Pub. 3 2023 Issue 1

Dear Members, We hope this magazine finds you well and thriving in your automotive dealership businesses. Today, we want to bring your attention to a critical aspect of your operations that often goes unnoticed: employee safety. As you know, the well-being of your staff is paramount, and as an automotive dealership association, it is our

Compared to this time last year, inventory levels continue to improve. But we’re still not back to the number of available new and used vehicles pre-pandemic.

Ideally, vendors and businesses work together as partners. Having a genuine relationship and being able to problem-solve together is an advantage no matter what. The auto business is not exempt.

Elon Musk recently commented that he couldn’t see his closest competitor in the EV market with a telescope.

The Importance of Professionalism in Family-Owned Auto Dealerships
In the current corporate landscape, family-owned enterprises are facing challenges as they vie for success against bigger conglomerates and nationally recognized brands. In the automotive industry, where consolidation is prevalent, family-owned dealerships are under significant strain to keep pace with their larger counterparts and stay relevant. One viable solution for family-owned dealerships to gain a competitive advantage is to adopt a more professional approach to running their business.

Register at https://www.mtada.com/convention.

The NADA Academy program prepares current and future dealership leaders to operate a successful and profitable automotive business while examining the latest in industry trends and technology.

Wouldn’t it be great to just ditch a traditional title and go completely digital? What about using an Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) as the source of truth — an E-Title? And what if one simplified form provided all the necessary information needed for Digital Dealer Titling — the MV212? It’s all real and it’s here, now. Developed in conjunction with Montana MVD, read on as to how Digital Dealer Titling is a game changer for your dealership.

I am happy to report back on our recent legislative success that will benefit the dealers of Montana. I would like to give a special thank you to our team: Scott Reichner our Contract Lobbyist, Jim Sewell and Craig Charlton, our Attorneys, Bruce Knudsen our Executive Vice President, our Legislative Committee our Board and of course the dealers of Montana. It was definitely a team sport. Certainly a job well done.

A February 2022 decision by the Montana Supreme Court upheld a Summary Judgment Order by Hon. Mike Menahan, First Judicial District Judge in Helena, in favor of Lithia Motors, dismissing a consumer lawsuit brought over the installation of a replacement engine in an eight-year-old Subaru Legacy with 100,000 miles on the odometer.

ADS of MontanaMark Naniamarkm@adsfi.com(406) 581-7778 American Fidelity AssuranceKyle Clemonskyle.clemons@americanfidelity.com(800) 662-1113 ArmatusJordan Jankowskijordanj@dealeruplift.com(888) 365-2197 AssurantDarren MurrayDarren.Murray@assurant.com(800) 447-7828 Blue Cross Blue ShieldErin HuffmanErin_Huffman@bcbsmt.com Canalise ConsultingJacquelyn Gomesjgomes@jacqccg.com(406) 465-7077 ComplyAutoSherryl Nenssherryl@complyauto.com(661) 210-3453 Delta Dental Insurance CompanyBrittany Chandlerbchandler@deltadental.org(800) 521-2651 MVD ExpressMickey Flynnmickey.flynn@mvdexpress.com(406) 290-8573 NADA RetirementChad Bicecbice@nada.org(303) 912-1125 PayneWest InsuranceSean McCutcheonsmccutcheon@paynewest.com(406) 457-2136 PayrocMike Petersonmichael.peterson@payrocsales.com(406) 548-5345 Smith Law FirmJim Sewelljim.sewell@smithlawmt.com(406) 442-2980 VituKelly

Jason DavisArchie Cochrane Ford Jason Davis Jason is a seasoned automotive industry professional with over 35 years of experience across various sectors, including parts, service, sales, commercial fleet, body shops, finance and general management. Throughout his career, Jason has had the privilege of working with renowned car brands such as Ford Motor Company, Porsche, Jaguar,

MTADA Office Staff Bruce Knudsen Executive Vice President bknudsen@mtada.com Cell: (406) 461-7680 Office: (406) 442-1233 Jillian Nash Communications Manager jnash@mtada.com Cell: (253) 561-2889 Office: (406) 442-1233 Debbie Jean Office Manager/Insurance Coordinator/Bookkeeper bkkpr@mtada.com Cell: (406) 461-6333 Office: (406) 442-1233 Board of Directors Eric Henricksen Don Aadsen Ford District 1 Wade Rehbein Rehbein Ford District 2 Erick

700 CreditBritney Fischerbfischer@700credit.com(586) 915-4703 ADS of MontanaMark Naniamarkn@adsfi.com(406) 522-9071 Ally FinancialErin Euricherin.eurich@ally.com(989) 980-0161 Ascent BankBrock Carlsonbcarlson@ascentbank.com(406) 442-8870 Auto Auction of MontanaTerry Scheetzterry.scheetz@autoauctionmt.com(406) 252-6332 BMO Harris BankKim Fixkim.fix@bmo.com(888) 340-2265 Carbon Offset CompanyPatricia Diazadmin@carbonoffsetco.org(719) 623 1306 ComplyAutoSherryl Nenssherryl@complyauto.com(661) 210-3453 Cox AutomotiveMichele WrightMichele.Wright@coxautoinc.com(801) 550-6815 DAA NorthwestMitzi VanVoorhismvanvoorhis@magauctions.com(509) 435-0191 Dealer Development SystemsChris Nelson(406) 580-8204 Dealer VaultPatrick McKeeverpatrick.mckeever@authenticom.com(800) 289-3283 Dominion

The 109th Annual Family Convention is almost here. I can’t wait to see you in person, catch up and enjoy the one-of-a-kind experience that Butte has to offer. If you haven’t registered for the convention yet, there is still time. You won’t want to miss this family-friendly, education-packed event.