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Reflecting on the past and welcoming the future As we close the door on a life-changing season, let's not forget that 2020 marked our 100th year in service as an Association. What started as a small group of business owners whose main goal was to improve Florida's roadways, has now become a powerful statewide association that produces more than $80 Billion in total sales revenue for the state of Florida. To commemorate our century of service, be on the lookout for our 100-year Retrospective magazine, which will be mailed to each of your dealerships soon. In 2020 we tackled vicarious liability, helped DMV digitize all of our necessary documents, and guided you through an avalanche of COVID and PPP information. We thank you for your continued participation and generosity to our association. We would not exist without your membership. So cheers to not only the accomplishments of 2020, but a full century of victories. We are looking forward to continuing to serve you with vigor in 2021.

Odometer disclosure exemption changes from 10 to 20 years Reminder: As of January 1, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has changed the odometer disclosure exemption requirements for motor vehicles. The new 20-year odometer capture exemption requirements apply only to vehicles that are 2011 model year or newer. Vehicles manufactured with a 2010 model year or older remain exempt under the 10-year exemption. For more information read more here.

In Memoriam: Dwayne Hawkins Dwayne Hawkins, founder and CEO of the Crown Automotive Group, passed peacefully on December 24, 2020. He purchased his first automobile dealership in 1969, adding many more through the years under the Crown Automotive name. In 2015, he was voted Florida Time Dealer of the Year and was inducted into the Pinellas Education Foundation Hall of Honor. In 2019, he received the prestigious William S. "Bill" Belcher Award from Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital. He was recently honored by the Tampa Bay Lighting as a Community Hero and inducted into the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame. Dwayne supported and served on many charities and boards throughout his life. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to one that was especially close to his heart: Mount Dora Children's Home. He will be greatly missed by FADA. More information can be found here.

FADA dealer members are known for generously supporting your communities. Below are just a few who helped make the holidays brighter in 2020.

Rick Case Group now in 38th year of providing bikes Thank you to the Rick Case Automotive Group for spreading joy through your annual Bikes for Kids program. This program has just celebrated an astounding 38 years of giving. This generous charity provided bicycles to more than 6,000 children across South Florida just this year.

Holler Hyundai shines in annual Toys for Tots drive Thank you to Holler Hyundai for your annual sponsorship of the Central Florida Toys for Tots drive. The drive provides toys to thousands of families struggling across the Central Florida region. Employees and customers alike contribute annually. This year's drive was another massive success.

Craig Zinn Auto Group supports children's charities Thank you to the Craig Zinn Automotive Group for going above and beyond this year by bringing joy to so many deserving children and teens through your holiday toy and gift card drive. Charities supported this year include the Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Children's Harbor and Neighbors 4 Neighbors.

Tom Bush Family of dealerships supports Veterans Thank you to the employees of Tom Bush Family of Dealerships for supporting Wreaths Across America. Each December on national Wreaths Across America day, wreaths are placed at Arlington National Cemetery as well as more than 1,500 additional locations across the country, at sea and abroad. Pictured here is Parts Advisor Paul Betsinger and his son at the VA National Cemetery in Jacksonville.

Gettel Foundation celebrates Toys for Tots Thank you to Gettel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for your generous donation of $35,000 to Toys for Tots this year. Along with many gifts, the foundation divided the monetary donation between Marion, Alachua, Charlotte, Manatee, Sarasota and Bradenton to ensure many children were blessed this season.

Fields BMW collects food and critical supplies Thank you to Fields BMW for your Food & Fund Drive, which collected much needed critical food items and supplies for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida during the holidays. These items were distributed through a powerful hunger relief network spanning Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties.

Resources Click Here to view our Coronavirus Hub page and please follow FADA on Facebook, Twitter, FADA TV and our website to see more updates, news, the latest videos and more.

Distributed January 4, 2021