Pub. 1 Issue 3

7 Message from President and CEO, Don Hall Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving. Albert Einstein N o one has ever claimed that running a business is a static thing. And no one knows this better than our dealer members. Our very business model is con- stantly under attack. As you all know, Virginia is a swing state, and all 140 seats are up for grabs in this next election, which will make for a whole new challenge as newly elected offi- cials will all be clamoring to make a name for themselves. The key, of course, is balance. A moderation, if you will, between keeping what works and moving forward in a way that not only meets the ever-changing aspect of the automotive industry, but allows our dealers to thrive as business owners and leaders within their communities. VADA’s commitment to our members and the industry is, quite frankly, one of not getting too comfortable. As an organization, we’re strong. Our mission and values are intact. We are focused on being and creating “pullers,” if you will. I think the message that is at the forefront right now is not to get too comfortable. It’s a rare business – or organization, for that matter – that can survive at the status quo for long. VADA spends a lot of time on legislative issues, and I invite you all to get into the weeds of our local political climate with us. Why? Because it affects us all, from the amount of taxes we pay on our office supplies to what you can and can’t put on your dealer- ship’s social media accounts. VADA’s PAC is dedicated to making sure that we all have a voice and a seat at the table. Our programs are directly invested in helping our members run bigger, better operations. We invite you to engage with all that we have to offer – VADA is an organization created by our members, for our members, and we couldn’t be as effective as we are, without you. Check out this issue with your smartphone! https://www.thenewslinkgroup.com/clients/VADA/pdfs/sum- mer2019/index.html