CHICAGO AUTOMOBILE TRADE ASSOCIATION 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT AND DIRECTORY
Memberships in: • AUTOCPA Group • The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants • The Illinois CPA Society CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS Located in Central Illinois, we serve the entire state. Contact us today to learn how we can help your dealership thrive. Drive Your Dealership Toward Financial Success We specialize in automobile dealers in the following areas: • Dealership valuations • Automobile dealer legal support • Buy-Sells for dealerships • LIFO inventory computations • Financial statement analysis • Corporation Income Tax returns • Personal Income Tax returns • CPA prepared financial statements • Dealer estate planning • Employee theft consulting • Internal control studies and audits • Profit consulting • Training office managers/CFO’s • 401K Audits Serving more than 250 Automobile Dealers throughout the United States (309) 662-8797 Email: woodwardassoc@cpaauto.com Website: www.cpaauto.com 1707 Clearwater Avenue P.O. Box 1584 ·Bloomington, IL 61702 Drive Your Dealership Toward Financial Success Located in Central Illinois, we serve the entire state. We specialize in automobile dealers in the following areas: • Dealership valuations • Automobile dealer legal support • Buy-Sells for dealerships • LIFO inventory computations • Financial statement analysis • Corporation Income Tax returns • Personal Income Tax returns • CPA prepared financial statements • Dealer estate planning • Employee theft consulting • Internal control studies and audits • Profit consulting • Training office managers/CFOs • 401K Audits Serving more than 250 Automobile Dealers throughout the United States Memberships in: • AUTOCPA Group • The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants • The Illinois CPA Society Contact us today to learn how we can help your dealership thrive. Memberships in: • AUTOCPA Gr • The America Certified Pub • The Illinois C CERTIFIED PUB Located in C we serve the Contact us today to learn how we can help your de Drive Your Dealership Toward Financial Success We specialize in automobile dealers in the following areas: • Dealership valuations • Automobile dealer legal support • Buy-Sells for dealerships • LIFO inventory computations • Financial statement analysis • Corporation Income Tax returns • Personal Income Tax returns • CPA prepared financial statements • Dealer estate planning • Employee theft consulting • Internal control studies and audits • Profit consulting • Training office managers/CFO’s • 401K Audits Serving more th Dealers througho Email: woodwardassoc@cpaauto.c Website: www.cpaauto.com 1707 Clearwater Avenue P.O. Box 1584 ·Bloomington, IL 61702 1707 Clearwater Avenue P.O. Box 1584 Bloomington, IL 61702 Memberships in: • AUTOCPA Group • The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants • The Illinois CPA Society CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS Located in Central Illinois, we serve the entire state. oday to learn how we can help your dealership thrive. r p Toward Success omobile dealers in uations aler legal support ealerships computations ment analysis come Tax returns me Tax returns financial statements planning consulting studies and audits g managers/CFO’s Serving more than 250 Automobile Dealers throughout the United States (309) 662-8797 Email: woodwardassoc@cpaauto.com Website: www.cpaauto.com ue ngton, IL 61702 Email: woodwardassoc@cpaauto.com Website: Memberships in: • AUTOCPA Group • The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants • The Illinois CPA Society CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS Located in Central Illinois, we serve the entire state. ct us today to learn how we can help your dealership thrive. Your rship Toward cial Success e in automobile dealers in g areas: hip valuations obile dealer legal support ls for dealerships entory computations al statement analysis ation Income Tax returns al Income Tax returns epared financial statements estate planning ee theft consulting control studies and audits onsulting g office managers/CFO’s dits Serving more than 250 Automobile Dealers throughout the United States (309) 662-8797 Email: woodwardassoc@cpaauto.com Website: www.cpaauto.com ater Avenue ·Bloomington, IL 61702
18W200 Butterfield Rd. Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 Office: (630) 495-2282 Fax: (630) 495-2260 2024-2025 Annual Report and Directory 3
©2024 The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) | The newsLINK Group LLC. All rights reserved. CATA Annual Report and Directory is published one time each year by The newsLINK Group LLC for the Chicago Automobile Trade Association. The information contained in this publication is intended to provide general information for review, reference, consideration and education. The appearance of advertisements within this publication does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any product or service advertised. Content may not be reproduced or reprinted without prior written permission. For further information, please contact the publisher at (855) 747-4003. BUSINESS PRINCIPLES Chicago Automobile Trade Association Members Agree To: 9 Promote and maintain honesty and dependability in our business operations and to avoid deception and fraud. 9 Employ truth and accuracy in our advertising and selling of automotive products. 9 Stand by any guarantee given with the sale and service of motor vehicles. 9 Strive constantly to improve our business methods and ethics and to maintain fair competition to the end that the public will be better served. 9 Refrain from the performance of any act that would be injurious or detrimental to the automobile-retailing industry or contrary to the public interest. 4
MIKE FUNK M&A Associate michael.funk@dsma.com 312.674.4556 ONI er ma.com GREG BROWN M&A Associate greg.brown@dsma.com 312.674.4556 CHRIS HAWLEY M&A Associate chris.hawley@dsma.com 312.674.4556 KEVIN CHRIST M&A Associate kevin.christ@dsma.com 312.674.4556 +1 833-650-4188 DSMA.COM about our 100+ opportunities, visit DSMA.com. GO. RE BUYING OR SELLING, YOU MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION. ertainty, dealers must act decisively to des crucial strategies and services to or to unearth your ideal succession plan. he seeds of your success. 2024-09-11 10:20 AM AM MIKE FUNK M&A Associate michael.funk@dsma.com 312.674.4556 ON MORONI Dev. Manager moroni@dsma.com 556 GREG BROWN M&A Associate greg.brown@dsma.com 312.674.4556 CHRIS HAWLEY M&A Associate chris.hawley@dsma.com 312.674.4556 KEVIN CHRIST M&A Associate kevin.christ@dsma.com 312.674.4556 +1 833-650-4188 DSMA.COM n more about our 100+ opportunities, visit DSMA.com. OR GO. OU’RE BUYING OR SELLING, LP YOU MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION. et uncertainty, dealers must act decisively to A provides crucial strategies and services to nities or to unearth your ideal succession plan. plant the seeds of your success. 2024-09-11 10:20 AM T TEAM MIKE FUNK M&A Associate michael.funk@dsma.com 312.674.4556 JONATHON MORONI Business Dev. Manager jonathon.moroni@dsma.com 312.674.4556 GREG BROWN M&A Associate greg.brown@dsma.com 312.674.4556 CHRIS HAWLEY M&A Associate chris.hawley@dsma.com 312.674.4556 KEVIN CHRIST M&A Associate kevin.christ@dsma.com 312.674.4556 COM +1 833-650-4188 DSMA.COM or to learn more about our 100+ opportunities, visit DSMA.com. W OR GO. R YOU’RE BUYING OR SELLING, HELP YOU MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION. market uncertainty, dealers must act decisively to DSMA provides crucial strategies and services to pportunities or to unearth your ideal succession plan. ay to plant the seeds of your success. 2024-09-11 10:20 AM OUR MIDWEST TEAM MIKE FUNK M&A Associate michael.funk@dsma.co 312.674.4556 JENNIFER RAFAEL Vice President, Partner jennifer.rafael@dsma.com 312.927.9561 JONATHON MORONI Business Dev. Manager jonathon.moroni@dsma.com 312.674.4556 GREG BROWN M&A Associate greg.brown@dsma.com 312.674.4556 KEVIN CHRIST M&A Associate kevin.christ@dsma.com 312.674.4556 BUY@DSMA.COM +1 833-650-4188 DSMA.COM For more information, or to learn more about our 100+ opportunities, visit DSMA.com. WHETHER YOU’RE BUYING OR SELLING, WE WILL HELP YOU MAKE THE RIGHT DECIS With the current market uncertainty, dealers must act decisively to expand or exit. DSMA provides crucial strategies and services to cultivate new opportunities or to unearth your ideal succession plan. Contact us today to plant the seeds of your success. CATA 8.5x11 SEPT 2024.indd 1 OUR MIDWEST TEAM MIKE FUN M&A Assoc michael.funk 312.674.455 JENNIFER RAFAEL Vice President, Partner jennifer.rafael@dsma.com 312.927.9561 JONATHON MORONI Business Dev. Manager jonathon.moroni@dsma.com 312.674.4556 GREG BROWN M&A Associate greg.brown@dsma.com 312.674.4556 KEVIN CHRIST M&A Associate kevin.christ@dsma.com 312.674.4556 BUY@DSMA.COM +1 833-650-4188 DSMA.COM For more information, or to learn more about our 100+ opportunities, visit DSMA.com. WHETHER YOU’RE BUYING OR SELLING, WE WILL HELP YOU MAKE THE RIGHT DE With the current market uncertainty, dealers must act decisively to expand or exit. DSMA provides crucial strategies and services to cultivate new opportunities or to unearth your ideal succession plan. Contact us today to plant the seeds of your success. CATA 8.5x11 SEPT 2024.indd 1 OUR MIDWEST TEAM JENNIFER RAFAEL Vice President, Partner jennifer.rafael@dsma.com 312.927.9561 JONATHON MORONI Business Dev. Manager jonathon.moroni@dsma.com 312.674.4556 GREG BROWN M&A Associate greg.brown@dsma.com 312.674.4556 KEVIN CHRIST M&A Associate kevin.christ@dsma.com 312.674.4556 BUY@DSMA.COM +1 833-650-4188 DSMA.COM For more information, or to learn more about our 100+ opportunities, visit DSMA.com. WHETHER YOU’RE BUYING OR SELLIN WE WILL HELP YOU MAKE THE RIGHT With the current market uncertainty, dealers must act decisively to expand or exit. DSMA provides crucial strategies and services to cultivate new opportunities or to unearth your ideal succession pla Contact us today to plant the seeds of your success. CATA 8.5x11 SEPT 2024.indd 1 OUR MIDWEST TEAM MIKE FUNK M&A Associate michael.funk@dsma.com 312.674.4556 JENNIFER RAFAEL Vice President, Partner jennifer.rafael@dsma.com 312.927.9561 JONATHON MORONI Business Dev. Manager jonathon.moroni@dsma.com 312.674.4556 GREG BROWN M&A Associate greg.brown@dsma.com 312.674.4556 CHRIS HAWLEY M&A Associate chris.hawley@dsma.com 312.674.4556 KEVIN CHRIST M&A Associate kevin.christ@dsma.com 312.674.4556 BUY@DSMA.COM +1 833-650-4188 DSMA.COM For more information, or to learn more about our 100+ opportunities, visit DSMA.com. GROW OR GO. WHETHER YOU’RE BUYING OR SELLING, WE WILL HELP YOU MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION. With the current market uncertainty, dealers must act decisively to expand or exit. DSMA provides crucial strategies and services to cultivate new opportunities or to unearth your ideal succession plan. Contact us today to plant the seeds of your success. CATA 8.5x11 SEPT 2024.indd 1 2024-09-11 10:20 AM OUR MIDWEST TEAM MIKE FUNK M&A Associate michael.funk@dsma.com 312.674.4556 JENNIFER RAFAEL Vice President, Partner jennifer.rafael@dsma.com 312.927.9561 JONATHON MORONI Business Dev. Manager jonathon.moroni@dsma.com 312.674.4556 GREG BROWN M&A Associate greg.brown@dsma.com 312.674.4556 CHRIS HAWLEY M&A Associate chris.hawley@dsma.com 312.674.4556 KEVIN CHRIST M&A Associate kevin.christ@dsma.com 312.674.4556 BUY@DSMA.COM +1 833-650-4188 DSMA.COM For more information, or to learn more about our 100+ opportunities, visit DSMA.com. GROW OR GO. WHETHER YOU’RE BUYING OR SELLING, WE WILL HELP YOU MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION. With the current market uncertainty, dealers must act decisively to expand or exit. DSMA provides crucial strategies and services to cultivate new opportunities or to unearth your ideal succession plan. Contact us today to plant the seeds of your success. CATA 8.5x11 SEPT 2024.indd 1 2024-09-11 10:20
TABLE OF CONTENTS ANNUAL REPORT SECTION 4 Business Principles 8 Letter From the President 10 Letter From the Chairwoman 14 Staff Phone and Email 16 CATA Officers 2024-2025 17 Board of Directors 18 Past Presidents and Board Chairs 20 Board Committees 22 General Counsel 31 Employee Relations and HR Counsel 33 Legislative Consultants 34 CATA Headquarters 36 DriveChicago.com 38 Chicagoland Dealers Care 39 CATA Works For You 42 2024 Chicago Auto Show 44 CATA Approved Member Partners 50 CATA Recommended Consultants 52 Quick Links MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY 55 DEALER MEMBERS 55 Acura 55 Alfa Romeo 56 Aston Martin 56 Audi 56 Bentley 56 BMW 57 Bugatti 57 Buick 58 Cadillac 59 Chevrolet 61 Chrysler 63 Dodge 65 Ferrari 65 FIAT 65 Ford 68 Genesis 68 GMC 69 Honda 71 Hyundai 72 Infiniti 72 Jaguar 72 Jeep 74 Karma 74 Kia 76 Lamborghini 76 Land Rover 76 Lexus 76 Lincoln 77 Lotus 77 Maserati 77 Mazda 78 McLaren 78 Mercedes-Benz 78 MINI 79 Mitsubishi 79 Nissan 80 Porsche 81 Ram 82 Rolls-Royce 83 Subaru 83 Toyota 85 Volkswagen 85 Volvo 86 Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vans 87 ALLIED MEMBERS 94 Factory Zone/Regional Offices & Distribution 7
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT The Power and Impact of Local Dealers Greetings CATA Members, It’s been a pleasure to serve the dealer community for another year. I wanted to take a moment to remind you of the benefits of being a CATA member, as well as share some highlights from the past CATA fiscal year. As a CATA dealer member, you and your dealership(s) have access to a variety of vital resources to support your business ranging from: Dealer point-of-sale forms. Legal services. Employee relations and HR consultation. Legislative support. Educational resources and seminars. Fun networking events. Complimentary meeting/staff conference and training space. Dealership listings and new and used vehicle inventory posting on DriveChicago.com. Chicago Auto Show perks/discounts. In-store signage and materials to help you run your dealership efficiently and effectively. All of this and so much more is available to dealers and included with your CATA membership. In addition to this Annual Report and Directory, we hope you’ve been enjoying CATA Up to Speed, introduced last year. CATA Up to Speed is a quarterly publication designed to keep members apprised of the latest happenings within the CATA and our dynamic, fast-paced industry. Beyond serving this powerful, charitable dealer community, I have the honor and privilege, along with our outstanding CATA team members, of producing the largest and best auto show in the country: the Chicago Auto Show. I just concluded a yearlong elected position as the Auto Shows of North America chairwoman, leading the country on a strategic planning project. The outcome is 8
in the form of a new entity called Automotive Experience Alliance (I will continue to serve on this board). The new group is a coalition of auto shows that will define and adopt a standard set of processes, practices, methodologies, metrics and messaging that drive more value for the entire automotive ecosystem including consumers, OEMs, dealers, suppliers and show producers. It has already been well-received by manufacturers, showcasing strong momentum. The Chicago Auto Show’s First Look for Charity black-tie gala attracted more than 8,000 attendees and raised $2.8 million for 18 local charities, further demonstrating the ways car dealers play a significant role in their communities. As a prelude to the 2024 Chicago Auto Show, we produced the second Chicago Drives Electric EV test drive event last September, which included 40 EV vehicles and saw 1,437 registered test drives from more than 3,600 attendees. Chicago Drives Electric showcased electric vehicles from a wide range of automakers. We held our third annual Chicago Drives Electric event this fall at CATA HQ Oct. 3-6. The Chicago Drives Electric indoor test track and EV education hub will be returning to the 2025 Chicago Auto Show. This past July, 65 new-car dealers fired up their grills to host the USO BBQ for the Troops to raise awareness and funds for the local military. This year marked the 11th anniversary, and fundraising continued throughout the entire month of July. The previous year marked a solid milestone when dealers hit the $1 million mark for the total amount raised since the program’s inception, once again demonstrating the power and impact of local dealers. The CATA’s political action committee, CATPAC, annually contributes approximately $130,000 to state and local officials, and we seek direct contributions from our members to NADA PAC, which contributes to federal officials. With our help, NADA PAC raised over $55,000 last year from Chicagoland dealers. In addition, CATA representatives meet in person with our state legislators in Springfield and attend the annual NADA Washington Conference in September, where we are able to meet in person to discuss our concerns with many of Illinois’ congressmen and congresswomen. We’ll continue to ensure the dealers’ voices are heard and well-represented. We look forward to another great year. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with an idea, a suggestion, feedback or just to say hello. We value you and your membership of the CATA! Sincerely, Jennifer Morand CATA President and Chicago Auto Show General Manager 9
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRWOMAN Forging Ahead Dear Dealer, As my term in office as 2023-2024 CATA chairwoman comes to an end and I transition to chairwoman of the 2025 Chicago Auto Show, I would like to reflect on the many challenges we faced and our successes during the past year. We began the year with our crucial warranty reimbursement provisions under attack from two sides. First, Volkswagen filed suit in federal court to declare the new warranty provisions unconstitutional. The CATA worked with the Office of the Illinois Attorney General and IADA to assist the AG in its Motion to Dismiss the complaint. We were awarded for our efforts on May 6, 2024, when Judge John Tharp, Jr. dismissed the case without prejudice. Shortly after the lawsuit was filed, the CATA learned that the Governor’s Office was considering a legislative move to repeal the warranty reimbursement provisions during the fall veto session. With CATA encouragement and direction, our dealer members and their technicians contacted their state representatives in droves, and the repeal never materialized. Suffice it to say that the CATA will continue to be on guard against any further repeal effort. As a prelude to the 2024 Chicago Auto Show, the CATA conducted its second Chicago Drives Electric event in September, which included 40 EV vehicles and saw 1,437 registered test drives from over 3,600 attendees. Chicago Drives Electric showcased electric vehicles from Cadillac, Ford, Kia, Audi, Nissan, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo, BMW and Hyundai. 10
The Chicago Auto Show Committee always has its hands full with the many issues and details that surround a production of this magnitude. However, this year the committee and CATA staff were challenged by the unexpected decision of Stellantis pulling out of the show, both with its exhibit space and two tracks, only weeks before the show was scheduled to begin. The CATA staff went into overdrive to rearrange floor space and pull off a highly successful, albeit smaller, show that garnered rave reviews from exhibitors and consumers alike. Over $2.8 million was raised for the charities participating in the First Look for Charity event, and the show received a record of over $1.6 million in bonus media during the show period from our loyal media partners. The CATA Government Relations Committee each year deals with a myriad of bills both in Springfield and Washington that affect CATA members. Our expert lobbyists, Scott Marquardt and his partner Chip Humes, work closely with the CATA and IADA to ensure the dealers are represented well downstate and that our collective voice is heard. The CATA Finance, Pension, Audit and Compensation Committee continues to work diligently to find ways to increase CATA revenues and decrease costs, ensuring that the CATA has the ability to continue to provide a wide range of benefits to its dealer members. The CATA Member Benefits Committee researches and vets allied companies in an effort to provide worthwhile vendors, programs and cost efficiencies for CATA members. The CATA Employee Benefits Committee this year recommended the retention of SESCO as an employee benefits provider. SESCO has broad experience with a number of state dealer associations, and has brought to bear new insight and expertise to varied employment issues that arise for our members. The CATA Civic and Dealer Relations Committee continued with the 17th year of the Chicagoland Dealers Care program, providing charitable contributions to dealer-sponsored charity events in the community. It also continued with the 11th year of BBQ for the Troops, during which time it has raised over $1.2 million for the USO. The CATA Media Strategy Committee, with extraordinary enhancements provided by our media partners, directs approximately $440,000 in CATA funding to the Chicago Auto Show, Chicago Drives Electric, BBQ for the Troops, Drive Chicago and other worthwhile events. 11
The CATA Drive Chicago Committee recently launched a totally reworked website as it continues in its efforts to be the definitive website for vehicle purchases in the Chicagoland area. Finally, the CATA Nominating Committee recommended five outstanding candidates for the four vacancies on the CATA board of directors. The committee is dedicated to choosing knowledgeable candidates of the highest integrity to serve as CATA directors. I have been fortunate to have 11 fellow CATA directors who are dedicated to making our businesses better and have served so diligently, to whom I want to express my heartfelt gratitude. I especially want to thank retiring Director Richard Wickstrom for the knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise he provided during his seven years on the CATA board. I also want to thank the entire staff of the CATA, ably led by President Jen Morand, with assistance from Executive Vice President Chris Konecki, who have been innovative, hardworking and exceptional in all that they do. Also, I am grateful for the continued wise legal counsel provided to the CATA and to our members by Dennis O’Keefe. Dennis’ experience and in-depth knowledge of the many laws and regulations that affect our industry is invaluable. Finally, my appreciation goes out to Dave Sloan, who recently retired after 31 years of dedicated service to, and leadership of, the CATA. I congratulate Jared Wickstrom, Dick Wickstrom Chevrolet, for being elected to serve on the CATA board. I know he will bring great value to this board. I also congratulate Jason Roberts on his election as CATA chairman for 2024-2025. Jason is extremely well versed in the automobile business and will be a great leader for the CATA. I know his father, Desmond, who has served as both a CATA and a NADA director, will be very proud! Sincerely, Kelly Webb Roberts CATA Chairwoman 12
© 2024 Truist Financial Corporation, TRUIST, Truist purple and the Truist logo are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation. All rights reserved. Truist Securities is the trade name for the corporate and investment banking services of Truist Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries. Securities and strategic advisory services are provided by Truist Securities, Inc., member FINRA and SIPC. | Lending, financial risk management, and treasury and payment solutions are offered by Truist Bank. | Deposit products are offered by Truist Bank, Member FDIC. We’re more than a financial partner. We’re an invested one. True relationships matter. We don’t take this lightly. The best are built on a deep understanding of your short- and long-term goals and always backed by thoughtful, strategic advice in support of your vision. With full-service financial solutions and a deep bench of industry expertise, we’ll build a team around your organization to focus on your success. So, let’s drive further—together. To learn more, visit us at Truist.com/DealerServices. © 2024 Truist Financial Corporation, TRUIST, Truist purple and the Truist logo are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation. All rights reserved. Truist Securities is the trade name for the corporate and investment banking services of Truist Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries. Securities and strategic advisory services are provided by Truist Securities, Inc., member FINRA and SIPC. | Lending, financial risk management, and treasury and payment solutions are offered by Truist Bank. | Deposit products are offered by Truist Bank, Member FDIC. We’re more than a financial partner. We’re an invested one. True relationships matter. We don’t take this lightly. The best are built on a deep understanding of your short- and long-term goals and always backed by thoughtful, strategic advice in support of your vision. With full-service financial solutions and a deep bench of industry expertise, we’ll build a team around your organization to focus on your success. So, let’s drive further—together. To learn more, visit us at Truist.com/DealerServices. © 2024 Truist Financial Corporation, TRUIST, Truist purple and the Truist logo are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation. All rights reserved. Truist Securities is the trade name for the corporate and investment banking services of Truist Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries. Securities and strategic advisory services are provided by Truist Securities, Inc., member FINRA and SIPC. | Lending, financial risk management, and treasury and payment solutions are offered by Truist Bank. | Deposit products are offered by Truist Bank, Member FDIC. We’re more than a financial partner. We’re an invested one. True relationships matter. We don’t take this lightly. The best are built on a deep understanding of your short- and long-term goals and always backed by thoughtful, strategic advice in support of your vision. With full-service financial solutions and a deep bench of industry expertise, we’ll build a team around your organization to focus on your success. So, let’s drive further—together. To learn more, visit us at Truist.com/DealerServices. © 2024 Truist Financial Corporation, TRUIST, Truist purple and the Truist logo are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation. All rights reserved. Truist Securities is the trade name for the corporate and investment banking services of Truist Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries. Securities and strategic advisory services are provided by Truist Securities, Inc., member FINRA and SIPC. | Lending, financial risk management, and treasury and payment solutions are offered by Truist Bank. | Deposit products are offered by Truist Bank, Member FDIC. We’re more than a financial partner. We’re an invested one. True relationships matter. We don’t take this lightly. The best are built on a deep understanding of your short- and long-term goals and always backed by thoughtful, strategic advice in support of your vision. With full-service financial solutions and a deep bench of industry expertise, we’ll build a team around your organization to focus on your success. So, let’s drive further—together. To learn more, visit us at Truist.com/DealerServices.
STAFF PHONE AND EMAIL CATA President and Auto Show General Manager Jennifer Morand (630) 424-6084 jmorand@drivechicago.com Executive Vice President and Director of Auto Show Operations Chris Konecki (630) 424-6075 ckonecki@drivechicago.com Senior Director of Project Management, Membership & Technology Mark Bilek (630) 424-6082 mbilek@drivechicago.com Senior Director of Marketing, Sponsorship & Strategy Jim OBrill (630) 424-6085 jobrill@drivechicago.com 14
Communications & Marketing Manager Hayley Feichter (630) 424-6002 hfeichter@drivechicago.com Accounting & Finance Manager Donna Young (630) 424-6045 dyoung@drivechicago.com Membership, Operations & Events Manager Patrick Ziegenfuss (630) 424-6035 pziegenfuss@drivechicago.com Administrative Assistant Roxanne Sammarco (630) 424-6060 rsammarco@drivechicago.com 15
Photos: https://www.cata.info/leadership CATA OFFICERS 2024-2025 Jason Roberts 2024-2025 CATA Chairman and 2025 Chicago Auto Show Co-Chairman Advantage Acura of Naperville Advantage Chevrolet Bolingbrook Advantage Chevrolet in Bridgeview Advantage Chevrolet Hodgkins Advantage Toyota Calumet City (708) 442-4000 jroberts@advantagedealer.net Kelly Webb Roberts 2025 Chicago Auto Show Chairwoman Webb Chevrolet, Oak Lawn Webb Chevrolet of Plainfield Genesis of Highland, IN Webb Hyundai of Highland, IN Webb Hyundai of Merrillville, IN (815) 436-2071 kelly@webbcars.com Ryan Kelly 2024-2025 CATA Vice Chairman Kelly Nissan (708) 499-1000 rkelly@kellynissan.com Steve Phillipos 2024-2025 CATA Treasurer & Secretary Chevrolet of Homewood Ford of Homewood (708) 799-2000 sphillipos@homewoodchevy.com 16
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Emir Abinion Fox Valley Buick GMC Fox Valley Volkswagen Fox Valley Volkswagen of Crystal Lake (708) 977-0944 emir@foxvalleyag.com John Crane Glenview Luxury Imports Hawk Auto Group (Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Jeep, Mazda, Ram, Subaru, Volkswagen) (815) 725-7110 jccrane512@gmail.com Jerry Haggerty Jerry Haggerty Chevrolet in Glen Ellyn Haggerty Buick GMC in Villa Park Haggerty Ford in West Chicago (630) 918-5966 jhaggerty@haggertyautogroup.com Dan Heller Heller Ford in El Paso Heller Lincoln Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Pontiac (309) 527-6050 danheller@hellerstores.com Fred Marks Classic Kia of Waukegan Classic Toyota of Waukegan (847) 336-4300 fmarks@classicdealergroup.com Dan Marquardt Marquardt of Barrington Buick GMC (847) 381-2100 djm@marquardtonline.com JC Phelan Jack Phelan Chevrolet Jack Phelan Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram (708) 442-4000 jc@jackphelan.com Jared Wickstrom Dick Wickstrom Chevrolet (630) 529-7070 jared@wickstromchevrolet.com 17
18 1904-1905 Howard Tucker, Winton 1905-1907 Ralph Temple, Electric Cars 1907-1908 Joseph Gunther, Rambler 1908-1909 W.L Githens, Oldsmobile 1909-1910 Thomas J. Hay, Ford 1910-1911 Louis Geyler, Hudson, Autocar 1911-1914 N.H. Van Sicklen, Apperson 1914-1916 H.M. Allison, Packard 1916-1918 J.F. Davis, Winton 1918-1919 G.H. Bird, Paige, Jewett 1919-1921 Leo A. Pell, Mitchell 1921-1923 Thomas J. Hay, Chandler, Cleveland 1923-1925 Henry Paulman, Pierce, Arrow, Velle 1925-1927 C.D. Gambill, Hupmobile 1927-1929 O.G. Heffinger, Marmon 1929-1931 J.R. Histed, Hudson 1931-1932 R.G. Tiffany, Cadillac 1932-1934 Lafayette Markle, Duran, Oldsmobile 1934-1935 M.J. Lanahan, Dodge, Plymouth 1935-1937 K.K. Kenderdine, Buick 1937-1939 H.T. Holingshead, Nash, Lafayette 1939-1941 L.S. Snow, Ford, Lincoln 1941-1943 Ben T. Wright, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury 1943-1945 Paul B. Smithson, Packard 1945-1947 J.F. McManus, Jr., Chevrolet 1947-1949 Wm. D. Reagan, Chrysler 1949-1951 Frank H. Yarnall, Chevrolet 1951-1953 James F. Goodwin, Dodge, Plymouth 1953-1954 Steve J. Barrett, Buick 1954-1955 Earl T. Zweifel, Ford 1955-1957 C.J. McCorkle, Buick 1957-1960 Don C. Mullery, Ford 1960-1961 Maxwell S. Evans, Oldsmobile 1961-1963 Fred G. Litsinger, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury 1963-1964 Michael Schwartz, Chrysler, Plymouth 1964-1965 Walter A. Gerwig, Buick 1965-1967 Lawrence P. Faul, Oldsmobile 1967-1968 William S. Mougey, Pontiac 1968-1970 Richard V. Lynch, Buick 1970-1971 Lee Klinger, Dodge, Volkswagen 1971-1972 Clarence W. Marquardt, Jr., Oldsmobile 1972-1973 Robert M. Foley, Buick 1973-1974 David Ostrow, Dodge 1974-1975 Sidney Markovitz, American Motors 1975-1977 Joseph J. Hennessy, Ford 1977-1978 William J. Sullivan, Pontiac 1978-1979 Stephen X. Foley, Cadillac 1979-1980 David Rick, Volkswagen 1980-1981 Richard Everman, Dodge 1981-1982 Joseph Bidro, Ford PAST PRESIDENTS AND BOARD CHAIRS
19 1982 Ed Mathieu, Buick 1982-1983 Jack Haggerty, Oldsmobile 1983-1984 Kenneth Bennett, Dodge 1984-1985 John Mathias, Pontiac 1985-1986 Robert J. Foley, Buick 1986-1987 Richard Hoskins, Chevrolet 1987-1988 Jerry Schiele, Imports 1988-1989 Robert L. Anderson, Ford 1989-1990 Ronnie Colosimo, Toyota 1990-1991 Fred Tuch, Jr., Buick 1991-1992 Joseph Lesniak, Chevrolet 1991-1992 Edward Mize, Pontiac 1992-1993 *Gerard Haggerty, Pontiac 1993-1994 Stan Mize, Nissan 1994-1995 Lee Weinman, Ford 1995-1996 Patrick Fitzgibbon, Dodge 1996-1997 Raymond Scarpelli, Sr., Chevrolet 1997-1998 Mike Cook, Ford 1998-1999 Bill Stasek, Chevrolet 1999-2000 Dan Feeny, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Plymouth 2000-2001 Greg Webb, Ford 2001-2002 Bob Van Iten, Pontiac, GMC 2002-2003 Mike McGrath, Sr., Lexus, Acura 2003-2004 Casey Wickstrom, Chevrolet 2004-2005 Arthur Kelly, Nissan 2005-2006 Terry D’Arcy, Buick, GMC, Hyundai, Volkswagen 2006-2007 Bob Loquercio, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai 2007-2008 Mark Scarpelli, Chevrolet, Kia 2008-2009 John Phelan, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge 2009-2010 Kevin Mize, Honda, Hyundai 2010-2011 Stephen X. Foley, Jr., Cadillac, Bentley, Rolls-Royce 2011-2012 Michael Ettleson, Buick, Cadillac, GMC, Hyundai 2012-2013 Kurt Schiele, Toyota, Scion, BMW, Jaguar 2013-2014 John Webb, Ford 2014-2015 Colin Wickstrom, Ford, Lincoln, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram 2015-2016 Mike McGrath, Jr., Lexus, Acura, Honda, Hyundai 2016-2017 John Hennessy, Ford 2017-2018 Ray Scarpelli, Jr., Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Kia, Ram 2018-2019 Tony Guido, Ford 2019-2020 Bill Haggerty, Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC 2020-2022 Kevin Keefe, Honda, Subaru 2022-2023 JC Phelan, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram 2023-2024 Kelly Webb Roberts, Chevrolet, Genesis, Hyundai *In 1993, the title was changed from President to Chairman of the Board
20 Auto Show Executive ◊ Kelly Webb Roberts, Chairwoman ◊ Jason Roberts, Co-Chairman ◊ Ryan Kelly ◊ Steve Phillipos BOARD COMMITTEES Employee Relations ◊ Jerry Haggerty, Chairman ◊ Ryan Kelly ◊ Dan Marquardt ◊ JC Phelan ◊ Kelly Webb Roberts Civic and Dealer Relations and First Look for Charity ◊ Emir Abinion, Chairman ◊ Dan Heller ◊ Jerry Haggerty ◊ Steve Phillipos ◊ Kelly Webb Roberts DriveChicago.com ◊ Jared Wickstrom, Chairman ◊ John Crane ◊ Fred Marks ◊ Dan Heller ◊ Jason Roberts Finance, Pension, Audit & Compensation ◊ Jason Roberts, Chairman ◊ Ryan Kelly ◊ Steve Phillipos ◊ Kelly Webb Roberts Government Relations ◊ Jason Roberts, Chairman ◊ Emir Abinion ◊ John Crane ◊ Dan Marquardt ◊ Jared Wickstrom
21 Media Strategy ◊ Steve Phillipos, Chairman ◊ Emir Abinion ◊ JC Phelan ◊ Kelly Webb Roberts ◊ Jared Wickstrom Member Benefits ◊ John Crane, Chairman ◊ Dan Heller ◊ JC Phelan ◊ Steve Phillipos ◊ Jerry Haggerty Nominating ◊ Jason Roberts, Chairman ◊ Ryan Kelly ◊ Steve Phillipos ◊ Kelly Webb Roberts ◊ JC Phelan
22 Dennis M. O’Keefe, P.C. 1025 W. Everett Rd. Lake Forest, IL 60045 (847) 482-0400 dokeefe@dmokeefepc.com Each CATA member is entitled to a limited amount of general legal advice from the association’s general counsel, Dennis O’Keefe. Dennis has extensive experience in the automotive industry, dealer line associations and manufacturer relations, as well as state and local government. CATA QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS The following is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a legal opinion. Should the need occur, members are encouraged to seek legal counsel. QUESTION 1: What is required under the Illinois Predatory Loan Prevention Act (PLPA)? The Illinois PLPA, which became effective Aug. 1, 2022, requires the dealer to provide a statutory notice to every customer who finances a vehicle explaining that a retailer shall not contract for or receive charges exceeding a 36% annual percentage rate on the unpaid balance of the amount financed for a retail installment contract, as calculated under the Illinois PLPA. The notice must also provide that any retail installment contract with a PLPA APR over 36% is null and void, and no person or entity shall have any right to collect, attempt to collect, receive or retain any principal, fee, interest or charges related to the retail installment contract. Further, the notice must also provide that the annual percentage rate disclosed in any retail installment contract may be lower than the PLPA APR. It should be noted that all retail installment contracts or agreements must include this language as a “separate disclosure” signed by the consumer; the disclosure must be “clear and conspicuous (while clear and conspicuous is not defined in the PLPA, other regulatory acts require that a clear and conspicuous disclosure must be in at least 10 point type); the disclosure must be in English and in the same language as the retail installment contract; and the PLPA APR is based on the expansive definition of APR in the Military Lending Act (which includes all fees and charges, including charges and fees for single premium credit insurance and other ancillary products sold in connection with a credit transaction, which might otherwise be excludable from the APR).” QUESTION 2: I understand that dealer cash is now taxable in Illinois. Can you explain? You should note that dealer incentives paid to a dealer based upon the purchase of a vehicle from the supplier, and not conditioned on the retail sale of the GENERAL COUNSEL
23 vehicle, are not taxable. On the other hand, dealer incentives paid to the dealer and conditioned on the retail sale of a vehicle are taxable, except that: A. Dealer incentives contingent, at the time of sale, on making or having any additional retail sales (stair step incentives) are not taxable; and B. Dealer incentives or bonuses contingent on the dealer meeting certain manufacturer required marketing standards, facility standards or sales and service department satisfaction goals are not taxable (such as CSI store based or marketing-based incentives). QUESTION 3: I sell a car to a customer who provides me with the address of his Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, home. Do I need to charge him Illinois sales tax? The Illinois Revenue Code provides an exemption for Sales Taxes for purchases made by non-residents of Illinois. The fact that a customer has a domicile outside of Illinois does not mean that he is not an Illinois resident. However, since July 1, 2008, the Department of Revenue holds the dealer to the following requirements: 1. The purchaser must sign the following certificate: “I (purchaser), under applicable penalties, including penalties for perjury and fraud, state that I am not an Illinois resident. I understand that if I am a resident of Illinois, or if I use the motor vehicle in Illinois for more than 30 days in a calendar year as provided in 86 Ill. Adm. Code 150.310(a) (7), then I am liable for tax, penalty and interest on this purchase.” 2. The purchaser must also provide one of the following: a. A copy of the purchaser’s permanent non-Illinois Driver’s License; or b. If a copy of the non-Illinois Driver’s License is not kept or an Illinois license is present, a rebuttable presumption that the purchaser is an Illinois resident is created, which in turn requires the dealer to maintain other evidence of the non-residency of the purchaser, such as (i) Voters Registration Card with a non-Illinois address, or (ii) a copy of a purchase contract or lease agreement for a new non-Illinois residence, or (iii) a copy of a non-resident tax return, or (iv) credit report listing the purchaser’s primary residence in another state, or (v) property tax records claiming a homestead in another state, or (vi) other similar documentation. If the documents above are kept, then, absent fraud, the Department will only proceed against the purchaser for any claim that the exemption did not apply. If the documentation above is not kept, the Department will disallow the exemption, subject to further review by the Department. In the case of a motor vehicle lease, the above provision shall apply to the lessee as if the lessee was the purchaser.
24 QUESTION 4: How does a vehicle qualify for interim use exemption from sales taxes? Beginning July 1, 2008, the Illinois Department of Revenue set forth certain tests for automatic disqualification, safe harbor and situations not involving either of the above with respect to interim use exemption. Certain activities automatically disqualify a vehicle from the interim use exemption. They are: 1. Titling a vehicle in any person other than the retailer, manufacturer, the manufacturer’s captive finance company; or 2. Retailer claims IRC Section 179 depreciation on the vehicle (i.e., treats the vehicle as a totally deductible business expense in the first year); or 3. If the vehicle is leased, the gross receipts from the lease of the vehicle exceed the ultimate sales price of the vehicle. If the dealer meets all six of the following requirements, the vehicle will automatically qualify for the interim use exemption: 1. The vehicle must meet one of the following three requirements. It is: a. Listed in the dealer’s records as inventory; or b. Not depreciated by the dealer under IRC Section 167; or c. Otherwise indicated on dealer’s records, documents or operations as available for sale during the interim use period. 2. The interim use period is less than 24 months. 3. The vehicle is of the same general type sold by the dealer (i.e., a dealer of automobiles and light trucks that purchases another automobile or light truck, regardless of the brand, can do so and have it qualify for interim use, but cannot buy a trailer home or a large truck of a type not otherwise sold by the dealer and then claim interim use). 4. The vehicle is ultimately sold by the dealer. 5. For dealers who also lease or rent vehicles similar to the type of vehicle for which the interim use is claimed, then the dealer’s annual lease/rental revenue for all such vehicles must be less than the annual sales revenue for such vehicles. 6. If the vehicle is leased under a lease agreement for more than 30 days, then the lease agreement must contain a provision that if a buyer is found for the vehicle, then either (i) the lease may be terminated within seven (7) days, or (ii) the lessee will receive a comparable vehicle substituted by the dealer for the vehicle within seven (7) days. Finally, if the vehicle is not automatically disqualified, but does not qualify under the safe harbor, then the Department of Revenue will use all applicable and
25 available facts to determine if interim use applies. These factors include, but are not limited to: the retail sales history of such type of vehicles; inventory records; advertising on the vehicle and at the location of the vehicle; manufacturer’s contract terms, conditions, discounts and rebates; length and location of use or lease prior to sale; whether depreciation is taken under IRC Section 167; ownership and control documents; and if leased, whether the lease contract provisions provide that the vehicle is subject to recall, substitution allowance, and sale during the lease period. QUESTION 5: I spot-delivered a car to a customer, but I cannot obtain financing for him. What do I do if the customer refuses to return my vehicle or returns it with excess wear and tear or damage? If a customer refuses to return the vehicle, the dealer may sue for replevin and/or damages. However, the dealer does not normally have the right to repossess the vehicle at this time. Repossession is an extraordinary remedy that may be exercised by a dealer only when he has a security interest in the vehicle and there is a default. Inasmuch as the security interest normally won’t arise until execution of the retail installment contract, repossession is not available to dealers in these instances. Oftentimes dealers use riders to the Retail Installment Contracts with language that provides that the buyer shall return the automobile and that the seller shall return to the buyer all deposits less the value of any damage done to the vehicle. However, the Illinois Attorney General has issued an opinion that such language is in violation of Section 2C of the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act which provides in relevant part: “If the furnishing of merchandise … is conditioned upon the consumers … having a credit rating acceptable to the seller and the seller rejects the credit application of that consumer, the seller must return to the consumer any down payment … made on the purchase order or contract and may not retain any part thereof. The retention by the seller of part or all of the down payment … is an unlawful practice within the meaning of the Act.” QUESTION 6: Does prior use need to be disclosed on the sale of a used vehicle? A recent Illinois appellate case indicates that a selling dealer has an affirmative obligation to disclose prior use of a used vehicle, specifically if the vehicle was used in fleet or rental operations. Moreover, this obligation is not limited to only the previous owner’s use. It appears that a good method of meeting this duty imposed by the courts would be to provide a customer with a complete vehicle history at the time of sale, using one of the well-known services to accomplish this. This information should be made available to the customer prior to his executing the closing documents; the dealer should have the customer sign an acknowledgment that he has provided this information prior to the sale and should retain that acknowledgment in the dealer file.
26 QUESTION 7: My customer has informed me that he is “revoking acceptance” of the new car that he purchased. What does this mean, and how can I contest it? Under Section 2-608 of the Uniform Commercial Code, revocation of acceptance is provided as an extraordinary remedy to a car buyer. The remedy is available only when the product’s non-conformity substantially impairs the product value to the buyer. While “substantially impairs” is an undefined term, the courts are given wide discretion in this area. The issue is to be judged from the perspective of the buyer, and might well include consideration of diminished value, as well as market value. The UCC clearly provides that revocation must be taken within a reasonable time after the buyer discovers or should have discovered the ground for it and before any substantial change in the condition of the goods, which is not caused by their own defects. It is possible to contest revocation on the theory that although the condition of the car may not have changed much in the physical sense, its value on the marketplace will already have declined appreciably since it is a secondhand car. However, if a buyer is successful in revoking acceptance, he is entitled to have refunded the entire retail price plus perceived monetary damages. QUESTION 8: May I do a direct mail campaign wherein a coupon is offered to further discount a vehicle for sale? No. This offer would be in violation of two Illinois provisions. The first, Section 475.530 of the Illinois Administrative Rules on Motor Vehicle Advertising, prohibits cash rebates, including, without limitation, a payment or an offset to a consumer or a payment to a dealer or a third party on behalf of the consumer on the condition that the consumer purchase or lease a motor vehicle, unless it is funded solely by the manufacturer pursuant to a manufacturer’s rebate program. Additionally, the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act regulates “coupons.” It prohibits the use of any coupon offered in connection with a retail sale where the price is arrived at through bargaining or negotiation. QUESTION 9: May I send out a direct mail piece targeting customers who have filed for bankruptcy? This issue is covered by the Loan Advertising to Bankrupts Act. That Act provides that no person engaged in the business of making loans or selling property or services under installment contracts may include in any solicitation of or advertisement for such business any language stating or implying that a loan or extension of credit will be made to a person who has been adjudged a bankrupt. Accordingly, a dealer should avoid the use of the words “bankrupt,” “bankruptcy” and the like. It is permissible to imply that credit will be made to consumers who have “bad credit” or the like. Fines for violating this provision can amount to up to $1,000 for each person the advertisement reaches.
27 QUESTION 10: How far back may the manufacturer audit warranty claims or other incentive and reimbursement programs? The Illinois Motor Vehicle Franchise Act provides that the manufacturer shall have the right to require documentation for warranty claims and to audit such claims within a one-year period from the date the claim was paid or credit issued by the manufacturer. With regard to other incentive and reimbursement programs, the manufacturer has the right to audit such claims within a 12-month period after the date of the transactions that are subject to audit. Notwithstanding the above, the manufacturer retains the right to charge back any fraudulent claim if he establishes in a court of competent jurisdiction in this State that the claim is fraudulent. QUESTION 11: What amount of damage must be disclosed on a new or used vehicle? On a new vehicle, the Illinois Motor Vehicle Franchise Act, as amended Jan. 1, 2003, provides that a dealer must disclose in writing any damage of which he has actual knowledge, incurred between the end of the manufacturing process and the time of delivery, which exceeds 6% of the MSRP of the vehicle, excluding damage to glass, tires, bumpers, video and telephonic components, and in-dash audio equipment, if said items were replaced with OEM equipment. With regard to the sale of a used vehicle, no Illinois Statute applies. Accordingly, the theory of common law misrepresentation would provide for dealer liability for an intentional misrepresentation of a material fact relied upon by the customer to his detriment. In this context, intentional means the dealer “knew or should have known” of the damage. The definition of “material” is left to the courts, but the rule of thumb is that it is material if the purchaser would have made a different purchase decision had he had knowledge of the damage. QUESTION 12: How far away must a relocated or new franchise be from an existing franchise of the same line make? The Illinois Motor Vehicle Franchise Act provides that the manufacturer may not grant an additional franchise in the relevant market area of an existing franchise of the same line make or relocate an existing motor vehicle dealership within or into the relevant market area of an existing franchise of the same line make without a showing of good cause. The appointment of a successor motor vehicle dealer is prohibited from granting an additional franchise in the relevant market area, which is defined as an area within 10 miles from the principal location of the dealership in a county of more than 300,000 persons or the area of responsibility as defined in the franchise agreement, whichever is greater, absent a showing of good cause. With regard to both a proposed relocation or grant of additional franchise, the manufacturer may attempt to show, and has the burden to establish, that good cause exists. The relocation or granting of the new franchise may not take place before the hearing process is concluded pursuant to the Franchise Act. A determination of whether good cause exists is made by the Motor Vehicle Review Board pursuant to Subsection (c) of Section 12 of the Franchise Act.
www.thenewslinkgroup.orgRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODQxMjUw