HISTORY OF GADA
WHAT IS GADA?
The Georgia Automobile Dealers Association is an association of Georgia franchise automobile dealers. Its membership consists of approximately 500 dealer members who represent more than 90% of the new vehicles sold in Georgia. GADA provides a strong lobbying voice for dealers. In partnership with its subsidiary, GADA Services, Inc., GADA offers various member benefits and services, including insurance services (workers’ compensation, employee benefits and property and casualty); title services; the selling of business forms and Temporary Operating Permits (TOPs); informative industry publications; and education courses. GADA also supports future dealership leaders through its NextGen program, which educates and facilitates networking among young dealership professionals.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
On April 21, 1937, a small group of dealers from various parts of the state met in Macon for the first time with an idea of forming a state association. They reviewed the legislative work accomplished by the Atlanta Automobile Association and knew that much more could be achieved with the formation of a statewide association.
Over time, the association grew in size and strength, and on January 1, 1966, the Georgia Automobile Dealers Association became self-sustaining after working in conjunction with the Atlanta Automobile Association for 29 years.
MILESTONES
On May 1, 1982, due in large part to its support of state legislation authorizing group self-insurance funds, GADA became the first trade association in Georgia to have its own self-insurance workers’ compensation fund. In 2009, after being managed by third-party administrators, the Fund was moved in-house to the GADA Building in Atlanta. One year later, in 2010, the Fund added loss prevention specialists to the staff. The GADA Group Self-Insurance Workers’ Compensation Fund has established a solid history of success by providing automobile dealers with quality workers’ compensation coverage and, to date, has returned more than $140 million in dividends to Fund members.
In November 2006, the Association introduced GADA Insurance Services to members. GADA Insurance Services is a fully licensed insurance agency which offers comprehensive employee benefits plans, complete with a highly-rated personalized enrollment process. The agency also offers property and casualty insurance from multiple, top-rated companies.
GADA and its related entities continues to grow and establish itself as a strong, effective and proactive organization that represents the interests of franchised dealers.