This is my final newsletter as HRADA President, and it’s fitting to recall what an amazing year 2009 has been for the association.

Sure, times are challenging in our industry. But HRADA had an amazing year by any measure. At no cost and without raising dues, HRADA conducted many outstanding programs for our dealers and allied members to provide solutions to cope with today’s economy.

Richard Hutsko, chairman of HRADA’s International Auto Show, has received some very good news.

All of the major automotive manufacturers will have a presence at the HRADA’s International Auto Show next year. The show is on track to be on par with 2009 since these auto giants have either maintained the same--or increased the size--of their exhibit space.

And General Motors is returning.

Hutsko says that what’s so remarkable about GM’s participation here is that GM is cutting back on most local shows nationwide. .

For Peter Alexander what a difference a year makes..

The long-time producer of the Hampton Roads International Auto Show says in November of 2008 plans were already in play for the 2009 International Auto Show. The event was touted by local participants as a major success for the industry.

In the second quarter of 2009 the economy tanked and everything came to a standstill. Alexander says, “People were afraid to commit to anything and were second-guessing their decisions if they did choose to participate in 2010. Then, at some point, the environment slowly started to turn around and we began moving in the right direction.

Lots of people enjoy working in automotive. For many, working in our industry becomes their entire professional career.

For Art Casey, however, the drive is even deeper.  The car business is in his blood, literally.  Art’s father owned and operated one of the most highly successful Chevrolet franchises in the region.

“By the time I was in Ferguson High,” Art recalls, “I was working after school and every summer at the dealership.  My dad placed me in different departments so I could learn how each contributes to the entire operation.  I worked in parts, in service, in accounting.

Members of HRADA who have between two and 99 employees are eligible to receive additional value-added* benefits from Optima Health for your employees and families. Here are some FAQs about the program.

What are the Value-Added Benefits?

Groups** receive the value-added benefits listed below at no additional cost to the member when received from an in-network provider:

-Annual gynecological exam and Pap test
-Annual mammogram and colorectal cancer screenings
-Routine prostate exam and prostate specific antigen (PSA) test
-Routine immunizations and well childcare
-Flat co-payments for specialist office visits and outpatient surgery
-Additional Employee Assistance Program sessions

Both dealer members and allied members of HRADA are invited to take advantage of the services and savings available from Office Max.

Quit simply, Office Max will save you money and offers you the following:

For most new car dealers, there is little question about their most valuable asset – their franchise. The franchise is embodied in the Dealer Agreement and further defined in the related communications that come from the manufacturer. These documents should be protected like any other priceless asset.

Until recently, most dealers would say that they would never get into a dispute with their manufacturers. However, the recent bankruptcies changed that when worried dealers raced to their lawyers to fully understand their rights. And the post-bankruptcy aggressive tactics of many franchisors give little comfort to dealers. If you must take issue with your manufacturer, do you have your agreement documents to that you can understand your rights and discuss them with your legal adviser?