Craig Bickmore, Executive Director Executive Director’s Message NCDU Still Bullish After All These Years… Speaker Brad Wilson quoted the following during a recent House address: “The pessimist complains about the wind, the optimist expects it to change, and the realist adjusts the sail.” I think that as 2022 begins, adopting a realistic view and adjusting our sail is very good advice. However, there is also much to be optimistic about, and those who know me are well aware that while adjusting the sail is prudent and good business, I am bullish on this industry. Just recently, we inducted two dealers into our 35th Hall of Fame, and both Tony Divino and Kyle Treadway have seen the success of adjusting sails throughout their successful careers. And here’s the thing – when you adjust your sail just right, there’s a tailwind that can be magnificent. I encourage you to read their stories and the personal reflections of their careers in this issue of our magazine. Also, in this issue, you will find an economic report by Natalie Gochnour, chief economist for the Salt Lake Chamber and director of the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah. As usual, her insights offer much value to our state’s small business owners, but interestingly she also tempers her economic message with some real-world advice that I found particularly noteworthy. During times of stress and turbulence, she gives the following advice: 1. Practicing warm-heartedness 2. Respecting facts and deploying wisdom 3. Seeking balance I would suggest that these three ideas are all part of the actions surrounding “adjusting the sails,” that small business owners routinely do. But here’s the thing – these ideas are easier put into practice when you are a member of NCDU. Being a member of NCDU opens up a large network of dealers here to support each other and foster that warmheartedness the world so badly needs right now. Our dealers are mainstays of community engagement and giving back to causes that are near and dear. When our communities are strong, we’re strong, and every dealer in our association goes above and beyond. Likewise, the educational opportunities offered through NCDU and NADA supplies meaningful and factual information about industry news that supports good decisions. Again, something that is crucial. And finally, when you have a network of people and resources at your disposal, balance is typically the result. The NCDU stands ready to support and aid our dealers in running their dealerships, as we have throughout the last many decades. Together we make a difference, not just in our communities but in the lives of our staff, colleagues, and our own. As always, I am grateful to be working so closely with so many accomplished, kind and caring individuals. 3 Thank you! Craig Bickmore 4
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