behind the wheel
Martin
Your Association Needs You
O
ver the past four months, TIADA has held and participated in several virtual meetings via Zoom, conference calls and GoToMeeting sessions. The transition for the association’s standing committee members was simply business as usual. About a decade ago, we made a strategic decision to move all our committees to teleconference allowing more members to participate. And the association continues to reap the rewards of that decision; it is common for us to have dealers representing all corners of the state and various regions on all our committees. Most associations struggle to find good new leaders to serve on boards and committees. We have been fortunate over the last ten years to not only have had great leaders in the past, but to also have new leaders step up to carry the torch forward and continue to advance the interests of the industry. Most of our past board members continue to serve on committees and help guide and shape the association in a less high-profile position. Their knowledge of the industry and experience with the association makes them invaluable leaders to us. Others have used the association as a springboard and have moved on to be even more influential on the industry by serving on the NIADA Board, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Board or even serving as a Texas State Representative. New committee members always bring unique experiences and talents to help foster new ideas. The combination of experienced leader and new leader creates a lot of energy and muchneeded continuity. The end result is always a well-defined roadmap for the association’s future. Most
by Jeff
TIADA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
recently, our President Robert Beck, appointed an ad hoc committee charged with exploring TIADA offering a Certified Pre-Owned Program. After much debate and studying, the committee reported back to the board and the board elected to move forward with a TIADA CPO program. We are planning to unveil the new program at the TIADA Conference in August. Next month, we will also start accepting committee sign-up sheets. Who will fill the leadership roles for next year, or the one after, or the next five years? Is there a bottomless well of talented leaders in the industry? The answer to that question is yes! Does that mean you have to serve on the board of directors? No, you simply have to be engaged. You can serve on a committee, help recruit new members, give money to INDEPAC or get to know your legislator. There is a plethora of opportunities for you to use your talents to help the association as we all work to improve our industry. Teddy Roosevelt once said, “Every man owes a part of his time and money to the business or industry in which he is engaged. No man has a moral right to withhold his support from an organization that is striving to improve conditions within his sphere.” Over the last couple of years we have seen a wave of new dealers become more involved with the association and there is no doubt the industry has been the beneficiary. Find the right place for your talents and join so many of your fellow dealers who understand the importance of being involved. If you are not sure how to become more active or where the association can use your talents, please give me a call or complete and return the form on page 7. We have an industry that needs you.
We need You!
62
T e x a s
D e a l e r
July/Special 2020
