American International Automobile Dealers Association
The American International Automobile Dealers Association (sometimes abbreviated as AIADA) is a United States lobbying force dedicated to the economic and political interests of America's international nameplate automobile dealers. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, its primary focus is on promoting free trade and opposing tax increases.
History
AIADA was established in 1970 as the Volkswagen Dealers Association in response to a growing protectionist movement in the United States. On September 10, 1970 the first Board of Directors meeting of the Volkswagen American Dealers Association (VADA) was held. The officers elected were David H. Gezon, President; Ken Sowles, Vice President; Richard Kronman, Secretary; and Bob Miller, Treasurer. Bob McElwaine became VADA's first Executive Vice President.
On January 30, 1970 VADA opened membership to any franchised dealer of imported automobiles and changed its name to the American Imported Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA). "Imported" was later changed to "international." Ken Sowles became the association's second president. Its current president is Cody Lusk.[1]
Today AIADA represents more than 10,000 international dealers and over 500,000 of their employees.[2] AIADA is also a supporter of Americans Well-informed on Automobile Retailing Economics (AWARE), in order to further consumer education on automobile financing.
Board Members
Jim Smail - Chairman
Ray Mungenast - Chairman Elect
Jenell Ross - Vice Chairman
Larry Kull - Secretary/Treasurer
Rick DeSilva- Immediate Past Chairman
George Brochick
Dave Conant
Allen Courter
Jack Fitzgerald[3]
Don Herring
Brad Hoffman
Greg Kaminsky
Jeff Morrill
Peggy Proko
Robert V. Rohrman
George Sharpe
Brad Strong
Morrie Wagener