Month: June 2025

ALERT: Misleading Notice from Third-Party Filing Service

Posted on by Summer

MADA would like to thank a northern Michigan dealer for alerting us to a misleading solicitation that may appear, at first glance, to be an official notice from the State of Michigan.

The notice warns of a Past Due Annual Statement and claims the dealership “may be administratively dissolved or revoked if the Annual Statement is not filed within the grace period.” Upon further reading, the small print at bottom states:

…busfile.org Is wholly owned and operated by New Business Filing LLC and Is not affiliated with any government office or agency. New Business Filing offers self help business services at the request of and on behalf of the user.

This dealer verified their Annual Statement filing status directly on the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) website and confirmed that the annual filing had already been completed, months ago.

LARA just launched an updated search portal this week so dealers may may want to take this opportunity to get familiar with the new features, and while you’re at it, confirm your annual report/statement is current.

If you receive similar notices and are unsure of their legitimacy, feel free to contact MADA.

Fourth of July Fireworks in Michigan: 10 Displays to Check Out in 2025

Posted on by Summer
If you’re here, you must be wondering where you can go to watch the best fireworks in Michigan during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
As you get your Independence Day plans in order, check out this list of 10 of the biggest, most elaborate fireworks displays and festivals planned across Michigan in 2025. The events are listed in order by date.
An article from A Healthier Michigan, brought to you by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. 

Ford Fireworks

When: 10 p.m. Monday, June 23
Where: 1 Hart Plaza in Detroit
Details: Detroit’s Ford Fireworks is celebrating its 67th edition. Ford Fireworks put on a large display of fireworks that are visible for miles over the Detroit River with more than 10,000 pyrotechnic effects and broadcast live on WDIV-Local 4. The event is free and open to the public with amazing views from Hart Plaza, Belle Isle and across our beautiful city. For more details, visit the site here.

Shelby Township and Stony Creek Metropark Fireworks

When: 10 p.m. Friday, June 27
Where: Stony Creek Metropark at 4300 Main Park Road, Shelby Twp.
Details: Tens of thousands of our neighbors gather over picnics and under the stars to enjoy this celebration and fireworks display. Live entertainment and vendors keep the atmosphere up until the fireworks display at 10 p.m. A Metroparks car pass is needed to enter and for parking. Learn more here.

Kensington Metropark Fireworks

When: 10 p.m. Saturday, June 28
Where: Kensington Metropark at 4570 Huron River Parkway in Milford
Details: The annual fireworks display in Kensington will start at 10 p.m., so make sure to get there ahead of time. The Kensington fireworks festival brings together tens of thousands of neighbors for snacks, fun and fireworks.

Willow Metropark Fireworks

When: At dusk Sunday, June 29
Where: Willow Metropark at 23200 S. Huron Road in New Boston
Details: The fireworks display will begin at dusk. Plan to arrive early for this free and popular fireworks event. Enjoy the park trails, playground and live entertainment provided by the American Ages Band prior to the fireworks. A Metroparks vehicle entry permit is required for this event.

Bay City Fireworks Festival

When: Thursday, July 3 through Saturday, July 5
Where: Wenona Park at 111 Center Ave. in Bay City and Veterans Memorial Park at John F Kennedy Drive in Bay City
Details: People travel from all over the United States to witness the Bay City amazing fireworks display. Whether you see the magnificent displays on either of the first two nights, you should know the magnificent grand finale show is put on the third evening. Learn more from the festival site.

Frankenmuth Fireworks at Volksläufe, The People’s Race

When: 9:30 p.m. July 3
Where: Downtown Frankenmuth
Details: Each year, the Frankenmuth Jaycees present this exciting and enjoyable Independence Day experience which includes races on July 4, as well as a fireworks celebration the night of July 3. Learn more from Frankenmuth’s website.
Keep reading for other fireworks displays in Michigan: https://www.ahealthiermichigan.org/stories/community/best-fireworks-in-michigan

TRAINING: State of Michigan Regulations & Compliance for Dealerships

Posted on by Summer

MADA is offering three dealership education programs in August to support continuing education for dealers, general managers, office staff and others. This training is covered by your annual MADA membership dues, with additional underwriting from MADA partners. There is no cost to attend, but you must be an MADA dealer-member in good standing to register.

  • MARQUETTE – August 5, 2025
  • GRAND RAPIDS – August 19, 2025
  • MIDLAND – August 20, 2025

TOPICS:

Dealer License Regulations | This session, presented by the Michigan Department of State, covers the basic requirements of the Michigan Vehicle Code, dealer functions, licensing requirements, and CARS e-Services.

MiEFS Training | The MDOS MiEFS team helps ensure secure electronic vehicle transaction processing. They will provide best practices on processing, paperwork and integration with CVR.

CVR User Group | This session from CVR will include new-user tips, processing guidance, inventory management, program updates, and other valuable information for those using CVR.

Sales & Use Tax Regulations | Presented by the Michigan Department of Treasury, this session will help dealerships stay compliant with complex sales and use tax laws. The training will cover tax reporting for vehicle transactions, exemptions, rebates, rescinded deals, and best practices for using Michigan Treasury Online (MTO). Please note: this topic is only scheduled in Marquette.

Q&A will be incorporated into the presentations, allowing attendees to further understand and request clarification about rules and regulations related to operating a dealership in Michigan.

Additional information and registration details will be emailed to dealers/staff who are on the weekly MADA newsletter list. Or email Summer Kniss at skniss@michiganada.org.

Thanks to support from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and CVR, this is a free program for MADA members.

WEBINAR: Cybersecurity Trends and Best Practices for Dealerships

Posted on by Summer

Please join MADA and Brad Miller, ComplyAuto’s Head of Legal, for a webinar discussing cybersecurity trends and best practices for dealerships. Know your legal requirements, and more!

From customer data breaches to ransomware threats targeting dealership management systems, dealerships face unique cybersecurity challenges. Join ComplyAuto for an informative webinar designed specifically for dealers. Our experts will share practical insights and strategies to help you identify vulnerabilities, implement protective measures, and ensure compliance with current industry legal requirements. Whether you’re running a single location or managing multiple rooftops, this session will equip you with the tools and knowledge to keep your dealership secure in an evolving digital landscape.