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| P.O. Box 431 6 Mulberry Lane Mt. Arlington, N.J. 07856 973-398-2774 Telephone 973-398-2731 Facsimile |
March 21 , 2005 |
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| Letter from IARA's Executive Director Important Request from IARA's President Remarketing Online Courses NAFA Remarketing Guide IARA Initiative in the UK |
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Letter from IARA's Executive Director
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| Matthew Marks IARA Executive Director |
Dear Members;
The IARA Winter Meeting in Las Vegas was a great success. My thanks to all who participated and planned this successful event. There were over 160 attendees that enjoyed the program, which began with the Circle of Excellence Award Luncheon honoring Mike Hockett, of ABC Auction Company. Mike’s contributions to the remarketing industry as well as his humanitarian contributions to many parts of the world were recognized.
Frank Hackett, the new Executive Director of the NAAA, was the luncheon speaker. Frank comes from the law enforcement field and spoke on leadership in our every day lives.
Dave Langley, of Honda, the Past President and one of the Founders of the IARA was also recognized for his years of service and dedication to the spirit of improving the remarketing industry. Dave and many others began formulating the ideas for the IARA at informal discussion luncheons in Southern California in 2000/2001. Thanks to the efforts of Dave and others in the beginning, the IARA has become a force for education and improvement in the remarketing industry.
The two Roundtable sessions focused on benchmarking and vehicle grading scales. Stuart Angert of RSA and Dave Langley were the moderators for these well attended, and lively sessions. The final panel of the day was hosted by Scott Kolb and focused discussion on the topic of Creating Partnerships. Our thanks to panelists Nick Peluso, Manheim; Don Elliott, ADESA; Joe Pyle, Mountain States AA; Carl Scandura, Toyota; Darrin Aiken, Wheels; Lynn Wolver, Bank One, for a very successful panel.
The next IARA Roundtable and Annual meeting will be July 27-29th in Atlanta with the main session on July 28th at the Drivecenter. Mark your calendars now. There will be sessions on benchmarking, vehicle valuations, technology and best practices in selling, and a dealer panel. A complete tour of the Drivecenter facility will also take place.
The IARA always welcomes suggestions for topics focused on improving the remarketing industry. There is a way to submit these ideas and other comments via the website info link at www.iaraonline.org. My thanks to all who support our efforts, and I look forward to seeing everyone again this summer in Atlanta.
Best regards,
Matthew Marks
Executive Director
International Automotive Remarketers Alliance
Important Request from IARA's President
All IARA members have been selected by the NAAA Benchmarking Task Force because of their knowledge, position and experience within the Remarketing Industry to provide their perspective and feedback on the proposed content of recommended "Standardized 'CORE' Benchmark Measurements." Creating and implementing industry-wide Core Benchmarking that could be used by the many of remarketers and auctions is one of the significant objectives for NAAA in 2005.
It's important that we consider perspectives on this important issue from as many experts as possible. That's where we need your help. I am asking you to take a little bit of your time out of, what I know is, a very busy schedule to review and comment what you think we should include on a list of "top 10 or 15" Benchmarking measures. The task force recognizes that each business is unique and that a good number for one company may be a bad number for another. That is part of the challenge.
Specific comments and suggestions would be appreciated. What should we measure? Why? How should it be reported? Any input that would clarify your reasoning would be great.
The committee would like to gather all comments and suggestions by Thursday, March 30th.
Your input and advice is important. It is valued and will contribute a great deal to the future of this industry. Your response by return e-mail will be appreciated. Please do not hesitate to contact Stephen Houston via email or call him at 949-754-7710 if you have questions or need more information.
Remarketing Online Courses
The online remarketing education courses consist of 12 topics designed to broaden one’s education and understanding in the remarketing industry. The courses are available through the online facilities of Northwood University. Sign up is easy on the IARA website at www.iaraonline.org. To date over 30 people have enrolled in the courses. CEU’s and Certificates of Completion are awarded by Northwood. The courses were developed and written by leading experts in their respective fields. The courses were also reviewed by four different Blue Ribbon Panels of remarketing experts for authenticity and accuracy.
NAFA Remarketing Guide
An ad hoc IARA Committee completed work on assisting the National Association of Fleet Administrators in finishing their Fleet Acquisition and Disposal Guide. The 100+ page document submitted by the IARA covered all aspects of remarketing. The project lasted several months. IARA members included Mike Antich, Dick Dennis, John Possumato, and Matt Marks. The Guide will be published this spring and made available to all fleet administrators.
IARA Initiative in the UK
The IARA Board is actively exploring the formation of an IARA presence in the UK as part of an overseas expansion. IARA members, Leaseplan and Driveitaway, are involved in the investigation of what is required. A proposal concerning the status of the UK remarketing industry was discussed at the February IARA Board meeting and the Board agreed that the potential appears to be very good for an IARA type organization. A decision is expected in the near future.