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executive director |

Dates to Keep in Mind

By Tony Lawler, Executive Director

Greetings,

I was hoping by the time this article was due, all
of this COVID-19 stuff would be behind us as just
a bad memory. But, unfortunately, that is not the DEALER RENEWAL
case. Even so, I have been amazed at the resiliency
of our dealers during these uncharted and difficult REMINDER
waters. First, you’ve had to deal with the shelter at
home restrictions, sanitizing of showrooms and CHECKLIST
vehicles, social distancing and the mask/no mask
requirements and arguments ensuing from that. As you know, all current independent
Second, you’ve endured the constantly changing dealers are required to renew their li-
ways that everyone was having to adapt to just try cense by October 31, 2020. Your asso-
to make a living and stay in business. It was true survival mode. While sales were good, ciation team stands ready to help you
the acquisition of affordable inventory proved to be extremely difficult and forced many with this process, as needed, and offers
dealers to “think outside the box” just to survive and keep the doors open. Also, due the following tips to make this an effi-
to Covid-!9, the Mississippi Dept of Revenue (MDOR) was closed to the public which cient process.
delayed titling - thankfully only briefly. These challenges really helped show the impor-
tance of being a member of the Mississippi Independent Auto Dealers Association, as our Start early: The COVID-19 pan-
members were sharing ideas as to the different methods of finding vehicles. I have really demic has impacted operations
heard from some of our newer members as to the assistance they received. Thank you to 1 ross the board. Please know that
c
a
all of our members. while the State is working hard to pro-
cess all renewals, there may be delays.
There are a couple of very important dates coming up quickly that every dealer needs The sooner you start your renewal pro-
to be aware of. First, ALL dealer permits and licenses expire on Oct 31. If you have not cess, the better.
received your renewal from the MDOR, you need to contact them immediately at 601-
923-7200. If you are setup with MARVIN, your renewal will be in MARVIN. If you need Gather your required documents:
assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. Be sure you have all of the neces-
s
a
2 ry paperwork accurately com-
Also, due to COVID-19, the NIADA national conference is being held virtually this year. pleted. Doing so will expedite the pro-
It is spread out over 3 dates. Those dates are September 22, September 29, and October 9, cess.
2020. We encourage all of you to register for this information-packed virtual conference.
I have attached the registration information below. Get your questions answered:
If this is your first time going
Here is your state promo code and links for registering for the 2020 Virtual Convention 3 through the yearly renewal pro-
& Expo Series! cess, you may have questions. We have
answers! Don't hesitate to reach out and
Mississippi IADA | Promo Code: MS2020 let us help you navigate during these
REGISTER HERE: mississippi.niadaconvention.com unprecedented times.

It is my great pleasure to serve as your executive director and, as always, if Erin or myself Remember, you must undergo the li-
can assist you in ANY manner, please do not hesitate to contact us. cense renewal process if you wish to
keep your Mississippi dealer license
Take care, active. Both used and wholesale dealers
Tony must renew prior to October 31, 2020.
Don't let that date sneak up on you.