DealerRater is now a National Member Benefit Partner of the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association, NIADA announced this week. 

In this capacity, DealerRater will aim to help NIADA dealers “connect with active, in-market consumers,” according to DealerRater’s chief executive officer, Gary Tucker.

DealerRater’s suite of solutions, including CertifiedEssentials, LotShot, Resolution Advantage, ServiceEngage and ReviewBuilder, will be available to NIADA members.

“DealerRater is completely focused on the automotive industry and offers dealers several tools other consumer review sites cannot,” said Scott Lilja, senior vice president of member services at NIADA. “Our members will embrace the opportunity to work with a provider like DealerRater and take advantage of their expertise in building online reputation.”

More information on DealerRater’s offerings can be found here.

NIADA Awards

Elsewhere at NIADA, the association wrapped up its annual NIADA Convention & Expo last week. The organization recognized many in the industry for their individual contributions to the auto sector.                                                                            

Darla Booher, the president of Deal Depot in Greer, S.C., was named the 2015 National Quality Dealer of the Year during the event, chosen from the 20 State Quality Dealers nominated.

Selected by a panel of judges from Northwood University based on factors such as contributions to the industry and community involvement, Booher becomes the second woman to win the award since 2002 recipient Wanda Lewark.

“Over the years, Darla Booher has earned an exceptional reputation not only with her customers and staff, but throughout her community and within our industry,” said Steve Jordan, NIADA executive vice president. “Giving back to her community has always been a team effort for her and her staff.”

Other professionals honored by NIADA at the event include:

• NIADA Association Executive of the Year: Todd O’Connell, Colorado IADA.
• Crystal Eagle Award winners: Kimberly New, Style Financial Acceptance Co.; Dennis Pope, People’s Financial; Glen Reeves, Reeves Insurance Agency; Julie Colgate, Independent Dealers Advantage; Guy Padgett, Sterling Credit Corporation; Roy Daniel, ALS Dealer Funding; and J. Wayne Meagher of M D Auto Sales.
• Honorary Crystal Eagle Award winner: Frank Fuzy, owner of Century Motors of South Florida, who was also named as the association’s president during the event.

According to the NIADA, O’Connell earned the award by putting his previously struggling organization on solid financial footing, creating an association charity that raised more than $100,000 in the first year, starting a dealer defense fund to protect against frivolous lawsuits, adding an association Ambassador group to promote CIADA information, and establishing relationships with state officials.

For more NIADA awards, stay tuned to Auto Remarketing.