Greetings Members and Supporters,
Well, we are halfway through 2021, and the future looks bright for Ford and Lincoln dealers and minority dealers in particular. As we start adjusting to the new normal, we appreciate the dealers that are sharing information with the Association. As you know part of our Mission is participation. This is the time we need participation from all our members. Our Ford Dealer Council representative along with our Ford MDA members on Ford Dealer Council provides input to the committee and keep our members informed as well.
We also want to welcome all the new dealers and current dealers that purchased dealerships in 2021. During the first half of 2021, one can see Ford Motor Company’s commitment to having a diverse dealer body. Further, it appears that Ford will hit its goal of 92 net dealers within 5 years. For those dealers that joined our organization for the first time, we know that your participation and support will make our dealership association second to none.
We also wish the dealers that decided to sell their dealership and move into another chapter of their lives the absolute best. For those dealers that were able to keep their dealership in the family, we will do all we can to continue supporting and sharing with the new dealer principal. We will also reach out to you for suggestions and recommendation as well. Maintaining minority dealers in the Ford and Lincoln portfolio by selling to minority dealers is a strategy that we will continue to support as an organization.
We are excited about having our membership/conference meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada on Wednesday October 6th through Friday October 8th. We appreciate your patience with the changes that we had to make for the conference. New and updated details for the conference will be sent out soon. This will be our first face to face meeting since 2019. I look forward to seeing you all in person at our conference.
Your Board members continue to serve on various committees interfacing with Ford, Ford Motor Credit Company, and Ford Sr. Management. We encourage you to reach out to our board members and staff. The input and feedback that you provide with us to share with Ford, Lincoln, and Ford Motor Credit Company is invaluable. Your participation is the key to our success. So, please continue to reach out to us and share anything that you feel we should know. If it is on your mind, we want to hear about it.
It is also part of our strategy as an association, that we will constantly be on the lookout for opportunities to share with our members. As a matter of fact, we are starting to see opportunities that are pouring into the Ford MDA office. And for any reason, if you are contemplating selling your dealership, please let us know. The information you provide us with is treated with strict confidence. Thank you for your continued support of our association. Please continue staying safe, as we look forward to finishing 2021 strong.
Sincerely,
Ray (JR) Fregia Jr.
Chairman