The association flourished under Sloan’s leadership, and he will be greatly missed. To show their appreciation for Sloan’s contributions, the CATA Board of Directors decided to create a scholarship in Sloan’s name: the David E. Sloan Legacy Scholarship for the College of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University, Sloan’s alma mater.

David Sloan isn’t just a name associated with the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) or Chicago Auto Show; he is synonymous with dedication, leadership, innovation, integrity, and faith. Sloan was the driving force behind the prestigious CATA and devoted an incredible 31 years to the Chicagoland new-car dealers and to the Chicago Auto Show. Under Sloan’s leadership, the Chicago Auto Show has evolved to be one of the premier auto shows in the world.

Perhaps what sets Sloan apart is not just his professional accomplishments, but the legacy of mentorship he leaves behind. He always encouraged his team to strive to perform their best, all with the intent of bettering and progressing the CATA and the Chicago Auto Show. Raised in the state of Michigan and a proud graduate from Michigan State University, Sloan is a Spartan at heart and would love nothing more than to pass the legacy on to a deserving student in MSU’s College of Communication Arts & Sciences.

The Scholarship is intended to encourage students who have demonstrated the capacity to achieve educational and professional goals, the motivation to achieve these goals and the initiative to seek opportunities to further their progress. It will be funded by the CATA for the next five years, and Sloan will have the opportunity to present the scholarship to the student during the kickoff breakfast to the Chicago Auto Show each year.