I have the privilege of working with some of the most dedicated men and women at ATD, and I’m proud of the leadership each displays as an ATD Board of Line Representative. I’d like to welcome our newest line representative to the team: Scott Pharr, President of Piedmont Truck Center in Greensboro, N.C. As ATD’s newest Ford line representative, Scott begins his term immediately and serves until the last day of the 2026 ATD Show.

While NADA directors are elected by geographical region, ATD line representatives serve a three-year term and are elected based on the OEMs they represent. All ATD line representatives have the extraordinary responsibility of advocating for their fellow truck dealers and fulfilling roles that are central to ATD’s overall mission, including our current strategic planning process which we are kicking off this month.

The line representatives actively participate in ATD events throughout the year such as the ATD Show and the annual ATD Legislative Fly-in in Washington, D.C., which we held just last month. Their participation in our Fly-in is key and helps drive our advocacy on important ATD legislative priorities, including garnering support for S. 2435 and H.R. 8116—bills which aim to repeal the 12% FET on most heavy-duty trucks. Simultaneously, we are working to educate Congress on our concerns for the new NOx rule pending with the EPA and our support for deploying clean trucks.

ATD line representatives are also working to generate support for H.R. 6394, the “Preventing Auto Recycling Theft (PART) Act,” a bill to curb rising catalytic converter thefts. Finally, we are voicing opposition to H.R. 6570, the “REPAIR Act,” which compels truck or auto manufacturers to provide any “aftermarket parts manufacturer” the information necessary “to produce or offer compatible aftermarket parts.”

ATD’s line representatives are also the truck dealer representatives to their OEMs, and they help present the results of our annual dealer attitude surveys to OEM executives and suppliers. In fact, the 2022 Dealer Attitude Survey of Manufacturers is now open through August 4, 2022. This survey gauges each OEM and encourages them to have constructive and beneficial discussions with their dealers to improve business practices. I encourage all our members to participate so your line representative can directly advocate on your behalf.

Securing the future of commercial truck dealerships is paramount in everything the ATD board does. Our agenda contains critical long-term goals that wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and leadership of our line representatives. They serve on important committees for NADA as the truck dealer voice including legislative affairs, regulatory affairs, and dealership operations – our line reps are at the front lines of our most critical battles. They interact with the regulators and elected officials who have the power to impact our day-to-day operations.

I encourage all ATD members to establish a relationship with their respective line representatives. They want your businesses to be successful and they’re here to listen to what matters to you, your customers, and employees. Please get to know them and consider all that it takes to step into this critical role.

ATD is currently tackling important issues such as the transition toward electric trucks and alternative fuels, EPA’s pending NOx regulation, FET repeal, and much more. Our association is always looking for the next generation of leaders and we welcome all those who have a passion for progress and service to consider running for a seat on our board in the future.

Please join me in thanking our amazing line representatives for the work they do for us all! I have no doubt that our collective future is in good hands.