Mission & History

AADA’s Mission

AADA’s mission is to educate, professionalize, advance and promote automobile and truck dealers in Arkansas.

History

The Arkansas Automobile Dealers Association was founded in the fall of 1932 to represent the interests of Arkansas franchised new car and truck dealers. Initially the association had a membership base in central Arkansas and through the years expanded into a statewide trade association.

During AADA’s organizational years Felix G. Smart, Smart Chevrolet, Pine Bluff, led the association serving as President from 1932 – 1934. Since that time there have been seventy-seven men and two women to serve in that capacity representing dealerships from every corner of the state. In 1990 the title for the chief elected official was changed from President to Chairman of the Board.

Today, AADA serves over 200 franchised automobile and truck dealers and is recognized as one of the state’s largest and most influential trade associations. AADA provides dealers with an array of products and services but its most important function is advocacy. Dealers throughout the state have always been involved in local and state government and several have served in the Arkansas Legislature.

As testimony to this leadership, Arkansas has had a dealer serve as Vice Chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association, Roland Hughes, from Jonesboro in 1959, and Chairman of NADA, Jim Caplinger, from England in 1987. And, AADA has had its share of quality dealers as well. Since TIME Magazine introduced the TIME Magazine Quality Dealer Award over 35 years ago, fifteen Arkansas dealers have received finalist recognition and Arkansas has had five national winners:

The TIME Magazine Quality Dealer Award (TMQDA), recently renamed the TIME Dealer of the Year, is presented to a select few dealers who have been nominated for their business success, their involvement with their local, state and national associations, and for their civic and charitable commitments in their respective communities.

AADA has been often recognized for its commitment to civic and charitable organizations. For example, over 30 years ago AADA formed the CARTI KIDS Golf Classic which set the standard for charitable golf events in Arkansas and has raised over $4 million to benefit the pediatric patients at the Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute. The association has also been recognized locally and nationally for its public relations activities, for example, in 2005 AADA received the distinguished Corporate Stewardship Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. AADA has sponsored several public service programs such as “Show Your Love . . . Use Restraint”, a child safety seat initiative, “If You’re Not Sober, Pull Over” emphasizing the dangers of drinking and driving, and, most recently, the “Dangers of Distracted Driving” campaign, warning drivers against texting, eating, etc. while driving.

Arkansas franchised dealers are vital for the continued advancement of the state’s economic progress by providing thousands of jobs for Arkansans as well as generating tax revenue. AADA is committed to the representation of every franchised dealer and to ensure any and all present and future challenges are addressed on their behalf.

Past Chairmen of the Board