NADA Board of Directors elects North Carolina dealer Michael Alford as 2022 Chair
Last Tuesday, the 65-member board of directors of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) elected Mike Alford as its 2022 Chair.
“It is an honor and privilege to be elected to serve as NADA board chairman for 2022,” said Alford, who represents North Carolina’s new-car dealers on the NADA board and is president of Marine Chevrolet Cadillac in Jacksonville, N.C. “Since 1917 NADA has been an ardent advocate for franchised new-car dealers. The opportunity to chair this dynamic group of automotive leaders is both exciting and humbling. We have an engaged board and talented team that stands ready to advance the interest of our more than 16,000 franchised dealers. I appreciate the trust and confidence of the board as we tirelessly pursue our work with all stakeholders on behalf of the dealer body.”
Alford, 57, who currently serves as NADA vice chairman, will succeed Paul Walser, partner of Walser Automotive Group in Edina, Minn., as chairman.
Geoffrey Pohanka, 64, who represents new-car dealers in Metro Washington, D.C. and currently serves as chairman of NADA’s Industry Affairs Committee, was elected NADA vice chairman for 2022.
“I grew up in the car business. It’s an amazing, rewarding and exciting business, and we’re all so fortunate to be in it,” said Pohanka, third-generation dealer and president of the Pohanka Automotive Group that consists of sixteen automobile dealerships representing nine brands, located in Maryland, Virginia, and Texas. “My family has been involved in NADA for generations. NADA helped our company tremendously, and we’ve been giving back ever since. NADA has an amazing board and an amazing staff. And if we can help create a good environment for the industry, we can help create a vibrant economy and stronger communities. That’s what I want to do, and I promise to give it my utmost 110%.”
Tom Castriota, owner of Castriota Chevrolet, Inc. in Hudson, Fla., was elected as secretary. Kirt Frye, president of Sunnyside Automotive Group in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, was elected as treasurer.
The election took place at NADA’s board meeting on Oct. 19, 2021, which was held in Charleston, S.C. The new terms begin at NADA Show 2022 in Las Vegas in March 2022.
This just in: Title Processing after COVID webinar is now available through CADA's Education on Demand. The August 9 webinar includes downloads of specific forms and the statewide Title manual. If you missed this or any CADA webinar, stream them through CADA's Education on Demand.
For information about any Endorsed Provider's products or services, contact Marsha Temple 303.457.5123 office | 303.589.3801 mobile
Inclement Weather Awareness While on the Job
The weather can be an unpredictable force, and try as we might, it’s impossible to perfectly foresee what Mother Nature will throw at us next, or how severe it may be. One of the main things to keep an eye out for is inclement weather, which is classified as any severe or harsh weather condition that makes it unsafe or impractical to travel, commute, or work outdoors.1 Any abnormal or harsh climatic conditions, such as severe snow, sleet, frigid temperatures, heavy rain, hurricanes, high winds, tornadoes, drought, and wildfires, all fall into the category of inclement weather.
During these events, normal work of a non-emergency nature should be carefully evaluated, as it may not be reasonable or safe to be exposed to any of these conditions, or possible to continue working in a safe manner during regular working hours.
Forecast Alerts
Pay attention to the National Weather Service as they issue watches, warnings, and advisories across various media channels. Listen and watch for sirens or alerts that may dictate if you and your employees should avoid travel, seek shelter, or be prepared to weather a storm for a period of time.
A Dangerous Commute
Wherever you work, severe weather can impact any type of travel. Driving already comes with plenty of risks, but a daily commute can turn even more dangerous as harsh weather sets in. If you live in a climate that often has high chances of inclement weather, preparing well in advance before it strikes is a good idea. Keep emergency kits in your vehicle, let others know your destination, and be sure your cell phone is charged in case you need to call emergency services. Remember, what may not be considered inclement weather in some parts of the country could be devastating in others. For example, consider the impact of snow in southern states, where they lack snowplows and de-icing equipment.
Weather Procedures
You should prepare emergency preparedness procedures in advance of inclement weather to provide clarity for all employees. Avoid ambiguity, and create clear guidelines to follow so that employees know how to act or react. Consider things such as:
Conveying communication protocols before a weather event occurs.
Offering temporary remote work, if possible.
Sheltering or evacuation procedures.
Worker safety for those on location or working in the field.
Inclement weather can occur at any time, and has been increasing in severity and frequency in recent years.2 The impacts of inclement weather can be dangerous, devastating, and long-lasting. Knowing the signs and signals of inclement weather could help to save lives. Pay attention to the weather forecast and plan in advance before you or your workers step outside.