In This Edition
| 1. | Upcoming Association Events |
| 2. | President's Message |
| 3. | MDA unWorkshop Registration |
| 4. | Catalytic Converter Theft Mitigation |
| 5. | Sales, Service Advisor and Manager Training |
| 6. | Alberta Consumer Trends Report |
| 7. | SAIT's Applied Management Certificate |
| 8. | Electrical Source Vehicle Fires - On the Rise |
| 9. | DealerPilot Update |
Upcoming Association and Industry Events
Automotivaters Training - EdmontonApril 17-20, 2023 In person training for sales consultants, service advisors and management teams. Learn more. |
MDA unWorkshop CalgaryApril 19, 2023 All things digital from the top experts in the business today. Register now. |
MDA Annual General Meeting - CalgaryMay 11, 2023 Canyon Meadows Golf & Country Club, Calgary, Alberta. Meeting Time: 10AM |
MDA Chairman's Tour Multiple LocationsJune 12-15, 2023 Meetings across the province to discuss the issues of the day. Stay tuned for details. |
CMDCF Charity Golf Tournament - CalgaryJuly 13, 2023 Cottonwood Golf & Country Club, Foothills, Alberta. Breakfast at 7AM and 8:30 Shotgun Start. |
Western Canadian Dealer SummitNovember 16-19, 2023 Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Details soon. |
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The Canadian Automobile Dealers Association is working with your regional and provincial associations to represent your interests at the highest levels. To learn more about how CADA is working for you, visit CADA.ca |
President's Update
Welcome to our new and improved newsletter, the MDA DriveLine, brought to you by Federated Insurance. This is all part of our new website and membership communications platform. If you haven't had a chance, please check out mdaalberta.com and see the new look and feel. Our goal is to provide faster and better support with information for you and your customers. We will continue to enhance the site based on your feedback and consumer needs.
The first quarter of 2023 is in the books, and it appears that the year has started off with a great base to build an outstanding year. As production levels recover, we are seeing sales grow over last year, up 5.5% in Alberta through February. If we can get the parts backorder situation under control, we should see a strong year in all aspects of the business.
We’re getting ready for our Annual General Meeting, which will take place in Calgary on May 11, 2023. If you can make it to the meeting, we would love to see you but do ask that when the Voting Proxy is published, please take the time to complete it and submit it to the MDA Office.
The formal announcement of the provincial election won’t be made until early May but make no mistake, campaigning has already started. It is good practice for all business owners to make sure you know who the candidates are in your riding and how they see the issues. Most candidates have been identified now so if you need any help in this area, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Based on the success of the Automotivators training we ran in Calgary in February, we have announced a week of training for here in Edmonton. If you are interested, check out the new website for more information and to register. We have also launched registration for our very popular unWorkshops. This next session will focus on the fixed operations side of the business where we are quickly learning that there is tremendous opportunity.
Finally, I was able to attend the 2nd Dealer Huddle West last month, a partnership with SAIT where we brought students in the Automotive Management program together with dealers and industry to discuss the topics of the day. The engagement from the dealer body and the students was outstanding. A special thank you to all the dealers and sponsors who made the day fantastic for all involved.
Hopefully the warmer weather is upon us and we can enjoy a great spring with continued momentum.
Good selling.
Gerald.
GETTING YOUR PARTS, ACCESSORIES & SERVICE MARKETING OFF THE GROUND!
The MDA unWorkshops are designed to be collaborative learning sessions where dealership marketing and leadership teams identify hands-on, ready-to-implement strategies for business growth.
Come join us for the day to gain valuable insight into your dealership's requirements on the fixed operations side of the business.
Speaker Line Up:
Matt Sanson - TikTok Canada
Patrick Leonard - considered the best local Auto SEO specialist in Canada.
Steve Barker - the proven "GA4 King" (Bonus content - Shopify GA4 for your parts store will be showcased.
| Date: | April 19, 2023 |
| Time: | 9AM to 3PM |
| Location: |
Canyon Meadows Golf & Country Club 12501 - 14th Street SW, Calgary |
Bonus sessions include: An unWorkshop favorite - roundtable marketing challenges and solutions session, an MDA exclusive Alpha / BETA program preview, and a surprise product showcase of a tool for the in-house team that is awesome.
In typical unWorkshop style, you'll leave with deeper knowledge and ideas that you can implement immediately at your store.
Click the link below for more information and to register.
Catalytic Converter Theft Mitigation
Your MDA has partnered with Associate Members Smart Program to provide your customers the opportunity to protect their vehicles. In addition, you can also protect your own inventory in the event of an attack on your business.
Here’s our event lineup for Our Master Class Programs:
Automotive Sales Consultant Series: designed to transform your New Hires, Sales Team, & managers into solid performers.
When: April 17th & 18th, 2023 – 2 Day Duration
Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (MDT)
Attendees: Managers & Sales Consultants, New Hires
Click & Learn More About Our Sales Consultant Automotive Series Master Class
Managing A High-Performance Team: Master Skill Development & Effort Management, Managerial Engagement and Thought Leadership.
When: April 19th, 2023 – 1 Day Duration
Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (MDT)
Attendees: General Managers & Sales Managers.
Learn More About Managing A High-Performance Team Master Class
Service Advisor Selling Skills: Bring your new hires and those who are eager for success!
When: April 20th – 1 Day Duration
Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (MDT)
Attendees: Fixed Operations Management, Parts & Service Advisors, Appointment Co-Ordinator, & Warranty Administrator.
Learn More About Our Service Advisor Selling Skills Series
Location: MDA Office, 6248 - 50 Street, Edmonton
In Demand SkillsThe most in-demand skills for 2023 from LinkedIn reinforces that management, communication, customer service and leadership are the top priority as they sit in the top 5 of the 10 skills most in demand globally. Global talent shortages have reached a 16 year high, and SAIT’s Client Learner Portal hosts many courses that support this need of ensuring relevant skill sets. Our recommended courses that align with LinkedIn’s data is:
If you would like to learn more, check out the MDA Learner Portal where you can learn more and register for courses. Click Here. |
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Electrical Source Vehicle Fires - On the Rise
(Courtesy of Federated Insurance)
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An increasingly common source of building fires is vehicles experiencing electrical malfunctions while parked overnight in the repair shop when no one is around. Faulty vehicle electrical components such as batteries, chargers, and cables can cause heat to build up and eventually fires or explosions, resulting in a devastating loss of property and income due to business interruption. To learn more about Federated Insurance, visit www.federated.ca or if you’re a Federated customer, you can contact your Commercial Insurance Specialist with any questions. |
Spring Greetings from DealerPILOT HR!
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In keeping with this season of new growth, the future of trades in Alberta is looking brighter. |
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We hope you enjoyed this edition of the MDA’s Monthly E-Newsletter.
We appreciate your comments, concerns or feedback.
If you would like to sign-up additional staff from your store to receive this publication, please provide their names, positions and email addresses to info@mdaalberta.com.