Dealers and managers, OEM execs, allied industry and international guests are playing their cards right and winning big at NADA Show 2024 in Las Vegas this week. Day three of Automotive Industry Event of the Year revved into high gear at the Las Vegas Convention Center with a strong focus on supporting our communities.
As NADA 2024 Chairman Charlie Gilchrest noted in his first speech as chairman, passion and intention can build a stronger NADA and dealership community.
“Here’s what I need from you: I need you to be passionate about the defense of the entire franchise system and I need you to be intentional every single day to do the things that unite us…protecting the franchise system and the customers we serve,” he said from the Main Stage on Saturday, Feb. 3.
Celebrating Hometown Heroes
For 13 years, TIME has partnered NADA and Ally to honor America’s best and brightest car dealers for their tireless efforts to improve their communities and the world around them. Rita Case, president, CEO, and dealer principal at Rick Case Honda in Davie, Fla., was named the 2024 TIME Dealer of the Year. Case was selected for her outstanding achievements in the auto industry and her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in her community.
Racing legend and entrepreneur Danica Patrick closed out Saturday’s Main Stage programming and shared her life lessons on and off the track, including her philanthropic efforts, which she said were “rooted in inspiration…authenticity, accountability and fun.” Patrick actively supports many charitable causes and has her own foundation, which focuses on empowering young girls and women.
ATD Show Concludes
Meanwhile, the ATD Show closed out three days of jam-packed and focused programming at the Wynn Las Vegas on Saturday, including an introduction to new ATD Chairman Scott Pearson, a farewell address by outgoing ATD Chairman Scott McCandless, a panel discussion on the future of an electrified truck market and a Washington policy panel.
ATD attendees also honored the 2024 Truck Dealer of the Year, Katie Hopkins of Truck Centers, Inc. in Troy, Ill. The national award, sponsored by ATD, Trucks, Parts, Service and Procede Software, recognizes commercial-truck dealers who demonstrate a track record of success in dealership management, service to the industry and community impact.
Shining a Light on Charity and Giving Back
NADA Foundation has been affiliated with Canine Companions for 20 years and has donated $1.4 million over the life of that partnership. In 2012, the NADA Show launched its successful auction on the NADA Show Expo floor, which has raised $900,000 to purchase and support specially trained service dogs for adults, children and veterans with disabilities.
This year, hundreds of NADA Show attendees and several very cute service dogs gathered to bid on Harley Davidson Low Rider S motorcycle, donated by the auto wholesale company OPENLANE. The numbers were flying and the auction was red hot but at the end of the day, generous bidders, including winner Mehdi Chitgari of Bob Stall Chevrolet in La Mesa, Calif., raised $135,768 for the NADA Foundation’s Frank E. McCarthy Memorial Program that benefits Canine Companions.
Over at the Live Stage, Assurant Foundation’s SVP Jeff Strickland presented NADA Foundation Chairwoman Annette Sykora with a generous donation of $30,000 for the NADA Foundation’s Workforce Initiative, which promotes the value of dealership careers and facilitates access to educational resources. Since 2019, the Assurant Foundation has donated more than $130,000 to the NADA Foundation.
The good vibes continued on the Live Stage, as the third edition of the NADA Show 2024 Pitch Competition took place and the category was, “Dealership Philanthropy.” Representatives from six dealerships shared the inspiring ways they gave back to their communities in 2023. Kelley Buick GMC of Bartow, Fla., was chosen as the winner and will receive a $5,000 donation to a charity of the dealership’s choice.
Look Ahead to Day 4
We’ve saved the best for last and you don't miss Sunday Funday! The NADA Show action kicks off with an inspirational session on the Main Stage from Hall of Fame quarterback and philanthropist Kurt Warner. Doors open at 8:30 am.
The NADA Show learning continues with more Workshops and Exchanges, Live Stage sessions, the Spotlight Series, and the last of the Dealer Franchise meetings featuring representatives from Acura, Alfa Romeo, Audi, Honda, Mazda and Mitsubishi. Check the NADA Show app for locations and times.
And you won’t want to miss Sunday’s Super Session, “The Ultimate Tune-Up for Fixed Operations.” Take a deep dive into the world of parts and service, and test your skills, challenge your knowledge and compete for valuable prizes, including tuition to NADA educational programs. Head to W325 at 12:30 PM for this fun and informative Super Session.
Finally, it’s your last chance to experience the Expo Specialty Booths, including the NADA Pavilion and the Exclusive NADA Dealer/Manager Lounge, and the two Expo Lifestyle Experience booths, Excite for beauty and fashion and Relax for calming and relaxation.
Catch up on all things NADA Show with our recaps of day one and day two. We’ve also got live coverage all weekend from the NADA Live Stage.
Stay up to date on sessions, recaps, photos and videos with our official daily show recaps and be sure to follow all things NADA Show on social media using the hashtag #NADASHOW on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
