Pub. 1 2024-2025 Issue 2

The companies listed below have been “endorsed” by AADA to provide products and services to its members, each having been examined and critiqued by the Services Committee and approved by the board of directors. These relationships also provide funding for AADA programs throughout the year such as the annual convention, membership directory and much more. […]

It can take years — or generations — to build a thriving auto retailing enterprise. The complexities can make a smooth transition to the next generation challenging, but addressing key concerns and problem-prone areas today will make the transition easier down the road. Getting started early on structuring can help ensure a more seamless transfer and the continued success of your business.

The Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance is excited to announce a generous donation from AADA, further strengthening efforts to reduce hunger across the state. This contribution will support the Alliance’s ongoing work to provide nutritious food to families in need and promote long-term food security for Arkansans.

As we sit in Q1 of 2025, it’s become very clear that the landscape in our industry has drastically changed — and quickly! In 2023 and 2024, we witnessed inflation, interest rates topping a 20-year high and global conflicts, which added to economic uncertainty for the consumer. We watched as our front gross eroded, expenses increased, the used-car market dropped, and inventory arrived swiftly. All this on the heels of the best, and may I say, easiest three years in the history of the automotive business. Everyone made a lot of money with little effort. During a recent conversation with a dealer, he shared words that are indicative of where we stand: “Our guys got sloppy. We forgot how to sell. It was too easy, and now we are in a pinch.” We are back to the grind that we know as the car business! So, what should we do?

AADA hosted the annual Board of Directors and Past Chairman Christmas Party at the beautiful Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. The evening is always a highlight of the year for AADA, and this year’s event did not disappoint with smiles and celebration all around!

Arkansas franchise dealers helped kick off the holiday season with the annual Governor’s Mansion Circle of Friends Christmas Party. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and First Gentleman Bryan Sanders opened their home for a festive evening celebrating the season. AADA was well represented by Ted and Laurie Smith with Smith Ford in Conway, Harry and Nancy Robinson with Harry Robinson Buick GMC in Fort Smith, Jack and Mary Beth Caldwell with Caldwell Toyota in Conway, and AADA President Greg Kirkpatrick. Jack and Mary Beth Caldwell were able to catch up with a friend from Hope, Gov. Mike Huckabee.

On Oct. 24, 2024, AADA held its Fall Board of Directors Meeting at the AADA office in North Little Rock after having a delicious lunch. This meeting is always a special event for all as AADA formally recognizes the transition of AADA officers as well as those board members who are rotating out of their term. Several important items that were discussed were the budget and legislative review, legal and industry updates and much more.

AADA recently finished up a very successful series of regional meetings with a focus on rebuilding our grassroots connection with dealers across the state. These meetings were long overdue and well received by all the dealers who attended. The goal for each grassroots stop was to give an update on the work AADA is doing on behalf of dealers and hear from each of you on what we can do better! This year’s meetings included stops in El Dorado, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, North Little Rock and Springdale.