2025 Hometown Heroes Program
Last year, North Carolina dealerships opened their doors to honor the brave men and women who serve our communities. The NCADA Hometown Heroes program gives local heroes a platform to share their stories, ensuring that their dedication doesn’t go unnoticed.
From drive-through lunches to in-person ceremonies, dealerships across the state created meaningful moments that celebrated courage, commitment and service. These events strengthen the connection between our dealerships and the communities we serve while giving our heroes the recognition they deserve.
Thank you to the dealerships and leaders who hosted events in 2025:
- Alycia Kellum, Don Williamson Nissan
- Randy Hunter, Hunter Automotive Group
- Neill Nelson, Davenport Autopark
- John Hiester, Hiester Automotive Group
- Brad Tyson, Cloninger Auto Group
- David McNeill, McNiell Chevrolet Nissan
- Matt Birckhead, Sir Walter Chevrolet
- Lawrence White, White Motors
- Natalie Tindol, Tindol Ford Subaru ROUSH
We also want to thank the dealerships still hosting events in the months ahead, as well as all the sponsors whose support makes this campaign possible.
NCADA Represented at eSTART Coalition Forum
Last September, NCADA President John Policastro participated on a panel at the inaugural eSTART Coalition Modernization Forum. The Electronic Secure Title and Registration Transformation (eSTART) Coalition is a group of aligned stakeholders — including government, industry partners, associations and others — with a shared belief in the value of modernizing title and registration processes across the country.
The coalition is focused on advancing improvements by advocating for modern solutions to replace the paper-based processes that still dominate state and local DMV operations. NCADA joined the eSTART Coalition last year as part of the association’s broader efforts to move DMV modernization forward in North Carolina.
During the panel discussion, Policastro shared insights on the status of modernization efforts in North Carolina and highlighted the key priorities of the state’s franchised dealers. He noted the importance of improving system reliability, streamlining e-titling and registration workflows, ensuring dealer access to real-time data, and creating a smoother experience for both dealers and consumers. He also emphasized that modernization must be carried out with an eye toward transparency, accountability and collaboration among dealers, state leaders and technology partners.
Policastro also stressed that the ultimate measure of success for these initiatives is in how they impact the consumer experience. By reducing delays, eliminating redundant paperwork and enabling more seamless transactions, dealers will be able to deliver faster, more efficient service that strengthens customer trust and loyalty in an increasingly competitive market.
Local Dealer Meetings
From early September through late November, NCADA traveled across North Carolina for local dealer meetings in Fayetteville, Asheville, Wilmington, Asheboro, Raleigh/Durham, New Bern/Jacksonville, Burlington, Charlotte, Greensboro and Rocky Mount. Each stop brought together dealers and associate members to discuss issues shaping the industry’s future, exchange ideas and weigh in on NCADA’s priorities for the year ahead.
Title Clerk Seminar
NCADA’s fall Title Clerk Seminar brought together title professionals from across the state for a day centered on the fundamentals that keep dealership deals moving. This year’s session blended core training with real-world discussions, giving both new and experienced clerks the chance to strengthen their understanding of basic titling practices, common workflow issues and everyday challenges that come across dealership desks.
DMV training staff guided participants through essential procedures, frequently overlooked details, and practical steps that help prevent delays and rejections. The seminar maintained an easygoing, conversational pace — the kind where questions flowed, experiences were shared and the room worked through scenarios together. In addition to refreshed foundational skills, attendees walked away with timely clarifications that are sure to make a measurable difference back at the store.
Finally, a question raised during the seminar led to an important clarification for all dealerships:
Did You Know?
Temporary Driving Certificates (TDCs) cannot be used to title or register vehicles from dealer sales — even when presented with an NC or out-of-state driver license. A hard-copy driver license is required in every case.
Fayetteville Dealers Donate to NCADA Victory Fund
The Fayetteville New Car Dealers Association (FNCDA) generously contributed $25,000 to the NCADA Victory Fund during our recent local dealer meeting in Fayetteville. They have made this an annual tradition, and we deeply appreciate their ongoing commitment to our cause.
The NCADA Victory Fund is vital to our work. It helps fund NCADA’s legislative and consumer-focused educational initiatives, assists in defending and promoting legislation that strengthens the franchise retail system, and provides resources for other industry issues where NCADA’s involvement is needed.
FNCDA has issued a challenge to other local dealer associations to step up and match their contribution to the Victory Fund. We are grateful to the Fayetteville New Car Dealers Association for their generosity, and to everyone who joined us for a fantastic conversation at the Fayetteville meeting.
Thank you to the outstanding dealerships of FNCDA for their contributions:
- Bryan Honda
- Hendrick Chrysler Jeep
- Lafayette Ford and Lincoln
- Cadillac of Fayetteville
- Flow Auto of Fayetteville
- Lee Hyundai
- Liberty Ford of Fayetteville
- Fayetteville Dodge Ram
- Cross Creek Subaru
- Fayetteville Automall
- Mercedes-Benz of Fayetteville
- Powers Swain Chevrolet
- Reed-Lallier Chevrolet
- Rick Hendrick Toyota
- Flow Nissan of Fayetteville
- Valley Auto World
