By now, the word “unprecedented” is probably the most-used word in the English language, but it’s certainly an appropriate choice. Nobody expected this year’s events. We are currently moving toward a post-pandemic normal as we navigate the tidal wave of COVID-19 impact on our families, our businesses and our communities.

I think it’s fair to say that life changed almost overnight earlier this year. We can all relate to the complexities of managing the barrage of mandates necessary to keep us all safe while still keeping our doors open for business. But it would be easy to forget that what we do — what our dealerships do — makes a profound difference in the communities we serve.

All over our great state, I have seen our dealers step up to the plate in almost impossible circumstances, take care of their customers and employees, and move through the biggest crisis in recent memory. These tasks haven’t been easy.

But crisis moments also present opportunity. Even though no one knows what will happen next, COVID-19 has forced us to be creative about solving our challenges. We are relying on relationships that have been built and are using sophisticated and flexible technology. We appreciate seeing employees step up and lead after being mentored over the years. We meet customer expectations. And yes, we use timeless sales principles to sell cars.

As we continue to move through 2020 and 2021, we will all benefit when dealers are involved in our association. WVADA fights daily to protect our dealers’ investment in their businesses. The association provides relationships that our dealers have relied on and can continue to rely on.

The WV legislative session will begin Feb. 10, 2021 (delayed a month this year due to it being a gubernatorial year) and continue for 60 consecutive days. What happens during the legislative session will impact dealers for years to come, so this year is the year for you to lean in. Our robust agenda includes the following:

• Liability protection from COVID-19 for employers.
• Tort reform initiatives. Specifically, reforms to reduce the number of frivolous lawsuits filed against dealerships (i.e. loser pay system or methods to curb fee-shifting among trial lawyers).
• Tax reform. The legislature needs to reform the Business and Occupation Tax (B&O tax) and the Business Inventory and Machine Tax. Doing so will encourage current business expansion and attract new businesses.
• An updated tax code that reflects modern advertising practices. We want to eliminate the tax on digital and online advertising. West Virginia advertising businesses such as newspapers, television and radio cannot currently charge tax. However, dealers pay tax on advertising online.

These are heavy lifts that will not come easily. As a result, we need our dealers’ input and help this session to get our reforms across the finish line.

As dealers, you influence your elected officials. What can you do? Donating to the WVCAR PAC is the first step, and I greatly appreciate all the dealers that have stepped up and contributed! Second, I encourage dealers to work with WVADA to get the right message to the elected officials in your communities.

Now is the time.