A Message from VADA President and CEO Don Hall
March 2024
As the Virginia General Assembly session closes, I always pause to look at the strides we made this year, compounded with the legislative successes of years past in our ongoing journey to protect the interests of Virginia's franchised dealers and the consumers we serve.
Who in your dealership group would make the best legislative leader?
The end of the General Assembly kicks off a new chapter in our advocacy efforts: Building a statewide network of dealer legislative representatives.
Ralston King, VADA's vice president of legislative affairs, will hit the road in the coming weeks to spearhead an initiative to identify a legislative liaison within each automotive dealer group across the state.
This strategy aims to deepen our connections with legislators, ensuring our industry's unique perspectives and challenges are more effectively communicated.
By building these relationships, you can help enhance VADA advocacy and equip our members with the tools and knowledge to participate actively in the legislative process.
I encourage you to work with your colleagues and Ralston to identify a dedicated legislative champion within your ranks as he embarks on his tour of the Commonwealth. In fact, I would challenge you to nominate yourself or a colleague at your dealership using the below form.
Legislative Liaisons
Are you, or someone you know, a good candidate for your dealership's primary "Legislative Liaison?" We're looking for employees who are interested in the policies dictating our business, who enjoy building relationships, and want to be a voice for issues affecting our industry. Nominate yourself or someone you know to be a VADA Legislative Liaison. Our VP of Legislative Affairs Ralston King will be making the rounds in the Commonwealth and is happy to meet with you and your staff to share details about how you can get involved in this important advocacy program.
Will you be at the VADA Annual Convention June 9-12?
I want to extend an invitation to all VADA members to kick off your summer at our Annual Convention in June at the Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms, S.C. This event is not just a gathering but a celebration of our collective achievements and a platform for networking and growth.
The convention will feature a packed agenda of sessions, exhibitor showcases, and networking opportunities, all designed to enrich your professional and personal connections within the industry.
Our Convention page outlines the Opening and Closing reception themes (there will be lots of color). Additionally, the VADA Golf Tournament and the new Pickleball Tournament offer fresh opportunities to come together and enjoy the camaraderie that defines VADA.
A call to unity and action
Whether participating in the legislative process or coming together at the Convention, our strength lies in our unity and shared commitment to advancing the interests of Virginia's franchised dealers.
Let's continue to work together, support each other, and champion the causes that will ensure our industry thrives and shapes the future of automotive retail in Virginia and beyond.
Virginia dealers on the steps of the new Virginia General Assembly Building in Richmond at Dealer Day at the Capitol, held January 24, 2024.