SOME HISTORY ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION

The Virginia Independent Automobile Dealers Association, Inc., (VIADA) was officially organized and incorporated in 1960 and traces its beginning back 15 years to a group of Norfolk dealers who formed a local association to fight unfair laws and regulations.

VIADA is a 501(c)(6) tax exempt trade association affiliated with the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA). When you join the state association, you automatically become a member of NIADA. VIADA employs an Executive Director who executes policies set by the VIADA Board of Directors and is responsible for the day-to-day management activities of the association to include the activities and performances of all employees. VIADA’s mission is to inform, educate, and represent independent motor vehicle dealers in all forums, and to work in cooperation with other organizations for the betterment of this industry and to make the Commonwealth of Virginia a safer community for all.

Legislatively, VIADA retains a lawyer-lobbyist to represent VIADA before the General Assembly plus the Executive Director and the Director of Education are also registered lobbyists. All legislation introduced is reviewed to determine if there is an impact on the independent automobile industry. If there are any, legislators are contacted and the pros and cons are relayed so the best outcome can be negotiated. Members are also encouraged through a grassroots effort to contact their legislators to express their support or opposition to the proposed legislation.

VIADA also has staff that attend all meetings of the Motor Vehicle Dealer Board and provide input regarding proposed policies and regulations. Both of the activities – lobbying and the MVDB – require an intense amount of time by staff and would not happen or certainly would be less effective without dues dollars and the support of members year after year.

Other benefits and services provided by VIADA, include an 800 number where an industry expert can answer 95% of our members’ questions/concerns about MVDB and DMV regulations and policies. Educational workshops and seminars as well as the annual Convention and Expo are held to educate dealer-operators and their employees so that all can be compliant. VIADA currently has eight districts, each with its own leadership team, who hold meetings throughout the year, allowing opportunities for members and non-members to learn of new technologies or services offered to the industry, as well as the ability to network with other dealer-operators. Communication with members is accomplished predominately through the Executive Director’s monthly eNews emails, as well as the quarterly magazine and annual Membership & Services Directory.

As an additional service, and an additional source of revenue to accomplish all that we do, VIADA maintains an inventory of specialized business forms and supplies for sale. Agreements with some vendors also provide discounts or rebates directly to members.

The impact/effectiveness an industry has on legislative and regulatory issues is typically determined by the number of businesses/individuals its trade association represents. With fewer numbers, you have less clout; more representation means more constituents are paying attention to what their legislator is doing to either help or hurt the industry. And, the more complex the industry becomes, the more an actively involved trade association is needed.

Be a part of VIADA’s effectiveness to protect the industry.

JOIN VIADA NOW

 

Our Code of Ethics

Dedicated to Fair Dealing

  • We will have a general duty of integrity, honor and fair dealing toward the general public.
  • We will comply with all city, county, state and federal laws and shall endeavor to keep ourselves informed of those laws governing our business.
  • We will not intentionally injure the business reputation of another member or competitor.
  • We will employ truth and accuracy in advertising and selling.
  • We will stand behind any guarantee given with the sale of a motor vehicle.
  • We will not perform any act which would bring disrepute to the motor vehicle industry.
  • We will expose, halt, where found, any scheme designed to deceive or defraud the automobile buying public and aid in prosecuting those guilty of such acts.
  • We will constantly strive to improve business methods to the end that the public will be better served.
  • We will encourage the American system of free enterprise.