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Why I Should Join
Who is the FIADA?
The Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association, Inc., known as the FIADA, is a not-for-profit Florida corporation that was organized in 1940 to represent and support the interests of independent used car dealers.
What Exactly is it that the FIADA does?
The FIADA provides benefits & services to our members that they are not always able to find on their own. We also provide educational opportunities for dealers and their staff through our Dealer Training School and seminars. FIADA offers networking opportunities that are vital to the success of small businesses with quarterly Board of Directors meetings, local town hall meetings and an Annual Convention and Trade Show. Membership includes a subscription to the Independent Dealer, the only magazine dedicated to Florida's used car dealers, as well as discounts and coupons for dealer support products and services.
FIADA allows a voice for independent dealers too small to represent themselves before state and federal agencies and the Florida Legislature. One of our more important roles is to educate both regulators and legislators about the impacts of proposed legislation and to promote legislation which benefits this industry and the consumer.
Whether it's creating an environment for sharing ideas, or serving as a place to go for solutions to problems that arise, FIADA is the only association in Florida whose primary purpose is the welfare and success of the independent dealer.
Why was it established?
The FIADA was established out of the need for a common ground for independent car dealers to learn how to be successful; to protect themselves from unfair and unnecessary regulations; to exchange ideas; and to educate the public and the law makers of the importance of the industry to the general public.
How have its activities changed since it was founded?
We have become more focused on providing information and education to our members through our publications, communications and our FIADA Dealer Training School and seminars. The association must provide a greater value of membership investment in order to convince a dealer of the need to belong.
Even so, some of the services offered to members benefit non-members as well, begging the question, "why do I need to join?" The need to provide more members-only services and benefits is increasing, and FIADA is shopping for these benefits stronger now than ever before.
Is FIADA willing to change to keep up with the times?
Yes, it's not always easy to change but members have seen many changes in their businesses over the years, and recognize the need to keep up. In the same way, FIADA has made changes in recent years to keep up with the industry. One of those changes was fulfilling the need to have representation in Tallahassee all the time. With Executive Director Larry Peters and Lobbyist Chris Moya representing FIADA, we have a presence and an address in the state capital.
In the past few years, dealer members realized they need to take a more active role in their future, and the future of the industry. To keep up with the times, FIADA is in the forefront of providing educational opportunities through the FIADA Dealer Training School and seminars throughout the state.
Is FIADA like other associations?
Yes and no. Most associations, including FIADA, have a common goal of helping their members succeed in their businesses by offering educational opportunities, information about new products, benefits and services to make them be more profitable, and representing their chosen industry with government.
Because the Independent Automobile Dealers industry is, for the most part, a family oriented business, the association that represents it is different than other associations. FIADA reflects that close-knit community in its activities and membership. Most conventions and board meetings are attended by the dealer and spouse, as well as their children. Friendships have been made within the bonds of FIADA that last a lifetime. Who better to understand the problems and challenges you face, than a friend who is experiencing the exact same thing? Though called "independent" you are not alone as a member of FIADA.
What are the goals of the members?
To be successful in business. To pass that success on to their families. To provide for their families and to protect the future of the industry.
How will they achieve those goals?
Our members, especially our long term members, believe by being members of their trade association they have a better chance of achieving their personal goals. They realize there are many things they need to know about running their business, and feel it's a lot easier to obtain this help and information through their association than on their own. They will achieve their goals by working hard, doing the right thing, following the rules and regulations that exist, working to change things that hurt their businesses and by giving back to the industry that has provided them a good living.
What can new members gain from FIADA?
The way a dealer does business has changed tremendously over the years. With the environment an ongoing issue, more and more safety issues and more disclosures required, a dealer must be informed if he or she wants to be successful. FIADA can give you answers to the questions about your business. Our training manual has a wealth of information for new dealers, and long-time dealers alike. The information available to members as well as the many other benefits and services offered are the most comprehensive and accessible in the state. The monthly magazine "Independent Dealer" keeps dealers up to date on what's happening in their industry and beyond.
New members also receive over $6,000 in coupons toward auction fees, computer software, and promotional items, not to mention opportunities to network and meet with other dealers, to exchange ideas, make new friends, learn about new products and so much more.
Don't take our word for it, listen to our members. Most believe their involvement has enhanced their success, and in many cases, their entire life. Many have said they can't afford not to belong. There is an old adage that says, what you put into something, many times comes back tenfold. Attitude is important to what a member perceives...if a member is looking for a quick fix for all of his problems, that member will not be able to understand fully the value of membership.
What can FIADA do for you?
We, the staff and the leadership, must instill in the members that the FIADA is necessary for the development of their industry's image. The FIADA provides the capabilities and means to educate and enrich knowledge through various seminars and meetings. It's hard to place a dollar figure on the experiences shared between FIADA members at conventions. We've heard members say that just one thing they have learned since being a member has saved them thousands of dollars and maybe their entire business.
Past FIADA President Jim Winterick has a phrase we believe speaks for itself: "Who ya gonna call?" Where does the dealer go for answers when the state comes to audit his records? Where does he call to get a rule or statute explained? In other words, when a dealer needs to know his rights, who does he call? The FIADA.
The FIADA is the recognized organization of the independent dealer. Why would an independent dealer not want to be a member of his or her association?
For more information about member benefits, select one of the links at the top of the page.
LOOK AT WHAT OTHER DEALERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FIADA
With FIADA, you have the ability to call someone and get an immediate answer to your technical questions; a call to an attorney will cost you, perhaps you won’t get the answer you need, and it certainly isn’t immediate. A single call to the FIADA solved a regulatory issue in a day that we had been dealing with for the past year. I don’t get that kind of turnaround anywhere. It gives me great peace of mind in knowing that immediate help is just a phone call away when I need it.
John Batson, ATCO Discount Company, Inc.
Ft. Lauderdale
Being a part of the FIADA is a strategic necessity for my business. Having a voice in helping shape the legal, regulatory and competitive landscape of our industry gives me comfort in knowing that a business that has been so good to me and my family will continue to flourish. Plus, the contacts and ideas I’ve encountered by networking with other members have had an immense positive impact on my business. Never being caught by surprise is a huge competitive advantage.
Jim Kagliery, JD Byrider
Jacksonville
As a member of the FIADA, you have an amazing resource of experience and knowledge at your fingertips. You can network with all sizes and types of Dealer/Members from all over the State of Florida to exchange information and ideas or help you with one of your vehicles that my be in their local area; the FIADA office staff (and the FIADA website) are second to none, and can assist you with any questions you have, from rules and regulations to supplying you with the necessary forms you need to sell cars and stay compliant, and they can even provide you with the required dealer training and continuing education needed to keep your dealer license active; and the FIADA is very active in Tallahassee, employing a full-time, professional lobbying firm to watch out for our interests legislatively, as well as working closely with all the State Agencies that govern or regulate the Automobile Industry.
There is strength in numbers, and the many benefits provided to you far outweigh the minimal dues to be a member. This is Our Industry, this is Our Livelihood, and this is Our Association. Join today and see for yourself how the FIADA can help you and your business be profitable, professional, and compliant.
Dino Mercurio, Independent Credit
West Palm Beach
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