programs and campaigns are financially supported and produced by the CATA and participating dealers. The CATA Government Relations Committee directs the approximate $130,000 the CATA annually contributes to state and local officials, as well as the funds that NADA annually contributes to federal officials representing Illinois. The Committee also monitors pending bills in the Illinois legislature and consults with our Springfield lobbyist, Scott Marquardt, to take appropriate action as needed. The Committee works hand in hand with NADA, attending the annual NADA Washington Conference, meeting with Congressmen and encouraging dealers to contribute to NADA PAC. The CATA DriveChicago Committee is in the midst of a major restructuring of DriveChicago.com in its efforts to maintain the site as the destination for vehicle purchases in the Chicagoland area. The CATA Finance, Pension, Audit and Compensation Committee has worked diligently to find ways to increase association revenues and decrease costs, ensuring that the CATA remains a dominant source of dealer benefits in the future. The reduced Board of Directors size and reduced number of staff have led to cost efficiencies and better management. Aligned in this mission, the CATA Member Benefits Committee continually researches and vets allied companies in an effort to provide worthwhile programs and cost efficiencies to our members and to the CATA itself. The CATA Employee Benefits Committee continually seeks out new ways to provide benefits to all members at reasonable costs. To that end, the Committee is examining alternative roles that the CATA can play in providing important member benefits. The CATA provides a list of current Approved Member Partners and Recommended Providers that can be found at www.cata.info. The CATA Nominating Committee will continue to seek qualified hand-raisers to serve on the CATA Board of Directors. The Committee is dedicated to choosing knowledgeable candidates of the highest integrity to serve on the CATA Board. My appreciation goes out to the 12 members of the CATA Board of Directors who served so diligently this past year; to the CATA staff, especially Jen Morand, who completed her first year as CATA Co-President; Dave Sloan, who will be serving his final year in 2023-2024 as CATA Co-President; and Chis Konecki, who serves as Executive Vice President and is so knowledgeable about the Chicago Auto Show. Finally, I am grateful for the continued wise counsel provided by our longtime General Counsel, Dennis O’Keefe. I congratulate Kelly Webb Roberts on her election as CATA Chairwoman for 20232024. Kelly comes from a great automobile family, is extremely able and dedicated and will provide strong leadership during the upcoming year. Sincerely, J.C. Phelan, 2024 Chicago Auto Show Chairman 11
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