I first want to thank the board of directors and MADA membership for giving me the opportunity to serve as your chairman. When I took the reins at our annual convention, it was a surreal moment. As I sat there with my family, I couldn’t help but reflect on my early days attending the convention. From those first moments in the car business and my exposure to our association, so much has changed — yet the core of what makes MADA special remains the same: our shared commitment to promote, advance and protect Mississippi’s franchised automobile and truck dealers. My journey with MADA took a significant step forward in 2018 when I was first elected to the board of directors and saw firsthand how hard MADA works for its members.

A Rewarding Journey with MADA

Getting involved with MADA has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. The best part is the chance to meet and build friendships with fellow dealers. While we may compete head-to-head for customers every day, it’s remarkable how we come together as a community, united by our passion for this industry. Our board of directors is dedicated to our mission, ensuring that Mississippi’s 217-plus dealerships, which employ over 19,000 people, continue to thrive.

Facing Challenges with Unity

My biggest concern as chairman is that we risk becoming complacent with our past successes. The franchise system, which has long been the backbone of our industry, is under attack. Alarmingly, some of these challenges come from our own manufacturers. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, representing nearly every car manufacturer, recently sent a letter to the Department of Justice attacking the franchise system and the laws that protect our dealerships from unfair business practices by OEMs. By standing together and working for our common good, we can defeat these challenges and safeguard the future of our industry, which ultimately benefits the consumer.

Looking Ahead

I’m eager to hit the ground running with our 2025 Regional Meetings, where I look forward to connecting with you, our members, and hearing your ideas and concerns. These gatherings serve an important role by ensuring MADA remains a powerful voice for Mississippi’s dealers. We’ll continue to provide resources like the Mississippi Auto Dealer magazine, webinars and compliance updates to keep you informed and equipped to navigate the evolving automotive industry.

I am grateful to have such a strong and energetic officer team to work with during my tenure. I also want to extend my appreciation to Paxton King for his outstanding leadership as chairman last year. His dedication and vision have set a high standard, and I’m committed to building on his legacy.

A Call to Action

If there’s anything you need from me, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can continue to keep MADA great, ensuring a solid future for all our members. Let’s stay united, stay vigilant and keep pushing for the strength and success of Mississippi’s automotive industry.

Jeff Smith