November 12, 2020

Remember when? That is a phrase many of you reading this can identify with. Remember when you would tape six sheets of legal paper together to make a full-page newspaper ad? You would spend hours with your ruler, pencil and current list of inventory to build out the ad for the upcoming run on Sunday.

With flu season upon us, operating safely during the COVID-19 pandemic is more important than ever. Surrounding states are already considering area shutdowns and other extreme measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. Further, with more frequent international travel and an expanding world population, it is becoming obvious that there has been an explosion in the transfer and spread of infectious diseases over the last two decades.

Automotive retailers have a long history of adapting to the industry’s changes and challenges and re-energizing their operations. The COVID-19 shut down early this year and how it has continued to impact day-to-day business are prime examples of how New Jersey dealers can survive even the toughest business environments.

By now, you’ve probably heard that the NADA Show 2021 is going virtual and will not be held in New Orleans, as initially planned this coming January. Instead, the Auto Industry Event of the Year is coming to YOU (wherever that may be) Feb. 9-11, 2021, making it easier than ever to access all the education, networking and Expo connections you’ve come to expect from NADA.

NJ CAR’s mission is to serve New Jersey’s franchised dealerships in three major areas — advocacy, education and training and member services. The COVID-19 pandemic has tested the Coalition’s capabilities on all three fronts like few other challenges in our 102-year history. And NJ CAR staff have shown, time and time again, how valuable the Coalition is to dealerships operations, particularly when the industry faces unanticipated challenges. Let me highlight just some of the work done by NJ CAR in 2020.

When I addressed the 2019 annual meeting, live and in-person at Metedeconk National Golf Club back in September 2019 and a few weeks before I began my one-year term as Chairman, I spoke about the NJ CAR Mission and a major revamp of our communications and grassroots political action capabilities. I noted our mission is focused on three areas: advocacy, education, training and member services.