The North Carolina General Assembly recently wrapped up the primary portion of its 2026 legislative session. While lawmakers will continue to return to Raleigh periodically during the remainder of the year, the pace at the Legislative Building will certainly slow down for a while. But for NCADA, the work does not stop when the legislature goes home. In fact, some of the most important work we do takes place between legislative sessions. Our job is not simply to react when a bill affecting dealers is introduced. We want to identify issues early, understand what they mean for our members and, whenever possible, help shape the conversation before decisions are made. Dealers have always adapted to change, and they will continue to do so. At the same time, NCADA must remain vigilant as the industry evolves to ensure that North Carolina’s strong franchise law continues to protect consumers, promote a fair and competitive marketplace, and keep pace with changes in the automotive industry. That means watching developments in other states, working closely with NADA and other dealer associations, reviewing manufacturer programs and, most importantly, listening to what our dealers are seeing in the marketplace. Often, the first indication of an emerging problem is a dealer calling us and asking, “Have you seen this?” Those conversations matter. Sometimes they lead to legislation. Other times, they give us an opportunity to resolve an issue before legislation is ever necessary. In many ways, the best advocacy effort is one that prevents a problem from ever becoming a major fight. Our ongoing work with the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles is another good example. North Carolina is undertaking a significant modernization of the systems that support driver and vehicle services, and NCADA will continue working to make sure the dealer perspective is represented throughout that process. The months ahead will also be about relationships. Every seat in the North Carolina House and Senate is on the ballot this year. When the next General Assembly convenes, there will be familiar faces as well as new legislators who may know very little about our industry or the franchise system. Strong relationships are built over time, long before an important vote is ever on the table. That is where our dealer members play such an important role. A legislator may hear from me or the NCADA team about an industry issue, but there is no substitute for hearing directly from a dealer in his or her district. Our dealerships are employers, taxpayers and major investors in communities across North Carolina. They support schools, charities, civic organizations and countless local causes. That is an important story, and our members are the best people to tell it. The same is true at the federal level. This fall, North Carolina dealers will again travel to Washington for the NADA Washington Conference and meet directly with members of our congressional delegation. Those face-to-face conversations remain one of the most effective ways to make sure policymakers understand how their decisions affect dealerships, employees and customers back home. So, while the legislative calendar may be quieter, there is no offseason for NCADA. We will continue working with state agencies, monitoring changes in the franchise relationship, preparing for the elections and the next legislative session, coordinating with NADA on federal issues, and handling the many regulatory and operational matters that affect our members every day. Much of that work happens quietly, and that is often exactly how successful association work looks. For me, one of the most important parts of this job is continuing to hear directly from our dealers. A phone call, a conversation at an event or a question about something happening in your dealership can be the first indication of an issue that deserves our attention. Please continue to keep us informed. Tell us what you are seeing, what is working and where problems may be developing. As always, thank you for your support. John Policastro NCADA President & CEO PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE There Is No Offseason By JOHN POLICASTRO, President, NCADA 6
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