To all of my dealer peers and partners statewide and beyond: Thank you for making the trip to Isle of Palms for the VADA 2024 Annual Family Convention.
This event for me is a time to take a pause and come together as peers, competitors, partners, and friends.
Our schedule here at Wild Dunes is designed for you to recharge, learn, and grow through the valuable insights offered by our convention speakers. You’ll also be able to enjoy plenty of downtime with the beach and pools just a short stroll away.
Our industry is in a constant state of evolution, and the VADA team has built out an impressive roster of speakers and panelists. You’ll learn some new best practices at the operational level, hear from expert analysts Brian Finkelmeyer of Cox Automotive Steve Greenfield for his take on everything from EVs to China, and get the big picture economic view from our convention regular, Bloomberg Intelligence’s Kevin Tynan.
We’re also proud to welcome Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares and DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey, Ph.D. They will update us, respectively, on Virginia’s ties to California’s zero-emissions vehicle mandates and some of the latest changes at DMV that make it easier for both driver and dealer to conduct business with the state. The presence of such prominent state officials, who took the time to travel to South Carolina, underscores the importance of this industry to the Commonwealth.
You’ll also get pumped up and inspired with morning keynotes from motivational and leadership speakers Betsy Allen-Manning and Garrison Wynn. And it wouldn’t be a VADA convention without not just one over-the-top party, but two: Barbie is the theme for opening night, and to close, we’ll turn down the lights and turn up the Neon.
I want to also thank the VADA staff, which works year-round to make this event a success. Virginia dealers should not take our Association team for granted; they have become a model for state automotive associations nationwide, and we are lucky to have Don Hall and team working in the background on advocacy while we keep our focus on operations.
Finally, this annual gathering wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the generous support provided by our sponsors. Be sure to thank every sponsor, and stop by every exhibitor booth. Introduce yourself. Let them know how much they mean to our sales and service teams.
It’s been an honor to serve as Chair of the VADA Board of Directors over the past year. There is so much more to accomplish, and VADA, like our dealer body, is ready to rise to the opportunity.
David Dillon
VADA Chair
President, Southern Team Auto Mall