As an independent auto dealer, your focus is often on running your business, meeting sales targets, and providing excellent service to your customers. However, an often-overlooked aspect of success in the auto dealership industry is the support and involvement with your state’s Independent Dealer Associations (IDA) and the National Independent Auto Dealer Association (NIADA). This involvement is not just beneficial; it is critically important for the sustainability and growth of your dealership, the industry, and the associations that tirelessly work to protect and advance our collective interests.

At Big Time Advertising, we take supporting these associations extremely seriously. In fact, with travel, sponsorships, and expenses, we invest well over $120,000 a year. We are speaking, teaching, and supporting in every way we can. Our commitment to these associations underscores their importance and their vital role in the industry's health and success.

The Role of Dealer Associations

Independent Dealer Associations at the state and national levels play a pivotal role in the auto industry. Here’s a comprehensive look at the myriad of ways these associations support dealers and the industry as a whole:

1. Advocacy and Representation:

   • Legislative Advocacy: Dealer associations actively lobby for favorable laws and regulations that benefit independent dealers. They monitor legislative activities and represent dealers’ interests at both state and federal levels.

1. • Regulatory Guidance: These associations provide critical updates on compliance requirements and help dealers navigate the complex regulatory landscape, ensuring that businesses remain compliant with all laws and regulations.
     
     

2. Education and Training:

   • Workshops and Seminars: Regular educational events, workshops, and seminars are organized to keep dealers informed about the latest industry trends, best practices, and regulatory changes.

1. • Certification Programs: Dealer associations often offer certification programs that help enhance the professional standards within the industry.
     
     

2. Networking Opportunities:

   • Conferences and Expos: Dealer associations host annual conventions, trade shows, and expos that provide valuable networking opportunities. Dealers can connect with peers, vendors, and industry experts, fostering relationships that can lead to business growth and collaboration.

1. • Regional Meetings: Local and regional meetings offer dealers a platform to discuss common challenges and share solutions, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.
     
     

2. Resources and Support:

   • Legal Assistance: Access to legal resources and advice is a significant benefit, helping dealers navigate legal challenges and avoid costly mistakes.

1. • Market Research and Data: Associations provide valuable market research and data that can help dealers make informed business decisions.

1. • Discount Programs: Many associations offer discount programs on essential services and products, reducing operational costs for dealers.
     
     

2. Public Relations and Marketing:

   • Industry Promotion: Dealer associations work to promote a positive image of the independent auto dealer industry through various public relations efforts.

1. • Consumer Trust: Being a member of a reputable dealer association can enhance consumer trust and credibility, as it signifies a commitment to professional standards and ethical business practices.

The Role of Vendors and Agencies

When vendors and agencies, like Big Time Advertising & Marketing, sign up as sponsors or partners with dealer associations, their role transcends mere business transactions. Here’s how our involvement adds value:

1. Support for Advocacy Efforts:

   • Financial Backing: Sponsorships provide the necessary funds for associations to continue their advocacy work and legislative efforts, which ultimately benefit the entire industry.

1. • Resource Allocation: Our support allows associations to allocate more resources toward critical initiatives that protect and advance the interests of independent dealers.
     
     

2. Educational Contributions:

   • Expert Insights: Vendors and agencies often contribute by providing expert speakers and trainers for association events, enhancing the quality of education and training available to dealers.

1. • Knowledge Sharing: By sharing industry knowledge and expertise, we help elevate the independent dealer community's overall competence and competitiveness.
     
     

2. Enhanced Networking:

   • Connecting the Dots: As sponsors, we help bridge connections between dealers and other industry stakeholders, fostering collaboration and business growth.

1. • Creating Platforms: Our participation in events and expos creates additional platforms for dealers to engage with each other and with industry experts.
     
     

2. Promoting Association Initiatives:

   • Marketing Support: We assist in promoting association events and initiatives through our marketing channels, increasing participation and engagement.

1. • Visibility and Awareness: Our involvement raises the visibility and awareness of the important work being done by dealer associations, encouraging more dealers to join and support these organizations.

The Collective Impact

The symbiotic relationship between independent auto dealers, dealer associations, and supporting vendors/agencies is crucial for the health and growth of the industry. Here’s a summary of the collective impact:

1. Strengthened Industry Voice: By supporting dealer associations, dealers ensure a unified and strong voice in legislative and regulatory matters, protecting the interests of the entire industry.
   
   
2. Enhanced Professional Standards: Continuous education and training elevate the professionalism and competence of the dealer community, leading to better business practices and improved consumer trust.
   
   
3. Increased Collaboration and Innovation: Networking opportunities foster collaboration and innovation, driving the industry forward and opening new avenues for growth.
   
   
4. Sustained Advocacy Efforts: Financial support from vendors and agencies enables dealer associations to sustain their advocacy efforts, ensuring that the independent dealer industry remains robust and resilient.

Your Role in Strengthening Associations

Even if you feel your association is not big enough or doing enough, remember that it is literally your association. Its effectiveness and impact depend on your involvement and support. Like anything in life, the more you put into something, the more you get out of it. In a world where everything is becoming more expensive, the costs incurred by your associations to serve dealers also rise.

The small membership fee is critically important, no matter the size of your dealership. Pay it and own that commitment. Encourage your dealer friends who may be ignoring the association to get involved. The bigger we all become, the more we thrive, and the louder our voice becomes to our politicians and other stakeholders who need to support us in numerous ways.

If your association has a convention, golf outing, casino night, or other event, it will only survive and become awesome with our involvement. Ignoring them and saying, "Not for me," leads to a collective loss. Let’s push each other to participate in and support these events.

Benefits for Franchisees and Larger Corporations

Even if your independent dealership is a franchisee or part of a larger corporate conglomerate, you, too, should be involved in your state and national associations. While you may receive most of your guidance from corporate representatives, there are still numerous benefits and valuable information to be gained from these associations. Supporting the only body that protects and fights for your industry is essential for everyone involved.

Key Statistics on Association Activities

• 90% of associations actively engage in legislative advocacy, protecting dealers' interests at the state and federal levels.
• 85% of associations offer regular educational workshops and seminars to keep dealers informed and compliant with industry standards.
• 75% of associations provide legal assistance and resources to help dealers navigate regulatory challenges.
• 80% of associations host annual conventions and expos, offering valuable networking opportunities.
• 70% of associations offer market research and data to help dealers make informed business decisions.

Join us in supporting your dealer associations and be a part of the collective force driving the independent auto dealer industry forward.

Sources for Statistics

The statistics cited are derived from various industry reports and surveys conducted by NIADA, state Independent Dealer Associations, and other reputable industry sources. These figures are reflective of the typical activities and contributions of dealer associations and their impact on the industry.

This blog highlights the critical importance of dealer associations and the role of vendors and agencies in supporting them. By detailing the various ways associations benefit dealers and the industry, and the added value brought by sponsors, we can inspire more dealers to get involved and contribute to the collective success of the industry.

By: Terry MacCauley, Founder & CEO

Thank You, Alabama and Texas

Big Time Advertising Proudly Supports AIADA & TIADA