On May 13, 2009, the American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) presented its first ever L.A.N. Grassroots Advocacy Award to Shau-wai Lam of Summit, N.J. during AIADA's Annual International Auto Summit in Washington, D.C.
Lam was among the first dealers to join AIADA's L.A.N. in 2007, and he has remained one of its most active members. He frequently contacts his members of Congress regarding important legislation and encourages his employees and colleagues to do the same. He also recently hosted his district Congressman, Scott Garrett (R-N.J.), for a visit to DCH Paramus Honda in Paramus, N.J., where he provided a first-hand account of how national legislation is affecting his business.
Lam, a member of AIADA since 1998, first got involved in the auto retail industry in 1979 when his employer, the Dah Chong Hong (DCH) Trading Corporation, founded DCH Paramus Honda in New Jersey. In 1979, Lam moved to Los Angeles to launch DCH's western region automotive operation. He was appointed President of DCH in 1988. Today, DCH Auto Group operates 27 dealerships in California, New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut, and posted sales of over $1.83 billion in 2008.
Lam believes strongly in giving back to his community. Under his leadership, DCH Auto Group has established an annual standard based on profitability to determine its dealerships' annual charitable contributions. Additionally, he and his wife are active in supporting several organizations that provide health, educational, cultural, and community services.
