The onset of COVID caused the association to cancel a couple of their conferences and go virtual for networking, which the membership wasn’t thrilled about, but they took it all in stride. As Whitehurst reports, “Our dealers are what I would call a great group of extroverts and businesspeople. They are ultimate competitors in the marketplace they share, but at the same time a lot of them are good friends. The virtual setting worked to some extent, but they really wanted to get back together in-person. Like their customers who want to come in and put their hands on the vehicle and go for a test drive, the dealers couldn’t wait to get back in the same room, share ideas, and enjoy the experience of working together.” Looking to the future, Whitehurst believes that what is important to the association now will continue to be so going forward. He shares, “The franchise dealer system in Texas has evolved over many years. Every session, we’ve faced opportunities and challenges. We’ve seen attacks from some who want to prioritize profits over people and sell directly. This will continue to be an issue. But I am confident that manufacturers recognize the importance of dealer networks and their ability to deliver product most efficiently to the consumer, as well as service them when there are problems. Technology is moving so fast, and we’ll be seeing lots of advancements. For Texas dealers those advancements are exciting, and we see great opportunity to ensure the customer can safely travel for fun or work around this great state.” AT A GLANCE The Texas Automobile Dealers Association (TADA) What: A statewide trade association representing nearly 1,400 franchised automobile dealerships Where: Based in Austin, TX Website: www.tada.org Meta description Business View Magazine interviews Darren Whitehurst, President of Texas Automobile Dealers Association (TADA), for our focus on Top U.S. Auto Retailers. PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE — CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 8
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