Up to Speed Q4 2023

LADA USHERS IN NEW ERA WITH NEW PRESIDENT AND NEW OFFICE LOCATION Q&A WITH YOUR BOARD CHAIRWOMAN: KRISTIE HEBERT

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION

GOLF TOURNAMENT PICS AND RECAP VEHICLE THEFTS ARE ON THE RISE: WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

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CONTENTS

660 LAUREL STREET, SUITE E, BATON ROUGE, LA 70802 PHONE: (225) 769-5500 | FAX (225) 769-2085 EMAIL: LADA@LADA.ORG WWW.LADA.ORG

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chairwoman, Kristie M. Hebert ARCENEAUX FORD District 5, New Iberia

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GOLF TOURNAMENT WRAP UP

Chairman-Elect, Patton Fritze RED RIVER MOTOR COMPANY District 7, Bossier City Treasurer, Rand Alford ALFORD MOTORS, INC. District 15, Leesville Immediate Past Chairman, Marshall Harper HARPER MOTORS District 6, Minden Robert A. Grace SOUTHPOINT VOLKSWAGEN District 11-12, Baton Rouge John R. Young JOHN R. YOUNG BUICK CHEVROLET GMC District 13, Eunice

COVER STORY: LADA WELCOMES NEW PRESIDENT; NEW OFFICE

Mark A. Hebert, Sr. NADA State Director HEBERT’S TOWN & COUNTRY CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP

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GET TO KNOW YOUR LADA CHAIRWOMAN: Q&A WITH KRISITE HEBERT, ARCENEAUX FORD

DIRECTORS L. Keith Hanks LAKESIDE TOYOTA District 1-3, Metairie Lee Carney GEAUX CHEVROLET District 1-3, LaPlace Brett Barker TERROBONNE FORD District 4, Houma Ryan LeBlanc Sterling Automotive Group District 5, Lafayette Hunter White WHITE FORD LINCOLN District 8, Winnsboro Brett K. Oubre LAKESIDE FORD District 9, Ferriday Allen O. Krake SUPREME AUTOMOTIVE GROUP District 10, Slidell

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WHEN VEHICLE THEFTS ARE ON THE RISE, CONSIDER GPS PROGRAMS AS POTENTIALLY WISE

David L. Fabre ACURA OF BATON ROUGE District 11-12, Baton Rouge Corey Tarver LAKE CHARLES TOYOTA District 14, Lake Charles

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Clinton E. Hixson HIXSON AUTOPLEX OF ALEXANDRIA District 16, Alexandria Scott Oliphant KENWORTH OF LOUISIANA District 17, Heavy Truck

2024 EVENT CALENDAR www.lada.org

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PLATINUM Group 1 Automotive Kenworth of Louisiana Lake Charles Toyota Landers Dodge Chrysler Jeep

Tommy Harvey Shreveport Bossier New Car Dealers Association Price LeBlanc Auto Group

GOLD Arceneaux Ford, Inc. Baton Rouge New Car Dealers Association Dantin Chevrolet Foy Chevrolet-Buick.GMC Giles Nissan Harper Chevrolet GMC Hebert’s Town & Country Dodge

Chrysler Jeep Honda of Covington Hollingsworth Richards Ford Mike Harper Ralph Sellers Motor Company Richards Honda Van-Trow Toyota, LLC Walker Automotive

SILVER Acadiana Chrysler Dodge Jeep Acura of Baton Rouge Alford Motors, Inc. Ann Barker-Fairley Ascension Honda Audi Lafayette Audi New Orleans Brett Barker Chris Barker Geaux Chevrolet

Hyundai of Metairie John Harvey Toyota John R. Young Chevrolet GMC Keith Barker L. Keith Hanks Michael Barker Ryan Chevrolet Shelter Corley Ford, Ltd. Sparks Nissan Kia Toyota of Slidell

BRONZE Courtesy Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac of Ruston, LLC John Roussel P.K. Smith Motors, Inc. Ross Downing Chevrolet, Inc. Southpoint Volkswagen Southwest Volkswagen, Inc. Toyota of New Orleans White Ford, LLC

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LADA CHAIRWOMAN ADDRESS

GET TO KNOW YOUR LADA CHAIRWOMAN Kristie McMath Hebert was elected chairwoman

so we get up every day to do the tough stuff, and so

of the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association

do our employees.

earlier this year and is the first woman to hold the

I am very proud of the milestone we have made

position. A third-generation dealer at Arceneaux

in being a third-generation dealership. Many

Ford, Hebert says her mission is to inspire and

businesses are lucky if they make it to this point.

engage future generations of automobile dealers.

When my brother and I were younger, my dad

In this Q&A, Kristie talks about her professional

wondered if being involved in the dealership was

path and what being a Louisiana auto dealer means

something we wanted to do. Luckily, we did, and we

to her.

love it! We aren’t sure yet if our kids want it, and we won’t know for a while. Still, we want the option to

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

stay open for them.

I was born and raised in the New Iberia area,

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practically inside our Ford dealership. In 1994, I

What is it like being a woman leader in a

graduated from Catholic High School in New Iberia

traditionally male-dominated field?

and moved on to LSU where I graduated with a

Being female in such a male dominated industry like

degree in business, concentrating in marketing.

this can be tough. It’s hard to find your place. We

In 2000, I wrote a comprehensive business plan

all want a seat at the table, but where do you put

for our dealership, and that is how I got my start

the only girl in the room? This is where tough skin,

full-time. Later in 2012, we realized that our facility

a sense of humor and a lot of grace come in. I’ve

could not handle any more upgrades. So, in 2015,

learned to be tough and not take things personally.

we moved to a new property in New Iberia. Now, we

I’ve learned that not being so serious all the time is

are celebrating 50 years of business.

a good thing. But most importantly, I have learned

As for my personal life, I have been married to my

to give a lot of grace. Grace to others who are

husband Troy Hebert for 20 years. We have two

navigating this industry with me and grace to myself

kids. One just went off to college, and the other is a

for not always doing it perfectly. Although being a

high school senior.

woman in this world can be hard, it is rewarding!

As you were saying, you’re a third-generation

How did you get everyone’s trust to become

automobile dealer. What does that mean to

chairwoman

you? And will there be a fourth generation?

Dealers Association?

To me today, it means family. I get to see the fruits

I think part of it was timing and part was

of the labor - the blood, sweat and tears that my

determination. As we navigated building our new

parents put into the dealership. Now we get to

facility in 2015, I quickly realized how much politics

watch our family and employees grow, thrive and

play in getting a project of this size completed and

better their kids’ lives as well. We love what we do,

how much those politics shape communities. I was

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of

the

Louisiana

Automobile

determined to build a state-of-the-art facility in Iberia

the community into the store and we have the privilege

Parish and on the highway. It wasn’t easy, but we did it!

of sharing fundraising and sponsorships with them. It is

That experience pushed me to join the Iberia Development

a partnership of love for each other and our community.

Foundation board, and that membership led me to LADA.

We are blessed because we get to give back through the

It was important to me that our dealership had a voice

store, something many others cannot do. I am proud to

and that my other rural dealer friends did too. Timing

say that as a Ford dealer, we can participate in keeping

must have been on my side; I ran for the open seat in my

our community thriving.

district and won. During my first term, Lawrence Searcy

And I’m not alone. You’ll notice that many of our auto

from the Walker Automotive Group, and the incoming

dealers are some of the most active philanthropists in

chairman that year, asked me to serve as treasurer. After

the state, not to mention serious employers, property

22 years of working in my store, it was my time to work

owners and taxpayers. It’s one way we as a group bring

on behalf of my store.

great value to Louisiana.

What part of your education or background do you

What plans do you have for LADA? And how does being

think set you up to succeed?

a woman influence your role within the association?

One important part of my success is the time I spent

As the first woman chair of LADA, my goal is to engage,

in our dealership. I was working and learning in each

energize and immerse the next generation of dealers in

department, which helped me find a role that fit me best.

our association. It’s a new and different generation of

The other part of my success is my dad. We shared an

dealers. We are young, experienced, and knowledgeable,

office for about five years. Every mistake and every win

and we know that it is our time. I want to welcome and

were out in the open, which allowed for many coaching

involve the next generation and future generations of

moments right as they were happening. I also participated

dealers that have not come into LADA yet. If we don’t

in the National Automobile Dealers Association and the

do it now, the association will stagnate. One exciting

Dealer Academy, which I recommend to any dealers that

development thing is that we moved to a new office

have young adults coming into the business. All three of

space in downtown Baton Rouge this fall. It’s close to all

these contributed to my success.

the action, which will help us create relationships with the community and in the political arena. Overall, my goal is

What motivates you in and outside of work?

to be open and make sure that the board is set up for the

My passion for the community and our employees here is

next generation to come through and help LADA thrive.

what motivates me. I have found a couple of organizations to support that I feel strongly about, like the American Heart Association, St. Jude’s Hospital and the Boys and Girls Club. Our employees bring their passion and love for

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25th Annual LADA Golf Tournament On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, participants swung into action during the 25th Annual LADA Golf Tournament in Baton Rouge. During the tournament, workers’ compensation distribution checks were provided to qualifying member dealers that participate in the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association Self–Insurers’ Trust Fund (LADA-SIF). The total amount of distribution checks for 2023 was $3,850,000. This marked the 26th straight year with a distribution over $3,000,000. In total, the LADA-SIF has now returned over $105,000,000 since the program’s inception.

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The most important tool that technicians and golfers have is their hands. Hands are one of the most vulnerable parts of the human body due to how often we use them. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an estimated 1 million workers are being treated with emergency medical care for hand injuries annually.

The OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.138 states employers are “to select, provide, and require employees to use appropriate hand protection when employees’ hands are exposed to hazards.”

Main tips to ensure your employees’ hands are protected:  





Perform a hand hazard assessment.

Select and enforce the correct hand protection for the job. One glove does not protect against every job task!

Train employees on hand protection and how to properly use hand tools, such as box cutters, utility knives, etc.

Post “Hand Protection Required” signs.

If your dealership has safety & health or OSHA questions, please feel free to contact Risk Management Services’ Loss Prevention Department at 1-800-351-7475 or by email: LossPrevention@rmsla.com.

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LADA WELCOMES NEW PRESIDENT: COULTER MCMAHEN

The Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association (LADA) announced today the appointment of

“We are embarking on an exciting time in

Coulter McMahen as its new president and chief

Louisiana, marked by new leadership, legislators,

executive officer. McMahen joins LADA from Taylor

and a new generation of auto dealers who are

Porter, one of Louisiana’s oldest and largest law

finding innovative ways to serve their respective

firms, where he has a proven track record of success

communities. I know I speak for the entire board

in representing clients across various industries,

when I say we are thrilled to have Coulter join our

making him a strategic choice to lead LADA into a

team and bring his fresh perspective to our work.”

new era.

“LADA represents much of what is great in Louisiana,” McMahen’s selection as president and CEO follows

remarked McMahen. “Our dealers are integral to

a rigorous executive search conducted by LADA

driving Louisiana’s economy as taxpayers, business

chairwoman Kristie McMath Hebert and the board

owners, employers, and service providers. I’m

of directors, reflecting LADA’s commitment to

excited to collaborate with our outstanding board

excellence. As president and CEO, McMahen will

and experienced staff to showcase the value that

lead LADA’s strategy, advocacy efforts, and oversee

Louisiana’s auto dealers bring to our state.”

operations of LADA and its subsidiaries, focusing on elevating the profile of the Association and

The Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association

championing the interests of Louisiana’s automobile

looks forward to the positive impact Coulter

dealers.

McMahen will make as he leads the Association toward continued success and prominence in the

Hebert expressed enthusiasm for the exciting developments in Louisiana’s automotive landscape.

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www.lada.org

automotive industry.

LADA MOVES HEADQUARTERS TO DOWNTOWN BATON ROUGE

We’ve moved! After over 40 years of calling Picardy

associations.

Ave our home, LADA has moved its headquarters to downtown Baton Rouge at 660 Laurel Street.

“We look forward to our members utilizing the space for capitol visits and furthering our collaborative

“This premiere office location in the heart of

business relationships in the region,” replied

downtown Baton Rouge will give us more access

Hebert..

to the movers and shakers in our state, which is essential for LADA as we continue our work to create opportunities that benefit Louisiana, our businesses and our communities,” said Kristie Hebert, chairwoman of the LADA Board of Directors and Dealer Operator of Arceneaux Ford in New Iberia. “We are excited to be able to host our legislators, dealers and business partners in this new space.”

LADA is leasing the space from HomeBuilders Self Insurers Fund, a cooperative partner association and one of the many business organizations located in the downtown area. The move positions LADA with more opportunities to promote the goals of their member dealers and to expand their network among like-minded, premiere business

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Thank you to our 2023 Golf Tournament Sponsors!

PLATINUM LEVEL

GOLD LEVEL

SILVER LEVEL

BREAKFAST SPONSOR ON COURSE TENT

BRONZE LEVEL Arthur J. Gallagher Automotive Risk Management Partners Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, LLP Chase Auto Finance

BEVERAGE CARTS

Hannis T. Bourgeois, LLP, CPAs HUB International Gulf South, Ltd. National Auto Care The Cole Group

EVENT SPONSOR Cosource Financial NADA Retirement

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www.lada.org

The Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association

BBW that left taste buds tingling. Attendees eagerly

(LADA) hosted a spectacular golf tournament at the

anticipated the distribution of $15,000 worth of door

picturesque University Club in Baton Rouge, leaving

prizes, adding an extra layer of excitement to an

an indelible mark on attendees. With an impressive

already thrilling day. Amidst the laughter and fun,

turnout of over 140 golfers, the event was a sold-

the event also served as a poignant farewell to LADA

out success, creating a vibrant atmosphere of

President Will Green.

camaraderie. The course buzzed with excitement thanks to 10 on-course tent sponsors, generously

The perfect weather provided a fitting backdrop to

providing food and beverages to the participants.

a day filled with fellowship, making the LADA golf tournament an unforgettable experience for all

The festivities extended beyond the greens, as

involved. We look forward to returning to Univeristy

the post-tournament celebration featured award-

Club for our 2024 Golf Tournament on October 15.

winning BBQ from Mike Finney and Irsih Brew

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WHEN VEHICLE THEFTS ARE ON THE RISE, CONSIDER GPS PROGRAMS AS POTENTIALLY WISE By: Keith Decell, Jason Rasti, and Sunny Mayhall, The LDS Group

An October 2023 study published by the National

customers.

Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) confirms what Louisiana dealers and their customers know all

For customers, the hard-wired or wireless GPS

too well- vehicle theft has become commonplace.

tracking device can provide access to real-time vehicle

Unfortunately, new numbers reveal an upward trend.

location services via desktop computer, tablet, or

According to the first half of 2023, total vehicles

smartphone. Depending upon the device selected,

lifted this year may exceed those stolen in 2022. Five

customers can tailor a variety of alerts so that they

hundred thousand vehicles were reported as stolen

receive text message and email notifications when

nationwide in the first half of 2023, “…an increase of

the vehicle exceeds certain speeds, travels outside

more than two percent compared to the first half of

established geofences, enters or exits designated

2022.”

“favorite” places, or changes locations outside of

“…[B]etween January and July 2023, vehicle

thefts totaled more than 80,000 thefts per month

“curfew”.

and peaked in May with 87,993 vehicles reported stolen to law enforcement.”

In the event the vehicle is stolen, the GPS device can shift into theft mode, triggering connected recovery

Local numbers tell a more alarming story. The New

services that rapidly deliver digital breadcrumbs

Orleans Metropolitan Crime Commission published

marking the vehicle’s movements. Recovery service

that there were at least 5,291 reported auto thefts

providers work in conjunction with a network of law

this year through September 17, 2023, marking

enforcement agencies in an effort to recover the

a 107% increase from the same period last year.

vehicle, sometimes outpacing OEM-installed security

This epidemic is not confined to south Louisiana.

systems.

Shreveport’s Police Department documented a 128% increase from July 2022 to July 2023.

For dealers, the GPS programs offer the chance to lighten customer concern about car theft. The

These statistics signal the far-reaching impact of auto

devices can be presented as a non-cancelable F&I

theft. Fortunately, recent developments in vehicle

product and financed with the vehicle. The devices

tracking and recovery technologies offer programs

are also capable of delivering customer maintenance

to mitigate the impact. After speaking with several

notifications, facilitating customer retention.

of our dealer partners, we surveyed the GPS tracking

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device market. We settled on two GPS programs that

Prior to sale, GPS devices installed on inventory

we believe are value-adds for both dealers and their

vehicles afford varying lot management services,

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such as virtual inventory audits, after-hours lot lockdown

The reality is that vehicle theft is prevalent. The right

settings, current and historic location and route

GPS program can be a valuable response to this reality

information, low battery alerts, and other vehicle-status

for dealers and their customers. Please contact your LDS

related reports.

Territory Manager for more information.

Whether by desktop or portable device, dealership employees are able to pinpoint vehicle locations on one or multiple lots, streamlining the sales process. Similar to its consumer-facing function, GPS devices deliver theft recovery services for inventory cars, loaners, and other company-owned vehicles.

Lance Kinchen

Jason Rasti

Sunny Mayhall

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LADA STAFF Coulter McMahen President & CEO cmcmahen@lada.org

Katherine Carver Director of Events & Communications kcarver@lada.org

Krystal Hudson Executive Assistant & Membership Director khudson@lada.org

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3/20/23 2:31 PM

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