January 16, 2025

Message from the Executive Director, Dr. A.V. Fleming – 4th quarter 2024

Frederick Douglas (born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey,  February 14, 1818 – February 20, 1895) was an American social reformerabolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. He became the most important leader of the movement for African-American civil rights in the 19th century Once said, “I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong,” emphasizes the importance of collaboration and ethical action. This sentiment can be related to the need for diversity in the workplace in several ways:

  1. Collaboration Across Perspectives: Douglass’s call for uniting with anyone to do right highlights the value of diverse perspectives. A diverse workforce brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, fostering creativity and innovation. When people with varied viewpoints collaborate, they are more likely to identify ethical solutions and make better decisions.
  2. Moral Responsibility: The second part of the quote, “with nobody to do wrong,” underscores the importance of integrity. In a diverse workplace, varying ethical frameworks and cultural values can help ensure that the organization’s actions align with a broader understanding of what is “right.” This collective moral compass can lead to more socially responsible practices.
  3. Inclusivity and Belonging: Douglass’s idea of uniting for a common cause reflects the need for an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to voice their opinions. Diversity fosters an environment where employees can come together to address challenges ethically, promoting a culture of respect and support.
  4. Empowerment and Engagement: A diverse workplace encourages engagement, as employees from various backgrounds are more likely to feel represented and heard. This sense of belonging can lead to higher morale and productivity, as individuals are motivated to contribute to the common goal of doing what is right.
  5. Challenging the Status Quo: Douglass’s commitment to doing right can inspire a workplace culture that challenges norms and seeks justice. Diversity can drive organizations to question existing practices and push for change that aligns with ethical standards, leading to a more equitable workplace.

Douglass’s quote encapsulates the essence of why diversity is crucial in the workplace: it enhances collaboration for positive outcomes, promotes ethical behavior, fosters inclusivity, empowers employees, and encourages the challenge of unjust practices. Embracing diversity is not just about representation; it is about creating a collective strength that drives an organization toward integrity and success.

In 2024, the Ford Minority Dealers Association (Ford MDA) made significant strides in its mission to empower its members through knowledge and training. Recognizing the critical importance of education in the competitive automotive industry, the board made a conscious decision to enhance the training budget to ensure that both management teams and employees of member dealerships can benefit from comprehensive educational resources. This increased investment is part of a broader strategy to help dealers improve their bottom lines and stay competitive in an ever-evolving marketplace.

To facilitate ongoing improvement, Ford MDA continues to support its twenty group, which allows dealers to collaborate, share best practices, and discuss challenges they face in their operations. Given the positive response and interest from within the dealer community, there are plans to explore the possibility of starting an additional twenty group based on the proximity of dealers wishing to participate. This initiative underscores Ford MDA’s commitment to fostering a supportive community where dealers can learn from one another and drive collective success. Furthermore, the organization encourages its members to join other twenty groups if there are no available slots in the Ford MDA group, emphasizing the importance of networking and collaboration across the dealer community.

The operational backbone of the Ford MDA is its dedicated office, which is managed by Ms. Dee Suber. Under her leadership, the office plays a vital role in handling day-to-day operations and maintaining an up-to-date list of members and vendors. This resource is invaluable for dealers, especially when timely information is needed to make informed decisions. Ms. Suber’s expertise and responsiveness have made her a point of reference for dealers seeking insights and assistance. Additionally, she has developed a comprehensive archive of surveys and feedback collected from members, which serves as a critical reference point for understanding the needs and perspectives of the dealer body.

To keep dealers well-informed about developments within Ford Motor Company, Ford Motor Credit Company, and associated vendors, Ford MDA publishes a quarterly newsletter. This publication has a rich history, having been in circulation for over 30 years, and it continues to evolve to meet the needs of its readership. The newsletter serves as a vital communication tool, providing members with updates on industry trends, educational opportunities, and insights that can help them navigate the complexities of the automotive market.

Recognizing the increasing dominance of digital platforms and social media in the retail automotive space, the Ford MDA took significant steps in 2024 to refresh its website for both internal and external use. Led by Osvaldo Garcia Jr., the team undertook a comprehensive overhaul of the website, with the goal of making it more interactive and user-friendly. The contemporary design allows customers to easily locate the nearest minority dealer when searching for vehicles, thereby facilitating purchases, and enhancing visibility for member dealerships. Additionally, the website will serve as a repository for archived documents, webinars, and other pertinent resources, allowing dealers to access information on demand at their convenience.

The annual membership meeting, a requirement outlined in the organization’s bylaws, was successfully held in June 2024 in California. This meeting provided a platform for Ford executives to engage directly with dealers in a Town Hall format, where candid questions were encouraged and addressed. This open dialogue not only fosters transparency but also allows the dealer body to voice concerns and discuss issues that directly impact their profitability and operations.

As a line group association within the retail automotive industry, Ford MDA recognizes the value of collaboration with other similar entities. The board and staff maintain constant communication with the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) to stay informed about industry-wide issues that affect all dealers, regardless of manufacturer. This initiative-taking approach enables Ford MDA to provide a unique perspective from the minority dealer standpoint, ensuring that the voices and concerns of its members are represented in broader industry discussions.

In 2024, Ford MDA’s leadership played an instrumental role in the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD), which has a long history of championing the interests of minority dealers across the nation. The last three chairpersons of NAMAD have been Ford dealers, highlighting the strong representation and influence that Ford MDA has within this important organization. Additionally, two Ford MDA board members serve on NAMAD’s executive committee, while all executive board members are actively involved in providing input, guidance, and direction to NAMAD’s initiatives.

Overall, the Ford Minority Dealers Association is dedicated to enhancing the capabilities and success of its members through education, collaboration, and advocacy. By focusing on knowledge sharing, resource accessibility, and industry engagement, Ford MDA aims to empower minority dealers to thrive in a competitive automotive landscape, ensuring that they are well-equipped to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The commitment to continuous improvement and member support positions Ford MDA as a pivotal force in the automotive industry, dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community of minority dealers.

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