SPRING 2024 Pub 64 | 2023-24 | Issue 3 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TEXAS AUTOMOBILE DEALERS ASSOCIATION ENDURING LEGACY: UTRGV NAMES STADIUM AFTER ROBERT AND JANET VACKAR
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Contents © 2024 Texas Automobile Dealers Association (TADA) | The newsLINK Group, LLC. All rights reserved. Dealers’ Choice is published four times each year by The newsLINK Group, LLC for the TADA and is the official publication for this association. The information contained in this publication is intended to provide general information for review, consideration and education. The contents do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied on as such. If you need legal advice or assistance, it is strongly recommended that you contact an attorney as to your specific circumstances. The statements and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the TADA, its board of directors, or the publisher. Likewise, the appearance of advertisements within this publication does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any product or service advertised. Dealers’ Choice is a collective work, and as such, some articles are submitted by authors who are independent of the TADA. While Texas Automobile Dealers encourages a first-print policy, in cases where this is not possible, every effort has been made to comply with any known reprint guidelines or restrictions. Content may not be reproduced or reprinted without prior written permission. For further information, please contact the publisher at 855-747-4003. Scan this code with your smart phone for a direct link to the TADA website. 8 Dealers’ Choice 12 6 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Vote, Vote, Vote! BY DARREN WHITEHURST, PRESIDENT, TADA 8 Enduring Legacy: UTRGV Names Stadium After Robert and Janet Vackar BY UTRGV NEWS 12 Congratulations To All the Dealers Who Were Honored at the NADA Show in Las Vegas! 13 Ben Keating Honored as TIME Dealer of the Year Nominee 13 ATD Truck Dealer of the Year Nominee Paul Burk 14 NAMAD TIME Dealer of the Year Nominee James Davis 15 Classic Honda Owner Selected for Northwood University Dealer Education Award 16 Ford Motor Company Honors Joe Chastang at the 2024 Salute to Dealers 18 April Ancira Presented with the Golden Wrench Visionary Award 18 Sam Pack’s Five Star Ford Dallas Wins Big! 19 Toyota of Denton Wins the 2023 Toyota President’s Award! 19 Business of the Year Awarded to Tim Capps of Gabriel/ Jordan Buick GMC 19 Congratulations to Rick Cavender, 2024 Hall of Fame Laureate! 20 2024 TADA Leadership 24 The 5 Cs of Attractive Leadership BY TIM MARBUT, ETHOS GROUP 26 COMMUNITY NEWS 27 Sam Pack Ford Investing in the Future 27 Sames Auto Group Partnering with Driscoll Children’s Hospital 28 Laura and Joe Street Name WT’s School of Nursing with $2.5 Million Gift 30 Peltier Auto Group 13th Annual Teacher’s Scholarship 31 City Limits Subaru Partners with Austin Angels to Share the Love® 32 Texas Labor Market Review DEALERS’ CHOICE 4
Anticipate every turn In an industry that’s always evolving, your dealership can rely on our Dealer Financial Services team’s 90 years of experience to see what’s around the corner, forward-thinking insights to prepare you, and technology to keep you ahead of the curve. What would you like the power to do?® Terri Sapp, terri.sapp@bofa.com Tony Andrews, tony.andrews@bofa.com business.bofa.com/dealer ©2023 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. DFS-699-AD 5949042 Investment products offered by Investment Banking Affiliates: Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value “Bank of America” and “BofA Securities” are the marketing names used by the Global Banking and Global Markets divisions of Bank of America Corporation. Lending, derivatives, other commercial banking activities, and trading in certain financial instruments are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Trading in securities and financial instruments, and strategic advisory, and other investment banking activities, are performed globally by investment banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“Investment Banking Affiliates”), including, in the United States, BofA Securities, Inc., which is a registered broker-dealer and Member of SIPC, and, in other jurisdictions, by locally registered entities. BofA Securities, Inc. is a registered futures commission merchant with the CFTC and a member of the NFA.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE March 5 resulted in more than 2.6 million ballots being cast (1.8 million in the Republican primary and 830,000 in the Democratic primary). This number, although significant, is about 200,000 fewer than the number of Texans who voted in 2020 and a small percentage of the 17.9 million Texans who are currently registered to vote. As expected, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump easily won their respective races setting up a much-anticipated rematch four years in the making. Former Congressman Colin Alred won the Democrat nod and will face off against sitting Texas U.S. Senator Ted Cruz. All 38 Texas congressional seats were up for election, but in most, the incumbent ran either unopposed or easily won re-election. Only two resulted in runoffs. The first is the seat, which runs from San Antonio to El Paso, where Republican incumbent Tony Gonzales is facing a run-off. The other is an open seat to replace U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, which is anchored in Fort Worth. For the 31-member Texas Senate, 15 seats are up for election in 2024, but as noted in the congressional section, most of the incumbents ran without opposition in the primary. There were two open seats — one Democratic seat to replace Houston mayor John Whitmire and one Republican seat in North Texas. TADA, through AutoPAC, is supporting candidates in each of these races. For the other 13 seats, we expect the incumbents to win re-election and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick is preparing to lead the Texas Senate next session as the presiding officer. Most of the action this election year is in the Texas House. Nine House Republican incumbents outright lost, while eight others were forced into runoffs, including House Speaker Dade Phelan. In many of these state and federal races, TADA made the decision to financially support the incumbents — often referred to in political circles as the “friendly incumbent” rule. Our decisions are based upon the working relationship we have with these elected VOTE, VOTE, VOTE! By Darren Whitehurst, President, TADA officials and their work on issues impacting dealers in the Texas Legislature and Congress. Additionally, most of these elected officials have a strong personal relationship with their local dealers. We consider this to be a critically important factor for the success of our political efforts as an Association. If your elected official is in a runoff election, I want to strongly encourage you to take the opportunity to go vote. I would also ask that you encourage your employees and vendors to vote as well. A number of these elections were determined by a handful of votes in the first round, and it is expected that turnout for the runoffs will be sparse so that the races could be tight. The criteria on who is eligible to vote in the runoffs are as follows: If you voted in the primary, you are eligible to vote in the runoff in the same party elections. If you didn’t vote on March 5, you are eligible to vote in either runoff as long as you are registered to vote. Early voting begins on May 20 and ends on May 24. The runoff election will be held on May 28, the day after Memorial Day. If you live in an area with a newly nominated candidate at either the state or federal level following the primary, I want to encourage you to reach out and get to know your likely new member. Because of the redistricting process, nearly every legislative district in Texas strongly favors one party over the other, so the candidates elected in March and the ones that prevail in May are very likely going to represent you in Austin and Washington, D.C., in 2025. You don’t need to reach out about any specific issue(s). We encourage you to simply carry the great stories that only franchised dealers can tell. Amongst the points is the fact that there are more than 1,400 dealerships in Texas, and dealers can be found in nearly 300 Texas towns and cities. Dealers work on behalf of their customers to ensure marketplace competition and serve as advocates on vehicle warranty and recall issues with the manufacturer. Dealers keep Texans on the road and able to meet the demands of daily life — and in doing so, you assist them in earning a living and caring for their families. Dealers generate significant tax revenue for the state and local units of government. Dealers employ lots of people locally with good-paying jobs. Finally, dealers are an active part of their communities and are an integral part of the success of many great projects and causes. TADA asks for your personal engagement in getting to know your elected officials. This is a critical part of our past, present and future successes in the legislature and on the legal and regulatory fronts as well. Thank you for all your work to keep Texas moving forward! DEALERS’ CHOICE 6
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Enduring Legacy: UTRGV Names Stadium After Robert and Janet Vackar By UTRGV News DEALERS’ CHOICE 8
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) announced Thursday that it is naming its newly acquired stadium the Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium. The naming, which was granted in perpetuity, is in recognition of the Vackars’ unwavering support of the football program when it was only a vision and their longstanding generosity to the university, including a new $20 million gift that was also announced Thursday. The Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium will serve as the home of the upcoming Vaqueros Football program and will also host a variety of other university events. Both announcements were made during a press conference held on the newly named stadium field. “Supporting the establishment of a college football program isn’t just about the game; it’s about investing in the future,” Robert Vackar said. “By pouring into the lives of young people through both education and athletics, we ensure they have the tools to succeed and a college experience that attracts new talent to our area and encourages residents to stay here. Retaining students in the Rio Grande Valley not only builds up our community but also fosters major growth and opportunity for generations to come.” Robert and Janet, both natives of the Valley and the owners and principal dealers of the Bert Ogden Auto Group, were raised by parents who owned local businesses, instilling in them the values of hard work, volunteerism and giving back to the community. United by a shared commitment, they are passionate about empowering students to achieve their educational goals. UTRGV President Guy Bailey expressed profound gratitude for the Vackars’ long history of friendship and visionary support of the university, which currently serves more than 30,000 students. “Robert and Janet Vackar’s remarkable generosity and steadfast commitment to UTRGV exemplify the spirit of philanthropy and community leadership,” Bailey said. “Their transformative support will have a lasting impact on our university, empowering us to enhance educational opportunities and enrich the lives of our students for generations to come.” Unrivaled Generosity The Vackars’ philanthropy extends to numerous scholarships at UTRGV, and in recognition of their exceptional generosity, the College of Business was renamed to the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship in 2016. Bailey said Robert and Janet Vackar’s steadfast support for UTRGV from its inception has laid the foundation for the university’s remarkable journey and current success. “Their visionary contributions, which started just a few months after our university’s opening, not only provided financial support but also bestowed instant credibility upon our institution,” Bailey said. “Their early investments helped put UTRGV on the map and set the stage for our ongoing growth and impact. Their ongoing dedication continues to shape the trajectory of our university.” About UTRGV UTRGV was created by the Texas Legislature in 2013 as the first major public university of the 21st century in Texas. This transformative initiative provided the opportunity to expand educational opportunities in the Rio Grande Valley, including a new School of Medicine, and made it possible for residents of the region to benefit from the Permanent University Fund — a public endowment contributing support to the University of Texas System and other institutions. UTRGV has campuses and off-campus research and teaching sites throughout the Rio Grande Valley. UTRGV enrolled its first class in the fall of 2015, and the School of Medicine welcomed its first class in the summer of 2016. More photos on the next page. 9 DEALERS’ CHOICE
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To All the Dealers Who Were Honored at the NADA Show in Las Vegas! DEALERS’ CHOICE 12
Ben Keating Honored as TIME Dealer of the Year Nominee This past February, Ben Keating was recognized as the TIME Dealer of the Year nominee at the NADA Show in Las Vegas. Keating is a third-generation dealer who is continuing his family’s legacy with a passion for the industry that shows. He is enthusiastic about the business in all aspects of his life and proudly represents the industry as an accomplished race car driver, winning the 2022 and 2023 GT-AM class in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, among other prestigious races. Ben’s involvement in his community ranges from a $4 million endowment at Texas A&M to donating stuffed back-to-school backpacks for local children to distributing 300 turkeys the week before Thanksgiving to help families in need. Way to go, Ben! We are so proud of you. ATD Truck Dealer of the Year Nominee Paul Burk Paul Burk, executive vice president of Doggett Freightliner (San Antonio, Texas), was nominated by the American Truck Dealers (ATD), Trucks, Parts, and Service and Procede Software as a nominee for the 2024 Truck Dealer of the Year, a national award that recognizes commercial-truck dealers for business performance, industry leadership and their efforts to serve their local communities. Over the last decade, Paul has overseen the impressive growth of Doggett Freightliner. He attributes this success to his ability to attract the best leaders in the industry and create a winning culture through empowering his employees. 13 DEALERS’ CHOICE
NAMAD TIME Dealer of the Year Nominee James Davis James Davis was one of a select group of 49 dealer nominees from across the country who was honored at the 107th annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Feb. 3, 2024. The TIME Dealer of the Year award is one of the automobile industry’s most prestigious and highly coveted honors. The award recognizes the nation’s most successful auto dealers who also demonstrate a long-standing commitment to community service. Davis was chosen to represent the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD) in the national competition — one of only 49 auto dealers nominated for the 55th annual award from more than 16,000 nationwide. “The most rewarding part of my retail automotive career is when I help others achieve their dreams or plant a seed to allow them to dream bigger than they ever did before,” nominee Davis said. Davis earned a B.S. in industrial technology from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro in 1980. On a whim, he responded to an ad for a car salesperson in Kingwood, Texas, and found a career path that perfectly suited his talent for sales and love of cars. “I also became aware that as a salesperson, my earnings were a direct result of my efforts and my ability to connect with people,” he said. “I began to consider how owning a dealership would be the key to a financial future with the ability to build wealth and bring others along with me.” Davis was named sales manager and then general manager of Deerbrook Forest Chrysler Jeep in Kingwood, where he began to see his vision for the future take shape. “I had the opportunity to build a high-performance, high-integrity team with an understanding of needs-based selling and relationship building,” he said. With the help of a Chrysler dealer/mentor, Davis was accepted into the Chrysler Minority Dealers Association (CMDA) program and was awarded Gulfgate Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in Houston in 2002. Today, he is the sole owner of the dealership and has added Hyundai of Silsbee in Silsbee, Texas, to the J. Davis Automotive Group. “I attribute my success in the auto industry to my sponsor who not only recommended me to the CMDA program but continued to be a great mentor and sounding board for me,” he said. “I also could not have done this without the support of my wife, who graciously and selflessly allowed me to spend long days and late nights at the dealership, especially when our daughters were just babies.” Davis is grateful for the assistance he had early in his career from Chrysler and from his auto industry peers, and he continues to pay it forward by guiding others. He has served as president of the Chrysler Minority Dealers Association and is currently on the board of the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers. “To help someone move from believing that a minimumwage job is the best they can do to becoming a successful salesperson; to know that they can own a home and send their children to college — in short, helping them achieve the American Dream is what now gives me the greatest reward,” he said. Davis is proud to have built a work environment based on honesty, integrity and caring about others. “My employees have fought with me in the trenches to make the dealership a success, and I want to do the same for them,” he said. “I share my success by offering employees fair compensation and benefits, which makes our business a great place to work.” To that end, Davis holds monthly town hall lunch meetings to share news, celebrate employee birthdays and milestones, and offer a forum for associates to make business announcements. He also hosts an annual company family picnic, which features food trucks and games for entertainment. And he takes all employees to see the Houston Astros play during his Game Days initiative. DEALERS’ CHOICE 14
Davis is equally committed to his community and encourages his employees to get involved by sponsoring events at his dealership and beyond. “We have supported more than 50 back-to-school supply drives in the Houston area in the past seven years and have adopted 25 local classrooms, for which we provide equipment and mentoring,” he said. “In addition, we host annual blood drives, toy drives and breast cancer screenings at our dealership.” Other organizations that Davis supports include Perfect Connection, an autism awareness group that helps families by providing education and outreach, UNCF (United Negro College Fund) and the Houston Independent School District. “Through our constant positive involvement in our local area, we have created trust between the community and our dealership,” he said. “Citizens know we are a business that genuinely cares about their health, education and economic growth.” Classic Honda Owner Selected for Northwood University Dealer Education Award Classic Honda of Midland proudly announced that Joey Gabarda, the esteemed owner, has been chosen to receive the prestigious Northwood University Dealer Education Award. The honor was conferred during the 2024 NADA Show in February. This esteemed accolade recognizes Joey’s significant contributions to education within the automotive industry. Darren Whitehurst of the Texas Automobile Dealers Association nominated Gabarda for this distinctive award, which is an annual tradition by Northwood University spanning over 50 years. The award specifically acknowledges individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and dedication to advancing education in the field of automotive marketing. This recognition underscores Gabarda’s dedication to education and his substantial contributions to the automotive industry’s educational landscape. His notable efforts have left an indelible mark on the field, aligning closely with Northwood University’s mission to honor those who enrich and elevate the educational process within the retail automobile industry. “I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the Northwood University Dealer Education Award,” said Joey Gabarda. “Education has always been a cornerstone of our approach at Classic Honda of Midland. We are thrilled to be recognized for our efforts and look forward to continuing our support for educational initiatives within our industry.” The awards breakfast was a highlight during the NADA Convention in Las Vegas on Feb. 3, 2024. The event took place at the Encore Las Vegas. Classic Honda of Midland congratulates Joey Gabarda on this remarkable achievement and enjoyed celebrating his dedication and success at the awards ceremony. 15 DEALERS’ CHOICE
Ford Motor Company Honors Joe Chastang at the 2024 Salute to Dealers Ford Motor Company honored Joe Chastang for his community contributions at the 2024 Salute to Dealers reception during the annual National Automobile Dealers Association convention in Las Vegas this past February. Salute to Dealers is a Ford Motor Company initiative that recognizes and honors dealer principals who have gone above and beyond in their communities. They dedicate time and resources to help improve the lives of others through their support of countless charitable causes providing help and hope to so many. Joe and the Chastang Ford family donate to several animal protection charities, but their main focus is the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the University of Houston. “I think we just try to do the right thing, and it’s not that we have to try; it’s who we are,” said Joe. Dealers from around the globe were nominated for the annual award. A panel of judges selected the honorees based on the dealer’s individual activities, length of participation and personal motivation. In recognition of the honorees’ service to their communities, Ford held a reception on February 1, preceding the annual National Automobile Dealers Association convention in Las Vegas. Chastang Ford is committed to growing our business responsibly by building long-term relationships with our employees, customers and community. That means we value our employees for the quality of their character and their work, we do right by our customers who trust us to know our product, and we have a passion for our community and are invested in its success. From the moment you walk in the door, you aren’t just a number to us; you are part of the Chastang Family. DEALERS’ CHOICE 16
© 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.
April Ancira Presented with the Golden Wrench Visionary Award This past February, April Ancira was presented with the Golden Wrench Visionary award while in Las Vegas at the NADA Show. The Golden Wrench Visionary Award recognizes outstanding leadership and visionary foresight in steering organizations toward unprecedented growth. The recipient of this award demonstrates exceptional strategic planning skills, a commitment to excellence and an ability to inspire and lead a diverse team in achieving remarkable milestones in both product sales and service delivery. Upon receiving the award, April expressed her gratitude, “Thank you to the fixed ops marketing team and Russell Hill for awarding me the Golden Wrench Visionary Award. I can only say I had the vision with my husband to hire smart people and get out of their way. Thanks Team Ancira!” Sam Pack’s Five Star Ford Dallas Wins Big! Congratulations to the Five Star Ford Dallas team for winning the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) video contest! The video played every day at the convention and on the shuttle buses. Thank you, NADA, for the convention tickets and Brian Huth for the amazing time in Las Vegas! Scan the QR code to watch the winning video. https://youtu.be/gbvHV5A_JOY DEALERS’ CHOICE 18
Toyota of Denton Wins the 2023 Toyota President’s Award! Thanks to wonderful customers, staff, leadership and overall teamwork, Toyota of Denton won the 2023 Toyota President’s Award! A big congratulations to the entire team led by General Manager Scott Fly staff, for earning this welldeserved and prestigious achievement. Business of the Year Awarded to Tim Capps of Gabriel/ Jordan Buick GMC This past February, The Kilgore Area Chamber of Commerce held the 92nd Annual STAR Gala where the Business of the Year Award was presented to Tim Capps, Managing Partner of Gabriel/Jordan Buick GMC. This award is given every year to a company that goes above and beyond in customer service, business integrity and community service. Congratulations! Congratulations to Rick Cavender, 2024 Hall of Fame Laureate! The 2024 San Antonio Business Hall of Fame was held on March 28, 2024, at the Marriott Rivercenter Hotel. Congratulations to Rick Cavender who was the 2024 Hall of Fame Laureate! 19 DEALERS’ CHOICE
Ryan Kirkpatrick Vice Chair District Directors 19 Carlos Liriano 21 Pat Schuchart 24 Joseph Shields 26 Mark Stevenson SOUTHWEST Fernando Varela Vice Chair District Directors 2 Tim Capps 3 Joe Loving 4 Robert Turner 7 Ashley Willson EAST W.C. Smith III Vice Chair District Directors 5 Jason Feldman 6 Kyle Janke 33 Tony Gullo Jr. SOUTHEAST Evelyn Sames Vice Chair District Directors 17 Melissa DeMontrond 18 Chris Wall 20 Jennifer Yoder 27 Natasha del Barrio SOUTH 2024 Executive Committee Charlie Gilchrist IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Tim Crenwelge CHAIR-ELECT Bryan Case Sr. CHAIR John Luciano Vice Chair District Directors 28 David Zwiacher 30 Patrick Sykora 31 Cory Dupriest NORTHWEST Stephen Gilchrist Vice Chair District Directors 10 Tony Pack 22 Will Churchill 23 Jose Pozos 34 Sherri Herring NORTH Jeff Rachor Vice Chair District Directors 1 C.J. Barnett 8 Scott Fly 9 Finley Ewing IV 35 Tobias Fulton NORTHEAST Greg Bruner Vice Chair District Directors 16 Kenny McCarty 25 Jimmy Bass 29 Bill Pollard Jr. 32 Drew Hoy WEST Paula Lohse Vice Chair District Directors 11 Julie Herrera 12 Mike Zorn 13 Mary Karr-Ellis 14 Scott Stark CENTRAL 2024 TADA Leadership DEALERS’ CHOICE 20
DIRECTORS AT-LARGE CAR DEALERS • Howie Bentley • Benny Boyd • Bently Durant • T. Harper • Mike Sullivan • Brandon Tomes TRUCK DEALERS • James Bennie Brian Bruckner TEXAS TRUCK DEALER CHAIRMAN Karen Phillips TADA GENERAL COUNSEL AND EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Darren Whitehurst TADA PRESIDENT METRO CHAIRS • Ivan Ochoa • James Bagan • Jacob Boggus • Chris Gillman • Art Kiolbassa • Brent McGavock • Carl Sewell, III 21 DEALERS’ CHOICE
Robert TURNER C.J. BARNETT Jason FELDMAN Kyle JANKE Ashley WILLSON Tim CAPPS Joe LOVING East, Dist. 4 East, Dist. 3 East, Dist. 2 Northeast, Dist. 1 Southeast, Dist. 5 Southeast, Dist. 6 East, Dist. 7 Scott FLY Mike ZORN Mary KARR-ELLIS Scott STARK Finley EWING, IV Tony PACK Julie HERRERA North, Dist. 10 Central, Dist. 11 Northeast, Dist. 9 Northeast, Dist. 8 Central, Dist. 12 Central, Dist. 13 Central, Dist. 14 Will CHURCHILL Mark STEVENSON Natasha DEL BARRIO David ZWIACHER Jose POZOS Joseph SHIELDS Jimmy BASS Southwest, Dist. 24 West, Dist. 25 North, Dist. 23 North, Dist. 22 Southwest, Dist. 26 South, Dist. 27 Northwest, Dist. 28 Bill POLLARD, JR. Tony GULLO JR. Sherri HERRING Tobias FULTON Patrick SYKORA Cory DUPRIEST Drew HOY Northwest, Dist. 31 West, Dist. 32 Northwest, Dist. 30 West, Dist. 29 Southeast, Dist. 33 North, Dist. 34 Northeast, Dist. 35 Ivan OCHOA James BENNIE Art KIOLBASSA T. HARPER Brent MCGAVOCK Mike SULLIVAN Chris GILLMAN Bently DURANT Carl SEWELL, III Brandon TOMES James BAGAN Howie BENTLEY Jacob BOGGUS Benny BOYD Metro Chair Director-At-Large Metro Chair Director-At-Large Metro Chair Director-At-Large Metro Chair Director-At-Large Metro Chair Director-At-Large Metro Chair Director-At-Large Metro Chair Director-At-Large Melissa DEMONTROND Kenny McCARTY Carlos LIRIANO Jennifer YODER Pat SCHUCHART Chris WALL South, Dist. 17 South, Dist. 18 West, Dist. 16 Southwest, Dist. 19 South, Dist. 20 Southwest, Dist. 21 2024 District Directors DEALERS’ CHOICE 22
Of all the leaders you have encountered, who has been the best? Now, who was the worst? Which one was easier to remember? There are a plethora of bad managers and leaders but very few great ones. Often when the topic of Leadership arises, we discuss aspects like vision, mission, values and accountability. All these topics are important and essential to the discussion, as they form the backbone of effective leadership. However, the more important topic of discussion might be: Why do people follow someone’s ideas on vision, mission, values and accountability? What qualities make a person worth following? Over the past thirty-plus years, I have been a student of human behavior. I am intrigued by things like why certain people excel and why others do not; why certain people lead and why certain people always follow; why we follow certain leaders and not others; and why some leaders have good intentions but fail. There must be some answers to these questions. So, what is it that makes a leader followable or attractive? Five essential components define attractive leaders — those exceptional individuals whom people are naturally inclined to believe in or follow, particularly concerning vision, mission, values and accountability. I call these The Five Cs of Attractive Leadership: Charisma, Competence, Character, Communication and Compassion. 1. Charisma Charisma is the first and glaring component of attractive leadership. Great leaders have that certain awe, presence or confidence that stands out. They do not have to announce their entrance or position. People are drawn to them and feel confident in their ability to do what they say they can do. They are exciting, confident, enthusiastic, focused and motivated to succeed. Their ability to connect everyone around them to a greater purpose beyond individual interests is one of their most significant attributes. 2. Competence Being competent within your field of endeavor is a major point of separation in a great leader. J.C. Penny once said, “A man should know their business better than anyone else.” A competent leader knows how to ask and answer the right questions. They can anticipate challenges in their business and take preemptive measures to prevent them. Competent leaders understand their team members and know how to bring the best out of them. 3. Character A person’s character is easily demonstrated by how they treat people they do not necessarily rely on or need. Character is one’s core belief system revealed. An attractive leader is one you want to follow because of their influence and moral compass. Character alone can either solidify attractiveness or ruin attractiveness. In an attractive leader, there exists a seamless alignment between their words and actions. 4. Communicator One of the most compelling traits of great communicators is their incredible ability to listen first. An attractive leader who is also a great communicator listens for more than just a message, problem or communication point. They listen to messages that are not spoken. They recognize, understand and communicate to one’s unique personality traits. They easily explain expectations and desired behaviors in a way that is understood and respected. 5. Compassion Great leaders care. The question arises: Why would individuals choose to follow someone who lacks genuine care for their well-being and their success? The answer might be found in the concept of fear. There are three primary ways to motivate: fear, incentive and purpose. However, great leaders motivate through purpose, recognizing its enduring impact. Purpose-driven motivation is the most long-lasting motivator because it focuses on the individual, their ideas, desires and contributions to the company or cause. The 5 Cs of Attractive Leadership By Tim Marbut, Ethos Group DEALERS’ CHOICE 24
Are you a leader worth following? Great leadership is rare because it revolves around prioritizing the needs, development and success of others over personal gain or recognition. It requires a clear vision, a compelling mission, unwavering adherence to values and a steadfast commitment to accountability. It is important to consider how we lead and how it affects others. Do we inspire trust and help others grow, or do we struggle to give direction and support? Do we exhibit the Five Cs of Attractive Leadership? We all have a list of the best and worst leaders we have encountered. To what list do you belong? For more information on how Ethos Group can help your dealership develop more leaders in your F&I office, sales management tower and sales floor in 2024, please visit ethosgroup.com. DEALERS’ CHOICE 25
Community News DEALERS’ CHOICE 26
The Sam Pack’s Five Star Ford Carrollton & Ford Motor Company donated a new SUV to RL Turner High School’s Automotive program. Alex Sagcal, Sam Pack Ford Dealership’s public relations manager, said, “Every year for the past 12 years, the dealership has donated one to two $2,000 scholarships to Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD (CFBISD) students in automotive tech programs. While donations and scholarships are familiar territory, the dealership has never donated a functioning vehicle to a school.” The new vehicle will provide students with hands-on experience working on a late-model engine, better preparing them for careers in the automotive industry. SAM PACK FORD INVESTING IN THE FUTURE Sames Auto Group, based in Laredo, Texas, is partnering with Driscoll Children’s Hospital to give back to the community. For the month of April, Sames is donating a percentage of its sales to the hospital. All funds will be used for the needs of the hospital in Harlingen that is scheduled to open in May. SAMES AUTO GROUP PARTNERING WITH DRISCOLL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL 27 DEALERS’ CHOICE
A prominent Amarillo couple is making their largest-ever personal gift to West Texas A&M University to support its nursing program. Laura and Joe Street joined with WT officials during a March 7 press conference to announce their $2.5 million gift to establish the Laura and Joe Street School of Nursing in WT’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences. With this gift, the One West comprehensive fundraising campaign — which fuels the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World — has raised nearly $160 million, smashing its original goal of $125 million and growing ever closer to reaching the current goal of $175 million. Laura earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing and a family nurse practitioner master’s degree at WT soon after the couple made Amarillo their home in 1984. Laura Street also is a 2018 WT Distinguished Alumna. “We have always stayed involved with WT nursing,” Laura said. “The department is one of the best in the state and nation, and we know that for it to continue to grow and meet the needs of the Panhandle, more students will need scholarships, and we’ll need more endowed professorships to attract and retain faculty members.” “Ultimately, we want to make sure everyone realizes the value of nursing education,” Laura said. Joe concurred with her statement. “This is really important to us, and we’re just glad to do it,” he said. “We know how important the Amarillo medical community is to this region, and we know that WT is helping battle the critical shortage of nursing in this area.” In addition to providing a $500,000 endowment for operational support of the Street School of Nursing, the gift will provide $1.4 million in scholarships and graduate assistantships and $600,000 to name two new professorships: the Laura Street Distinguished Professor of Nursing and the Todd David Street Distinguished Professor of Psychiatric Mental Health, named for the late brother of Joe Street. The professors will be appointed at a later date. “Laura, I imagine your education and experience in the nursing profession played a part in your decision to invest in the students and faculty through this generous naming gift. As the husband to a nursing professional myself, I understand the lifelong, deep abiding commitment to the wellbeing of others,” WT President Walter V. Wendler said in prepared comments. “Laura and Joe, I am honored to be part of celebrating your generosity to WT, which is emblematic of your lives of service and giving in the community.” The couple, who bought Street Toyota after arriving in Amarillo and founded Street Volkswagen of Amarillo, also prioritize the education of mental health professionals. “We have a shortage of medical providers, in particular in mental health,” Laura said. “They are essential to our future, to our health and to our wellbeing in the Panhandle and beyond.” Recently, the College of Nursing and Health Sciences announced the fall 2024 launch of a new psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner degree program, aimed to provide trained professionals for a new mental health hospital to be built in Amarillo. Elevating the nursing program from a department to a school makes it a larger and more distinctive unit within the college. A request for approval of the naming and restructuring has been submitted to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The announcement was made in the simulation lab on the Baptist Community Services Nursing Education Floor of Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center, 720 S. Tyler St. LAURA AND JOE STREET NAME WT A&M’S SCHOOL OF NURSING WITH $2.5 MILLION GIFT DEALERS’ CHOICE 28
The Amarillo Center now houses 250 undergraduate bachelor of nursing students and about 20 nursing faculty and staff. In its 25,000 square feet, the BCS Nursing Education Floor includes state-of-the-art simulation labs and other innovative educational spaces. As the population ages and the healthcare needs become more complex, the demand for nurses will continue to rise, said Dr. Holly Jeffreys, dean of WT’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences. “Today, Laura and Joe Street made a courageous decision to take WT nursing to the next level in becoming a school of nursing,” Jeffreys said in prepared comments. “For both students and faculty, this means additional opportunity for growth while ensuring ample educational resources and support. For you as a consumer of healthcare, it can mean better health outcomes, as the quality of care you receive directly impacts the outcomes of your health. For WT, it means we will continue to work together to meet the needs and demands of the Texas Panhandle.” Established in 1972 and graduating its first students in 1974, WT’s Department of Nursing currently provides about 70% of nurses employed throughout the Texas Panhandle. WT nursing graduates, over the past five years, have averaged a 97% score on the National Council Licensure Examination, required by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing to test the competency of nursing school graduates in the United States and Canada. Nationally, the average is 85%; in Texas, it’s 87%. “Your gift is transformative, not only for WT, but also for the Panhandle, the region, the state and, from here, the world,” said Leah McLain, cochair of the One West campaign leadership committee, in prepared comments. The Street School of Nursing is the second school established during the One West campaign, following the February 2023 announcement of the Amarillo National Bank School of Accounting Economics and Finance in the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business. Before the campaign, it had been nearly a decade since WT had formed a school, since both the School of Music and the School of Engineering & Computer Sciences were formed in 2012. In January 2020, Engineering was elevated to the College of Engineering. 29 DEALERS’ CHOICE
PELTIER AUTO GROUP 13TH ANNUAL TEACHER’S SCHOLARSHIP Giving back, it’s in Robert Peltier’s blood. That’s why Peltier Auto Group of Tyler, Texas, is now in its 13th year of handing out scholarships to 50 deserving East Texas students. The Peltier Teacher’s Scholarship Program is available to outstanding students graduating high school or currently enrolled in college as an undergraduate. Additionally, the student must have a parent who is an educator (a teacher, administrator or paraprofessional). These scholarships are given out annually to help families offset the cost of tuition, fees, books, room and board. STRONG? Is Your Marketing Plan (801) 676-9722 | (855) 747-4003 sales@thenewslinkgroup.com Advertise in this magazine and strengthen your business. CONTACT US TODAY. QR Code: website /#ad-space Help Your Employees Make it Home Safe Today Federated DriveSAFESM Telematics helps your employees improve their daily driving habits and return home safe at the end of the day. Commercial Insurance Property & Casualty | Life & Disability Income Workers Compensation | Business Succession and Estate Planning | Bonding Federated Mutual Insurance Company and its subsidiaries** | federatedinsurance.com *View A.M. Best Rating Guide information at www.ambest.com. **Not licensed in all states. 23.01 Ed. 8/23 © 2022 Federated Mutual Insurance Company Please Make It Home Safe Today. Scan to learn more about DriveSAFE TELEMATICS. The content of this publication is for general information purposes only. Consult with a qualified professional when you have detailed questions regarding any topic in this publication. DEALERS’ CHOICE 30
CITY LIMITS SUBARU PARTNERS WITH AUSTIN ANGELS TO SHARE THE LOVE® We are thrilled to announce we got to be a part of something truly special at the Austin Marathon City Limits Subaru came together with their Subaru Share the Love® Event partner, Austin Angels, to surprise one very deserving young man with a brand new 2024 Subaru Impreza! Abel Rodriguez ran the half marathon with his Austin Angels mentor, Connor Copeland. Abel’s story is inspiring. A former foster youth and the oldest in a family of eight siblings, Abel has been a part of the Austin Angels Dare to Dream program since he was 14. Abel is now a freshman at the University of Texas at San Antonio and has been enduring three-hour bus commutes to and from Austin to see his siblings and attend leadership meetings. He was in dire need of safe, reliable transportation. When Austin Angels shared his story, City Limits Subaru was deeply moved and knew they had to help. “We are so grateful for the opportunity to serve our community and so thankful for the partnership with Austin Angels. Abel, we hope you drive many happy miles in that new Impreza! Your hard work has earned it,” said General Manager PJ Shelley. 31 DEALERS’ CHOICE
Texas Workforce Commission | Labor Market Information Department 127 claims Page 13 INITIAL UI CLAIMS 4.2% Page 8 JOB ADS INDEX 0.0 points Page 5 UNEMPLOYMENT RATE 49,800 jobs Page 2 INDUSTRY EMPLOYMENT February 2024 Monthly Indicators T he Texas Labor Market Review brings you the most current labor market highlights and happenings across the Lone Star State. The information that follows is produced and published on a monthly basis and includes data on nonagricultural job trends, the labor force, job postings, and other relevant indicators for both the state and sub-state areas. Additional data and historical information is available at TexasLMI.com. MARCH 2024 LABOR MARKET REVIEW TEXAS DEALERS’ CHOICE 32
TWC Labor Market Information Total Nonagricultural Jobs Highlights • Following a revised in- crease of 4,600 in January 2024, Private Education and Health Services employment grew by 9,300 jobs over the month of February. • Construction employment rebounded from a revised January decline, with 7,800 positions added in February to reach a new series high level of 844,800 jobs. • Professional and Business Services employment experienced a third series high in four months, with 11,900 positions added in February. Industry Feb 2024 Monthly Change Annual Change Annual % Change Total Nonagricultural 14,103,700 49,800 291,400 2.1 Total Private 12,016,000 45,700 225,900 1.9 Goods Producing 2,025,400 13,300 50,500 2.6 Mining and Logging 209,100 200 -4,600 -2.2 Construction 844,800 7,800 32,200 4.0 Manufacturing 971,500 5,300 22,900 2.4 Service Providing 12,078,300 36,500 240,900 2.0 Trade, Transportation, and Utilities 2,766,700 -2,900 18,600 0.7 Information 233,200 800 -4,200 -1.8 Financial Activities 916,400 4,300 16,500 1.8 Professional and Business Services 2,144,100 11,900 24,900 1.2 Private Education & Health Services 1,935,600 9,300 64,900 3.5 Leisure and Hospitality 1,505,900 7,700 33,200 2.3 Other Services 488,700 1,300 21,500 4.6 Government 2,087,700 4,100 65,500 3.2 Total Nonfarm employment increased by 49,800 jobs in February which marked the strongest monthly gain since January 2023. With this increase the job count reached a series high in 28 of the last 29 months including 14,103,700 positions for the month. Since February 2023, employment expanded by 291,400 positions, with the private sector contributing 225,900. The Total Nonfarm annual growth rate ticked up two-tenths of a point from January, reaching 2.1 percent in February. Nine of 11 major industries grew over the year, while seven achieved series employment highs. CURRENT EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS Statewide Industry Employment (Seasonally Adjusted) 33 DEALERS’ CHOICE
TWC Labor Market Information Fastest Growing Metro Areas Over the Year Metro Areas Feb 2024 Monthly Change Annual Change Annual % Change Abilene MSA 77,200 0 900 1.2 Amarillo MSA 128,800 100 2,100 1.7 Austin-Round Rock MSA 1,357,100 11,400 41,000 3.1 Beaumont-Port Arthur MSA 164,500 -200 3,400 2.1 Brownsville-Harlingen MSA 162,900 -100 3,300 2.1 College Station-Bryan MSA 142,100 800 4,200 3.0 Corpus Christi MSA 200,400 200 5,400 2.8 Dallas-FW-Arlington MSA 4,269,200 7,800 80,400 1.9 Dallas-Plano-Irving MD 3,057,600 8,800 51,200 1.7 Fort Worth-Arlington MD 1,210,200 2,500 24,100 2.0 El Paso MSA 346,800 700 7,600 2.2 Houston MSA 3,432,600 6,900 88,000 2.6 Killeen-Temple MSA 155,300 500 3,300 2.2 Laredo MSA 112,800 -100 3,100 2.8 Longview MSA 100,900 200 200 0.2 Lubbock MSA 161,300 200 3,400 2.2 McAllen MSA 300,200 500 4,200 1.4 Midland MSA 121,700 500 2,600 2.2 Odessa MSA 81,200 400 600 0.7 San Angelo MSA 52,600 0 700 1.3 San Antonio MSA 1,177,600 800 25,700 2.2 Sherman-Denison MSA 54,000 100 1,800 3.4 Texarkana MSA 59,700 200 200 0.3 Tyler MSA 116,600 100 600 0.5 Victoria MSA 40,300 0 0 0.0 Waco MSA 137,700 100 3,800 2.8 Wichita Falls MSA 59,600 200 400 0.7 Highlights • Twenty of 26 metro areas added jobs over the month of Feb- ruary for a combined employment increase of 35,200. Employment held flat in three areas and declined in three areas. Twenty-five areas ach- ieved positive annual employment growth, while one area was unchanged. Twenty-two metro areas met or exceeded pre-COVID employment in February 2020. • The Austin-Round Rock MSA rebounded from a January decline with 11,400 positions added, reaching a 31st series employment high in 34 months. The MSA added 41,000 positions over the year. • Employment in the College Station-Bryan MSA grew by 800 positions and achieved a series high job count. The area added 4,200 jobs year over year. • Odessa MSA employment offset a January monthly decline with 400 jobs added. Annual growth slowed to 0.7 percent from 7.0 percent a year ago. CURRENT EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS Metro Areas (Seasonally Adjusted) DEALERS’ CHOICE 34
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