Jim — I honestly don’t know where to start. I have been a dealer for more years than I can remember and have worked with you for more than 30 (27 of those with you at the helm of NJ CAR). As I wrap up the last few weeks of my third Chairmanship, I can say that knowing I would be working with you made it easy to say “Yes” when I was unexpectedly asked to step in for a second and third time as Chairman.

I, and the rest of New Jersey’s franchised car and truck dealerships, could never properly express our appreciation for your commitment to our industry, first as our lobbyist and as NJ CAR President for the past 27 years. You have helped steer our dealerships through many years filled with legal, regulatory, and OEM challenges. We may not have won every fight, but it was never for lack of effort on behalf of you and the incredible staff you’ve led so well for more than a quarter century.

You are one of the smartest people I’ve ever met, but your intelligence is complemented by your empathy for the many challenges dealers face on a day-to-day basis and your strength of conviction in fighting FOR what is best for New Jersey’s dealers and AGAINST anything that would harm our industry.

You have represented our industry with integrity and have elevated our voice in Trenton, helping us develop productive relationships with elected officials on both sides of the aisle. That is no easy feat and I’m not sure how many others could have forged that path as well as you have.

I haven’t even mentioned all that you’ve done for the NJ CAR organization itself. You have been steadfast in ensuring NJ CAR’s mission guides every decision. Whether it was lobbying on our behalf in Trenton; keeping dealers informed about legal, regulatory, compliance, and other issues that impact them; or finding products and services that help streamline our dealership operations — you’ve hit it straight down the fairway at every turn. You have assembled and developed an incredible staff that is ready, willing, and able to carry the torch you lit so many years ago.

NJ CAR will certainly be different without you as its face — but as you’ve said many times over the past year — change can be good. Your successor, Laura Perrotta, will have big shoes to fill. Laura has been President of the American Truck Dealers (ATD) association for more than two years and has worked in the association world for more than 20 years. She brings her own experiences and perspective on issues critical to dealers, and she’ll have the benefit of your counsel, as needed.

I’m confident I can speak on behalf of the 520 franchised dealerships throughout the State, as well as the hundreds that have come and gone over the past three decades, when I tell you that you will be missed. “Thank you” doesn’t seem to be enough, but I want to thank you for your commitment to the franchised automotive retail industry. Your contributions to the betterment of our industry in New Jersey are a fitting legacy as you move on to whatever comes next. Best of luck …