It’s hard to believe that a new year is almost upon us. Looking back over this past year and the many issues we as an industry have faced — from regulatory changes to our nation’s economic volatility — I can honestly say that Montana auto dealers are some of the best and brightest out there. Each one of you has made adjustments, solved unforeseen problems and risen above insurmountable odds.

Recently, I had the chance to visit our nation’s capital for the annual NADA Washington, D.C. Conference with several of our Montana car dealers. Our time there was spent meeting with our legislators to discuss key federal issues impacting dealerships today. I am confident that solutions to many legislative issues are in the works and that our voice was heard and will be a part of any future decisions.

The 109th Annual Family Convention has come and gone, and I’m happy to report that this year’s event was a huge success. It was great to see all of you there. I enjoyed catching up with you and learning from the impressive line of speakers. I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of our sponsors and exhibitors. The products and services that they bring to the table help keep the industry strong.

Please save the date for next year’s convention to be held Aug. 15-18, 2024. It will be held in Helena, Montana, and our opening reception will be held at the Lewis and Clark Brewery. Please join us for an evening of live music, award-winning craft beer and the opportunity to dunk me in a dunk tank. We have also reserved a boat for the Gates of the Mountains tour for Sunday morning after the convention. For those of you who have not experienced this wonder of nature, it will be a great opportunity to see the real Montana. For a sneak peek of this majestic wonder nestled in the heart of Montana, please visit https://gatesofthemountains.com/about.

As we look ahead to the new year, if you are in need of anything to help your dealership grow while remaining compliant, I encourage you to turn to our Preferred Partners. These companies have been vetted and endorsed by MTADA in an effort to ease your decision-making process of who to partner with.

The holiday season is always a good time to reflect on our accomplishments. I, for one, am so proud of our members. The many ways you give back to the communities you work and live in make our association and the great state of Montana a better place.

I look forward to another great year. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need help, have an idea or suggestion, have feedback or just want to say hello. You are a valued member of the Montana Auto Dealers Association, and I want to hear from you. As always, feel free to call me anytime on my cell at (406) 461-7680.

Sincerely,
Bruce