CATA News

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An NADA-led letter that supports the addition of catalytic converter anti-theft legislation (H.R. 621/S. 154) to the must-pass annual defense authorization bill has been signed by 99 organizations, including the CATA, IADA and prominent law enforcement groups.

The letter will be sent next week, along with a press release by NADA to help increase the momentum for action this year.

Charities and civic organizations know that Chicagoland new-car dealers are an integral part of their communities and are often deeply involved in charitable causes. However, dealers rarely receive the recognition they deserve for their ongoing efforts. The Chicago Automobile Trade Association created Chicagoland Dealers Care in 2008 to raise awareness and build upon charitable efforts already put forth by the local dealer community. Dealer members may apply to the CATA for additional contributions to local charities they support.

Application Guidelines:

Below are the guidelines to submitting a Chicagoland Dealers Care request:

The Chicagoland Dealers Care program will not solicit contributions from CATA members. Its sole source of funding comes from the CATA.

Download the Application

Please reach out to Hayley Feichter (hfeichter@drivechicago.com)  with any questions regarding the program or to submit a Chicagoland Dealers Care request.

In July 2023, the CATA donated $1,500 to the Chicago Community Works and Sports Alternative in conjunction with a $5,000 donation by Pugi Auto Group of Downers Grove.

The Chicago Community Works and Sports Alternative was founded in 1991 as an anti-gang and anti-drug organization for students after school. One of the most well-known programs that Community Works and Sports Alternative produces is the Chicago Jokers football team, which greatly benefits from these donations by providing equipment and transportation for students on the football team. Many Jokers return to coach the team, and some even go on to have professional football careers. Most recently, Jokers alumni Jayden Reed was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

In addition to the Chicago Jokers football program, the organization also supports students through etiquette and mentoring programs. There are currently more than 80 students participating throughout the organization.

“We are proud to provide these students a safe place to come together,” said Eric McLendon, Chicago Community Works and Sports Alternative founder and president. “Now they have the courage and resources to say ‘no’ when faced with questionable decisions.”

The CATA has been a longtime supporter of local nonprofit organizations. Since its inception in 2008, the grassroots Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated more than $125,000 to local charitable organizations. Additionally, since 1992, the association has raised more than $60 million for Chicago-area charities during the annual First Look for Charity black-tie event, traditionally held the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens to the public.

“The CATA’s Chicagoland Dealers Care program makes our member’s donation dollars go further and also highlights the positive impact that new-car dealers have within their communities,” said CATA Chairwoman Kelly Webb Roberts. “We applaud local dealers like Pugi Auto Group for their very generous contributions to supporting their community.”

• The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) previously approved a final rule banning most non-compete agreements between employers and employees, that was set to take effect on September 4, 2024.
• However, late in the day on August 20, Judge Ada E. Brown of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, followed her July preliminary injunction against the Rule with a ruling that strikes down the Rule on a nationwide basis.
• Although the FTC’s national ban has been struck down, individual state restrictions on noncompete agreements remain in effect.

As another presidential election quickly approaches, the intensity of political discourse will inevitably increase in the workplace, posing unique challenges for employers seeking to maintain a respectful and productive work environment. To help employers navigate this dynamic period, here are some important legal considerations and best practices to address political discussions in your organization. Be mindful that state law may offer employees additional protections.

Question: What rights do private employers have?

Answer: While the US Constitution protects the right to free speech, including political speech, this protection generally applies only to public employers. In the workplace, private employers enjoy more leeway to regulate employee speech and conduct. Policy should prohibit discussion of or the internal circulation of political content not relevant to work.

Question: Does the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) apply?

Answer: One notable federal law that may govern political speech in private workplaces is the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). While commonly associated with union-based activities, the NLRA can protect a private employee’s rights. Often times, this can involve topics and issues that are political in nature. An example may include if a group of employees is unhappy with their pay and discuss how a particular political candidate’s platform may include a push for higher wages or better benefits. Such discussions would likely be a concerted activity under the NLRA, thus prohibiting an employer from taking action against those participating. Another popular example may be if a private employer typically receives government funding. Any discussions or action taken by a group of employees to support a candidate who publicly supports government subsidization of the industry under which the employer falls are likely also given protection.

Question: Does the NLRA protect social media activity?

Answer: In the current world, social media is an extension of an individual. Social media platforms are used daily to connect with friends, share news, and ultimately, share opinions. So, when an employee leaves work, goes home, and posts political opinions online, is this speech protected? Not always. If a political opinion shared by an employee harasses or deeply offends a coworker or otherwise causes a rift in workplace harmony, an employer may be able to take action against the author of the post. Employers should establish a social media policy that encourages employees to feel confident they can share opinions through social media while also keeping them informed of lines they cannot cross, both at home and in the office.

Many of the issues surrounding politics in the workplace are situation-specific and we welcome the opportunity to provide recommendations. We have prepared a White Paper with more detailed information; retainer clients may request a copy by contacting us as noted below.

[From Auto Remarketing] The dealer principal of Sutton Ford in Matteson, Ill., has been named the winner of the Ally Sees Her Award. Established by Ally Financial and the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD) seven years ago, the award recognizes the significant achievements of women of color in the auto retail industry and their commitment to strengthening their communities.

“This award reinforces my belief that I fulfill my purpose when I build others,” Sutton-Ford said about the award. “My mission is to show that women of color belong and can have a huge impact in the auto business.”

And Sutton-Ford has created impacts throughout her career. Inspired by the Association of National Advertisers #SeeHer campaign to elevate women in media and marketing, Ally created the award to recognize promising, young women leaders in the auto retail industry.

The dealership business was in Sutton-Ford’s blood. Her parents, Mallory and Nate Sutton, bought their first dealership in 1989. However, they insisted their daughter get experience outside of the Sutton Auto Team before joining the family business.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in finance from Hampton University, a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in Virginia, in 2010, Sutton-Ford worked as a financial analyst at IBM in New York City.

But her automotive background soon drew her back to the industry. In 2012, she joined Toyota Motor Sales in Torrance, Calif., as a management trainee and then relocated to San Francisco where she was promoted to analyst and later district service manager.

After earning an MBA at Emory University, she joined Sutton Ford in 2015 as commercial and fleet manager. She is a National Auto Dealer Association Academy graduate and served as secretary of NAMAD Next Gen, a program focused on the new generation of auto dealers. She will take on the Next Gen vice president role this year.

“Her commitment to learning and personal growth combined with her knowledge of the auto industry have driven her path in the auto business,” said Natalie Brown, senior director of corporate citizenship at Ally, who presented Sutton-Ford with the award during the NAMAD ceremony last week. “Her heart and dedication to her community are what makes her a natural for the Ally Sees Her Award.”

Sutton-Ford is a member The Links, Incorporated and Delta Sigma Theta sorority, two organizations committed to enriching the lives of African Americans. She is also an active member of her church, Emmaus Community, in Olympia Fields, Ill.

To celebrate Sutton-Ford’s leadership and community involvement, Ally is donating $10,000 to the Seeking Vision, Gaining Success Foundation, a charity created by HBCU graduates to provide scholarships for HBCU students.

Sutton-Ford credits Hampton and the HBCU experience for broadening her outlook and making her the leader she is. “I want to open doors for others and give them the confidence they need to never give up. Those are traits of a successful dealer,” she said.

NAMAD president Perry Watson IV added, “Karen and her family are the epitome of excellence and the possibilities the auto industry offers. This recognition shows what women of color bring to the industry.”

Inside This Issue

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[From NADA] Over the last week, two appellate courts handed down significant decisions regarding threats to the franchise model, with mixed results for dealers, but dealers won the argument that posed the greatest threat nationwide.

Both cases show real and continuing threats to the franchise model. Fortunately, Tesla’s equal protection claim, which could have threatened all franchise-protection laws nationwide, was rejected.

LADA and IADA are reviewing the full opinions and considering their appellate options.

The Illinois EPA plans to open the next rebate application cycle for new or used all-electric vehicles in mid-January 2025. The Illinois General Assembly has appropriated $14 million for rebates in the current fiscal year. Application materials will be available on the EV Rebate website shortly before the application cycle opens. As a reminder, applications must be postmarked on or after the first day of the next open cycle and within 90 days of purchase of the vehicle and meet all other eligibility criteria.

More information about the program is found on the IL EPA EV Rebate webpage.

Illinois residents that purchase a new or used all-electric vehicle from an Illinois licensed dealer may be eligible for an Illinois' Electric Vehicle Rebate in the amounts set forth below.