From the Louisville truck plant to the production lines of Bowling Green and the anticipated EV battery plant in Glendale, Kentucky’s automotive industry is more than an economic driver — it’s a defining force in the Commonwealth. Of course, the automotive space extends far beyond production, and Kentucky’s automobile dealers have long had a seat at the table when it comes to shaping policy.

KADA has been proud to be the voice of Kentucky automobile dealers for nearly a century. In that time, the impact of automobile dealers in developing legislation important to business in Kentucky has been significant. From franchise statutes to tax legislation, auto dealers have played a pivotal role in making meaningful change. With critical issues that will shape the industry on the horizon, including workforce development and training, EV infrastructure and ongoing threats to the franchise system, it is critical that dealer voices continue to shape the discussion.

Kentucky’s citizen legislators value the input of automobile dealers, who have established themselves as not only successful businesspeople but also as proven community leaders. Establishing relationships, therefore, is the foundation of effective engagement. Knowing exactly who represents you enables you to take meaningful action when critical matters arise in Frankfort. Invite your legislators to tour your dealership and meet your staff. This allows the legislator to meet with his or her constituents while allowing you to showcase the economic impact of the dealership in your community. Because these visits don’t involve the media or a specific political agenda, they are some of the most enjoyable appearances a legislator can make. They also give your perspective credibility during the session, if and when you need to contact your legislator on a specific issue. 

The more engaged dealers are, the more effectively the industry can push back against problematic legislation and promote policies that support long-term growth. In recent years, active dealer engagement has helped stop legislation that would have weakened franchise laws and has shaped tax reform that favored small business owners. None of this happens by accident. It takes consistent messaging, coordination with the KADA team and lobbyists, and a solid strategy. 

Increasing your engagement can be broken down into a few simple steps: 

1. Map Your Existing Network: Identify any relationships or connections you already have with local, state or federal officials. You likely have more connections than you think.
2. Grow Your Network: Put yourself in situations to create relationships with individuals in the industry and your community, including elected officials. You can do this by attending local chamber of commerce events, attending KADA functions and joining community organizations.
3. Engage Regularly: It’s important to regularly make contact with your network of legislators. You can achieve this by reaching out by phone or text, interacting on social media, hosting events or inviting them to visit your dealership. KADA can help you locate contact information for your elected officials.
4. Tell Your Story: When talking to legislators, you want them to remember you and your story. Personalizing the relationship and showing them how legislative and policy decisions affect your dealership, employees and community helps keep your story in the front of their minds when confronting issues in Frankfort.

Kentucky dealers have been instrumental in shaping policy for decades. And its relationship with lawmakers is in the best shape it has ever been. To keep this momentum going, dealer engagement in the political process is pivotal and will ensure continuing decades of success. Start a conversation, attend a legislative event or contact the association about getting involved.