A dedicated group of NCADA leaders, including members of the executive committee and board, traveled to Washington, D.C., last fall for the 2025 NADA Washington Conference. This annual event brought dealer leaders from across the nation together to make their voices heard on critical policy issues impacting the automotive retail industry.
The Washington Conference has long served as one of the most important opportunities for dealers to engage directly with lawmakers and national decision makers. For NCADA’s delegation, it was a chance to represent the interests of North Carolina’s franchised dealers on the national stage and to help shape conversations that influence the future of automotive retail.
Throughout the conference, attendees heard from national industry experts and public policy leaders who shared updates on federal legislation, regulatory changes and economic trends affecting the dealership community. These sessions provided valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing dealers in the coming year, from electric vehicle adoption and infrastructure development to workforce needs and consumer demand.
Following the conference sessions, NCADA’s delegation visited Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress and key policymakers. These face-to-face discussions allowed North Carolina’s dealer leaders to share real-world stories about how proposed legislation and regulatory shifts impact local dealerships, employees and customers. By offering firsthand perspectives, our members helped illustrate the vital role franchised dealers play in driving local economies and supporting communities across the state.
Dealer participation at events like the NADA Washington Conference is essential to ensuring that the voice of the automotive retail industry remains strong and unified. Every conversation, meeting and connection made in Washington helps advance policies that support fair competition, consumer choice and the long-term health of the dealership model.
We extend a sincere thank you to all our members who attended and actively participated in the conference. Your presence helped amplify North Carolina’s priorities and ensured our state’s perspective was well represented among national leaders.
Beyond advocacy, the Washington Conference also provided an invaluable opportunity for networking and collaboration. NCADA’s leaders connected with dealer association executives and peers from across the country, exchanging best practices and innovative ideas that can help strengthen dealerships at home. These conversations fostered a sense of shared purpose and collaboration that will continue to guide our work throughout 2026 and beyond.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, NCADA remains committed to keeping North Carolina’s dealers informed, engaged and represented. The efforts of those who attend and participate in events like the Washington Conference make a lasting impact, not just in policy but in ensuring that our collective voice continues to shape the road ahead.
Thank you to Chairman Rob King, Vice Chairman Brad Tyson, Treasurer Mary Margaret Latham, Secretary Lawrence White, Board Members Mitch Abernethy and Grant Loftin, and Member Tim Sparks for representing our state and ensuring North Carolina dealerships’ voices were heard on the national stage.
