NCADA Legal Team Presentation

Our NCADA legal team, led by Shawn Mercer and Richard Vinegar, delivered an insightful update on the strategies they’re using to tackle the key issues facing North Carolina dealers this year. They also walked through specific sections of our franchise bill, ensuring dealer members left with a clear understanding of the challenges ahead and how we’re working to protect their best interests.

DMV Modernization Panel

NCADA brought together several of our expert sponsors for a panel discussion on DMV Modernization. The relationship between dealerships and the DMV is essential to day-to-day operations. Whether it’s titling, registration or dealer services, the efficiency of DMV processes and their integration with dealership systems directly impact how dealers serve their customers.

DMV modernization has been a top priority for NCADA in recent years. We’ve worked closely with DMV leadership, legislators, policymakers and industry stakeholders to advocate for meaningful improvements that benefit both dealers and customers.

The panel featured industry experts who work directly with the North Carolina DMV and other states across the country. They shared valuable insight into common challenges dealers encounter, the ongoing efforts to improve DMV systems, and — most importantly — best practices that can help modernization move forward. Panelists also answered a wide range of questions about how dealers can support and accelerate this process here in North Carolina.

We would like to thank the sponsors on panel: LT Slater (Champ Titles), Darrin Wissinger (CVR), Bob Priselac (DLRdmv), Yossi Amuial (Executive Tag & Title Services) and John Brueggeman (Vitu).

Comments from NCDU’s Craig Bickmore

It was an honor to hear a welcome message from Craig Bickmore, executive director of the New Car Dealers of Utah. He has served in this position for an extraordinary 38 years, guiding the organization with steady leadership and a deep commitment to Utah’s franchised dealers.

He shared with attendees a brief history of Utah and gave some great suggestions on how to experience best the diverse beauty and landscapes that Utah has to offer.

Olympian Trace Worthington Inspires

We were honored to welcome Olympian and Hall of Fame freestyle skier Trace Worthington as a keynote speaker. Trace brought the perfect mix of inspiration, storytelling and humor as he shared his journey from a small-town kid with big dreams to competing on the world’s biggest stage.

With two world championships and 39 World Cup wins under his belt, Trace spoke about the mindset it takes to succeed under pressure, adapt to change and keep pushing forward — messages that resonated deeply with our dealer members and their families. Trace’s presence reminded us that excellence takes vision, grit and a strong support system — values that run deep in both our industry and our association family.

Adding a special personal touch to the weekend, Trace stayed to enjoy our final night at the Utah Olympic Park, where the Flying Aces All-Stars delivered a thrilling aerial performance. It was a fitting finale—not only because of Trace’s ties to the sport and venue, but also because his daughter was one of the featured athletes in the show. Having him there to cheer her on made the evening even more meaningful for everyone in attendance.

Joe Amendola and Robert Walton

Joe Amendola and Robert Walton from Assurant Dealer Services gave a great presentation on the evolution of the F&I space. They walked dealer members through the latest findings from the Global Automotive Mechanical Repair Inflation Report, which included, key claim trends and actionable strategies for managing portfolios in a shifting market.

Their insight helped our dealers better understand the forces driving cost increases and how to stay ahead in today’s F&I landscape. It was a timely and informative session that brought real value to our members.