ALERT: 700Credit Data Breach & VADA’s Legal Incident Checklist
700Credit has confirmed a data breach involving dealer customer data. Read the full details on the incident and access VADA Legal’s general data breach checklist to help your dealership navigate the response and protect your business from liability.
Seasons of gratitude and transition in Virginia
This Thanksgiving, I’m reflecting on the power of gratitude for our families, teams, and customers. I also address Virginia’s recent election results, our constructive path forward with Governor-elect Spanberger, and our unwavering mission to protect dealers in this new political landscape.
Dealers Shifting Gears for Good: November
Virginia’s auto dealers aren’t just selling cars; they’re investing in the Commonwealth. Every month, we’re highlighting the positive impact auto dealers are making in their communities. From charitable giving to community service, these stories showcase
VADA Live S1:E42 – Virginia Election Recap: What the Results Mean for Virginia Businesses
Virginia just delivered a historic election, electing the first female chief executive, Abigail Spanberger, and expanding the Democratic House of Delegates majority by 13 seats. What does this shift mean for Virginia’s business climate, the
Barrie: The Importance of a Succession Plan
What happens to your dealership if you’re gone? A succession plan is crucial for your family, lenders, & OEM. Learn why you can’t afford to delay.
Barrie: Thinking of selling? Things to consider before your dealership goes to market.
Thinking of selling your dealership? This essential guide covers the key considerations before you go to market, from asset vs. real estate sales to non-competes.
VADA Live S1:41 – The AI Pyramid and Agentic Workflows with Cox Automotive’s Dr. Ben Flusberg
Join Dr. Ben Flusberg, Chief Data Officer at Cox Automotive for a deep dive into the evolution and practical application of AI in auto retail. Dr. Flusberg defines the AI landscape, explaining the shift from predictive to generative and now to agentic AI—where systems execute multi-step automated workflows.
What Election Day 2025 in Virginia means for auto dealers
November 5, 2025 Virginia elections deliver historic Democratic sweep For Virginia’s business community, including franchise auto dealers, this year’s election results signal a new political landscape in Richmond and across the Commonwealth heading into the
VADA Live S1:E40 – Market Shifts, EV Demand, & Practical AI w/ Automotive Ventures’ Steve Greenfield
Steve provides a crucial outlook for Q4 2025 and 2026, explaining why the EV softening and affordability pressures are defining the landscape, while the prime consumer remains resilient.
Why service is the largest single influence on the public’s perception of your dealership
Customers judge a dealership more by its service department than its showroom. While many focus on sales, fixed ops is the most profitable area of a store and the single largest influence on public perception.
Emily Beck: Time 2026 Dealer of the Year for Virginia
October 15, 2025 TIME and Ally Financial honor Front Royal dealer Emily Marlow Beck wins national recognition for community service and industry achievements Virginia’s Emily Marlow Beck, president of Marlow Motor Company, was announced today
Barrie: Compliance Requires Constant Action
Staying compliant with the FTC’s Privacy and Safeguards Rules requires constant action. The Privacy Rule mandates providing customers with clear notices and an option to opt out of data sharing with nonaffiliated third parties. The Safeguards Rule now requires a robust security program and reporting data breaches affecting 500 or more consumers to the FTC within 30 days of discovery.
Barrie: Cybersecurity and AI: How it Relates to Dealerships
As vehicles’ advanced technology introduces new cybersecurity risks, dealerships face direct liability. Major brands have faced vulnerabilities allowing remote vehicle control and data theft. Failing to address these discoverable risks can lead to lawsuits. Learn the critical steps to protect your dealership from these growing threats.
Dealers Shifting Gears for Good: October
Virginia’s auto dealers aren’t just selling cars; they’re investing in the Commonwealth. Every month, we’re highlighting the positive impact auto dealers are making in their communities. From charitable giving to community service, these stories
Employees Posting Personal Opinions on Social Media – What Can Employers Act Upon?
Employers can discipline or fire employees for their social media use, but they must be mindful of several legal protections that could shield the employee’s conduct. These protections include state laws safeguarding off-duty or political activities and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), which protects employees who discuss workplace conditions.
VADA Live S1:E39 – AI and the Future of Talent Management with Interactive EQ’s Napoleon Rumteen
Join Dan Carrigan as he speaks with Napoleon “Napo” Rumteen, a proven leader at the intersection of automotive retail, SaaS, and talent innovation. Napo, the Founder and CEO of Interactive EQ, explains how his platform uses AI to measure intangible skills and improve hiring and retention in high-turnover roles like sales and service advisors. In this interview, Napo shares his perspective on why focusing on employee development and getting ahead of problems is crucial for profitability.
Barrie: Nothing inappropriate should be occurring with non-English speaking consumers
Navigating car dealership paperwork can be tricky, especially for non-English speakers. In this article, Barrie explores how federal and state laws, including consumer protection acts, safeguard non-English speaking consumers from deceptive practices.
Dealers Shifting Gears for Good: September
Virginia’s auto dealers aren’t just selling cars; they’re investing in the Commonwealth. Every month, we’re highlighting the positive impact auto dealers are making in their communities. From charitable giving to community service, these stories showcase
VADA Live S1:E26 – Pro-Retail Auto Legislation with VADA Legislative & PAC Chair Tim Pohanka
Join Dan Carrigan and Tim Pohanka, VADA’s Legislative Chairman for this special edition of VADA Live from VADA’25. In this episode, Tim offers an exclusive look into the impactful work shaping the legislative landscape for Virginia’s auto dealers, emphasizing how VADA’s direct communication and deep understanding of the industry make all the difference in Richmond. The duo also explores why active participation from every dealer is crucial, serving as a powerful force for collective good. To support the VADA Auto and Truck Dealers PAC, visit https://vadapac.com/
A word on Virginia’s auto dealer processing fees
As CEO of VADA, I’m often asked about processing fees. Here’s a look at why these fees are essential for transparency, protecting consumer data, and maintaining a competitive free market.
