2021 Chair Letter: Along with challenges, year ended on a high note

While 2021 had some challenges, it ended on a high note

Chairing the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association has been a fascinating and true learning experience. Even as a board member, I didn’t fully appreciate the behindthe-scenes activity at CADA. Serving provided me access I never had and convinced me that with our outstanding staff, and by any number of metrics, CADA is one of the best dealer associations in the country. My peek behind the curtain — beyond forms and membership services, and into legislative and regulatory efforts — revealed an impressive organization. Nobody could have envisioned 2021. When you consider COVID, a reimagined Denver Auto Show, the launch of the Colorado Automotive Hall of Fame and what transpired with lawmakers and regulators, there was no ‘business as usual.’

Overcoming government roadblocks with more dialog

At the State Capitol, we had some notable success. We improved relationships this year with Governor Polis, state legislators and regulators at the Colorado Department of Transportation. We won’t always agree, but CADA cultivated increased dialog and better communication. Governor Polis now seems to see that while we don’t share the same vision for achieving them, we do share several common goals. Really, who doesn’t want clean air? We’re ready to sell electric vehicles and think he may pay more attention down the road in how that can be realized. We expect to have better communication with CDOT’s Executive Director Shoshanna Lew. As CDOT formulates policy for reducing greenhouse gases, I hope that better connection will pay practical dividends.

Is ETRP the zombie rule?

The Employee Trip Reduction Program would have made employers responsible for getting workers to choose ways to commute other than personal vehicles. Thanks to our and other businesses’ vigorous opposition, ETRP was pulled before it was formalized as a regulation although we believe it will come back in other forms. Also, we made some headway on tax issues and simplifying how vehicles are registered. Both will help us and our customers.

Ups and downs on the events rollercoaster

After COVID forced CADA to cancel and/or postpone major annual events in 2020 and earlier this year, we made some big changes. For one, the Board opted to reinvent the 2021 Denver Auto Show. Instead of hosting it in the Colorado Convention Center during its usual March/April timeframe, we instead planned an outdoor September show at Denver’s Elitch Gardens to see if this long-standing community event could adapt to major changes. The Denver Auto Show wasn’t the financial success we planned. We expected stronger exhibitor participation and attendance. Inventory shortages cut into participation and hot-hot-hot weather cut into crowds. The Denver Auto Show’s evolving future is up for total re-envisioning and futurescaping. Conversely, the inaugural celebration of the Colorado Automotive Hall of Fame and Preview Gala were an unmitigated success. With more than 700 in attendance, the sellout crowd embraced this new and instantly iconic event. It was great to see dealers I haven’t seen for years. Dinner was excellent, the presentation moved right along and we received some glowing reviews. CADA’s Annual Convention and Golf Event at The Broadmoor was just wonderful. Attendance was down a bit from pre-pandemic times, but the weather and the 14th CADA Annual Golf Event were spectacular. Speakers were interesting and thought provoking. Overall, some good ideas were generated — and not just from the speakers. Again, seeing and being with fellow dealers was super. I’m looking forward to assuming a consulting role as Past Chair. Key to CADA’s success is involvement, engagement and activation. Let’s continue to create greater results through expanded participation in our most important advocate — our association.