MCLEAN, Va. (Jan. 28, 2008) -- The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) will hold a special forum for minority dealers, in conjunction with the 2008 NADA Convention & Exposition in San Francisco. It will take place on February 10, 7-9 a.m., at the Fairmont Hotel.

The forum will take place during the annual minority dealer breakfast, where minority new car and light truck dealers network and discuss like-issues with their peers and industry leaders.

“The growth and success of minority dealers is vital to the well-being of our industry,” said NADA Chairman Dale Willey. “This forum is one way we are working to focus attention on that goal.”

Forum attendees will hear from a panel of minority dealers, who will discuss the current state of the franchised dealer network and the reasons for the recent decline in the number of minority dealers.

The panel will also examine the role automakers play in supporting their minority dealers and exploring solutions for overcoming specific issues facing minority dealers. The panel consists of Ray Ciccolo, Village Automotive Group; Desmond Roberts, Advantage Chevrolet of Bolingbrook/Advantage Chrysler Jeep; Gregory Jackson, The Prestige Automotive Group; Daniel Ramirez, the Ramirez Family Dealerships; and John McEleney, McEleney Motors, Inc. Larry Brown, a minority dealer and NADA director from Illinois, will moderate the session.