A Message to Our Community

 If you’re like me, you’re probably ready to see 2020 disappear in your rearview mirror. It has tested us in many ways that none of us could have imagined.

We’ve witnessed incalculable losses and, for some of us, these losses have hit far too close to home. While we may continue to wish for things to return to “normal,” the reality is that “normal” has been replaced and isn’t coming back any time soon – if ever.

Our recovery as a nation and industry is certain to remain slow as the pandemic still has a firm grasp on our country and the world. But for some, it hasn’t all been gloom and doom as there have been sunny moments mixed amongst the dark clouds. It’s our persistence, resilience, and determination that will prevail and see us through to better days ahead.

As for the Import Vehicle Community, despite the challenges we have faced as an industry, we’ve continued to forge ahead this year providing numerous new and exciting programs in support of our membership. Putting pandemic issues aside, the automotive aftermarket – and the Import Vehicle Community in particular – continue to face many threats to our future existence. Proactively working together, we will continue to meet these challenges head on and ensure our businesses continue to have a fair and open marketplace from which to compete.

Pivoting to the virtual environment, we hosted our 2020 Import Vehicle Community Virtual Event featuring an industry presentation from IHS Markit followed by a supply chain panel discussion of industry experts. Additionally, we continue to engage our membership through our Coffee and Conversation educational audio series addressing issues and challenges facing not only our members but the automotive aftermarket as a whole.

As we turn the page on 2020, my term as Chairman of the Executive Leadership Council (ELC) for the Import Vehicle Community also comes to a close. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Executive Leadership Council for all their support over the last several years. It has been my pleasure to have had this opportunity to work with such a passionate and dedicated group of people. Your generosity and willingness to give of your time is greatly appreciated. Without you, our efforts and achievements this year would not have been possible.

I am also pleased to announce that Steve Hughes will be assuming the role as our new Import Vehicle Community ELC Chairman. Steve had previously served as our Vice Chairman, and his industry experience and knowledge within the Import Vehicle Community uniquely qualifies him for this position. I am confident that under Steve’s leadership, the Import Vehicle Community will continue to be an active force within the automotive aftermarket. I look forward to continuing to serve on the ELC as we keep the positive momentum going.

I wish you and your families a safe and happy holiday season and all the best for 2021.

John Treece
President and CEO, DMA Sales, LLC
Chairman, Import Vehicle Community