Tuesday, 24 November 2009 12:56
I can't say this year has flown by.
There were times when I thought 2009 might never end. Between two wars and a crippling recession, I imagine most Americans can say the same.
Nevertheless, here we are at the end of November, and tomorrow is already Thanksgiving, one of my favorite holidays. It's a time to acknowledge all that we have been blessed with: our families, our businesses, our communities, and our country.
This year, we dealers have a lot to give thanks for.
It's funny how hard times seem to make us more aware of what we have. When the economy thrived, it was easy to get caught up in the moment. There was no time for reflection when time was money.
Now, after a year of uncertainty and conflict, it seems natural to look around and be grateful for what we have. And it's always people for whom we are most thankful. The family around our tables, the friends we can always count on, the employees to whom we owe so much, our customers, our neighbors, our soldiers, our legislators - the list goes on and on.
Dealers have a list of blessings that differs slightly from the general population. We are thankful for our inventory, for manufacturers who believed in us, for credit that came through at the last minute, for Cash for Clunkers, and for every other little thing that stood between us and disaster this year.
We are even thankful for years like 2009, which hone our skills as businessmen and women and provide us with the perspective we sometimes lack.
On a personal note, I want to take this opportunity to thank you. Thank you for your involvement in AIADA, thank you for joining me in defending the industry that has given us so much, and thank you for reading these weekly letters - whether you agree with me or not!
Stay safe this long holiday weekend, and be sure to take a moment to give thanks.
Russ Darrow, AIADA Chairman
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