There are many things for which I am grateful. Last year only served to augment my appreciation of how blessed we are. Around the world, we faced a pandemic never seen in our current history. During this crucial time, businesses were categorized as essential and non-essential. Employees were asked to work in vital roles necessary to supply the most important needs for the sick, dying and the living. At the center — and key to this altered lifestyle — were dealers and car manufacturers. Our industry had to unite to ensure we made it through.

Today, as we look back at 2020, still not completely done with the pandemic, we breathe a sigh of relief. Our manufacturing capabilities helped build ventilators and necessary life-saving equipment. Our dealers donated thousands of N95 masks, fed thousands of people, and helped first responders across the nation. Most importantly, our industry kept people working, which meant many families could afford to provide for themselves.

As we make it through the rest of 2021, with our supply chains still in flux, we are grateful because together, we have made it through a year and a half of turmoil — and have come out ahead. Many of you did things you had not previously done. You reimagined processes and systems to meet customer needs. Your staff innovated new ways of selling and servicing customers. You formed new relationships and created stronger bonds. In an industry founded to help people, you demonstrated that serving people is still the right way to do business.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your employees thank you. And your communities thank you. There are many ways to acquire a vehicle and keep it serviced. However, there is only one way that is focused on people — in good times and in bad times — and that is the dealer franchise model. The business model not focused on a transaction but a relationship. The business model that is not for today only, but the future as well.

Thank you for all you do!