Pictured above from L to R: El Cajon Ford’s Paul Dyke, Assemblymember Chris Ward, NCDA President Dean Mansfield, Team Kia/Mazda/Hyundai’s Chris George and Courtesy Chevrolet’s Justin True
CNCDA’s annual Dealer Day event is a once-a-year opportunity for San Diego County’s new car dealers to meet directly with key legislators in exclusive meetings and at social events. Throughout the day and into the evening, dealers were able to engage in the legislative process and influence policy decisions during personal interactions with legislators and their key staff members. In addition, all in attendance benefitted from legislative panel discussions and keynote speakers, as well as networking with dealer colleagues and officials from across the state. As such, it’s one of the most anticipated and significant events for NCDA-member dealers.
San Diego County dealers had a strong showing at Dealer Day this year to support one of the most important dealer bills in recent history, AB 473 (Aguiar-Curry), the New Motor Vehicle Franchise Law Modernization and Protection Act. AB 473 levels the playing field by restoring the proper competitive balance between dealers and their manufacturers so that independent franchised dealers can continue to service the needs of their communities and customers. It also follows the tradition of similar bi-partisan franchise bills enacted in 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2019. As of publication, AB 473 has so far unanimously passed two committees (Assembly Judiciary and Assembly Transportation) as well as the California State Assembly itself.
Those attending Dealer Day from San Diego County included: NCDA Board Members Paul Dyke, Chris George and Justin True; CNCDA Board Member Greg Kaminsky; NCDA President Dean Mansfield; and NCDA Director of Marketing and Operations Scott Webb.
Organized by the California New Car Dealers Association, Dealer Day began with a Face the Dealers roundtable discussion, followed by a Meeting of the Members Issues Briefing and Luncheon. During the luncheon, CNDA leadership helped prepare dealers for their afternoon legislative appointments. Several pieces of legislation were identified as priorities by the CNCDA, and Kenton Stanhope, CNCDA’s Director of Government Affairs, explained why these bills are important to dealers.
Perhaps the most meaningful aspect of Dealer Day was the opportunity for dealers to meet directly with the legislators who represent them. These meetings provided important personal interaction between legislators and dealers that helped build relationships and influence legislation. And after the formal meetings concluded, legislators and dealers met at a nearby restaurant to socialize over cocktails and dinner.
Throughout the event, NCDA members were able to meet with several legislators and/or their senior staff members to discuss important legislation, in addition to sharing our Economic Impact Report to remind legislators how big an impact new car dealers have on San Diego County’s economy each year.
