Page 8 - VIADA Directory 2020

VIADA • A HISTORY

The Virginia Independent Automobile impact on the independent automobile of new technologies or services offered
Dealers Association, Inc., (VIADA) was industry. If there are any that impact us, to the industry, as well as the ability to
officially organized and incorporated in legislators are contacted and the pros network with other dealer-operators.
1960 and traces its beginning back 15 and cons are relayed to them so that Communication with members is
years ago to a group of Norfolk dealers the best outcome can be negotiated. accomplished predominately through
who formed a local association to fight Members are also encouraged through the quarterly magazine and annual
unfair laws and regulations. a grassroots effort to contact their Membership & Services Directory.
legislators to relay their support or
VIADA is a 501(c)(6) tax exempt trade opposition to the proposed legislation. As an additional service, and an
association affiliated with the National additional source of revenue to
Independent Automobile Dealers VIADA also has staff that attend all accomplish all that we do, VIADA
Association (NIADA). When you join meetings of the Motor Vehicle Dealer maintains an inventory of specialized
the state association, you automatically Board and provide input regarding business forms and supplies for sale.
become a member of NIADA. VIADA proposed policies and regulations. Agreements with some vendors also
employs an Executive Director who provide discounts or rebates directly to
executes policies set by the VIADA Both of the activities – lobbying and the members.
Board of Directors. He is responsible MVDB – require an intense amount of
for the day-to-day management time which either would not happen or The impact/effectiveness an industry
activities of the Association, including certainly would be less effective without has on legislative and regulatory
the activities and performances of six the support of members year after year. issues is typically determined by the
employees. number of businesses/individuals its
Other benefits and services provided trade association represents. With
VIADA’s mission is to inform, educate, by VIADA include a 1-800 Hot Line fewer numbers, you have less clout;
and represent motor vehicle dealers in where an industry expert can answer more representation means more
all forums, and to work in cooperation 95% of our members’ questions/ constituents are paying attention to
with other organizations for the concerns about MVDB and DMV what their legislator is doing to either
betterment of this industry and to make regulations and policies. Educational help or hurt the industry. And, the
the Commonwealth of Virginia a safer workshops and seminars as well as more complex the industry becomes,
community for all. the annual Convention and Expo are the more an actively involved trade
held to educate dealer-operators and association is needed. Thank you for
Legislatively, VIADA retains a lawyer- their employees so that all can be being a part of VIADA’s effectiveness
lobbyist to represent VIADA before the compliant. VIADA currently has eight to protect the industry.
General Assembly plus the Director districts, each with its own leadership
of Education is also a registered team, who hold meetings throughout
lobbyist. All legislation introduced is the year allowing opportunities for
reviewed to determine if there is an members and non-members to learn

VIADA STAFF

ALVIN PETER VICKIE KATHERINE LAWRI BOYER TINA SARAH
MELENDEZ, IARICCI LONDON BYRD Bookkeeper ALLMAN SHIFFLETT
CMD Director of Education Membership Fredericksburg Harrisonburg
Executive Director: Education/ & Inventory Development Auto Auction Auto Auction
Responsible Legislation Coordinator Representative Representative
for overall Instructor:
management Recertification and
and successful Dealer-Operator
operations of the Courses
Association

6 | 2020 VIADA Membership and Services Directory