Do you remember the power of a handshake? The uplifting sense that comes from a smile? The warmth you feel when you get a hug? With COVID, it seems like those times are gone. We have to wave from afar, smile behind a mask, and hug in the air. For me, this is strange. I grew up in a large Hispanic family where being social is all we did. At home it was all about food, family and fun. If you were not a stranger, you were a friend; and if you were a friend you were automatically family! The car business is just like this — one big happy family. Many of you have provided vehicles and services to various generations of the same family. Many times, contracts were entered into with just a handshake and a smile. The signatures came later. Lately, however, social distancing has meant a lot more digital and a lot more distance.

The increased distance and the enhanced hygiene have not been bad. They have taught us that we can adapt quickly, move swiftly and be successful. We have learned how to trust and how to gain trust while physically separated. We have been able to help customers find their dream vehicles or keep their vehicles going with contactless service. We have proved that an industry as old as the first vehicle built can evolve, can be relevant and can be effective.

During this time, we also started using different words in our vocabulary. Words like unprecedented, new normal, social distancing and PPE started appearing everywhere. Handwashing, sanitizing and masks became requirements. And we started becoming overwhelmed with the number of infections, hospital admissions and death rates. As industries came to a halt, many jobs disappeared. What did not disappear were dealers. What also became more apparent during this time was how important we are to our communities. In addition to supplying all our mobility needs, we have done a lot more. Here is a recap of some of what has happened this year.

CFADA

• Along with many dealers,
  donated N95 masks to our
  local governments
• Donated $25,000 to food banks in five local counties. Each $1 donated to the food banks provides four meals or $9 worth of groceries. So, our $25,000 donation provided 100,000 meals or $225,000 worth of groceries!
• Volunteered handing out over 1,000 bags of groceries to
  the community
• Hosted several virtual meetings, including two Girl Scouts Car Care Badge events
• Continued working with schools and clubs promoting the automotive industry

On the advocacy side, CFADA worked with state and local government to ensure that dealers could stay open and serve our communities. As things changed, we kept you informed. We also followed and provided all PPP and COVID related information so that you could take advantage of the programs being offered and adhere to the CDC guidelines.

As we go into the fourth quarter of the year, we are still standing with you. And we know you are still serving our communities. Like CFADA, many of you donated money, resources, meals and food. Although COVID is still here, we are still strong. We do not know what the rest of the year is going to bring, but we do know that we are strong. It is because of your strength and the power of our industry that we can serve and help and continue to thrive. Thank you for all that you do and for being a valued member of CFADA. We cannot do what we do without you.