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
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