The annual CNCDA Dealer Day is one of the most anticipated and important events for NCDA members. By connecting dealers directly with key legislators in exclusive meetings and at social events, dealers have a unique opportunity to engage in the legislative process and influence policy decisions. In addition, all in attendance benefit from legislative panel discussions and keynote speakers, as well as networking with dealer colleagues and officials from across the state.

The NCDA had a strong showing of dealers attending Dealer Day this year to support one of the most important dealer bills in recent history, SB 1249, which modernizes the Document Processing Charge to preserve critical consumer protections and conveniences. Those in attendance from San Diego County included: NCDA Board Members Paul Dyke, Scott Keifner and Chris George, dealers Greg Kaminsky and Gary Fenelli, NCDA President Dean Mansfield, and NCDA Director of Marketing & Operations Scott Webb.

Organized by the California New Car Dealers Association, the day began with a Face the Dealers roundtable discussion where dealers heard from three candidates for the California State Legislature with strong dealer ties and experience. Dr. Jasmeet Bains (D), running for State Assembly to represent the Antelope Valley, worked at her father’s dealerships in Kern County. Assemblyman Roger Niello (R), running for State Senate to represent the Sacramento area, owned and operated The Niello Company auto dealer group with his brothers David and Rick. Matt Gunderson (R), running for State Senate to represent South Orange County and Coastal San Diego County, owned three dealerships in Orange County, which he recently sold. Discussions involved their motivations for serving in public office, the origins of their political careers and their opinions about policy.

The Meeting of the Members’ Issues Briefing and Luncheon followed, during which dealers heard from keynote speaker, Eleni Kounalakis, California’s Lieutenant Governor. Also during the luncheon, CNCDA leadership helped prepare dealers for their afternoon legislative appointments. Several pieces of legislation were identified as priorities by the CNCDA, and Alisa Reinhardt, CNCDA’s director of government affairs, explained why these bills are important to dealers.

Perhaps the most meaningful aspect of Dealer Day is the opportunity for dealers to meet directly with the legislators who represent them. These meetings provide important personal interaction between legislators and dealers that help 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.

All in all, 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.