It is hard to believe that my year serving as Chairman of MADA is coming to an end.

I can honestly say that this has been one of the most fun and rewarding years of my life.

To be totally honest, our dealership group has always supported MADA, but I had no idea about the work our association does that benefits our dealer body until I started serving on the Board of Directors.

Our mission is to promote, advance, and protect franchised automobile dealers, and I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish.

Getting HB 401 signed into law has been our main focus, and I’m so thankful that the Governor signed this much-needed legislation. When Attorney General Lynn Fitch gave the opinion in 2020 that Tesla could contract with themselves to receive a dealer’s license, we knew that the law had to be changed or our dealerships could be in jeopardy. In spite of many efforts to kill the bill from lobbyists hired by Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid along with some media outlets, we were able to get the legislation across the finish line. We owe a great deal of appreciation to Speaker Philip Gunn, Speaker Pro Tem Jason White, Chairman Trey Lamar, Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann, Chairman Josh Harkins, Senator Daniel Sparks, and Governor Tate Reeves for their support of HB 401.

I want to thank all of the dealers in Mississippi that made telephone calls and sent texts and emails to the legislators because it made a difference.

My last duty as Chairman will be at the Alabama-Mississippi-Tennessee New Car and Truck Dealers Convention in Sandestin. The convention is a great opportunity to hear from quality speakers, network with your fellow dealers, and spend some time away on some of the beautiful beaches in Florida. It is not too late to register. We would love to have you join us June 18–21, 2023.

One of the biggest benefits of serving on the MADA Board is the friendships that I have made these past several years. Getting to work with such a dedicated leadership team has been a bonus. A special word of thanks goes to Immediate Past Chairman Jonathan Allen, Chair-Elect Trudy Moody, Secretary-Treasurer Paxton King, NADA Director Michael Joe Cannon, and MADA President Marty Milstead.

While my time as Chairman must come to a close, you are in great hands with Chair-Elect Trudy Moody. We have a great organization and I encourage every dealer to support MADA. Thank you for giving me the honor and privilege to lead our association.

Sincerely,
Jeff Field