Independent dealers from across Ohio converged Saturday in Columbus for a day of networking and learning.
Dealers took part in workshops and learning labs on collections, marketing, finance and compliance at the Ohio Independent Auto Dealer Association Conference and Expo at the Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center.
Along with the concurrent education sessions, more than 35 industry partners provided solutions for dealers in an expo hall. An awards dinner closed the day.
“The OIADA does a great job. I’m impressed with how much they pack into one day. Wendy [Rinehart], her team, and the OIADA board members are very respectful of making sure dealers don’t have to be away from their dealership for multiple days,” said NIADA CEO Jeff Martin. “All around, it was a great event.”
Lisa D. Marshall, the CEO of North Main Motors, Inc., in Marysville, Ohio, was named the 2024 Ohio Quality Dealer of the Year. In her 29th year, she oversees the daily and fiscal operations of the dealership, adhering to the founding principles in customer service of the original owner, Harold Green.
“We’re going to see these folks in the grocery story, in the schools, at the ballfields…We want to be their friends, not just their car dealer,” Green told his employees.
Along with serving generations of repeat customers in the past 36 years, North Main Motors is involved in the community, sponsoring athletic teams, youth agricultural projects, and helping to fund a financial literacy program.
Rinehart thanked everyone for their work to make it a successful event.
“The team at OIADA would like to thank all our dealers, sponsors, vendors, and speakers for their attendance and continued support,” Rinehart said. “Without them, we are nothing, together we are unstoppable. We look forward to their feedback and comments so that we can make next year even better.”
