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ATD Chairman
George F. Grask |
Atlanta, Ga, April 24, 2005 — George Grask, owner of Cedar Rapids Truck Center, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, began a two-year term as chairman of the American Truck Dealers (ATD) at the organization's 2006 Convention & Exposition in Atlanta, Georgia. Grask previously served as ATD vice chairman, and replaces outgoing ATD Chairman Jerry Turnauer, who just completed a two-year term as chairman.
In his remarks at the convention, Grask said, "I will champion the strengths and value added that truck dealers bring to all transactions and support the protection of the franchise system."
Grask highlighted the need to attract qualified professionals, especially truck technicians, for the industry’s long-term viability. "I will be a voice encouraging young people to enter our industry, and I hope each of you will join me," he said.
The new ATD chairman also urged dealers to invest in a higher level of customer service to help their businesses and the industry continue to grow. "I’m going to challenge each and every dealer to invest in their dealerships, because the bar should be higher," he said. "No more hand-written repair orders or parts-counter tickets. Our customers deserve better."
Grask told ATD members that he will also make it a high priority to ensure legislators understand the negative impact of increased taxes and burdensome regulations on the truck dealer business. “You have toiled far too hard to give most of your earnings back,” he said.
Founded in 1970, the ATD division of NADA is the only national organization representing dealers selling new medium- and heavy-duty trucks. The more than 2,400 members of ATD receive full association services from NADA.
The National Automobile Dealers Association, founded in 1917 and based in McLean, Va., represents approximately 20,000 franchised new car and truck dealers holding nearly 43,000 separate franchises, domestic and import.
(For the full text of Grask’s remarks, click here [PDF file].)
Contact:
David Hyatt, Vice President and Chief Public Affairs Officer
NADA Public Affairs
(703) 821-7120
dhyatt@nada.org
Jeff Beddow, Public Relations Director
NADA Public Affairs
(703) 821-7121
jbeddow@nada.org