Stu Winarski

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 15, 2010—NADA convention-goers this year are looking to buy from exhibitors and gather information to help run their dealerships more efficiently.

 

More people seem interested in connecting with vendors than at last year’s convention, says dealer Nelson Long, Long of Chattanooga (Tenn.). “Talking to friends, they’re buyers this year.” 

 

Exhibitors agree. “We’ve seen an increase from last year— people are more upbeat,” says CareerBuilder senior account executive Wendy Ferber. A number of dealers have inquired about CareerBuilder’s specific offerings for the auto industry, she adds.

 

 “It’s been good,” says Michelle Sullivan, customer relations manager of Fort Lauderdale-based DMV Nationwide, an out-of-state registration and titling company exhibiting at NADA for the first time. “We had a few people make appointments prior to the meeting, and we were able to connect with them and get signed contracts.”   

Jim Creamer

Jim Creamer, chief financial officer, O’Brien Automotive Family, Indianapolis, says the convention has enabled him to collect business cards and get new ideas. He has focused on learning how to save the store money and strengthen fixed operations.

 

Commerce Township, Mich.-based dealer James Dwyer, who owns Volvo and Subaru franchises, has been particularly interested in going to his manufacturers’ meetings, a sentiment echoed by other dealers.

 

“The meeting has been exceptional,” says dealer Stu Winarski of Abrams, Wis., who has Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep franchises. “There’s more quality, and [the entire event] is very focused. It’s been well worth the money.”

 

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