Virginia Automotive Report E Newsletter for May 2018 Meet Your New VAA President, John Kline Have Requested, and Today, They Do It All

Virginia Automotive Report E Newsletter for May 2018 Meet Your New VAA President, John Kline have requested, and today, they do it all. A true family By Steve Akridge business, the longevity of key John Kline’s journey that led him employees has contributed to to the tire and automotive industry Old Dominion’s success. in Midlothian, VA, started off in a Service Manager John slightly different path, and in many Haddon has run the shop for different places. Born in Barranca- 25 years, and his son Jake is a bermeja, Columbia, South America, technician. One of John and Barbara and John Kline his Dad’s career working with com- Barbara’s 4 grandsons, Justin panies that built power plants took Sullivan works full time as a general service technician, John Kline their family to Freeport, Texas, and David Rainer has run the front sales for the retail side Tampa, Florida, Rodondo Beach, California, and Yorktown, Virginia. for 15 years. Their daughter Katie is involved with market- His last job brought the family to Richmond as the comptroller for the ing on a part time basis, and her husband, Jonathan company that built the Dutch Gap Plant. He attended Midlothian Hayden has been the General Manager of their whole- School when it was grades 1-12, and graduated from Manchester sale division, Old Dominion Tire Direct, since 2004. High School in Chesterfield County. John has clearly under- He got his first taste of the tire business in 1967, when at 17 stood the importance of years of age he went to work for Buck Wheeler in Richmond, regroov- our political process, and ing tires and doing section repairs on ag tires. The business did not do the need for strong repre- any service, and only sold the tires they regrooved or repaired. Next sentation at our General up was his first job selling wholesale, when he joined Sonic Tire in 1970, Assembly. This led to his calling on accounts in Virginia, Maryland and Eastern North Carolina. involvement in the VAA, That was also the year he and Barbara were married, and over the and he was recognized next eight years, two daughters, Katie and Jennifer, were born. Seek- L-R: John Kline, John Haddon, for his service in 2003 with Jonathan Hayden ing a position that would get him off the road, and keep him home the association’s highest more, John went to work for Hicks Tire, where he learned the commer- honor, The Distinguished Member award– before he cial truck tire business. In 1984 he joined Colonial Ford in commercial joined the Board. He was elected to the VAA Board in sales, and in 1988 he made the decision to open his own business, Old 2008, and has been our Legislative Chairman since 2012. Dominion Tire. He sold commercial truck tires out of his garage, and He has also represented the Tire & Rubber Industry on the Barbara kept the books. With his accounts requesting more services state’s Recycle Markets Development Council, which from him, he moved the business was a governor appointed position. to a building in Hendricks Indus- John has a strong commitment to trial Park off Hull Street that he community, and has served on the rented. With two bays, he add- Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce ed light services, and began Board of Directors, the American selling passenger and light truck Disabled Vets, the Chesterfield tires, and soon expanded to six Animal Shelter, and the South bays to keep up with the de- Richmond Rotary Club, where he mand. In 1989 Barbara joined remains very active. him full time, and they built their David Rainer has run One visit to John’s office will the retail for 15 years. current location on Warbro clearly define his passion for his Road in Midlothian. As Old Do- favorite hobbies, hunting and fishing, and his trips have minion’s retail business contin- taken him to Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Mexi- ued to grow, the building was co, Alaska, South Dakota and Georgia. He and Barbara expanded to 8,500 square feet, enjoy traveling, and last year spent a month in New Zea- and today has 9 lifts, an align- land; an extensive trip to the western states is planned for ment rack and a separate area this summer. for tires. In addition to the com- Please join me in welcoming John Kline as our mercial truck tire business, they new Virginia Automotive Association President– we look Outgoing President Scott Brown (L) perform complete automotive presents John Kline his new Gavel forward to two great years of steady leadership with you service for every make of vehicle at the helm! including repairs for large trucks. Through every phase of their business, they have expanded into areas based on what their customers OUR PARTNERS

The following Supplier Members have commited to our Partnership Program, and to support the good work of the VAA at the very highest finanacial levels. Each Partnership also includes Sponsorship and Exhibit booths at our annual Convention and Trade Expo. We are very grateful for this support, and will continue to recognize them in every Newsletter issue throughout the entire year, and on our website. We ask our Dealer members to show your thanks by giving them your business...support those who support us.

Platinum Level Partners

Advance Auto Parts / Autopart International American Tire Distributors Carroll Tire Company Federated Insurance Napa Auto Parts

Gold Level Partners

Justice Tire Distributors Max Finkelstein Inc. Mohawk Rubber Sales Nexen Tire Parrish Tire Company TCI Tire Centers Unifirst Corporation

Silver Level Partners

Automotive Training Institute Autoshop Solutions Blue Ridge Insurance Services Hot Rod Processing Kukui Corporation Myers Tire Supply Papco Oil Pirelli Tire Snap Finance

2 VAA Officers & Directors President’s Corner

President: John Kline By John Kline Old Dominion Tire, Midlothian Richmond Region Change is the one constant I have seen through- Secretary-Treasurer: Jerry Tatum out the 47 years I have been in this industry. At one time, the engine had points and plugs. Fuel was regulated by Leete Tire & Auto, Petersburg carburetors. When a car got 100,000 miles on it, it was the Richmond Region best car ever bought. We only had 10 tire sizes, which

covered all passenger and light trucks on the highway. President Elect: Chris Barnett Who still gets calls for a 165R15? We were even re- Tire Tread Service, Fredericksburg treading them! Northern Virginia Region Fast forward to present day and we now have Past President: Scott Brown cars that are all electric, port injection and over 200 differ- Cardinal Plaza Shell, Springfield ent tire sizes (which only fit 70% of the tire market). There Northern Virginia Region are electric fueling stations and sensors to tell you if your tire is low on air. Executive Director: Steve Akridge So the one thing we can count on is change. We must be VAA, Richmond able to adjust as the markets develop. When technology Richmond Region advances, we better change or we will be left behind.

Directors: Change also happens in all other facets of your Richmond Region: business. The innovations made to the equipment in your Kim Taylor, Titan Auto & Tire, S. Chesterfield shop are astounding. The software for our service writers, Clint Farrar, American Tire Distributors, Richmond technicians and office personnel has been detailed to meet the needs of the shop. Scott Derouaux, Napa Auto Parts, Richmond

Mike Fortune, Cloverleaf Tire & Auto, Richmond Embracing the advancements and innovations Andrea Ellett, Winding Brook Tire Pros, Milford within our industry does not come without concern. How- Coastal Virginia Region: ever, that concern will help you make the right decisions Mike Scaglione, Arrowhead Auto & Align, Virginia Beach for your shop. Letting the concern become fear is some- Bobby Cutchins, Bobby’s Tire & Auto Care, Franklin thing we must not allow. Encourage the change and en- Mark Anderton, First Landing Auto Care, Virginia Beach joy the results of your hard working team. Northern Virginia Region: ST Billingsley, B & W Associates, Woodbridge When I go to meetings like the VAA Convention, I Lynchburg Region: enjoy talking to people in the same business. Borrowing Brenda Carpenter, Colony Tire, Lynchburg and sharing ideas with friends I have made, allows me to Southwest Virginia Region: make changes in my own business. I look back at the Bill Hoal, Carroll Tire Co., Roanoke many speakers we have had. One I remember motivated Shenandoah Valley Region: me to walk into my shop the next day and increase my Steve Crawford, Hepner Tire, Woodstock labor rate by $10.00 per hour. No one said a word about Terry Westhafer, Central Tire, Verona the increase! Now, wasn’t that a good change? Tom Jones, Fisher Auto Parts, Staunton Larry Williams, University Tire & Auto, Charlottesville So, coming to the end of my first article, embrace Next Generation Advisory Council: change. Nurture new ideas. Things will always change. Wes Tatum, Leete Tire & Auto, Petersburg Gary Eavers, Jr., Eavers Tire Pros, Stuarts Draft Until Next time, Robby Cutchins, Bobby’s Tire & Auto, Franklin John Kline, VAA President

VAA Contacts: Steve Akridge, Executive Director Welcome New VAA Members Email: [email protected] Carl’s Wash, Lube & Service, Carl Evory, Chesapeake Web: www.vaauto.org Referred by Steve Akridge Phone: 804-739-1400 Accounting Office: Support the organization that supports You, and help 8814 Fargo Road, Ste. 225 VAA grow it’s membership– recommend a shop or a sup- Richmond, VA 23229 plier you know and sign them up online at www.vaauto.org. Click on the Join VAA tab

3 “My Turn” By Wes Tatum

VIO Surge to 2020 "After minimal growth on U.S. roads during 2007 through 2013, vehicles in operation are now on the FOCUS on the VALUE of MEMBERSHIP edge of a soaring growth curve that will dramatically expand the light vehicle population by more As many state organizations like the VAA start to than 40 million during 2014 through 2020." dwindle in size and strength or even cease to exist, it’s "There was an extended period of virtually no car vital for the us show value in our membership. The VAA is and light truck growth in the U.S. from 2007 to 2013, a lean organization and, as members, I believe we’re all something that had not occurred before except ambassadors. It’s our duty to spread the word and try to during World War II, over 70 years ago. Now, all that attract other quality members. I know we’ve all heard, is behind us and the U.S. light vehicle population will “They’ll continue to lobby and work on government af- dramatically increase between 2013 and 2020." fairs, etc. even if I’m not a member.” So how do we VIO Growth Phases modify our “elevator pitch” to combat this response? Since the beginning of the new millennium, there Maybe the conversation needs to shift to how the VAA have been three distinct periods of light vehicle can directly benefit their bottom line. I believe the VAA growth in the U.S., each reflecting different expan- should more openly promote the excellent vendor dis- sion rates of vehicles in operation (VIO). count programs that are already in place. Even if a new 2000 to 2007 VIO Growth member were to join for sheer monetary savings, the At mid-year 2000, there were nearly 220 million cars goal would be to engage them during their first year to and light trucks in the U.S. Light vehicle growth show what else the organization does to impact their steadily increased over the next seven years, so business and the industry. that the car and light truck population in the U.S. totaled 249 million at mid-year 2007. My proposal is to create a Vendor Discount Program to This 29-million gain in the light vehicle population inform current members and potential members what represented 1.8% annual VIO growth over seven savings opportunities are available. I’ve had multiple years. vendors express interest in participating in such a pro- 2007 to 2013 VIO Stagnation gram and feel certain that others would jump aboard. The pace of vehicle population growth changed dramatically over the following six years, as new car As many members know, the VAA has several long and light truck sales in the U.S. plunged at an un- standing relationships with its current Endorsed Programs precedented rate following the 2008 recession. Vendors. We are most appreciative of these programs As a result, the number of cars and light trucks on and this proposal is not to disrupt any of those current U.S. roads virtually plateaued during 2007 to 2013 for relationships. This would simply be a published list of ven- the first time since World War II (nearly 70 years earli- dors that wish to offer special pricing or exclusive pro- er), when new car and light truck production grams to benefit dealer members of the VAA. The reality stopped and the auto industry was retooled for the is that there are some vendor discount programs that war effort. already exist of which some members are completely There was a modest increase in the light vehicle unaware. There’s already “added value” to be had by population from mid-year 2007 to 2008, followed by many dealers if they explore the vendor list more thor- a reduction in cars and light trucks on U.S. roads as oughly. More importantly, our vendors see enough value the VIO shrank from 250 million light vehicles at mid- in our organization and the quality of our dealer year 2008 to just over 247 million by 2012. members to offer such programs. Surging New Vehicle Sales New car and light truck annual sales bottomed in I encourage you to continue to patronize all of our 2009 at just over 10 million, down more than one- supplier members that you can. Their support is vital to third from 2007, and then began to rebound. our organization and in the coming months we will have New car and light truck annual sales bottomed in a list of vendor discounts published for all of you. 2009 at just over 10 million, down more than one- -Safe travels! third from 2007, and then began to rebound. Editor’s Note: The VAA Vendor Discount Program has been approved by the Board. More details coming very Article Continued on Page 6 soon.

Wes Tatum is Vice-President of Leete Tire & Auto Centers,

with locations in Petersburg and Richmond. He is a

member of the VAA's Next Generation Advisory Council.

4 Common Human Resource Manager Mistakes In SESCO’s Basic and Advanced Human Resource Management Seminars, we discuss the primary role that a Human Resource Manager should play in an organization. Often though in conducting client assessments and working with human resource professionals, we find the following concerns:

1. Forgetting who the HR Manager represents. Too many HR Managers feel as if they are the employee’s advo- cate and constantly debate and push back on managers and owners. Certainly, HR Managers should be a place where employees feel as if they can take their complaints or ask questions, but a professional HR Man- ager will understand how to balance their roles and responsibilities with the realities of running and operating a successful business.

2. We see HR Managers having the need to be “friends” with employees. HR Managers many times have the need to be “liked.” This can create a significant strain on the organization’s overall employee relations cli- mate and culture and can drive a wedge between organizational goals and the employee asset.

3. Many HR Managers are frightened of federal and state compliance requirements and attorneys. HR Managers will many times push back against management and tell them that “we can’t do that,” “we will get in trou- ble,” etc. Certainly, an HR Manager needs to know and understand the laws and regulations at least enough to contact a professional consultant like SESCO but ultimately, organizations do have the right and should make decisions that best support the organization’s overall mission and vision.

Human Resource Managers who become the organization’s “compliance police” ultimately do not sit at the table with the executive team because these HR Managers are the naysayers and are not open in working with management in developing solutions. This is not to say that owners and managers are looking to break the law or create liability for the organization, but certainly risk can be managed and solutions are available in most all situations.

4. Many Human Resource Managers do not understand the overall importance and value of the position. In es- sence, the Human Resource Manager should sit at the table with executives. In Japanese companies, the Human Resource Manager is the “number two” person in the pecking order. This is because Japanese run organizations understand the value of their human resources as their most valued asset as well as the organization’s largest, single controllable cost.

In today’s environment, the HR Manager must understand that compensation and subsequent labor costs are critical costs that must be managed. This means understanding and proactively managing scheduling, staff- ing and performance efficiency so that the organization can do more with less (labor cost). Many HR Manag- ers simply do not understand this and recommend to owners and managers that they need to hire more people to get the job done or simply pay more or increase benefits to promote productivity.

5. Human Resource Managers must understand that they are “managers” first and that they need to understand the organization’s goals and needs. They must become a member of the management team and balance their roles in ensuring compliance as well as employee satisfaction and certainly, this is a very difficult line to balance. However, your good, professional HR professionals do, in fact, understand that human resources is just not compliance or advocating for employees, but that they help the management team in ultimately achieving the organization’s goals through people.

Note: Through our contract retainer with Sesco, as a VAA member, you get unlimited phone consultation at no cost as part of your membership. Contact Sesco at:

P.O. Box 1848 Bristol, Tennessee 37621 423-764-4127 (Phone) 423-764-5869 (Fax) web site: www.sescomgt.com e-mail: [email protected]

5 Lang I Report continued from Page 4 VAA 2018 Highlights From

Nearly 294 Million VIO by 2020 The Homestead From 251 million vehicles at mid-year 2013, Lang Mar- By Steve Akridge keting estimates the light vehicle VIO in the U.S. will By all accounts, we hit another home run with our 2018 reach 294 million by mid-year 2020. This VIO surge is annual convention and trade expo, held at The Omni Home- being fueled by high new vehicle sales and low car stead the weekend of April 13-15. Attendance in every cate- and light truck annual scrappage rates. gory was up over our 2017 show in Williamsburg, and those at- The 2.3% average annual projected VIO gain from tending a VAA show for the first time was the highest in recent 2013 to 2020 will mark a dramatic turnaround from the years. The weather was perfect on Friday morning for our pop- previous six-year period, with a VIO increase of 43 mil- ular VAA Open Golf tournament, and 96 players took on the lion. challenging Old Course. Our Saturday evening Trade Expo had Big Aftermarket Boost 76 booths, and counting vendors, we had over 450 in attend- The rise in light vehicle VIO from 2013 through 2020 will ance for the expo. Our educational sessions began Saturday morning, and add velocity to the aftermarket product expansion we elected new Officers and Board members during the Annu- compared to the previous six years. al meeting; you can see them on page 3. Tire Business maga- In addition to VIO growth, the size and composition of zine VP Dave Zielasko was our opening keynote speaker, and the aftermarket will also be influenced by dramatic his discussion on the trends and many changes in our industry changes in the percentage of foreign versus domestic were eye opening. Richard Flint met with our Owners and Key nameplate vehicles from 2013 through 2020 as well as Managers for a session, “Hiring the Right People”. Richard works change in the age mix of light vehicles on U.S. roads. with shop owners across the country, and has such a great per- More about these developments in VIO mix will be spective for our industry. We received numerous comments on covered in future Lang iReport issues. how much this session was of value to our owners. Our sales and service personnel had 2 sessions– Selling Maintenance by

Joe Ferguson and Days of Digital by Bryan Stasch. Both had a Six Major Takeaways lot of very useful information, and were rated high by at- • Light vehicle VIO (vehicles in operation) growth tendees. We kept our always popular Peer to Peer Roundtable can be divided into three time periods spanning 20 format, but again broke into 2 groups. The Owner’s Roundtable years: 2000 to 2007, 2007 to 2013, and 2013 to 2020. was moderated by Dave Zielasko, and the Sales/Service • The light vehicle population increased 29 mil- Roundtable was co-moderated by Dave Crawford and Bryan lion from 2000 to 2007, reflecting a strong 1.8% VIO an- Stasch. This unscripted format always produces a lively discus- nual growth rate. sion and some great ideas. Both groups’ moderators recently • There was a dramatic change over the follow- emailed the attendees notes from the session to use as a follow up to the discussions. Richard Flint was our closing keynote ing six years (2007 to 2013) as new car and light truck speaker on Sunday morning, and his “Making your life Simply annual sales crashed following the 2008 recession. As Simple” message hit home with everyone in attendance, who a result, the light vehicle VIO declined from 2008 to also took home a copy of Richard’s book by the same title. We 2012 for the first time since World War II. received 145 surveys returned, and we had numerous favorable • Fueled by a surge in new car and light truck comments. For the speakers, they rated a cumlative total of sales, light vehicle VIO will soar between 2013 and 4.84 out of 5 points, which is outstanding. Clearly our attendees 2020, recording an estimated gain of 43 million in the found value in our education. The Trade show also rated high, car and light truck population. and there were a few comments requesting a larger show with • The 2.3% annual increase in the light vehicle longer hours. And the last question, “Will you attend the 2019 show at the Hilton Norfolk Main, which will feature a full pipe population on U.S. roads projected by Lang Marketing and drape Trade Show, with product displays and equipment during 2013 through 2020 will mark a dramatic turna- demos”, we received 136 yes, 1 no and 8 not sure. So mark you round from the preceding six years (2007 to 2013) and calendar for April 12-14, 2019 when VAA will host the largest create a strong force for aftermarket product growth. Trade Show in the Virginia, and the largest we have put on in 7 • Each of these three time periods reflects a dif- years. And check out the Hilton Norfolk Main hotel– this is one ferent rate of vehicle growth (and decline) as well as really cool property! We hope you enjoy all the pictures on the following changes in the percentage of foreign versus domestic pages and will join us in thanking our Sponsors and Exhibitors nameplates and the age mix of cars and light trucks listed on Page 7. Also, a big thank you to our 2018 Convention on U.S. roads. Committee: Steve “Fish” Crawford, Chairman Clint Farrar Lang Marketing, Jim Lang, Publisher, 260-399-1699 Kim Taylor Tom Jones Bobby Cutchins Chuck Shifflett Here’s a new way to stay up to Date- Scott Brown Join the VAA Texting Network Eric Hughes To join, text VAA to 559-205-0218 Travis Leath More info on VAA 2019 coming this fall– see you next year!

6 —————————————————————————————————————————————————— 2018 Convention Sponsors 2018 Trade Expo Exhibitors

Advance Auto Parts Autopart Intl Platinum Sponsors Andreoli & Associates Advance Auto Parts AP Exhaust Ashcraft Associates Insurance Autopart International American Tire Distributors Atlantic Tire Distributors American Tire Distributors Automotive Training Institute Autoshop Solutions Carroll Tire Co. Bendix Brakes Federated Insurance Blackburn OEM Wheel Solutions Blue Ridge Insurance Services Napa Auto Parts Cardone Industries Car-Part.com Carroll Tire Co. Gold Sponsors Chesapeake Automotive Equipment Chevron Lubricants Justice Tire Continental Tire Cooper Tire Max Finkelstein Inc. Crovato BG Products & Services Mohawk Rubber Dayco Products LLC Dorman Products Nexen Tire East Penn Mfg. Parrish Tire Co. Emanuel Tire Co. Federated Insurance TCI Tire Centers Inc. Federal-Mogul Motorparts Unifirst Corporation Fisher Auto Parts Freedomsoft Go Powertrain Silver Sponsors Hankook Tire America Hot Rod Processing Atlantic Tire Distributors Hunter Engineering Automotive Training Institute Justice Tire Autoshop Solutions Keen Insurance Agency KYB Shocks Blue Ridge Insurance Services Max Finkelstein Inc. Bridgestone Firestone Michelin North America Continental Tire Mitchell 1 Mohawk Rubber Cooper Tire Morris Distributing, Inc. Emanuel Tire Co. Myers Tire Supply Falken Tire Napa Auto Parts Nexen Tire Fisher Auto Parts & Vendors Northeast Lubricants Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. Olson Insurance Agency Hankook Tire America Optimize Social Media Papco Oil Holtzman Oil Corp. Parrish Tire Co. Hot Rod Processing Pirelli Tire Kukui Corporation Protractor Automotive Management Solutions Smith Garage Equipment Michelin North America Snap Finance Myers Tire Supply Standard Motor Products Nitto Tire Tax & Business Services of Virginia Tire Industry Association Olympus Imported Auto Parts TCS, an ARI Company Papco Oil Tiremetrix LLC Pirelli Tire TRW Chassis Unifirst Corporation Pugh Lubricants Valvoline Snap Finance Victor Reinz Gaskets Yokohama Tire Corporation Vogue Tyre

7 —————————————————————————————————————————————————— Scenes From the 2018 VAA Open at The Homestead Old Course

Winner of the 2018 VAA Open: Runner up: L-R: Bob Myers, Craig Ray, 3rd Place: L-R: Butch Taylor, Fish Last Place Team: L-R: Mike Bowles, L -R: Mark Willis, Ross Tomberlin, Dennis Chuck Hansen, Todd Whaley Crawford, Donn Grant, Bill Jackson Frank Ward. Not Pictured: Larry Williams, Matt Anderson Harding

Longest Drive Closest to the Pin Closest to the Pin Winner: Mark Pe- Winner #16: Winner #9: ters Mike Holmes Don Justice

8 ______Scenes From VAA 2018 Convention & Trade Expo at The Homestead Scenes From the Trade Expo at The Homestead

…..and the Trade show Winners Are:

$100-Bobby Cutchins $200-Matthew Davis $300-Pam Tures $400-Carl Dillenger $500– Melinda Haddon Bobby’s Tire, Franklin Little Tire, Fredericksburg Lee Hill Auto, Fredericksburg Whitmer Tire, Harrisonburg Old Dominion Tire, Midlothian

The Convention Speakers, Seminars and Roundtables

VAA President Opening Keynote Selling Maintenance Days of Digital Moderators (L) Dave Closing Keynote Scott Brown and Scott Brown Dave Zielasko By Joe Ferguson By Bryan Stasch Crawford, Bryan Richard Flint Dave Zielasko VAA Recognizes Scott Brown, Myron Boncarosky, Eric Hughes & Travis Leath

The Convention weekend is the time we formally recognize our volunteer leaders whose Board terms are up. At our banquet on Saturday evening, we recognized and thanked the following outgoing Board members: Myron Boncarosky, of Virginia Tire & Auto in Fairfax, who served on our Board for 11 years. Travis Leath, of Twin County Tire in Galax, who served on our Board for 5 years. Eric Hughes, of Harris Tire Company in Lynchburg, who served on our Board for 12 years. We extend our sincere appreciation to these gentlemen for their strong commitment to VAA, and for sacrificing their time to serve on our Board.

On Sunday morning at the closing Breakfast, we recognized outgoing President Scott Brown, of Cardinal Plaza Shell, in Springfield, for his two years of service as our top leader. Scott, it’s been a great two years with you at the helm, and we thank you for your wealth of ideas and steadfast leadership. Scott will remain on our Board as immediate Past President.

Outgoing President Scott Brown Julie Boncarosky-Holmes ac- Eric Hughes (L) accepts his enjoys his new Chair. He was cepts a plaque of appreciation plaque of appreciation from joined by new VAA President John on behalf of her Dad, Myron Executive Director Steve Kline (L) and Executive Director Boncarosky from Executive Akridge Steve Akridge Director Steve Akridge

Next Generation After Hours Reception

Following the success of last year’s inaugural event in Williamsburg, the VAA again hosted an After Hours Net- working Reception this year at The Homestead for the Next Generation Automotive Professionals (NGAP). This group is comprised of anyone in our industry under the age of 40, and both dealers and supplier vendors. Just over 60 attended the reception, which lasted from 10:00 pm to 12:30 am, and included an open bar. Besides the chance to connect and network, attendees enjoyed spirited competition at corn hole and pool tables. Watch your emails for more NGAP events throughout the year. And mark your calendar for next year, the weekend of April 12-14 at Hilton Norfolk The Main. You are going to love this hotel!