Business View Magazine | Volume 9, Issue 2

56 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 2 2021 was the association’s largest and most successful conference, with over 300 dealers in attendance. The conference and expo is an exciting and significant occasion. Several hundred professionals gather to discuss the many important topics affecting independent automobile dealers across the state and country, including operations, dealership management, special finance and retail, technological developments, and compliance. Dealers also attend keynote addresses from well-known speakers. In 2021, these included marketing legend Roy Spence (who invented the famous slogan, “Don’t Mess with Texas”) and Governor Greg Abbott. TIADA also owns and operates Texas Dealer Education, offering the state’s first training programs approved by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (in both English and Spanish). Over 10,000 dealers have been educated by Texas Dealer Education’s pre-licensing and renewal education courses. The dealer education courses have helped thousands of dealers learn about the industry and what it takes to succeed. The association offers additional educational courses throughout the year through its TIADA Dealer Academy. These courses are part of a professional development program that educates dealers on issues ranging from compliance, dealer finance, and tax strategies. “Our members are very proud of what they do and the role they play in their communities. Our goal is to simply build an association that helps them be better car dealers, whatever that takes,” said Martin. TIADA represents its members and ensures these small businesses have a voice across the state. Perhaps more importantly, the association represents an industry that gets Texans to work and keeps the state economy running. from unlicensed activity. The legislative efforts that TIADA engages in are one of the most important aspects of what makes the association so important for the independent automobile industry in Texas. The association recognizes how important safeguarding small businesses is to maintaining a stable economy and allowing business owners to keep their doors open. Annual Conference and Educational Programs Every year, TIADA hosts a conference and expo to bring together independent automobile dealers, legislators, thought leaders, and vendors that have a stake in the industry.