As we look toward the months ahead, there is a lot to be excited about. Each new season brings an opportunity to reflect on where we have been, but more importantly, to look forward to where we are going. I believe our association is entering an exciting time, and I am proud of what we continue to accomplish together.

We have a busy fall ahead of us, starting with our upcoming Board Retreat! This is a valuable time to discuss our goals, evaluate the needs of our members and develop plans that will continue to move our organization forward. I look forward to the conversations and ideas that will come from this time together.

We are also looking forward to our Washington, D.C., Conference, where we will have the opportunity to connect with policymakers and fellow dealers while making our voices heard on the issues that matter most to our businesses: stopping controversial right to repair legislation, backed by big insurance and aftermarket parts companies; and supporting the Connected Vehicle Safety Act, to ban Chinese automakers’ entry into the U.S. Advocacy remains one of the most important benefits we can provide our members, and having a strong presence in Washington allows us to help shape the future of our industry.

Our DMV seminars will also provide an important opportunity for education and preparation. We urge all relevant dealership personnel to attend this year’s seminar, which will cover critical updates on the new Digital Title Vault for secure title management and training on the revamped Vehicle Registration System (VRS). We will be focusing on streamlined workflows for both in-state and 50-state processing, nationwide electronic titling, and expedited lien payoffs and releases. We encourage you to take advantage of these educational opportunities and bring your teams whenever possible.

As we enter this next season, I encourage each of you to stay engaged, stay informed and take advantage of the opportunities our association provides. The future of our industry will bring challenges, but it will also bring opportunities — and I am confident that, together, our dealer community is ready for both.

Thank you for your continued membership, support and commitment to our association. I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events and, most importantly, to continuing to work together toward a strong and successful future.

Here’s to a great fall!