Best Retailer Gabrille Abinion, general manager, Fox Valley Volkswagen, has always been driven and passionate, following her father’s footsteps in the automotive industry. In 2017, Abinion joined her family’s auto group as an operations manager. This led to an opportunity to become the general manager of Fox Valley Buick GMC. It was at this time that she was introduced to the General Motors (GM) Minority Dealer Development program through her Dealer 20 group and is now a member of the GM Dealer Development National Candidate Pool. In an effort to diversify her experience within the Auto Group’s portfolio, Abinion is now the General Manager of Fox Valley Volkswagen. She has helped her Volkswagen stores to set records and sales, as well as breaking the record for Service & Parts growth of all time, three times in 2023. “Thank you so much for this incredible honor,” said Abinion. “My dad was an immigrant from the Philippines when he came to this country. This changed everything for my family. Thank you so much for your support.” Best Retailer finalists included Amanda Pickett, BDC manager/ finance manager, Advantage Chevrolet Bridgeview; and Jennifer Tonelli, controller, Mike Anderson Chevrolet of Merrillville. Lifetime of Inspiration Dave Sloan, co-general manager of the Chicago Auto Show and president of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, is not just a name associated with the Chicago Auto Show; he is synonymous with dedication, leadership and innovation. Sloan has been a driving force behind the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), which produces the Chicago Auto Show. He has devoted over 30 years to the organization, starting in 1993 as executive vice president and then in 2010 becoming the president and general manager of the Chicago Auto Show. Under his guidance, the show has grown and evolved to be the premier consumer auto show in the country. What sets Sloan apart is not just his professional accomplishments but the legacy of mentorship he leaves behind. It takes a special kind of leader to recognize the potential in others, and Dave has surrounded himself with an incredible team over the years. As he was deciding on retiring, he identified Jen Morand as his successor and has worked on transitioning with her over the past two years as co-presidents of the association and show. The CATA is grateful for his vision, as our industry still remains heavily male-dominated. The CATA stands as one of the oldest associations in our industry, celebrating 120 years this year, to finally have its first female president — all thanks to Dave Sloan. The What Drives Her program and award ceremony were live-streamed on the Chicago Auto Show Facebook page. The recording can be found by scanning the QR code. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dsAY9Eensk CATA UP TO SPEED 11
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