№ 1 From the Desk of the EVP Chris Konecki, Executive Vice President, CATA As we head into the warmer summer months, I wanted to take time to share a recap of what has recently transpired behind the scenes at the CATA and to also give you a look forward to some of the things coming up that we will have available for you. On the auto show front, we have been busy meeting with auto manufacturers, giving them a robust recap of how the show performed as well as getting their feedback regarding the show. We have also been meeting with automakers who did not participate in the 2024 show. These manufacturers are not only important to the show’s vitality but also important for dealers who have franchise agreements with them. We are always working to get more complete OEM participation because we know that when an OEM exhibits at the Chicago Auto Show, that moves the sales needle for its dealers. With a little luck, we hope to again host those missing from our auto show, either for the first time or to welcome back an old friend. We have also just concluded closing the books on the First Look for Charity black-tie gala held just before the show opens to the public. It was another successful year for this benevolent event, raising $2.8 million for 18 local charities. This event, although it only lasts for four hours, lives on for many months due to the reach the money raised has for the benefiting charities. Looking ahead, the CATA has concluded a successful annual meeting and golf outing held at Cog Hill Golf Club in Lemont, Illinois. It also marked the occasion of the naming of a new director to the CATA Board of Directors. Jared Wickstrom of Wickstrom Chevy in Roselle, Illinois, was elected to the board and three incumbent directors were also re-elected for new three-year terms as of the June annual meeting. The incumbents include John Crane (Hawk Auto Group), Fred Marks (Classic Toyota and Classic Kia in Waukegan) and Jason Roberts (Advantage Dealer Group). CATA UP TO SPEED 5
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