On behalf of the Board of Directors, we hope the summer months continue to be successful for the dealerships you own, or are employed at. The Los Angeles County area has gone through some ups and downs relative to the COVID case rate, and we have seen the mask mandate go away and return. It is encouraging to see new car dealers have success even as we experience a shortage of inventory. New Car Dealers are resourceful entrepreneurs, and thriving and surviving the past eighteen months is proof of that.
The association has hosted some virtual career information events with our area community college partners. The purpose of these events is to showcase the opportunities that exist for automotive technicians that are working towards a degree. We will continue to have these events in the fall, and encourage all dealer members to have dealership representatives attend (virtually). These events are opportunities for high school students who are considering this path as well, and become familiar with college education opportunities that are affordable, and exist right here in Los Angeles County. The association has contributed over $200,000 in financial assistance to these community college programs the past two years to use towards student scholarships, and equipment upgrades. There are many student technicians who are ideal candidates to work in new car dealerships in the near future.
We are planning our annual dealer member luncheon meeting on November 5, at the Universal Sheraton. If you are not a current member, there is still time to join for 2021, and membership includes two complimentary seats at the luncheon. Please contact Natalie at natalie@caladmanagement.com or 213-748-0240, to check your membership status. There are sponsorship opportunities that Bob Smith (Bob@glancda.org) can email you that allow for recognition and either two or four seats at the luncheon for our vendors and industry partners. We have a great lineup of speakers, and hope to have as many dealer principals in attendance. The need for new car dealers to work together and have a collective voice with our elected officials has never been greater. The strength of our association relies on member engagement.
The Los Angeles Auto Show is scheduled to begin in late November, and the association continues to help promote its success. The opportunity to see all the newest makes and models of cars under one roof helps simplify the new car buying process. Please encourage your customers and dealership representatives to attend, and bring the family along for an enjoyable experience.
Please continue to stay safe and do our part in keeping our dealerships moving forward successfully. The pandemic will eventually fade away, but new car dealerships are here to stay!
