One of the things I love about being a dealer is that no two days are ever the same. Maintaining and growing a business requires constant vigilance and engagement with manufacturers, employees, vendors, and so many others.

In the middle of my daily schedule, I find that keeping tabs on events in Washington can easily fall to the bottom of my to-do list. Thankfully, AIADA hosts its annual Summit in Washington, D.C., each spring.

For years, I’ve made a point of attending the two-day event because it provides a rare opportunity in my busy schedule to focus my energy exclusively on the legislation and policy that is impacting my business in real and tangible ways.

Washington’s intrusion into our businesses is more prominent than ever, and I believe we’ve all felt its weight in one way or another. Especially in recent years, legislation, regulations, and rhetoric have combined to create an atmosphere inside the beltway that is unfriendly to those like us who are fighting to make our communities a better place and to live and work.

I’m the first to admit that it can be overwhelming—especially when we all have so much else on our plates and Washington seems intent on stalling and avoiding solutions. But, I’ve never known dealers to run away from a challenge and disengage.

I firmly believe we must do anything and everything we can to have a say in Washington’s big decisions that impact us, our dealerships, and our employees in real and tangible ways. That starts with understanding the issues at stake and understanding how we should communicate our concerns to our leaders. For seasoned dealers and those who are just getting started in the business, AIADA’s Summit is a great place to start.

This year’s summit will take place May 7 and 8 at the Hyatt Regency Washington Capitol Hill. Speakers will include former vice presidential candidate and Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, who will brief dealers on the issues that continue to grip Washington, D.C.

We’ll also be joined by Cook Political Report editor Charlie Cook, former White House budget director Jim Nussle, and best-selling author and viral ideas expert Jonah Berger. We’ll also host the always-popular automaker panel discussion, which will include executives from Volkswagen and Honda. Finally, dealers will have the opportunity to visit their lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

I look forward to seeing many of you join me on Capitol Hill. It starts with us to protect the future of our dealerships.

Larry Kull is the 2014 chairman of the American International Automobile Dealers Association.