AIADA'S 24th Annual Automotive Congress a Success; Dealers Lobby Congress on Death Tax Repeal

    WASHINGTON, May 25 More than 700 automobile dealers
descended on Washington, DC, May 22-23 for the American International
Automobile Dealers Association's 24th Annual Automotive Congress.  For two
action-packed days, the meetings combined the largest grassroots lobbying
event in the automotive industry with issues briefings, a technology forum and
speeches by political and industry executives. The meeting culminated in
visits to Capitol Hill, where dealers met with their members of Congress to
urge them to repeal the death tax.
    "This was truly an exciting time to be in Washington because the Senate
was debating our industry's top priority: the death tax," said AIADA Chairman
of the Board Richard Kull. "We were elated when the Senate passed its tax
package this week that included a provision to repeal the death tax. Our goal
now is to ensure that that provision is maintained in the final bill that is
sent to the President for his signature."
    The Automotive Congress officially kicked off on Tuesday. AIADA teamed up
with Automotive News to host a day-long program on technology and customer
relationship management. Speakers talked about how to use technology to find,
sell and retain customers.
    The day concluded with the All-Star Dealer Awards Reception and Dinner.
The annual gala event, sponsored by Newsweek and The Washington Post, honors
the contributions that automobile dealers make to their communities through
civic volunteerism and charitable giving. Legendary collegiate football coach
Lou Holtz was the evening's keynote speaker. Newsweek Chairman and Editor-in-
Chief Rick Smith was on hand to help present the awards to this year's five
honorees.
    On Wednesday, members were briefed by Larry Wilcox, the legislative aide
to Sen. Jon Kyle (R-AZ), on the last goings-on on Capitol Hill, including the
tax bill, which was in the process of being debated.  Later that morning,
members heard from political pundits Tony Snow, political analyst and host of
"FOX News Sunday;" Stuart Rothenberg, editor and publisher of The Rothenberg
Report; and Mike McCurry, former press secretary to President Clinton. Dealers
then proceeded to Capitol Hill to meet with their members of Congress.

    About AIADA
    The American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA)
represents America's 10,000 franchised international nameplate automobile
dealers and their nearly 375,000 employees who sell and service world-class
vehicles manufactured in the U.S. and abroad.  Visit AIADA on the Internet at
http://www.aiada.org .

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