As we head into the warmer summer months, I wanted to take time to share a recap of what has recently transpired behind the scenes at the CATA and to also give you a look forward to some of the things coming up that we will have available for you.
On the auto show front, we have been busy meeting with auto manufacturers, giving them a robust recap of how the show performed as well as getting their feedback regarding the show. We have also been meeting with automakers who did not participate in the 2024 show. These manufacturers are not only important to the show’s vitality but also important for dealers who have franchise agreements with them. We are always working to get more complete OEM participation because we know that when an OEM exhibits at the Chicago Auto Show, that moves the sales needle for its dealers. With a little luck, we hope to again host those missing from our auto show, either for the first time or to welcome back an old friend.
We have also just concluded closing the books on the First Look for Charity black-tie gala held just before the show opens to the public. It was another successful year for this benevolent event, raising $2.8 million for 18 local charities. This event, although it only lasts for four hours, lives on for many months due to the reach the money raised has for the benefiting charities.
Looking ahead, the CATA has concluded a successful annual meeting and golf outing held at Cog Hill Golf Club in Lemont, Illinois. It also marked the occasion of the naming of a new director to the CATA Board of Directors. Jared Wickstrom of Wickstrom Chevy in Roselle, Illinois, was elected to the board and three incumbent directors were also re-elected for new three-year terms as of the June annual meeting. The incumbents include John Crane (Hawk Auto Group), Fred Marks (Classic Toyota and Classic Kia in Waukegan) and Jason Roberts (Advantage Dealer Group).
This year’s BBQ for the Troops event is scheduled for Saturday, July 13, and will offer more options for dealers who wish to participate. In addition to holding a traditional BBQ event, dealers can host “test drive for the troops” events throughout the month of July with a donation for each drive given to the USO or simply accept dealership donations for the cause.
The CATA’s fall Chicago Drives Electric event will take place from Oct. 3-6 and continue to showcase electric and PHEV vehicles to the public. We anticipate having more brands than we did in 2023 and are working on finalizing the details.
The CATA’s largest event, The Chicago Auto Show, is scheduled for Feb. 8-17, 2025, with the First Look for Charity taking place the evening before the show opens to the public, on Friday, Feb. 7. We are currently planning the details of the show and are confident that next year’s show will deliver the consumer interest and sales spike enjoyed by all of our dealer members.
As always, the CATA thanks you for your membership. Our association is stronger because of your collective involvement. Recently, however, we’ve faced some headwinds. The governor’s recent budget removed the dealer’s ability to hold back the 1.75% tax which you have been previously allowed in return for collecting the state’s sales tax. Also, there was a challenge by Volkswagen to the Warranty Reimbursement Law which the CATA, in conjunction with the IADA and service tech union, worked to pass two years ago.
Issues like these highlight the need for us to have friendly contacts with local and federal legislators. We recently partnered with Congress Plus, which will allow us to quickly determine those of you who have relationships with local and federal members of congress. Our action committees, CATPAC and NADAPAC, also rely on relationships with these lawmakers and knowing which of your dealerships are in their districts helps us when we need to address issues. So, thank you; your continued help and cooperation are what make this organization successful, and we’ll continue to fight on our dealer members’ behalf.
