he would be a qualified candidate to run for an elected office. But, if you are wondering if he would ever consider it, don’t bother. His answer is an immediate, “no thanks.” He says though he finds the process extremely interesting, he would never want to sit on that side of the fence. “It can be a very frustrating process. It’s kind of a love-hate relationship for me. I love being involved in this way, but I have no desire for a career in politics.”

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Special 2010 Convention Pricing: Corporate Registration $249 and then $195 for each additional employee.

Family Registration $349 Includes dealer, spouse and kiddos.

Make Your Hotel Reservations Now! Space is limited, so call today. Tradewinds Reservations: 800.808.9833 Room Rate: $149/night (plus tax) You must mention you are part of the FIADA Annual Convention to receive group rate. www.fiada.com

April 2010 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Independent Dealer â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 19

COMPANY INFORMATION

Company:_______________________________________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address:__________________________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip:___________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone:_______________________________________________ Fax:_______________________________________________ E-mail:_______________________________________________ Website:___________________________________________

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

(Please Note: fees in each category will increase by $100 after September 10, 2010.)

q CORPORATE REGISTRATION

Badge Name: _ __________________________________________________ [ ] $249

Additional Attendee:_ _____________________________________________ [ ] $195

Dealership attendees will have access to all convention breakfast, lunch & dinner meal functions (including the Annual Banquet & Awards Ceremony and the Fast Cars & Freedom Gala Banquet), the Exhibit Hall, all Continued Education workshops, FIADA Certificates of Completion and all parties throughout the weekend.

q FAMILY REGISTRATION

Badge Name: _ __________________________________________________ [ ] $349

Spouse Name:___________________________________________________ [ ] Included

Child Name:_____________________________________________________ [ ] Included

Family Package attendees will have access to all convention breakfast, lunch & dinner meal functions (including the Annual Banquet & Awards Ceremony and the Fast Cars & Freedom Gala Banquet), the Exhibit Hall, all Continued Education workshops, FIADA Certificates of Completion and all parties throughout the weekend.

q CONTINUING EDUCATION ONLY

Badge Name: _ __________________________________________________ [ ] $195

Badge Name:____________________________________________________ [ ] $195

Continuing Education Only attendees will have access to breakfast & lunch on Friday and Saturday, the Exhibit Hall, all Continued Education workshops, and a FIADA Certificate of Completion.

TOTAL REGISTRATION FEES:

$__________

PAYMENT METHOD [ ] I have enclosed a check made payable to FIADA [ ] I will be using a credit card Credit Card Type: [ ] Visa [ ] Master Card [ ] American Express [ ] Discover Name (as it appears on card):____________________________________ Company:_______________________________________ Credit Card Billing Address:______________________________________________________________________________________ Credit Card Number:_ _______________________________________________ Exp Date:_ ________________________________ Authorized Signature: X__________________________________________________ CC Security Code:______________________ CANCELLATION POLICY: Refunds may be honored with a 72-hour notice. Please submit cancellations in writing.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

Please contact Tradewinds Resort directly at (800) 808-9833 and mention you are part of the FIADA Annual Convention to receive the group rate. Reservations must be made by Sept. 10, 2010 to receive the FIADA group discount of $149.00 per night, plus tax. This reduced group rate will not be guaranteed after this date. Reservations will be accepted upon a space available basis.

20 — Independent April 2010 Or Mail/Fax registration to:Dealer FIADA — • 1840 Fiddler Court • Tallahassee, FL 32308 • PHONE (800) 237-0448 • FAX (850) 385-3251

www.fiada.com

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April 2010 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Independent Dealer â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 21

MEMBER NEWS &

NOTES

Check your email for dmv renewal notices The Division of Motor Vehicles began emailing dealer license renewal notices to independent, wholesale and salvage dealers and to auctions on February 12, 2010. The department is utilizing email instead of USPS to communicate with dealers across the state. This cost effective measure saved tax payers approximately $5,000 this renewal period. If you have an email address on file with the department and did not receive a renewal packet, please contact your local DMV Regional Office to obtain an application and update your email address. If you do not have an email address, there are several free services available. The DMV encourages dealers to obtain an email address so they may receive future communication from the department. Charleston Auto Auction Breaks Attendance Record At 9th Anniversary Sale On Friday, March 12th Charleston Auto Auction celebrated its 9th Anniversary with a record breaking crowd of over 650 dealers. Dealers traveled from all over the country with hopes of having a chance at winning the auctions now famous $1,000,000 Sweepstakes. “Although it was cloudy and drizzling most of the day, that did not stop our great dealers from coming out and celebrating our 9th Anniversary sale.” said Laura Taylor, Charleston Auto Auction’s general manager. “We are extremely pleased with both the high consignment and the record breaking turnout. The fact that we can offer this amount of vehicles at a time when most dealers have such a depleted inventory proves once again that buyers and sellers can ‘Count On Us!’” The talk throughout the day was “will someone win the million this year; will it be me?” In the ten weeks leading up to the anniversary event, dealers had been qualifying for a chance to participate in the $1 Million Sweepstakes. Unfortunately no one took home the million dollars this year, but 24 dealers split $50,000 in cash and prizes including $15,000 cash split between the three finalists. “Every year we give our dealers the best odds they will ever have at winning $1 million. I know someone is going to hit it soon. I guess we will have to wait until next year to find out.” stated Taylor. 22 — Independent Dealer — April 2010

INTERNET EXTRAS new offer for online continuing education April 30th is right around the corner, have you satisfied your continuing education requirements to renew your license? On behalf of the FIADA Board of Directors, you can now complete our Online Continued Education Class for $39.95 as an FIADA member and $55.95 as a nonmember until April 30, 2010 at www.fiada.com. FIADA’s Online Continuing Education course is easy to use, convenient and immediate. All you need is a computer with internet access and you will have up to 90 days to take the course at a time that suits you. At the end of the online course, you can print your continuing education certificate to provide to the DMV. Our online course was developed by former DMV officials and has undergone extensive peer review providing you with accurate and current information. Use your legislative voice FIADA has made it very easy for you to participate in the legsilative process. Go to the homepage at www.fiada.com and you will find links to valuable tools like reading copy on FIADA’s Senate Bill 1182 and House Bill 631, Talking Points for building support and a link that will allow you to find contact information for your elected official. You will even find the latest news coming out of Tallahassee and committee members and others you can contact to make your voice heard. Toyota Temporarily Suspends Sales of Selected Vehicles/Recall Eight models of the Toyota Motor Division are involved in the recall/sales suspension for reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms. Log on to www.fiada. com and click on News & Events to see a list of models. You cannot sell an UNSAFE vehicle without assuming liability!! Examine your own insurance policies, but I think you will find that in most cases you are not covered under this type of circumstance. You may even modify your purchase agreement referencing the recall with a separate document attached with full disclosure, however you are still selling a vehicle deemed unsafe by its manufacturer. www.fiada.com

April 2010 — Independent Dealer — 23

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