It has truly been an honor to represent independent dealers as a board member for the better part of eight years, and now as president.
This business has been very good to me and now I have an opportunity to give back in a very personal and meaningful way.
We’ve had some extremely dynamic times over the past couple of years that no one could have ever predicted. A global pandemic, chip shortages, businesses being forced to shut down. Nothing remotely close to what any of us have been through before.
In spite of the new things we’ve learned and the adaptations we’ve made through all of the disruptions of the pandemic, it is imperative that we continue to learn and continue to grow.
NIADA has developed an extensive and robust five-year strategic plan centered around just that – helping our members navigate these challenging times while continuing to learn and grow.
That plan was designed to address the challenges faced by all members, large and small.
At the forefront is our commitment to be more member- and state-focused than ever before, to make sure our members are not only benefitting from their membership but are better positioned for success. And I believe we can do just that.
We’ve made tremendous strides during my tenure on the board, establishing permanent, full-time lobbying staff in Washington and continuing to increase our interactions with the legislators and the regulatory agencies that govern us to help educate them about how our industry actually works.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on harmful legislation that would impact independent dealers and we’ll ensure that the voice of our members continues to be heard on Capitol Hill.
We’ll continue to invest in dealer education. Whether it’s learning how to adapt to the industry’s move toward EVs or competing head-to-head with online dealers, we must provide the tools for our members to learn and adapt. And we’ll do just that.
And it’s never been more important than it is right here, right now to join your local and state associations.
It is vital to your success. Plain and simple.
Make plans to attend your state and national conventions. See what they’re all about. I’ve learned more attending these events over the years than I could have ever learned on my own.
Finally, if you have the time, ask to serve. I can’t emphasize enough how important that is.
I am looking forward to serve you over the next year!
Scott Allen
2022 NIADA Board President
Auto Land
Haltom City TX 76117