Secure Your Future in Washington, D.C.

AIADA’s International Auto Industry Summit in Washington, D.C. has a different theme every year. This year it is “Securing the Future.” As someone who runs a family business with my brothers, and as the father of two young children, that theme really resonates with me. In today’s political environment, and under current economic conditions, maintaining a small business and securing a stable future for our employees and family is every small business owner’s biggest concern. Dealers, as linchpins in an industry that is so vital to this country, face even more government scrutiny and interference than most small business owners.

That is why it is absolutely crucial that we have a strong presence in Washington, D.C. Dealers need AIADA to represent our interests before Congress, the White House, and the seemingly endless list of government agencies that want to regulate the way we do business.

In 2012, AIADA is working for dealers on a variety of issues, including trade, taxes, labor, and regulations. They do a great job for us – but they can’t do it alone. AIADA needs YOU to strengthen our presence in Washington. They need you to travel to D.C. and remind the government that our industry has a face, a name, a family, and a mission to help secure ALL of our futures.

This year, the Senate will be in session during our Summit, but unfortunately the House of Representatives changed their schedule and will be in recess. House staff, however, will still be hard at work and holding meetings. It’s not too late to schedule your own meeting – once you register for the Summit, you can request that AIADA arrange a meeting with your Senate and House offices.

In addition to your meetings on Capitol Hill, the Summit will feature a variety of speakers, including former Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour, Charlie Cook of the Cook Political Report, and Missouri Senator Roy Blunt. Automotive News editor Jason Stein will moderate our manufacturer panel, which this year includes Jeff Conrad of Acura, Tom Loveless of Kia, Tim Morrison of Lexus, and Frank Trivieri of Volkswagen. For a full agenda, and to register, click here.

Remember, today is the LAST day you can reserve a room at the Mayflower Renaissance Hotel in Washington under AIADA’s special rate.

I look forward to seeing a powerful contingent of dealers in Washington later this month. Like most things worth doing, securing our future won’t be easy. But it will be worth it.