The Only Constant Is Change By Darren Whitehurst, President, TADA Change is all around us, and it’s an exhilarating force that shapes our lives and industry. The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus famously stated, “The only constant is change,” and this timeless truth remains relevant today. As we emerge from a major pandemic and a national election, it’s clear that the status quo will once again be challenged. Auto dealers have faced transformations for over a century, and I am genuinely excited about the changes that lie ahead. One of the greatest strengths of automobile dealers is our incredible ability to adapt. We navigate a complex landscape of state and federal regulations daily, and through these challenges, I am continually impressed by the resilience and creativity of our members. TADA has always been proud to serve as a catalyst for improvement within the franchised dealer system. I am thrilled to announce our upcoming transformation of the Texas Dealer Academy into the TADA Leadership Network. This initiative will provide a dynamic forum for current and future leaders to engage in meaningful discussions about emerging trends in the automotive industry, learn about how TADA works to build and maintain a better business climate in Texas, and learn behind-the-scenes updates on the legal, political and regulatory landscape ahead. I encourage you to invest in the future of TADA and the development of your promising employees by giving them the opportunity to participate in this important organization and build invaluable relationships with their peers. Please reach out to Kathy Sims if you have any questions or need additional information. With all this talk of change, there is at least one constant, the Texas Legislature will convene on the second Tuesday in January. On Jan. 14, 2025, the 89th Texas Legislature will start its 140-day work to pass a biennial state budget and tackle the myriad of issues facing the state, including a number of critical ones that impact our industry. These range from proposed changes to the state franchise laws to vehicle financing and warranty work. We are entering this session with renewed energy and optimism. After nearly two decades of exceptional leadership from Rob Braziel, I am excited to announce the promotion of Kate McGrath to senior vice president. She will be responsible for leading our state and federal legislative efforts moving forward. I am thrilled to have her direct these efforts and have no doubt that with your continued collaboration, we will build on our past successes and navigate the challenging road ahead with confidence. Finally, I hope you’ve had the chance to connect with your state elected officials through the campaign season. The 181 members of the Texas House (150) and Senate (31) play a pivotal role in creating a fair business environment for auto dealers and the consumers we serve. A proven constant for TADA is that all politics are ultimately local, and TADA has worked collaboratively with our metro associations and local dealers to demonstrate the positive impact that Texas dealerships have on their communities. So please, if you haven’t done so already, consider inviting your elected officials out to your dealership for a visit. Change is inevitable. It brings with it incredible opportunities for growth and innovation. I am excited about what the future holds for Texas auto dealers and am deeply impressed by the commitment and talent of our team and our members. Together, we will shape a brighter future for the automotive industry in Texas. PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE DEALERS’ CHOICE 6
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