Page 2 - MIADA-Q3-2022

MESSA GE FR OM MSIAD A ’ S EXECUTIVE DIREC T OR

Greetings,

I hope this finds you all in good health and staying busy buying and selling
units of inventory in this crazy game we call the car business. As I write
this article, we find fuel prices declining somewhat but the prices of food
and other commodities increasing substantially as schools are starting back.
Many dealers that I have talked to have stated that business is slowing down
a little as it typically does every year about this time.

I hope that you were able to attend the 2022 Mississippi Independent Auto
Dealers Association’s annual Convention and Trade Expo held August 5-7 at
the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, MS. We had great speakers and
several new vendors and dealers, as well as great food, entertainment, and
fellowship opportunities. We also heard from Thomas Conner and Serena
Flowers concerning our recently formed MSIADA-PAC and what we can
TONY LAWLER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR expect from the upcoming legislative session. The new 2022-2023 board was
also elected and sworn in at the banquet. The new officers and board are
Bentley Nolan-Chairman of the board, Russell Wilmoth-President, Dodd
Turner-Vice-President Northern District, Bryan Morris-Vice-President
Southern District, Randy Luster-Secretary, and Michael West-Treasurer.

Well, you may ask, “What’s new and what can we expect form MSIADA
this year?” The board and staff are excited about SEVERAL new things that
we are going to try... wait...GOING to implement in the upcoming year.
We want our members to become more involved in the association and
increase our membership so that we have the voice that the independent
used car dealers deserve in the State of Mississippi. First, we are exploring a
new mobile app that will much improved and easier to use. Second, we are
revamping our education (pre-licensing) program with the intent of being
able to also offer some requested training opportunities for ALL members.
Third, we have established a Services Board or committee that will be
headed by Brian Johnson. This will be a GREAT way for members to become
involved in the association by helping to plan various functions such as
membership drives, various member outreach projects as well as the annual
conventions. We would like to encourage anyone interested in helping us
grow our association to either contact a board member of a member of
the staff. As you can see, we have a lot of activities planned and will need
help from each of you. We are excited at all the potential growth for our
association.

Let’s make MSIADA one of the fastest growing dealers associations in the
nation!

Sincerely,

Tony Lawler
MSIADA Executive Director

2 | MSIADA MISSISSIPPI DEALER Q3 2022