Going further means doing more.
Our strength is in our members. To be fully effective in the legislative and legal processes, all members must stand together and speak with one voice through VADA. Because we are a member-supported organization, full participation will further strengthen VADA, its members, the industry as a whole and advance issues that benefit Vermont businesses. Here’s an overview – you’ll find detailed descriptions in the Members Area.
Legislative Affairs
VADA has developed a strong working relationship with members throughout the Vermont legislature, the DMV, the Department of Environmental Conservation and many other state agencies. Each year we sift through and scrutinize hundreds of legislative and regulatory proposals and evaluate their potential impact on our members’ businesses. We work hand-in-hand with lawmakers on specific issues, often from the ground up, so that final policy reflects the best interests of our members and our industry. By being proactive and getting in on deliberations before they start, VADA has established a reputation for being a valued resource, not an adversary. By playing a consultative advocacy role, we make sure your viewpoint is presented, recognized and acknowledged.
In the last year alone, VADA has successfully:
- Completed the 2009 Vermont Dealer Franchise Bill
- Kept the used car lemon law off the books
- Prevented inspections from moving to a two-year timeline
- Defeated the burdensome Vehicle Tire Tax/Redemption Fee
Insurance Services
Through the VADA Insurance Trust we make it possible for member companies of all sizes to offer a range of insurance coverage plans for their employees, as well as for their businesses. Through our insurance partners we currently have five health plans, two dental plans and various short-term disability and life insurance options. By helping you help your employees stay healthy and on the job, we’re committed to keeping your business thriving and successful. Because you’ve got enough to do managing a company, we combined all insurance services on a single application – easier to complete, faster to submit, less paperwork to track. In addition to health insurance, we’re able to help members secure property liability coverage. As you are probably well aware, the exorbitant cost of this coverage makes it prohibitive to get on your own. But as part of VADA, we use our group strength to negotiate group buying rates to help make it affordable.
Publications
Keeping our members current on developments in the industry, in the state house and in the consumer markets is an important part of what we do. Through our monthly Hotwire newsletter members can read about breaking news stories, continuing legislative issues, regulatory changes from state and federal agencies, industry reports and stay current on economic and other business topics. In addition to the newsletter, VADA sends out regular updates on specific issues, such as our annual Economic Impact Report detailing our industry’s direct and indirect financial contributions to the state and our communities. Our quarterly market outlooks give you the macro and micro views of the industry and the economy as a whole by consolidating a range of data in one easy-to-review source. The link at left gives you access to VADA’s comprehensive list of online resources, including our archive of newsletters, and links to information on operations, laws and regulations, healthcare and insurance, wellness programs, community support programs, legislative access and more.
Educational Seminars
Coming soon...
Legal Affairs
From VOSHA and workers comp to Act 250 and beyond, our members face an ever-shifting myriad of laws and regulations from federal, state and municipal sources. In fact, it’s safe to say you’re in one of the most highly regulated, compliance-oriented industries in retailing. Because you have enough to do running your business, VADA makes sure you have the resources you need to stay compliant. We work closely with state and federal agencies on issues of regulation and compliance to ensure a fair and consistent system. We maintain relationships with some of the best legal professionals and law firms in the state so that we can provide the best guidance possible in all areas of regulatory procedure. The Automotive Consumer Action Program – AUTOCAP – is administered by VADA in conjunction with the Vermont Attorney General. AUTOCAP provides an equitable and constructive forum for consumers and dealers to resolve complaints and, if necessary, work through a mediation panel of consumers and dealers. In addition, we coordinate health and safety training for your employees and onsite environmental compliance reviews to keep your business current.
Public Relations
Vehicle and transportation businesses provide a significant number of essential jobs, as well as tax revenue and capital investment in Vermont cities and towns. Our members also serve as community leaders and civic volunteers in a wide range of capacities.We work hard to ensure policy makers and the public at large remain aware of the enormous contribution that our industry and its people make to the state. Through public relations activities, press releases, editorials and personal contact we keep a very public face on your commitment to Vermont communities. VADA members are businesses who care – we make sure everyone knows it.
Community Support
VADA members are community leaders, and that brings with it a vital role in bringing our spirit of goodwill and responsibility to the places we live and work. Through a range of community support and outreach programs in education, health and public safety issues, VADA and its members have a well-established reputation for giving back.
Some of our ongoing programs include:
- Vermont Technical College Automotive Technology Program - VADA worked with VTC to develop an Associate’s Degree Program in Automotive Technology, then provided funding for the building and equipment of the Technology Center. In addition to the $100,000 in scholarships raised, VADA's overall contribution is close to one million dollars.
- Vermont Automotive Instructor Technical and Vocational Center Support – In addition to providing continuing education for instructors, VADA assists in purchasing textbooks and equipment and created a credentialing program for students who successfully achieve our set standards. We also support students who want to compete in the Greater New York Automotive Technology Competition, and are working with several programs toward certification by the National Automotive Technical Education Foundation and AYES.
- Vermont History Day - VADA sponsors an annual award for a prize-winning entry related to the history of Vermont's transportation infrastructure or automobiles.
- Emergency Medical Training Units - Since 1986, VADA has provided 82 CPR training manikins to local fire, rescue and emergency stations throughout Vermont.
Download a copy of the CPR Training Unit Application in either MS-Word format or Adobe PDF.
