West Nova News

National Automobile Dealers Association issued the following announcement on Aug. 18

As we see students of all ages gearing up to go back to school, it reminds me that education is a lifelong pursuit. ATD gives dealers and their employees the opportunity to continue learning throughout their careers. It’s up to you to sign up and take advantage of the Academy, a webinar or an ATD 20 Group.

ATD Academy has various programs for current and future operators of commercial truck dealerships. And thanks to the tireless and passionate NADA/ATD Dealership Operations team, you can now attend a class virtually or in-person. Financial Management and Parts classes will be held in person this fall. Classes for Used/New Trucks, Marketing and Sales will be offered in-person or online.

Certificate and seminar programs include intensive, week-long instructor-led classes at ATD headquarters in Tysons, Va. Or you can opt for online sessions over the course of a year. Virtual courses combine hands-on practical application in each area of the dealership.

The Academy’s curriculum is the gold standard—featuring the latest in industry trends and developments, while building on fundamentals needed to operate a successful business for the long-term.

Do not miss out on these upcoming classes as spaces are still available:

• ATD045 – Variable Operations 1 – Used Trucks, this class will meet in-person September 20 in Tysons, VA.
• ATD045B – Variable Operations 1 (10/12 through 10/28) Live and online and Variable Operations 2 (11/30 -12/16) Live and online.
• ATD045 & ATD045B – Pre-Owned Truck or New Truck. Click here to register and select “Commercial Truck Certificate Class” Live and online.
• ATD046 – Financial Management in person this September 13th Tysons, Va. Click here to register
• ATD047 – Financial Management classes starting on February 7th, 2022. Click here to register

If you’re wondering what difference ATD’s educational offerings can make, past graduates have shared that the Academy has taught in a few months what would have taken 30 years to acquire through dealership experience. I encourage you to find a class that interests you and sign up today.

In addition to the Academy, ATD has produced dozens of webinars despite the challenges of the pandemic. Our online webinars are presented by industry-leading experts who are tackling the dealership issues that matter to you, like EVs.

Our industry right now is buzzing about the evolving electrification of the truck industry, so ATD produced ATD Electrify! Solar/EV Charging Infrastructure: a webinar which focuses on growing your commercial truck EV infrastructure with stage-appropriate planning through 2025. And remember, ATD members can view past webinars on-demand at no charge.

Finally, I encourage dealers to join a 20 Group if you haven’t already. I’m a proud member of my Volvo 20 Group and there’s no other experience like it. We have shared best practices within our group and have access to unparalleled resources. With support from my ATD 20 Group consultants and peers, the group combines advocacy and education so dealers succeed. Many of my fellow ATD board members belong to a 20 Group including: Kim Mesfin (Volvo line representative); Mark Parker (NextGen member); Kevin Holmes (Freightliner line representative); Scott Pearson (Peterbilt line representative); and Jodie Teuton (former ATD Chair and current Kenworth line representative). We all know that even at this stage, there is something we can always learn.

I invite all dealers and managers to continue pursuing education through ATD’s many curriculum offerings and training. There are hundreds of online courses and other valuable resources to prepare you for the road ahead.

Original source can be found here.