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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

GET INVOLVED TO BE

HEARD

In the past few weeks, I’ve noticed an abundance of vehicles with 30-day tags on them.
Most of the dealers I’ve spoken with agreed that tax season for the past 2-3 years has
fallen well short of previous years. Passing by dealerships in our area, you’ll see increased
lot traffic. We’ve noticed the same on our lot, as well. Hopefully these are indicators of an
improving economy, higher consumer confidence, and the economy moving in a positive
direction.

In my previous article in January, I mentioned our recent elections and two virtual ties.
One seat was decided by drawing from a “fish bowl.” The other was decided two-and-a-half
hours before the House was to be gaveled into session. This should tell each of us the im-
portance of being involved, and living up to our responsibility to be informed and to vote.

Your voice is just as important to VIADA. The association is your representation in Rich-
BOBBY STEELE mond. We want and need to hear from you. I urge you to attend your district meetings.
PRESIDENT, VIADA There you will find other dealers and sponsors committed to protecting and guiding our
industry. I hope to see you there. n

2017-2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS District 3 / Roanoke Area PAST PRESIDENTS
STATE OFFICERS President: Brad White, Bluegrass Auto Sales Gail Davis, Davis Auto Sales II
Chairman of the Board Sonny Arrington, Price Is Right Auto Sales Sandra Moss, Moss Motor Company
Rob Fisher, Northside Auto Sales John Porter, Porter’s Automotive, Inc. Weldon Whitehurst, VA Beach Truck Center
President
Bobby Steele, Steele’s Auto Sales District 4 / Northern VA COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN
President-Elect President: Al Abady, Ellas Auto Outlet, Inc. Steering & Budget
Brad White, Bluegrass Auto Sales Jason Adams, ABC DieselZ Andrew Wiley, Consumers Auto Warehouse
Vice President Craig Amelung, Manheim Fredericksburg Member Benefits
Don Sullivan, Sr., Sullivan Auto Trading Don Sullivan, Sr., Sullivan Auto Trading
Vice President District 5 /Southern VA
Matt McMurray, CMD, Campus Automotive President: Richard Semones, Semones Professional Development
Vice President Automotive, Inc. Sajal Narayan, Best Bet Motor Sales Corp.
Al Abady, Ellas Auto Outlet Brent Toone, Lakeview Motors Publications & Events
Secretary Sammy Wright, Church Street Auto Matt McMurray, CMD, Campus Automotive
Sajal Narayan, Best Bet Motor Sales Corp.
Treasurer District 6 / Western VA Membership Development
Andrew Wiley, Consumers Auto Warehouse President: Sajal Narayan, Best Bet Al Abady, Ellas Auto Outlet
Motor Sales, Corp. Government Relations
DISTRICT & PAST PRESIDENT Paul Lynn Martin, L & B Auto, Inc. Brad White, Bluegrass Auto Sales
REPRESENTATIVES John Taylor, Regional Auto Sales
Volunteers Needed!
District 1 / Tidewater District 7 /Shenandoah Valley Want to take on a leadership role? Do you
President: Don Boucher, Courtesy Auto Sales President: Eddie Haley, Rt 11 Valley want to help the association fight against
Rick Johnson, Earl’s Credit Auto Sales Auto Sales unnecessary and burdensome regulations?
Tim Maguire, Maguire & Sons Auto Brokers Chris Crites, Bob Wade Autoworld And help educate dealers about activities
Joe Ramon, The Car Exchange Tom Parsons, TriState Wholesale impacting their ability to operate a dealer-
Joel Tosh, Joel’s Auto Wholesale, Inc. ship? Become an active member! Please
District 8 / Southwestern VA contact Leigh Dicks, Executive Director,
District 2 / Central VA President: Ricky McReynolds, Country (757) 464-3460 or leigh@viada.org
President: David Gripshover, Crown Auto Sales, Inc.
Motors Inc. J B McReynolds, Country Auto Sales, Inc.
Paul Tashner, Car Castle Rodney Williams, Williams Auto Mart, Inc.

2 | THE VIRGINIA INDEPENDENT NEWS | SPRING 2018