Pub. 58 2017-2018 Issue 2

15 WINTER 2017 and Senate on behalf of Texas dealer issues, most recently in the just completed session of the Texas legislature. They have established their own Facebook page to share best practices through social media and have conducted a dozen networking and training meetings led by dealer Trustee TimCrenwelge, who has worked tirelessly to bring the most effective speakers and trainers in the industry to share the latest knowledge regarding dealership operations with Academy members. One of the most important resources of the Texas Dealer Academy is the training that is available through NADA University. TDA members can access 24/7 training in every dealership department through an arrangement that Tim Crenwelge created with NADA to provide the latest dealership operations curriculum for our young dealers. The in-depth classwork, on-line training, the sharing of best practices and the opportunity to build a statewide network of allies and friends would be wasted if the young dealers in TDA were not dedicated to the work, effort and integrity necessary to make the program a success. Their dedication to the academics and commitment to each other has been a hallmark of the Texas Dealer Academy. Kathy Sims, TADA’s Vice President for Dealer Services, will tell you that the Dealer Academy is one of the most exciting and rewarding initiatives that she has experienced in her 20 years at the association. As staff director of TDA, Kathy works with TimCrenwelge to arrange the Academy meetings, is the on-site leader for TDA activities, and is the Austin liaison, advisor and counselor for TADA’s young dealers. Her commitment to providing value and benefit to the members parallels that of Trustee Tim Crenwelge, and together they have created a program that is envied throughout the industry. In the second year of the Academy, TADA CEO for Leg- islative Affairs, Rob Braziel and Tim Crenwelge took 18 Academy members to Washington D.C. to meet with the Texas delegation. In the ensuing years, T Harper, W.C. Smith, Stephen Gilchrist, and Trey and Athena Maxwell have attended the NADA Washington Conference with TADA staff to meet with Texas Congressmen. Meagan and Amanda Danley made the trip this past September representing TDA. Claire Kultgen established the TDA Facebook page that allows members to ask questions about dealership opera- tions and share successful ideas with their fellowmembers. Lee and W.B. Cavender hosted the Academy at the Cavender family Land Rover store during one of the