Assurant, Inc., a global provider of lifestyle and housing solutions that support, protect and connect major consumer purchases like automobiles, has contributed $25,000 through its Assurant Foundation to the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Foundation’s Workforce Initiative.

“Assurant is proud to support the NADA Foundation’s Workforce Initiative that’s committed to developing the next generation of auto professionals,” said Assurant’s Global Automotive president, John Laudenslager. “We believe it is important to invest in the future and encourage the next generation of innovators, leaders, engineers and technology professionals.”

During NADA Show 2020 in Las Vegas, Assurant drove dealers to their booth with a pledge to donate $100 to the NADA Workforce Initiative for each dealer who visited. On Sunday, Feb. 16, Assurant presented NADA President and CEO Peter Welch with a $15,300 check representing funds raised during NADA to support the Workforce Initiative’s mission. Additional donations brought the grand total to $25,000 at the close of NADA Show.

NADA Foundation launched the Workforce Initiative in 2019 to harmonize industry efforts and offer a brand-neutral tool for recruiting service technicians and sparking an interest in service technician careers. The Foundation’s website, nadafoundation.org, includes the first and only interactive U.S. map of training and scholarship opportunities available for aspiring technicians, as well as videos featuring a variety of technicians highlighting their careers and the challenging nature of their work. One video example features Tiara Richardson, a 31-year-old technician from Fitzgerald’s Gaithersburg Hyundai in Gaithersburg, Md.

“With its support of the NADA Foundation’s efforts to recruit the next generation of service technicians, Assurant reaffirms the importance of service technician careers to the broader auto industry,” said Annette Sykora, chairwoman of the NADA Foundation and 2008 NADA chairwoman. “Using one voice representing all stakeholders, we have the opportunity to attract great talent to our dynamic industry.”

Sykora, dealer principal of Smith South Plains Ford Lincoln in Levelland, Texas, added that her dealership over the years has helped young men and women find fulfilling careers locally in the automotive industry.

“Automotive technicians keep our families mobile and company fleets running by providing the necessary maintenance and repairs to our customers’ cars and trucks,” Sykora added. “These technicians have life balance and the means to provide financial stability for their families. Seeing them grow in knowledge and skill in a job they enjoy is heartwarming to an employer.”

To date, other contributions to the NADA Foundation’s Workforce Initiative include from Toyota Motor North America, Ford Motor Company PACCAR (Kenworth and Peterbilt), Hyundai Motor America, National Auto Auction Association Porsche Cars North America, and Isuzu Commercial Trucks of America.

For more details, visit nadafoundation.org.