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It's Been an Enjoyable Ride
This is my final column as President of the Toronto Automobile Dealers Association (TADA). A year ago, when I first committed to writing a weekly column, I had no idea how challenging it would be. Who would have thought? Riley - A New-Car Dealer/ part-time columnist.
Although writing this column required more time and effort than I had ever imaged, I am certainly pleased to have had the opportunity to share my thoughts on automotive issues with readers of Canada?s largest daily newspaper.
After having written 52 columns, I certainly gained a better understanding of the writing process and how difficult it can be to address issues clearly and factually. I also developed a greater appreciation for deadlines.
Once, while on vacation, without a fax or computer, I had to dictate my column at a pay phone. Writing a weekly column of this sort required a significant investment of time and effort. On average, I spent about 8 -10 hours per week researching, writing and re-writing each article.
From the beginning, my main objective was to address consumer perceptions of the retail auto industry. I hoped to share with readers a New-Car Dealer?s insight and the reality of our business. Ours? is an industry that is constantly changing with new government regulations, new technologies, and new vehicle models. It is an industry that continues to make advances in operating efficiencies and customer service.
In representing our retail industry, I believe I have expressed informed and balanced views on a number of issues that are relevant to New-Car Dealers and our consumers. I provided information on issues such as leasing vs. buying, curbsiders and private sales, Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC), advertising guidelines, vehicle servicing, extended warranties, customer satisfaction, even the costs of running a New-Car Dealership.
Judging by the feedback that I received from readers and colleagues, I feel that I have achieved my objective. For all those who responded to my columns (whether you agreed or disagreed with my views), I would like to express a sincere ?thanks.? Your input has been valuable and informative.
Of course, none of my columns would have been possible without the generous help and assistance that I received. My wife, Cathy, an active partner in our dealership, has been tremendously supportive in allowing me some time each Sunday to devote to writing, (which is) a very solitary endeavour. I greatly appreciate the weekly assistance and patience of Brenda and Daisy at the TADA for their editorial suggestions, fact checking, grammatical corrections and careful fine-tuning of each article. And much thanks to the Toronto Star for the opportunity and the forum to express a New-Car Dealer?s viewpoint.
After this column, I will be passing the torch along to Ken Shaw, a fellow New Car Dealer in the GTA. Ken is the incoming President of the TADA and his column will start appearing in the Wheels section next week. Ken, I wish you the very best - if you do not have an appreciation for deadlines already, you will very soon.
What is next for me? After completing my mandate as President of the TADA, I will serve as President of the 2005 Canadian International Auto Show. That, plus my day-to-day responsibilities as Dealer Principal of Markville Ford Lincoln in Markham and my role as a father and husband, should keep me fairly busy.
If you would like to access any of the columns that I have written over the past year, please visit the TADA web site at www.tada.ca.
For now, I bid you, adieu ? it?s been an enjoyable ride!
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