Richard Stephens is the owner of Stephens Auto Center in Danville, West Virginia. In 1975, his father bought the business and joined WVADA. Richard, a second-generation dealer for about 25 years, has been the chair of the annual WVADA Auto Show for most of that time. This year’s event, held Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022, was at the Charleston Convention Center in West Virginia.
Recently, WVADA spoke with Richard about the auto show.
From your perspective as chair, how was this year’s auto show different from shows of other years?
This year was much different from what it has been in the past. We thought about hosting the full-blown auto show normally produced, but when we saw the problems involved, it was decided to scale down the event instead. It was just the usual VIP Charity Gala and not the three-day Friday through Sunday portion of the event for the public.
It was necessary to scale down the show for a couple of reasons. Part of it was because of COVID-19, but the bigger reason was supply chain shortages and the lack of vehicles manufacturers could provide. We take great pride in this show, and didn’t want to put together something lackluster. We were afraid that if we did the full show, the people attending wouldn’t want to come back next year.
We put the show together in a way that would not disappoint those who attended. The shorter event did not cause many difficulties for me, but it was a bit of a challenge for the staff. They had to break away from the normal rhythm of putting on a show.
Tell us more details about the VIP Charity Gala.
The VIP Charity Gala was by invitation only. We timed the event so the legislature would be in session and its members would be in town. Legislators, bankers and insurance people were invited, along with others who work in our industry.
Cars provided by local dealers from their inventories were displayed, along with some classic cars from local collectors and a few specialty vehicles the manufacturers sent in. We also had refreshments and entertainment for our guests.
The gala became a legislative reception, and the dealer body throughout the state had the opportunity to meet with their local legislators in Charleston. They strengthened relationships and spoke with legislators or other guests about issues.
How did the gala turn out?
It was great. Everyone had a terrific time.
How much money did you raise, and where did the
money go?
We raised approximately $13,000 at the VIP Charity Gala for the Good News Mountaineer Garage. That’s a very good charitable organization that repairs donated cars and gets them ready for people who need transportation for work or education but are struggling because they don’t have the means to provide that transportation on their own. I served on their board for more than 10 years, and saw firsthand the good they do for people.
What are the plans for the auto show next year?
We would be thrilled to put on a full-blown auto show again next year if circumstances permit.
How will inventory be handled next year?
That will depend on circumstances. We hope to source vehicles from local dealers and have manufacturers ship vehicles in, too. They usually send us new products that are not available on the dealer lots yet, along with preproduction models, so the public can see them up close and sit in them.
We were sorry the general public couldn’t have the full show experience this year. We missed it, and very much look forward to doing a full show next year. It’s a lot of fun.
