behind the wheel What If...

On many occasions, I have used this article to discuss the number one goal of our association — to grow our influence! And there is no doubt that TIADA has done that and then some over the last 16 years. In my last Behind the Wheel, I thought about listing some of the many accomplishments and thanking so many of the dealer members, associate members, and TIADA team members who made it possible. But your association has too much work to do for us to start patting each other on the back just yet.

I opted to focus on what we can do, as opposed to what we have done. An association can grow its influence in a number of ways: we can increase our voice by increasing membership and attending legislative events; we can become a more compliant industry by attending education programs ensuring we understand the laws and rules that regulate our industry; we can contribute to INDEPAC to help support legislators who philosophically align with the association; and we can show strength, unity, and diversity by increasing our attendance at the conference. So, in my last article, I am going to ask, “what if?”

What if each member recruited one new member this month? You would have almost 2600 members rolling into the last two months of the legislative session, speaking volumes to your elected leaders.

by Jeff Martin TIADA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

What if each current member contributed $100 to INDEPAC this month? It would be your largest INDEPAC fundraiser ever and have you well positioned to be very active players in the 2024 interim.

What if 35% of TIADA members registered for the conference coming up in July (dealer registration is now open)? You would celebrate your largest conference ever, and dealers would leave with the knowledge they need to stay compliant and profitable.

I realize I have asked a lot of you in the past 16 years, and you have always delivered. My last ask is simple: this month, recruit one new member, send $100 to INDEPAC, and register for the TIADA Conference. By the end of April, TIADA will be under new leadership, and that lucky person will be sitting on the most influence your association has ever seen.

I have one last “what if,” but it’s personal.

What if your parents were David and Elaine Martin, and they had read every Behind the Wheel you had ever written? They would have read almost 200 articles, and you would be a pretty lucky son. Thanks, mom and dad. I love you.

Now my focus will turn to growing the influence of your National Independent Automobile Dealers Association, and I could not be more excited to have you along for the ride.