Pub. 59 2018-2019 Issue 4

36 Auto dealers must be prepared to facilitate the shift to these new trends. What is the biggest impact of being a TADA member? What make s it beneficial? TADA is a critical voice and advocate for dealers throughout the State of Texas and beyond. In spite of the tremendous impact dealers have in local communities and the state, many times our contributions go unnoticed. As new products are introduced and new strategies come about to bring these products to consumers, our current franchise model has come under scrutiny. I believe the scrutiny is to be expected. If there are better methods to deliver our products and services to our people, then we should absolutely be open to these alternatives. This is the hallmark of a free enterprise system. However, what I have witnessed is a steady stream of information and narrative coming from channels that do not accurately portray how we operate. TADA has been very effective at giving the public a fair and accurate depiction of us as an industry, and I appreciate that. Are you involved inany civicor charitable organizations? It is also a joy to have the ability to use your resources to contribute towards a positive change in your community. There is a Bible phrase that states “to whom much is given, much will be required.” I take the scripture to heart. We are involved in many civic and charitable endeavors. I am most passionate about assisting disadvantaged youth to reach their potential. About eight years ago, we helped launch an initiative called Young Achievers Forum. The focus of this initiative is to engage with children in the 6th grade to put them on a path to higher education. Our aim is to motivate, inspire and educate the kids so that they can understand the tremendous potential that they possess. Over the years we have reached out to over seven thousand kids and their parents. Our initiative is coordinated in tandem with the University of Texas at El Paso and New Mexico State University. You have been involved with the TxDMV board for many years. How would you describe your tenure on this board? I had the privilege of serving on the TxDMV board for 7.5 years. The agency is much larger and more complex than what I expected when I f irst joined the board. The agency is one of the few revenue generators for the state. Combined annual revenues generated through the Texas DMV are over $1.8 billion. The agency uses less than 10 percent of that amount to fund its operations. The balance is remitted back to the state to help fund its various initiatives and projects. I left the agency with a high degree of respect and appreciation for the dedication and commitment that the employees of the Texas DMV provide to our state. We cannot take for granted the role that the agency plays in ensuring that our citizens and industries can rely on efficient and quality automotive services. The services provided by the DMV contribute to an orderly and efficient society and facilitate the conduct of commerce. I also had the honor of serving on the Board with outstanding member s. Al l of them were dedicated, first-class individuals. I consider all of them friends and will hold my time serving with them in very high regard. Do you think your experience is typical of board members? The Texas DMV is composed of nine board members. All of the board members are appointed by the Governor. State statute established the composition of the board. The board is composed of two franchised automotive members, one being light duty vehicles and the other heavy duty, one tax assessor collector, one law enforcement member, one manufacturing representative, one independent auto retailer, one motor carrier representative and two public members. Each boardmember brings a unique perspective and understanding of the functions and industries that the agency is charged with overseeing. I believe this experience has been very beneficial for me personally, and the diversity of  RAYMOND PALACIOS — CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34  RAYMOND PALACIOS — CONTINUED ON PAGE 40