Pub. 11 2012-2013 Issue 4

N e w J e r s e y C o a l i t i o n O f A u t o m o t i v e R e t a i l e r s w i n t e r 2 0 1 3 4 new jersey auto retailer Chairman’s MESSAGE | BY Mark Pellegrino Auto Retailing Careers ARE Valuable Those of us who have grown up around the retail automotive industry have long known about the wide variety (and value) of the careers that drive the success of every single dealership. I purposely avoid the word “job,” because they are, in fact, rewarding, intellectually- challenging careers for any individual willing to put in the effort to learn and who possesses the ability to adapt to an exciting and ever-changing environment. While we all have our long-time employees that form the backbone of our operations, many of us struggle with attracting new hires for a variety of reasons. Some job-seekers believe that automotive dealerships do not offer an environment where you can establish a successful career. They also may not realize the potential for earning a great income, benefits and retirement package for their future. All of those assumptions are simply not true. Following-up on a discussion at the NJ CAR Executive Retreat earlier this year, NJ CAR will be rolling-out a wide-ranging effort later this year to promote the variety and value of careers in the au- tomotive retailing sector. The Coalition’s efforts will also aim to educate graduating students, current job-seekers and consumers regarding misconceptions about the opportunities and careers in our industry. NJ CAR staff plan to use broadcast, print and on- line media tools in order to maximize our exposure to the public. Thanks to the cooperation of Comcast Spotlight, we will record a new, 30-second Public Service Announcement on the topic of automotive careers, focusing on the image vs. reality and promot- ing the variety and value of careers in the industry. NJ CAR staff will also design and produce print documents for dealers to hand out at local career fairs. These brochures or one- sheets would aim to debunk myths about the industry, promote the variety and value of careers, and give job-seekers an idea of the number of employees the industry expects to need in the near future, as well as potential starting incomes, benefits and comparisons to other entry-level positions. The Coalition will also produce print materials specifically targeting college career centers that would focus on some of the same elements as the dealer piece, but with the added component of matching college majors with potential careers in the retail automotive industry. Chairman’s Message  continued on page 8