The 11th Annual BBQ for the Troops fundraiser is taking place again this summer. Each July, Chicagoland new-car dealers rally together for this grassroots initiative that directly supports the USO. Since 2013, dealers have raised over $1.1M for local troops and their families.

The fundraisers ranged from small lunches, to full community festivals featuring patriotic ceremonies, classic car shows, live music, family games and more.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

More than 10 years ago, the CATA and area new-car dealers partnered with the USO to create the Barbecue for the Troops campaign to raise money for our local troops and their families. What started as a few hot dogs and tin can has now grown into an annual festival which brings in thousands of dollars. In fact, the program’s lifetime total is over $1.1 million raised for the USO!

PARTICIPATING IS EASY AND REWARDING

As a participating dealer, the CATA will provide you with a starter kit of marketing materials you will need to get started including outdoor signage, posters and a social media toolkit. The CATA also runs an area-wide marketing and advertising campaign which includes a listing of all participating dealers and is an excellent opportunity for media exposure. The 2023 event had 85+ participating new-car dealers who hosted events that ranged from online fundraisers, to full-blown community summer festivals that included 21 gun salute, live music, bouncy houses, and, of course, a delicious barbecue meal. As we know, dealers have deep roots in their communities and by participating in the Barbecue for the Troops program, dealers can further connect with their customers and contribute to a great cause.

WAYS TO PARTICIPATE

There are a few ways you can participate in this year's fundraising campaign. Pick one (or all!) of the way that make the most sense for your dealership. All levels of participation will be recognized in various marketing efforts. 

1. Host a BBQ Event
   As in previous years, you can host a BBQ event at your dealership on Saturday, July 13 which will be advertised across the market. These events can range in size from lunch with customers to full-blown community festivals.
   
2. Test Drives for Donations
   Drive traffic to your dealership by inviting your community to come and take a test drive at your dealership. For every test drive in the month of July, your dealership will make a donation to the USO. The CATA suggests a minimum of $10 per test drive.
   
3. Make a Donation
   If you’re unable to participate in one of the activations in July, you can still make an impact! You can make a one-time donation to the USO and be listed as a USO BBQ for the Troops donor on DriveChicago.com.

However you choose to participate, we appreciate you being a part of this important initiative and raising crucial funds for the USO.

CATA is hosting RMP’s Tax, Titling & Registration Seminar consisting of the most current and accurate SOS (Secretary of State) and DOR (Department of Revenue) processes. This informative hour and half-seminar consists of everything from license and titling basics to more advanced deal processing. Topics include properly titling, registering, and remitting taxes to remain compliant with SOS and DOR, adjusting any corrections on completed ERT applications, and tips on streamlining your dealership tax, title and registration processes.

• SOS and DOR compliance
• Forms and necessary supporting documents
• ERT correction requests
• Tax forms and calculations
• Full Titles and Vehicle Services
• Third-party trades, trades by heirs or by Small Estate Affidavit
• Special plates

Ali Pouliot, Joey White and our new AE for the central/southern region Tami Tapscott-Jones from Vitu will be available to answer any questions during and after the seminar. Lunch will be provided.

 With the vehicle sales marketplace constantly evolving, the BBB Advertising Review Program is a valuable resource for dealers and plays a key role in keeping the playing field fair and competitive. Recently, a number of new questionable tactics by some dealerships have tested the limit of the law in Illinois. Dealers need to stay aware of the Illinois Motor Vehicle Advertising Regulations and how they apply to emerging trends. 

CATA will host a seminar on the regulations and the current CATA/BBB Compliance Program on Aug. 14, from 9:30 to 11:00 A.M. at CATA HQ. At this seminar, dealers will learn more about the rules and how they apply to advertised prices, discounts, rebates, finance and lease offers, website pop-ups and coupons plus many other issues.  Dealers are encouraged to bring questions based on their own experiences as well.

The seminar will be presented by Patricia Kelly, Senior Counsel Special Projects at the Better Business Bureau.