2025-2026 | Issue 4 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TEXAS AUTOMOBILE DEALERS ASSOCIATION
Securing the coverage your dealership needs starts with taking a seat. At Sentry®, coverage begins with a conversation. Sitting down with you to learn exactly what you need from your insurance provider. So save us a seat. We’re ready to talk about the road ahead. Get started at sentry.com/right-by-you. “We value strong partnerships, and our experience with Sentry has been a positive one built on trust, communication, and reliability.” David Schoemaker Dealer Principal, Toyota of Irving This is a paid endorsement. Property and casualty coverages are underwritten by a member of the Sentry Insurance Group, Stevens Point, WI. For a complete listing of companies, visit sentry.com. Policies, coverages, benefits, and discounts are not available in all states. See policy for complete coverage details. 73-775 5556565 6/5/2026
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?® Bradley Bartsch, bradley.w.bartsch@bofa.com business.bofa.com/dealer ©2024 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. DFS-699-AD 6942528 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. 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?® Bradley Bartsch, bradley.w.bartsch@bofa.com business.bofa.com/dealer ©2024 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. DFS-699-AD 6942528 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.
6 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE The Work Begins Now By Darren Whitehurst, President, TADA 8 SAVE THE DATE TADA Leadership Network October 5-7, 2026 10 When Someone Else Owns the Car, They Can Dictate Where You Travel By Donald Kendal, The Epoch Times 12 APPRENTICESHIP & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TWC Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week Agency Commemorates 10 Years of ApprenticeshipTexas 14 APPRENTICESHIP & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT NTXAD and Waco Dealers Host Inaugural Auto Tech Competition 16 APPRENTICESHIP & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT NTXAD Fast Track Program Is Launching Graduates’ Automotive Careers By North Texas Automobile Dealers Contents ©2026 Texas Automobile Dealers Association® (TADA®) | MBR Connect™. All rights reserved. Dealers’ Choice is published four times per year 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 circumstances. The statements and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of 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 TADA. While a first-print policy is encouraged, 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 (801) 676-9722. 12 30 Scan for a direct link to the TADA website. 18 APPRENTICESHIP & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Smith Auto Family Donation Brings Hands‑On EV Training to SPC 21 2026 TADA Leadership 24 Offboarding: Final Pay, Severance and Security Deposits By Samantha Acuña, Legal Counsel to Chairman Esparza, Texas Workforce Commission 26 Community News 30 Hacienda Ford Celebrates 85 Years of Excellence 32 Valley Automobile Dealers Association Annual Membership Meeting July 9, 2026 | McAllen, TX 33 El Paso New Car Dealers Association Annual Membership Meeting June 9, 2026 | The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park 34 Women’s Network of HADA Spring Networking Event May 20, 2026 | Houston, TX 36 Texas Job Market Grows by More Than 177,000 Positions Over the Year By Texas Workforce Commission DEALERS’ CHOICE 4
THE INTERIM IS CRITICAL The field is now set for the 2026 General Election, and it is shaping up to be a heavyweight contest. Election Day falls on Tuesday, Nov. 3, and the marquee race is for U.S. Senate, where Texans will choose between current Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton and current Democratic State Representative James Talarico — both emerging from bruising, expensive primaries. More than $130 million has already been spent, and between continued fundraising and the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision expanding corporate contributions, the general election is likely to greatly exceed that figure. Expect the airwaves to be saturated by fall. This election is expected to be close and will likely impact down-ballot races. Most statewide Republican officeholders are also contested on the ballot, including our governor and lieutenant governor. The Texas Senate will seat at least five new members, and the Texas House will welcome at least 24. Nationally, Republicans face historic headwinds: From 1946 to 2024, there have been 20 off-year elections, and the White House party lost House seats in 18 (90%) of them. In every instance where the sitting president’s approval rating was underwater in the months before an off-year election, his party lost House seats. Whether that pattern holds — or whether President Trump breaks it — remains to be seen. On the state level, it’s worth remembering that Democrats have not won a statewide office in Texas since 1994, but this may be the year. PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE The Work Begins Now By DARREN WHITEHURST President, TADA DEALERS’ CHOICE 6
What all of this means, practically, is that personal relationships will matter more than ever in the next session. The high rate of turnover in the legislature requires each of us at TADA and each of you personally to invest time in building relationships with your elected officials and the candidates who may replace them in November. Many of you already maintain strong relationships with your elected officials. For those who don’t, it’s time to get started. THE WORK HAPPENS BEFORE THE BILL IS FILED Every legislator’s conversation with a dealer sharpens our perspective. Every dealership visit is a chance to learn something new. Every discussion with a legislator helps us understand not just which issues matter most to our members, but how to frame those issues in terms that resonate with policymakers. The most consequential work in the legislative process happens long before a bill is ever filed. By the time the legislature convenes, relationships are already built, questions have already been asked, and policymakers have already begun forming views based on who they trust and what they have learned. That is precisely why the interim carries so much weight for our association and our members. No single dealership represents every experience. Every market is different, every manufacturer relationship is distinct and every community has its own priorities. That diversity is exactly why it matters when legislators spend real time with their dealers across the state; it ensures that when TADA speaks for the industry, we are speaking from the collective experience of our membership. BUILDING TOWARD 2027: A PARTNERSHIP As we prepare for the 2027 Legislative Session, TADA is already busy laying the groundwork by meeting with legislators, educating policymakers, and identifying where and how best to advance our association priorities. But our most effective advocacy has never come from the association working alone. The conversations that carry the most weight are those in which legislators hear directly from the dealers they represent. The greatest impact is achieved when your personal engagement amplifies the work TADA is doing. Over the coming months, many of you will have opportunities to take part in legislator dealership visits and other grassroots advocacy efforts. Kate McGrath, our senior vice president of legislative affairs, will reach out to coordinate these opportunities and ensure you have the background information and support needed to make every conversation count. You may also be asked to sign advocacy letters or to share your perspective directly on issues affecting our industry. What legislators value most is your relationships, your experience and your perspective. We appreciate your time and investment in advancing the TADA advocacy agenda. Our legislative success has always been a partnership. TADA brings policy expertise and legislative strategy; dealers bring the relationships, credibility and real-world experience that legislators trust. Together, those strengths are what make us effective advocates for Texas franchised dealers and the communities you serve. Every Choice Matters – Choose Federated® DriveSAFESM Federated DriveSAFESM Telematics can help your employees improve their daily driving habits. This combination of mobile app, in-vehicle tag, and online portal allows you to measure, rank, and provide feedback on employee driving behaviors so you can help them become safer drivers. Scan to learn more about Federated DriveSAFESM Telematics and how you can help your employee drivers stay safe behind the wheel. Federated Mutual Insurance Company and its subsidiaries* federatedinsurance.com | *Not licensed in all states. 25.08 Ed. 1/25 © 2025 Federated Mutual Insurance Company The content of this publication is for general information purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or an offer of insurance. Coverage will be determined solely by the terms of your policy, if approved for issue. Consult with a qualified professional to discuss questions specific to your circumstances. Helping Your Employees Stay Safe Behind The Wheel 7 DEALERS’ CHOICE
THE WESTIN AUSTIN AT THE DOMAIN 11301 Domain Dr. Austin, TX 78758 TADA LEADERSHIP NETWORK October 5-7, 2026 Scan the QR code to view a message from TADA Leadership Network Chairman Rob Cavender. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7vFc9uHzOc SAVE THE DATE DEALERS’ CHOICE 8
H25a 0ppy th from the TADA Staff! 9 DEALERS’ CHOICE
When Someone Else Owns the Car, They Can Dictate Where You Travel By DONALD KENDAL, The Epoch Times It has been nearly 10 years since the World Economic Forum (WEF) published the now-infamous article imagining a future in which “you’ll own nothing” and supposedly “be happy.” Although the WEF later removed the article after widespread public backlash, the idea has never really gone away. In fact, in some sectors, we seem to be moving closer to that future every year. In a series of recent interviews, Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, described how autonomous vehicles could transform transportation in America. For instance, corporations and financial firms could own fleets of self-driving vehicles while ordinary Americans simply request access through an app. THE ERA OF AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES IS HERE It feels like we have been promised driverless cars for decades. Futurists and innovators have long painted a picture of a world where people no longer pilot their own vehicles. Instead, cars equipped with cameras, sensors and advanced technology would effortlessly whisk commuters through city and neighborhood streets. In the past few years, this potential technological marvel has become a practical reality. In October 2020, Google’s autonomous vehicle company, Waymo, officially opened its driverless car service to the public. Since then, several other companies have moved in the same direction. Tesla has released self-driving features for select vehicles, and Amazon’s Zoox vehicles have begun shuttling people along the Las Vegas Strip. Most recently, Tesla’s new autonomous Cybercabs have begun rolling off the assembly line. These vehicles, expected to become available soon, lack a steering wheel or control pedals. Potentially the most consequential move comes from Uber, the ridesharing giant that has announced partnerships with several autonomous firms, including Lucid, Nuro and Waymo, to eventually bring self-driving services to its massive user base. This is where the story gets interesting. “IT’S JUST NOT GOING TO MAKE SENSE FOR YOU TO OWN YOUR OWN CAR” At the recent Abundance360 summit in Los Angeles, Khosrowshahi was interviewed about the future of driverless vehicles. During the interview, he explained how he believes the transformation of the transportation sector will unfold. “There isn’t going to be this kind of binary outcome,” he said. “It’s going to develop in a hybrid way. And you’re going to have fleets in cities that consist of some autonomous vehicles and then many human-driven vehicles as well.” Khosrowshahi underscored Uber’s commitment to autonomous vehicles, explaining that the company has 20 partners in the autonomous space and intends to have driverless cars in 15 cities by the end of the year. “And by 2029,” he said, “we think that we will facilitate more autonomous and robotaxi rides than anyone else in the world.” In response to a question about the costs associated with car ownership, Khosrowshahi revealed the ultimate endpoint of this technology, saying, “I think ultimately ... it’s just not going to make sense for you to own your own car.” In his version of the future, corporations own vehicles, not you. This is not speculation either. Khosrowshahi detailed exactly what he meant. He explained that Uber will own many of these self-driving cars in the short term. However, he detailed a future in which “financial players, you know, the Blackstones of the world” own “large fleets of cars” that “give a 9% yield.” That’s right. Khosrowshahi specifically mentioned, by name, the corporation that has become known for buying up thousands of single-family homes throughout the country and turning them into rental properties. THE JOB DISRUPTION PROBLEM The concept of self-driving cars has also raised serious concerns about job disruption. Today, millions of people make a living driving cars, trucks, buses and delivery vehicles. Many of these jobs could be threatened by autonomous vehicle technology. The true scale of this threat has been studied and debated by researchers and policymakers alike, but estimates vary widely. Some suggest that the implications could be seismic, while others suggest that a more modest transformation is likely. Khosrowshahi had thoughts on this matter. Several months ago, at the All-In Summit, he was asked directly about the potential for job disruption from autonomous vehicles. He responded, “It’s a big issue for AI in general and job displacement.” For Uber, he argued, at least for the next five years, robot cars coming onto the platform would not displace people because the platform is growing so quickly that Uber can “very easily take that demand.” DEALERS’ CHOICE 10
Khosrowshahi then admitted, “I think 10 to 15 years from now this is going to be a real issue and ... I don’t have a neat answer for it.” That is a remarkable admission. The people building this future understand that mass disruption may be coming. They just do not have a clear answer for what happens when or if it arrives. WHEN SOMEONE ELSE OWNS THE CAR, THEY MAKE THE RULES For many readers, the problem with this rearrangement of ownership may not be immediately apparent. Sure, potential job disruption could be an issue, but what is the problem with turning transportation into a service? For many, it might even sound appealing. No more car maintenance. No more insurance. No more parking headaches. Just order a ride through an app and go. The concern arises when you consider the implications of giving massive corporations control over huge swaths of the transportation system. As of now, transportation is largely decentralized. Decisions about travel are mostly left to individual commuters. They decide where they want to go, when they want to go there and how they choose to travel, with very little oversight. In a future in which corporations such as Google, Uber and Blackstone own vast fleets of vehicles, those corporations may feel empowered to make some of those decisions for you. After all, they own the vehicle, not you. Consider how social media companies have acted in recent years, stirring concerns about “big tech censorship.” These corporations pressed their thumbs on the scale of public discourse by banning certain personalities, suppressing content and demonetizing viewpoints. Is it inconceivable that some of these same corporations, or others like them, could exercise similar practices in the transportation sector? Could people be denied access to transportation services based on their political beliefs or statements they have made on social media (which has happened already)? Could access be limited to curtail climate change? Could environmental, social and governance principles or other corporate social credit systems encourage companies to restrict travel based on a user’s carbon footprint? Could the political winds of the day lead platforms to restrict rides to a firearms store, a church or a specific political rally? The original “you’ll own nothing” article was meant to illustrate an economy in which goods and assets were increasingly provided as services rather than sold directly to consumers. The reason that article drew such backlash is the same reason we should be vigilant about the future described by Uber’s CEO. When someone else owns the thing in question, they make the rules, not you. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times or the Texas Automobile Dealers Association. This article was originally published on theepochtimes.com and has been edited for clarity. To view the original article, scan the QR code. https://www.theepochtimes.com/ opinion/when-someone-elseowns-the-car-they-can-dictatewhere-you-travel-6027288 11 DEALERS’ CHOICE
TWC Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week Agency Commemorates 10 Years of ApprenticeshipTexas The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) celebrated National Apprenticeship Week from April 26 to May 2. The nationwide event highlights the significant growth of apprenticeship programs over recent years and showcases how they are developing a highly skilled workforce to strengthen our economy. “As an employer-driven talent development model, apprenticeships maximize productivity, minimize training costs and offer a direct path to a highly skilled workforce,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “Over the last decade, our agency’s efforts have helped increase the number of active apprentices in Texas by 250%, from 12,000 to more than 42,000.” Gov. Greg Abbott proclaimed that week Apprenticeship Week in Texas, emphasizing the importance of apprenticeship programs for economic growth. The proclamation noted the value of these customizable training programs in attracting and retaining skilled workers across the state. “It’s a strategic imperative for the TWC that we invest heavily in apprenticeship programs, as they are paramount for providing Texas workers with a crucial competitive edge,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “This development is powered by seasoned mentors who transfer their invaluable knowledge, ensuring apprentices are fully equipped to adapt to the dynamic demands of the modern workplace.” Apprenticeships are industry-driven career pathways in which employees are paid to work while receiving classroom instruction. For employers, apprenticeships increase retention, mitigate the high costs of training, create a reliable talent pipeline and equip workers with the skills needed to keep businesses competitive. TWC works with employers to support the more than 1,075 registered apprenticeship programs in Texas. With more than 42,400 active apprentices across the state, this training model is a proven success. “Apprenticeships serve as a launch pad for great careers for Texans, giving them the chance to earn while they learn and gain the valuable hands-on experience and skills that employers are looking for,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “By supporting these programs, we are not only building individual careers and strengthening local communities but also ensuring that Texas remains a national leader in workforce development.” The 10th Annual ApprenticeshipTexas Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Houston West Hotel on APPRENTICESHIP & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT DEALERS’ CHOICE 12
Sept. 24-25, 2026. The conference will empower attendees to start or expand apprenticeship programs that help develop a more skilled workforce. Conference registration is now open — for information and updates, visit twc.texas.gov. The ApprenticeshipTexas program offers funding initiatives to support apprenticeship initiatives for employers, including: • Apprenticeship Expansion: Funds local workforce development boards, community colleges, and education service centers to grow and modernize existing registered apprenticeships. • Pre-Apprenticeship Pathways: Prepares Texans to become apprenticeship-ready by partnering with community colleges, public independent school districts and apprenticeship committees. • Transitioning Veterans to Apprenticeships: Provides funding to nonprofit organizations that help military veterans and transitioning service members enter registered apprenticeships. • Critical Skills Apprenticeships: Encourages employers to use apprenticeships for training employees in high-demand occupations like machinists, auto service technicians and fabricators. • Healthcare Apprenticeships: Provides grants to healthcare industry employers who use registered apprenticeships to create new career pathways for nurses and other healthcare professionals. • Texas Industry Recognized Apprenticeships: Addresses immediate workforce needs by providing grants to private-sector employers for new apprenticeships in targeted occupations. Employers seeking information on starting or expanding an apprenticeship training program should contact TWC at apprenticeshiptexas@twc.texas.gov or scan the QR code to visit TWC’s ApprenticeshipTexas website. https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/apprenticeship/ apprenticeshiptexas For employers, apprenticeships increase retention, mitigate the high costs of training, create a reliable talent pipeline and equip workers with the skills needed to keep businesses competitive. 13 DEALERS’ CHOICE
NTXAD and Waco Dealers Host Inaugural Auto Tech Competition High school seniors from across Central Texas put their automotive skills to the test on Friday, April 17, competing in a regional Auto Tech Competition hosted by the North Texas Automobile Dealers (NTXAD) in partnership with Waco-region dealers and Texas State Technical College (TSTC) at TSTC’s Waco campus. The event marked the first time NTXAD and Waco-region dealers have partnered with TSTC’s automotive program, expanding NTXAD’s flagship workforce development initiative into Central Texas. “The excitement of this competition is twofold — students get to experience a potential career firsthand, and our dealership representatives get to meet emerging talent,” said Bently Durant, COO of Classic Chevrolet. Jason Baisden, service director at Autobahn Fort Worth, encouraged the students to think of the automotive industry as a garden lattice, with many directions to grow and advance throughout a career. The choice of Waco as a host site was strategic. More than 60 students from North Texas are currently enrolled in automotive training programs at TSTC Waco, representing a pipeline of talent NTXAD intends to tap directly. “These are North Texas kids who left home to get the kind of training TSTC is known for,” said Brent Franks, president of North Texas Automobile Dealers. “When they graduate, we want them to know our dealers are ready to interview them the day they come home. This competition is one way we start that conversation early.” Six teams of three students competed, representing Waco High School (two teams), Georgetown’s Future Ready Complex (two teams), Rouse High School in Leander and University High School in Waco. Teams worked through a series of hands-on stations, including electronics testing and a multi-point inspection designed to challenge them with real-world diagnostic problems. While students competed, TSTC faculty led high school advisors on a tour of the college’s auto collision and management, automotive, and diesel equipment programs. Russ Reed, an automotive instructor at University High School with five years of teaching experience and more than 30 years in the industry, said the need for skilled technicians continues to grow nationwide. He sees that interest reflected in his students every day. “I want to find the person who would take my place as a technician and have the same passion for it that I do,” Reed said. George Williams, program team lead for TSTC’s automotive and auto collision and management programs, said the competition gave students a valuable opportunity to explore TSTC’s offerings and connect directly with employers. In the weeks leading up to the competition, students shadowed technicians at dealerships near their high schools, learning to use professional tools and troubleshoot vehicle issues. APPRENTICESHIP & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT DEALERS’ CHOICE 14
COMPETITION RESULTS • First Place: Rouse High School • Second Place: Waco High School Team 1 • Third Place: Future Ready Complex Team 1 Each member of the winning Rouse team — Winston Brooks and twins Jose and Rafa Segovia — received a $1,000 scholarship from the TSTC Foundation, along with a multimeter and socket set. “The hardest part was the coolant,” Brooks said. “I like that it was a level playing field. The sportsmanship was great.” Matco Tools supplied the equipment used in the competition and provided additional tools as prizes. Second-place finishers each received a multimeter and plier set, and third-place finishers each received a multimeter and magnetic pickup. Every participating student took home an NTXAD tool bag. Competition vehicles and student mentoring were provided by Waco-region dealers, including Allen Samuels Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram (Waco), Bird Kultgen Ford (Waco), Mac Haik Ford (Georgetown), Subaru of Georgetown, Toyota of Cedar Park and University Kia (Waco). For more information on the North Texas Automobile Dealers, visit autotecheducation.org. For more information on TSTC, visit tstc.edu. 15 DEALERS’ CHOICE
NTXAD Fast Track Program Is Launching Graduates’ Automotive Careers By NORTH TEXAS AUTOMOBILE DEALERS Eight of the 14 students who completed this summer’s Fast Track Automotive Training Program at the Collin College Technical Campus in Allen are already employed by automotive dealers — several of them sent to the program by the dealerships that hired them — and the remaining six are actively interviewing. Fast Track, sponsored by the Carroll Shelby Foundation and North Texas Automobile Dealers (NTXAD), is an 80-hour program that meets five days a week over four weeks. Designed for recent high school graduates, the program strengthens the maintenance and light-repair skills introduced in high school automotive courses while preparing students for the pace and expectations of a professional dealership service department. Students received hands-on instruction in vehicle maintenance, tire service, multipoint inspections (including video inspection documentation), repair order writing, shop safety and the proper use of automotive lifts. Every graduate earned Lift Safety Certification from the Automotive Lift Institute, an industry-recognized credential they carry directly into the workplace. “The Fast Track program gives students an opportunity to sharpen the skills they learned in high school and make a successful transition into the automotive workforce,” said Brent Franks, president of North Texas Automobile Dealers. “Every graduate left this program either employed or interviewing, and several dealerships valued the training enough to send their own new hires through it. When employers [enroll] their people in a program, that tells you the training works.” “My grandfather believed in giving young people a chance to prove what they could do with their hands and their determination,” said Aaron Shelby of the Carroll Shelby Foundation. “Fast Track carries that belief forward — these APPRENTICESHIP & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT DEALERS’ CHOICE 16
graduates are starting real careers, and the Foundation is proud to help open that door.” “Hosting the NTXAD Fast Track program introduces Collin College to talented students we first meet through the Auto Tech Competition,” said Elias Alba, director of automotive and collision programs at Collin College. “Many of these students continue their education with us and go on to earn additional certifications — Fast Track is the front door to a much longer pathway.” Fast Track is one of several career pathways NTXAD has built to connect young people with automotive careers, including the North Texas Auto Tech Competition, the NTXAD Apprenticeship Program powered by ASE, dealership mentoring, career events and partnerships with area schools. Together, these programs have placed 224 students into dealership and automotive careers over the past three years. For dealers across Texas, the model is straightforward and repeatable: Connect high school automotive programs with dealership employers, add a brief but intensive bridge program built around service department needs, and let the relationships do the rest. Learn more at keepamericamoving.org. 17 DEALERS’ CHOICE
Representatives from Smith Auto Family in Levelland recently presented a 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E to the South Plains College (SPC) automotive service technology program. Patrick and Annette Sykora of Smith Auto Family designated $32,000 in grants from the NADA Foundation to the SPC Foundation for the purchase of the vehicle. Smith Auto Family has had a long-standing relationship with the college, supporting the automotive program for many years. “Throughout the years, we have donated several vehicles to the program, because for these students to have real-world experience, they need to work on vehicles,” said Annette Sykora, dealer principal of Smith Auto Family. “I think this is a great program for us to have here in West Texas.” Students in the program had the chance to view the Mustang, which will be used in lessons regarding the functions of electric vehicles. “This vehicle will be a great addition to the SPC automotive technology program,” said Gary Ham, automotive program coordinator at the SPC Levelland campus. “We can teach the theory of EVs and offer hands-on training in advanced automotive technologies, such as advanced driver assistance systems, vehicle networks, infotainment systems and electric propulsion systems.” For more information about SPC’s automotive technology program, visit southplainscollege.edu/autotech. Smith Auto Family Donation Brings Hands‑On EV Training to SPC APPRENTICESHIP & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT DEALERS’ CHOICE 18
Turning Readers into Customers Advertising in this public tion connects you with decision-m kers who re ctively seeking solutions, giving your mess ge the credibility nd visibility it needs to inspire ction. CONTACT US! mbr-connect.com • (801) 676-9722 hello@mbr-connect.com Reserve Your Ad Sp ce Tod y!
Mark Stevenson Chair-Elect Greg Bruner Chair Tim Crenwelge Immediate Past Chair Darren Whitehurst TADA President Karen Phillips TADA General Counsel and Executive Vice President Brian Bruckner Texas Truck Dealer Chairman DIRECTORS AT-LARGE CAR DEALERS C.J. Barnett Benny Boyd Bently Durant T. Harper Pat Schuchart Brandon Tomes TRUCK DEALERS James Bennie METRO CHAIRS James Bagan Shawn Barry Jacqueline Cervantes Paige Fox Don Herring Jr. Kyle Janke Brent McGavock 2026 tada Leadership 21 DEALERS’ CHOICE
32 29 16 25 31 30 28 9 8 1 2 7 3 4 17 18 20 27 5 33 6 24 21 26 19 12 13 11 14 15 34 23 22 10 35 2026 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE NORTHWEST John Luciano Vice Chair DISTRICT DIRECTORS 28 Dylan Otts 30 Patrick Sykora 31 Cory Dupriest NORTH Stephen Gilchrist Vice Chair DISTRICT DIRECTORS 10 Tony Pack 22 JJ Williams-Contreras 23 Jose Pozos 34 Sherri Herring NORTHEAST Jeff Rachor Vice Chair DISTRICT DIRECTORS 1 James Bennie 8 Scott Fly 9 Finley Ewing IV 35 John Lukehart WEST Shae Woodard Hall Vice Chair DISTRICT DIRECTORS 16 Kenny McCarty 25 Jimmy Bass 29 Bill Pollard Jr. 32 Rick Wallace CENTRAL Paula Lohse Vice Chair DISTRICT DIRECTORS 11 David Hewlett 12 Mike Zorn 13 Jon Weinzapfel 14 Scott Stark EAST Fernando Varela Vice Chair DISTRICT DIRECTORS 2 Tim Capps 3 Joe Loving 4 Robert Turner 7 Ashley Willson SOUTHEAST Roger Elswick Vice Chair DISTRICT DIRECTORS 5 Jason Feldman 15 David Haas 33 Tony Gullo Jr. SOUTH Evelyn Sames Vice Chair DISTRICT DIRECTORS 17 Melissa DeMontrond 18 Chris Wall 20 Jennifer Yoder 27 Natasha del Barrio SOUTHWEST Ryan Kirkpatrick Vice Chair DISTRICT DIRECTORS 19 Carlos Liriano 21 Trey Atkission 24 Joseph Shields 26 Jeff Kahlig DEALERS’ CHOICE 22
James Bennie Northeast, Dist. 1 Tim Capps East, Dist. 2 Joe Loving East, Dist. 3 Robert Turner East, Dist. 4 Jason Feldman Southeast, Dist. 5 Ashley Willson East, Dist. 7 2026 DISTRICT DIRECTORS Scott Fly Northeast, Dist. 8 Finley Ewing, IV Northeast, Dist. 9 Tony Pack North, Dist. 10 David Hewlett Central, Dist. 11 Mike Zorn Central, Dist. 12 Jon Weinzapfel Central, Dist. 13 Scott Stark Central, Dist. 14 David Haas Southeast, Dist. 15 Kenny McCarty West, Dist. 16 Melissa DeMontrond South, Dist. 17 Chris Wall South, Dist. 18 Carlos Liriano Southwest, Dist. 19 Jennifer Yoder South, Dist. 20 Trey Atkission Southwest, Dist. 21 Jose Pozos North, Dist. 23 Joseph Shields Southwest, Dist. 24 Jimmy Bass West, Dist. 25 Jeff Kahlig Southwest, Dist. 26 Natasha del Barrio South, Dist. 27 Dylan Otts Northwest, Dist. 28 Bill Pollard, Jr. West, Dist. 29 Patrick Sykora Northwest, Dist. 30 Cory Dupriest Northwest, Dist. 31 Rick Wallace West, Dist. 32 Tony Gullo Jr. Southeast, Dist. 33 Sherri Herring North, Dist. 34 John Lukehart Northeast, Dist. 35 Paige Fox Metro Chair James Bagan Metro Chair Jacqueline Cervantes Metro Chair Kyle Janke Metro Chair Shawn Barry Metro Chair Brent McGavock Metro Chair Don Herring Jr. Metro Chair C.J. Barnett Director-At-Large Benny Boyd Director-At-Large Bently Durant Director-At-Large T. Harper Director-At-Large Pat Schuchart Director-At-Large Brandon Tomes Director-At-Large JJ Williams‑Contreras North, Dist. 22 23 DEALERS’ CHOICE
Offboarding: Final Pay, Severance and Security Deposits By SAMANTHA ACUÑA, Legal Counsel to Chairman Esparza, Texas Workforce Commission When employees leave the workplace, many employers face concerns related to the legal obligations and offboarding responsibilities they have. As offboarding touches on various cornerstones of law and regulation, this article is intended to provide employers with an overview of key considerations regarding final pay, severance pay and security deposits under relevant Texas and federal law. FINAL PAY AND TIMELINE Final pay is regulated by the Texas Payday Law, and the timing of this final pay will be dependent on the type of separation involved. An employee’s final pay includes regular wages, fringe benefits if applicable under a written policy and any other components of the pay. Certain pay components, such as commissions or bonuses, may follow a separate payout schedule if clearly defined in the written policy or agreement. Employees who are discharged must be paid within six calendar days following their termination. However, if the employee quits, retires, resigns or leaves employment voluntarily, the final pay is due on the next regularly scheduled payday following the effective date of resignation. A mutual agreement to the separation in employment is generally considered involuntary, but would require a closer look into the details surrounding the events. More information about final pay can be found in the Texas Guidebook for Employers, available online at efte.twc.texas.gov. CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT SEVERANCE PAY When employees are laid off or have departed, certain employers grant severance pay based on the employee’s tenure at the company or other factors. Severance pay is an enforceable part of the wage agreement under the Texas Payday Law, and employers are expected to adhere to the written agreement entered into. In addition, wages in lieu of notice are optional and usually granted in exigent circumstances where notice cannot be given. As such, the Wage and Hour Department at TWC will enforce the payment and conditions that are set forth in the written policy or agreement. Additional information about severance pay is available in the Texas Guidebook for Employers at efte.twc.texas.gov. DEALERS’ CHOICE 24
AVONDALE DEALERSHIPS SPONSOR THE CHILDREN’S CANCER FUND GALA For Avondale Dealerships, the luxury automotive business is about more than offering world-class automobiles and services; it’s also about giving back to the North Texas community. For the past five years, Avondale has served the Children’s Cancer Fund (CCF) through philanthropic support, on-site involvement and additional visibility for the nonprofit’s mission. Avondale was honored to be named the Official Luxury Automobile Sponsor for the 36th Annual CCF Gala this year. The centerpiece of the event was a fashion show in which young cancer survivors walked the runway with celebrity escorts. To help elevate the gala’s atmosphere, Avondale curated a premium display of luxury vehicles and donated high-end auction packages to bolster critical fundraising efforts. Share your community news with us to be featured in the next issue! Email Janet Hale at jhale@tada.org. Community News EAST TEXAS BUICK GMC DEALERS SUPPORT FUTURE AG LEADERS Gabriel/Jordan Buick GMC, Yates GMC and the East Texas Premiere Buick GMC Dealers are proud sponsors of the West Rusk High School FFA program. The FFA program provides leadership development and introduces students to career pathways in business, agriculture, trades and other fields. DEALERS’ CHOICE 26
COMMUNITY NEWS CASA AUTO GROUP PLEDGES $1 MILLION TO DOG PARK PROJECT Casa Auto Group made a $1 million commitment to support the creation of a dog park as part of the future Deck Plaza project, a 6.5-acre park to be constructed over I-10 in downtown El Paso, Texas. The pledge was described as the “first private philanthropic investment” in the Deck Plaza project. The future CASA Auto Group Dog Park, one of the featured amenities identified in the project’s design, will include separate spaces for large and small dogs, creating a welcoming gathering place for residents, visitors and their pets in the heart of El Paso. ANCIRA AUTO GROUP VP EXPANDS ACCESS TO THE ARTS The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts recently recognized April Ancira Thompson, vice president of Ancira Auto Group and a Tobin Center board member, for meeting her $100,000 fundraising goal in support of the center’s charitable programs to expand access to the arts in the San Antonio community. The funds will support the Charlie’s Seats initiative, which provides free and discounted tickets to under-resourced youth, college students, first responders, teachers, active and retired military, and SNAP recipients. The funds will also support transportation scholarships, enabling schools to bring students to experience live performing arts at The Tobin Center. EAST TEXAS BUICK GMC DEALERS SPONSOR SCHOLARSHIP GOLF TOURNAMENT The East Texas Premier Buick GMC Dealers were proud sponsors of the 31st Annual Robert D. Dickerson Memorial Golf Tournament, presented by the Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU) Alumni Association. Rob Dickerson’s life was tragically cut short by cancer at a young age, but his impact continues to be felt in a powerful way. Through this tournament, a fully endowed scholarship has been established that will support future SFASU students for generations to come. 27 DEALERS’ CHOICE
COMMUNITY NEWS SMITH AUTO FAMILY SCHOLARSHIPS SUPPORT EDUCATION FOR EMPLOYEES AND FAMILIES Smith Auto Family announced the recipients of its 2026 Sykora Family Foundation Scholarships, awarded annually to Smith Auto Family employees, their spouses, children or grandchildren continuing their education after high school. We wish all the recipients continued success in their education! CAVENDER AUTO EMPLOYEES IMPROVE STUDENTS’ FINANCIAL LITERACY Cavender Auto Group partnered with Junior Achievement of South Texas to offer financial education to sixth-grade students from Navarro Middle School in Seguin. Volunteers from the group’s San Antonio headquarters and Audi Dominion spent the day at JA Finance Park offering real-world lessons in budgeting, taxes, careers, credit, financial institutions and even what it takes to purchase a vehicle. SAMES AUTO GROUP DONATES $20K FOR CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL TRANSPORTATION Sames Auto Group donated $20,000 to Driscoll Children’s Hospital through its Test Drive for Smiles initiative. The funds will support the hospital’s critical transport team, which provides transportation services for critically ill children across South Texas. DEALERS’ CHOICE 28
COMMUNITY NEWS ANCIRA AUTO GROUP DONATES $70K TO WISH FOR OUR HEROES Ancira Auto Group hosted a fundraiser in May benefiting Wish for our Heroes, an organization that grants the wishes of active-duty service members in our nation’s military. The group donated $20 for every alignment performed in May and $100 for every vehicle sale in the last week of May, for a total donation of $69,940. WEST POINT LINCOLN GIVES UNFORGETTABLE RIDES TO CHILDREN FIGHTING ILLNESS West Point Lincoln of Sugar Land served as the meeting point for an amazing Dream Rydes Experience, a very special outing for kids battling cancer and chronic illness, along with their families. The kids chose from an incredible lineup of exotic vehicles to serve as their ride to see Sesame Street Live at Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land, making an already exciting day unforgettable for everyone involved. 29 DEALERS’ CHOICE
Hacienda Ford Celebrates 85 Years of Excellence Hacienda Ford has been dedicated to serving the Rio Grande Valley community for 85 years strong. In recognition of this accomplishment, the office of State Rep. Terry Canales presented the dealership with a Texas House Resolution and Flag. Congratulations to Jennifer Yoder and Hacienda Ford! Photo credit: Edinburg Chamber of Commerce DEALERS’ CHOICE 30
Vehicle transportation is now a must-have for dealers everywhere. We think safe vehicle transportation should be too. With robust security features and our dedicated Marketplace Integrity Team, Central Dispatch has everything you need to move vehicles with more confidence. Nissan of Fort Myers Central Dispatch helps you stay safe and master every move. See how you can make every move safer at CentralDispatch.com/MasterEveryMove Mike Spinazze
Valley Automobile Dealers Association Annual Membership Meeting July 9, 2026 | McAllen, TX 2026-2027 VADA scholarship recipient Ashlyn Gonzalez 2026-2027 VADA Board of Directors and scholarship recipients Rep. Oscar Longoria, District 35, Texas House of Representatives VADA Immediate Past President Samuel Tijerina passes the gavel to his successor, Jacqueline Cervantes. TADA President Darren Whitehurst greets Rep. Oscar Longoria. The Valley Automobile Dealers Association 2026-2027 Board of Directors DEALERS’ CHOICE 32
El Paso New Car Dealers Association Annual Membership Meeting June 9, 2026 | The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park 2026-2027 EPNCDA scholarship recipient Elijah Dominguez 2026-2027 EPNCDA scholarship recipient Salvador Fierro Rep. Joe Moody, District 78, Texas House of Representatives EPNCDA Immediate Past President Jeff Pester passes the gavel to his successor, Paige Fox. The El Paso New Car Dealers Association 2026-2027 Board of Directors EPNCDA members and 2026-2027 scholarship recipients 33 DEALERS’ CHOICE
Women’s Network of HADA Spring Networking Event May 20, 2026 | Houston, TX The Women’s Network of the Houston Automobile Dealers Association (HADA) recently welcomed over 60 automotive professionals from across the region to the Julia Ideson Building in downtown Houston for its 2026 Spring Networking Event. Sponsored by the Ken Garff Automotive Group’s Houston dealerships, the event featured collaborative roundtable discussions centered on professional development, workplace mentorship and the evolving role of women in automotive retail. Participants shared perspectives on building leadership confidence, DEALERS’ CHOICE 34
creating stronger support systems within dealerships and identifying opportunities for continued growth within the industry. Attendees represented a variety of dealership departments, including operations, marketing, accounting, finance and fixed operations, as well as associate member companies across a wide range of businesses, highlighting the diverse career opportunities available throughout automotive retail. “This event reinforced the importance of creating spaces where professionals can openly exchange ideas, build relationships and strengthen connections within the dealer community,” said HADA Executive Vice President RoShelle Salinas. “It was exciting to see the engagement and conversations we had demonstrated the strength, talent and leadership already present within our industry.” HADA plans to continue expanding professional development and networking opportunities for dealership employees throughout the year. If you’d like to host an event or get involved, email info@houstoncardealers.com. 35 DEALERS’ CHOICE
Texas added 43,400 nonfarm jobs in June, bringing the total to 14,469,600 positions. Over the year, the state added 177,900 jobs for an annual growth rate of 1.2%, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.9%. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,904,900 after adding 3,400 people over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 29,700 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.4%. “Texas’ continued job growth is a testament to the strength of our employers and robust workforce development system,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Joe Esparza. “The addition of more than 177,000 jobs over the year reinforces Texas’ reputation among employers as the best place to start and grow a business.” The professional and business services industry had the largest private-sector over-the-month increase in June after adding 25,500 jobs. Leisure and hospitality added 10,300 jobs over the month, while trade, transportation and utilities added 6,400. “The growth of the Texas labor market highlights the incredible talent and dedication of our state’s workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “The Texas Workforce Commission is committed to ensuring every Texan has the support they need to thrive, whether through training opportunities to gain new skills or specialized programs that help our foster youth transition into successful careers.” Texas Job Market Grows by MORE THAN 177,000 POSITIONS Over the Year By TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate, at 3.6% in June, not seasonally adjusted. It was followed by the San Angelo MSA at 3.9% and the Abilene MSA at 4.0%. “With an annual growth rate of 1.2%, Texas continues to outpace the national average and demonstrate economic resilience,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “Both job seekers and employers can seek customized career services and recruitment assistance by visiting our TWC website or their local Workforce Solutions office.” Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. *All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit texaslmi.com. DEALERS’ CHOICE 36
Civilian Labor Force Estimates for Texas Metropolitan Statistical Areas Not Seasonally Adjusted (In Thousands) JUNE 2026 MAY 2026 JUNE 2025 C.L.F. Emp. Unemp. Rate C.L.F. Emp. Unemp. Rate C.L.F. Emp. Unemp. Rate United States 170,198.0 162,722.0 7,476.0 4.4 169,801.0 162,897.0 6,904.0 4.1 171,343.0 163,883.0 7,460.0 4.4 Texas 15,921.9 15,141.0 781.0 4.9 15,915.7 15,237.9 677.8 4.3 15,866.5 15,193.2 673.2 4.2 Abilene 89.7 86.1 3.6 4.0 89.7 86.6 3.1 3.4 88.1 85.0 3.1 3.5 Amarillo 139.8 134.1 5.7 4.1 140.0 135.1 4.9 3.5 140.0 135.6 4.4 3.2 Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos 1,569.3 1,505.3 64.0 4.1 1,564.2 1,508.8 55.4 3.5 1,556.4 1,502.4 54.0 3.5 BeaumontPort Arthur 185.4 173.9 11.4 6.2 184.8 174.8 10.0 5.4 184.7 175.1 9.7 5.2 BrownsvilleHarlingen 189.2 175.4 13.7 7.3 189.1 176.7 12.4 6.6 191.8 176.9 14.9 7.8 College StationBryan 152.0 145.4 6.6 4.4 157.2 151.5 5.7 3.6 151.4 145.7 5.7 3.8 Corpus Christi 213.6 202.7 10.9 5.1 214.1 204.7 9.5 4.4 213.8 204.3 9.5 4.4 Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington 4,572.8 4,360.0 212.8 4.7 4,570.8 4,386.5 184.3 4.0 4,556.3 4,375.4 180.9 4.0 Dallas-PlanoIrving MD 3,114.7 2,969.4 145.3 4.7 3,115.9 2,989.4 126.6 4.1 3,104.2 2,980.5 123.6 4.0 Fort WorthArlingtonGrapevine MD 1,458.1 1,390.6 67.6 4.6 1,454.9 1,397.2 57.7 4.0 1,452.2 1,394.9 57.3 3.9 Eagle Pass 25.3 23.1 2.2 8.7 25.4 23.2 2.2 8.6 25.2 22.7 2.5 10.0 El Paso 422.4 401.7 20.7 4.9 423.2 405.0 18.1 4.3 421.7 403.3 18.5 4.4 Houston-PasadenaThe Woodlands 3,920.6 3,716.2 204.4 5.2 3,911.6 3,732.6 179.0 4.6 3,911.2 3,734.6 176.6 4.5 Killeen-Temple 204.9 193.6 11.3 5.5 205.8 196.0 9.8 4.8 205.1 195.6 9.6 4.7 Laredo 121.8 115.5 6.2 5.1 121.7 116.3 5.5 4.5 122.1 116.2 6.0 4.9 Longview 129.8 122.9 6.9 5.3 129.7 123.8 6.0 4.6 129.9 124.0 5.9 4.5 Lubbock 187.7 179.3 8.4 4.5 188.0 181.2 6.8 3.6 186.6 179.6 7.0 3.8 McAllen-EdinburgMission 407.2 378.5 28.7 7.0 406.5 381.6 24.9 6.1 404.8 378.0 26.8 6.6 Midland 106.8 103.0 3.8 3.6 106.5 103.2 3.3 3.1 106.3 102.9 3.3 3.1 Odessa 87.8 83.9 3.9 4.4 87.8 84.4 3.4 3.9 88.1 84.8 3.3 3.7 San Angelo 62.4 60.0 2.5 3.9 62.1 60.0 2.1 3.4 61.7 59.7 2.0 3.3 San AntonioNew Braunfels 1,350.4 1,285.8 64.6 4.8 1,354.2 1,298.4 55.8 4.1 1,352.8 1,298.6 54.2 4.0 Sherman-Denison 73.4 69.9 3.5 4.7 73.4 70.4 3.0 4.1 72.7 69.9 2.8 3.9 Texarkana 62.5 59.4 3.0 4.8 62.3 59.6 2.6 4.2 62.4 59.6 2.8 4.4 Tyler 121.7 116.2 5.5 4.5 122.5 117.7 4.8 3.9 121.0 116.4 4.6 3.8 Victoria 44.9 42.7 2.2 4.9 44.9 43.0 1.9 4.2 45.0 43.1 1.9 4.2 Waco 147.2 140.4 6.8 4.6 146.9 141.1 5.8 4.0 146.0 140.1 5.9 4.1 Wichita Falls 66.0 63.0 3.1 4.7 66.0 63.5 2.5 3.8 66.7 64.1 2.6 3.9 37 DEALERS’ CHOICE
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