Recently, the Canadian Automobile Dealers’ Association (CADA) announced the appointment of Alex Baum to the position of chairman. Baum, who is also the owner and general manager of Cochrane Toyota in Cochrane, Alta., recently talked to Canadian auto dealer about his new role and some of the initiatives the association has been working on.
“I’m very excited to be assuming the position of chairman,” Baum said “and I look forward to working with CADA members in the coming year.” He also said that “it is an exciting time to be elevated to this position and be part of national organization that is both strong and focused.”
In relation to some of the topics that have been a key issue for dealers in recent years, such as the NADAP (National Automobile Dealer Arbitration Program) agreement and updates to the Bank Act, Baum said that “CADA has been successful in getting the Bank Act passed, so that the banks themselves aren’t able to get into the auto leasing business. It was really great to have dealers stand firm and united on this issue and for the association to lobby on our behalf.”
Baum also mentioned that in regards to the NADAP agreement “he was privileged, as one of three directors, to be part of those talks and to reach an updated agreement that takes us through the next five years and better protects the interests of dealers.”
As for other initiatives, he says that CADA plans to more closely align itself with each of the provincial associations, “it’s about how we can collectively work together, from Corner Brook to Nanaimo. It hasn’t always been easy due to different mandates and initiatives but it is definitely something we’re looking forward to.”
Another issue facing many dealers, concerns succession plans. “Last year, CADA assembled a document that outlined succession plans,” says Baum “and it was discovered that 43 per cent of us aren’t ready to hand over to the next generation. As a result, the timing for a guide on succession planning is good and so far the dealers that have received it have provided great feedback. As an organization we will work with each dealer to ensure the transition to the next generation goes as smoothly as it can.”
