Reynolds & Reynolds LAW®, a proud partner of our organization, is the automotive leader for standardized, legally reviewed F&I documents. During a time when proper documentation plays a key role in your compliance, being proactive is imperative in helping to avoid the FTC’s focus.

While at NADA, make sure to visit the LAW team at booth 1827 where a dedicated Compliance Consultant will be waiting to speak with you. From FTC misconceptions to the most common issues found in F&I documents and the free LAW F&I Document Review – the consultants are there to help you gain confidence in your compliance.

Don’t delay, click here to schedule an appointment now and secure your spot at the LAW booth. For additional information, email LAW@reyrey.com.

We’re excited to share that MADA is collaborating with our partners and State of Michigan contacts to schedule webinars and regional training sessions aimed at enhancing dealer and employee compliance. These sessions will provide valuable resources and support to ensure everyone is well-informed and equipped to meet regulatory expectations and stay in compliance with state licensing requirements. Please review the following opportunities.

 

WEBINAR: Sales & Use Tax Regulations
1/14/2025  |  10:00 am – 12:00 pm     REGISTER

Stay compliant with Michigan’s complex sales and use tax laws in vehicle sales, body shop activity, and parts/service departments by attending this specialized webinar. This session will focus specifically on the unique needs and requirements of Michigan’s new car and truck dealerships.

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WEBINAR: New Wage & Hour / Sick Leave Laws
1/15/2025  |  10:00 am – 12:00 pm     REGISTER

Join MADA and Colombo & Colombo, P.C. for a live webinar to discuss the most current information on earned sick time and minimum wage standards, set to take effect Feb. 21. This webinar will highlight the key provisions of the new laws and explore their implications for Michigan dealers and employees. With information regularly changing, it’s crucial for business owners to fully understand how the new law impacts their operations.

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IN PERSON: MIOSHA Compliance Training
2/27/2025  |  9:00 am – 12:00 pm     REGISTER

Held at the MADA office in East Lansing – seating is limited

Fines for MIOSHA non-compliance are becoming increasingly aggressive. It’s crucial that all dealerships prioritize safety, not only to protect employees but also to avoid costly citations and penalties. This training program is designed to equip dealership staff with the knowledge and tools needed to establish a strong safety culture, which will help your dealership prevent injuries and stay in compliance with MIOSHA regulations.

 

Please Note: these programs are only open to MADA member dealerships. 

MADA’s colleague in the retail market, Michigan Retailers Association, has announced this year’s holiday shopping challenges to encourage Michiganders to support locally-owned retail and small business.

Shop 3 Challenge: Launched in 2020 as an effort to support Michigan’s retail industry through the pandemic, MRA’s annual “Shop 3 Challenge” returns for 2024. By encouraging consumers to support at least three local merchants while purchasing holiday gifts this season, this challenge outlines an easy way for Michiganders to make a big difference in their communities.

Michigan Monday: New this year, MRA is running a “Michigan Monday” challenge, encouraging shoppers to seek out Michigan-based e-commerce on Cyber Monday and throughout the remainder of the holiday shopping season…read more

Also check out BuyNearbyMI.com.

We’re excited to share that MADA is collaborating with our partners and State of Michigan contacts to schedule webinars and regional training sessions aimed at enhancing dealer and employee compliance. These sessions will provide valuable resources and support to ensure everyone is well-informed and equipped to meet regulatory expectations and stay in compliance with state licensing requirements. Planned Member Programs: Dealer license training & CVR user group Michigan Treasury training on sales/use tax and MTO Wage & Hour legal program MIOSHA compliance Stay tuned for more details on 2025 program dates! MADA also requests your input on training and educational programs. What other topics would be of interest to you and what format do you prefer? Let us know at https://forms.office.com/r/72kmm3RAdx

Please make plans to join MADA leadership for our year-end annual meeting, where we will hear from John Sellek (republican) and Adrian Hemond (democrat), the co-hosts of Baldly Bipartisan. They will offer an insider analysis following the results of the November election, sharing their insight on what Michigan businesses might expect in 2025 – from the State House to the White House.

John Sellek

John is CEO of Harbor Strategic. Named as one of Lansing’s Most Effective Public Affairs Professionals by MIRS News, John’s political and public relations skills come from advising two Republican speakers of the House, serving in a governor’s policy shop, running public relations for two attorneys general and leading statewide campaigns. John is a regular analyst of Michigan’s public policy environment for state and national media.

Adrian Hemond

Adrian is CEO of Grassroots Midwest, which he founded in 2013 after acquiring a broad range of expertise in politics and policy. A former political science instructor at Saginaw Valley State University, he was Chief of Staff to the Michigan House Democratic Minority Leader in 2013 and served as a lobbyist with Governmental Consultant Services, Inc. (GCSI). He is known as one of the most effective political strategists in Michigan.

Click here for more information and registration

Students are putting the final touches on the 61^st Northwood University International Auto Show (NUIAS), Oct. 4-6, 2024, in Midland.

Students invite residents from the Great Lakes Bay Region and beyond to “Shift into Gear” and check out this year’s show, which is the 61^st NUIAS, an annual tradition that is renowned for being the largest outdoor student-run new car show in North America.

“One of my mentors in the automotive industry would always close meetings by saying, ‘Let’s shift into gear and make our day great,’ which inspired staff to have an amazing day while performing at the peak of our capabilities,” stated Alexander Mazon, a student from Westchester, New York, who is the general chair of this year’s NUIAS. “This, coupled with feedback from prior shows that encouraged us to incorporate an even greater emphasis on all things automotive, was the inspiration behind this year’s theme, ‘Shift into Gear.’”

Each year, NUIAS serves as a unique way for students to apply the concepts they learn in class outside of the classroom in a way that promotes the automotive industry while bringing thousands of visitors to Northwood each fall.

This year’s show will display up to 500 vehicles from over 65 manufacturers, vendors, and private owners. Attendees will see rare multi-million dollar hypercars curated from the Winkleman Collection, which is owned by a Northwood alumnus and long-time supporter.

“The hypercars from the Winkleman Collection will be displayed in the new Morey Courtyard,” noted Mazon, who encourages attendees to download the new NUIAS app on the IOS App Store and/or Google Play Store to see the show layout, hours, and concessions.

For guests age 21 and up, alcohol will be served at Tavern 59 from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, near the Four Seasons Building on the Mall Walk, as well as in Hantz Stadium during the football game that starts at 1 p.m. that day against Hillsdale College.

For those interested in purchasing food and other beverages, food trucks will be on site throughout the weekend, and there will be a woodside grill open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6.

Signature events feature industry leaders from across the country

“The 61st NUIAS is packed with exciting events, including two exclusive panels that will spotlight industry leaders and showcase female innovators in the automotive sector,” stated Signature Events Vice Chair Bella Smylie of Clare, Michigan.

Signature events on Friday, Oct. 4 include a VIP panel at 9:30 a.m. in Griswold Lecture Hall, and the show’s opening ceremony at 11:30 a.m. in the heart of campus at the John and Marjorie Hohman Amphitheater.

“The VIP Panel will showcase forward-thinking strategies from prominent industry executives,” explained Signature Events Chair Sydney Rizo of Harrison Township, Michigan. “They will discuss innovation, leadership, and future trends, and offer a deep dive into the forces shaping the automotive industry. Attendees can expect an enlightening session full of insights and perspectives from some of the field’s top leaders.”

VIP Panelists include:

• Jason Beidelman, vice president, manufacturer relations, Penske Automotive
• Brian Benstock, GM and vice president, Paragon Honda and Acura
• Celina McCabe, talent program manager for Dorman
• Grace Huang, president of Cox Automotive Inventory Solutions
• Tom Kline, lead consultant and founder, Better Vantage Point, LLC | Tuck The Octopus

Register here to attend the Automotive VIP Panel.

Saturday’s signature events will include a Driven by Women: Automotive Roundtable from 9 to 11 a.m. in the McNair Center for Free Enterprise located in the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center on Naegele Drive.

“Panelists will discuss challenges and successes, and attendees will leave with a fresh perspective on leadership and innovation,” Rizo stated. “This is our third year partnering with CDK Global on the roundtable, and each year it continues to surpass expectations.”

Panelists for the Driven By Women Automotive Roundtable include:

• Kathy Gilbert, senior director — minority dealer, and women retail, CDK Global
• Susan Michaels, sales enablement consultant, CDK Global
• Kathy Anne “KAM” McManus, executive vice president and chief customer officer, CDK Global
• Heather Sattler, senior OEM account manager — Ford & Ford Direct, CDK Global
• Carrie Gottschalk, account manager, CDK Global
• Ashley Steele, sales development manager, CDK Global
• Jodee Jagger, global business specialist for General Motors at GP Strategies Corporation, CDK Global
• Diane Schmidt, program manager, CDK Global
• Sandra Liem, director, marketing, DSMA- Mergers and Acquisitions
• Jennifer Rafael, vice president, DSMA – Mergers and Acquisitions
• Rita Bragg, vice president of acquisitions, Capital Automotive Real Estate Services
• Alicia Thomas, vice president of acquisitions, Capital Automotive Real Estate Services, Inc.

RSVP to attend this event here.

Public invited to participate in Cars and Coffee Classic Car Show

To close out the show, there will be a Cars and Coffee Classic Car Show starting at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6.

“Attendees can look forward to an exciting day filled with incredible vehicles, live music, awards, coffee and giveaways,” stated Classic Car Chair Julia Lietz of Macomb, Michigan. “Whether you’re a longtime car enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, we’ve got something for everyone. Plus, we’re inviting the public to participate!”

There is no cost to attend or participate in this year’s Cars and Coffee Classic Show. To participate, RSVP here.

Auto Show planners come from all over Michigan and U.S.

From planning to execution, the Northwood University International Auto Show is entirely run by students who serve on an executive board.

The following are other board members and their respective roles and hometowns (all are from Michigan, unless otherwise noted):

• Katrina Ness of Birmingham — operations chair
• Ethan Moots of Brown City — aftermarket chair
• Eddie MacNellis of Midland —aftermarket co-chair
• Annaliese Lemanowicz of New Boston — domestic divisional chair
• Chase Southwick of Livonia — European divisional chair
• Owen Hayes of Whitehall — Asian divisional chair
• Leyton Billups of Fort Myers, Florida — specialty divisional chair
• Brooke Englehardt of Saline — chief marketing officer
• Vanessa Collins of Clio — marketing chair
• Colin Kubik of Armada — public relations chair
• Michael Shtutman of Marlton, New Jersey — marketing innovations chair
• Connor Bachteal of Benton Harbor — chief financial officer
• Kendall Buchman of New Baltimore — finance vice chair
• Gabriel Cerda of Westland — donor relations chair
• Hanna Wood of Unionville — logistics vice chair

There is no cost to attend the show, which runs from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6.

For more information about the Northwood University International Auto Show, visit https://auto.northwood.edu/

 

Ready to ‘Shift into Gear’: Students Finalizing 61st Auto Show

MADA welcomes Santander as our new associate member!

At Santander, auto is at the forefront of everything we do. This unwavering focus has led to a best-in-class indirect business with thousands of dealer customers in the US and many more globally. In addition, Santander’s nationwide Dealer Commercial Services (DCS) team has provided dealers with billions of dollars in floorplan and non-floorplan financing – the lifeblood of the auto industry. Plus, an array of customizable banking products are available to help your team execute their daily tasks. All of this has helped countless dealers reach their goals: selling and servicing more vehicles, growing their footprint and giving back to their local communities.

Our DCS Business Development Managers have decades of automotive experience and can be your personal consultant on how to navigate the uncertain waters that lay ahead. Our team is ready to support you.  https://www.santanderbank.com

For more information on Santander’s Dealer Commercial Services and Floorplan solutions, contact Jason Magri at 586-863-2653 or jason.magri@santander.us.

MIOSHA has hired 60+ new agents to visit dealerships. Inspections are increasing, fines are aggressive and compliance is necessary. MADA dealers and staff are invited to register for this training program, presented by MADSIF. There is no cost to attend; continental breakfast and refreshments will be provided. MIOSHA In-person Compliance Training (event is at-capacity, no new registrations can be accepted) Friday, September 20 from 9am to noon | East Lansing This compliance program focuses on exposures and hazards typically found in automotive dealerships and general industry operations. The session will review MIOSHA’s most frequently cited violations to help dealerships improve their overall safety culture. It will cover topics including, power tools and equipment, car hoists, electrical safety, compressed gas cylinders, flammable liquids and grounding, material handling, ladders, vehicle safety, mezzanines, chemicals, forklift operations, and slips, trips & falls. Attendees will also learn about best-practice concepts to create a strong safety culture and prevents injuries — preventing MIOSHA citations and fines. Speaker: Ken Smylie, Vice President Loss Control with MADSIF Ken holds a degree in mechanical engineering and has been actively involved in safety for over 38 years. Training will be held at the MADA office (1500 Kendale Blvd. in East Lansing). Pre-registration is required. Due to seating restrictions, at this time registration is limited to no more than two employees from the same dealership.

 

Do you know a Michigan dealer who regularly supports community and educational programs and brings positive attention to our industry?

MADA is seeking recommendations for who our association should nominate for the 2025 TIME Dealer of Year award and Northwood Dealer Education award.

Nominees must be the designated dealer principal, actively involved in managing the dealership. Nominees should also be active participants in MADA.

Please click here to read more about these two dealer awards and nominate a dealer who deserves to be recognized. All nominations must be received by July 19, 2024

Registration is now open! MADA has arranged for State of Michigan and CVR representatives to provide in-person dealer training, specifically for MADA members. Presentations will address issues related to new vehicle sales transactions and paperwork processing, plus an added CVR user group.

 

Training will include two sessions:

• Session 1 at 9:30 am | Dealer Training. This session will provide information to help you and your colleagues maintain compliance with Michigan Department of State regulatory issues, ensuring your dealer license remains in good standing.
• Session 2 at 1:00 pm | CVR User Group. Learn new-user tips, processing guidance, program updates, and other valuable information for those using CVR

 

This training program will be offered in two locations:

• August 26 | Henry Center, MSU in Lansing  FULL, not accepting new registrations
• August 27 | Otsego Resort in Gaylord

 

Refreshments and lunch will be provided. Ample time will be provided for Q&A during and following each session.

This program has generously been sponsored by CVR so there is no cost for MADA members to attend. Please see this registration form for additional information. Online registration is also available.