Press Releases

Press Releases

WSADA Announces Peggi Lewis Fu as Executive Director

Posted on July 10, 2026 in Press Releases

July 10, 2026 The Washington State Auto Dealers Association (WSADA) today announced the appointment of Peggi Lewis Fu as its next Executive Director, effective August 3, 2026, following a comprehensive nationwide search conducted by Herd Freed Hartz Executive Search Partners. Vicki Giles Fabré, who has served as the Association’s Executive Vice President since 1999 is retiring, but will remain with the Association in an advisory capacity through the end of the year, working closely with her successor and the Board of Directors. The search for WSADA’s next Executive Director was conducted by a committee chaired by Brad Brotherton and comprised of […]

Bruce Titus Named Robert P. Mallon Dealer of the Year

Posted on May 9, 2026 in Press Releases

May 9, 2026 Bruce Titus (Bruce Titus Automotive Group) was named the 2026 Robert P. Mallon Dealer of the Year at WSADA’s Annual Family Reunion and Convention. Selected by a committee of his peers, the award recognizes Bruce’s contributions to the auto industry, quality dealership operations, and outstanding community service. The award is named for dealer Robert P. Mallon, former owner of Mallon Ford, Tacoma, who served as WSADA President in 1966/67, past President of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), founder and Chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Charitable Foundation, and NADA Director for Washington State for 30 years. […]

Dan Wilder, Jr. named Washington State TIME Dealer of the Year

Posted on October 26, 2025 in Awards, Press Releases

TIME Dealer of the Year Award has been called the most prestigious award a new car dealer can receive. The program was originated to call attention to new car dealers in America who exhibit exceptional performance in their dealerships and distinguished community service. Dan Wilder Jr. Wins National Recognition for Community Service and Industry Accomplishments at NADA Show The nomination of Dan Wilder Jr., president of Wilder Toyota, for the 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year award was announced October 16, 2025 by TIME. Wilder is one of a select group of 47 dealer nominees from across the country who […]

Brad Brotherton, Brotherton Cadillac Buick GMC – Renton named Robert P. Mallon Dealer of the Year

Posted on May 15, 2025 in Awards, Press Releases

The award is named for dealer Robert P. Mallon, former owner of Mallon Ford, Tacoma, who served as WSADA President in 1966/67, is a past President of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), served 30 years as the NADA Director for Washington State, and is founder and Chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Charitable Foundation. The award recognizes the recipient’s contributions to the auto industry, quality dealership operations, and outstanding community service. Brad Brotherton, Brotherton Cadillac Buick GMC of Renton, received the “Robert P. Mallon Dealer of the Year” award at the WSADA annual convention in May. Selected by a […]

Rob Bardonski (McCord’s Dodge Chrysler Jeep – Longview) wins Robert P. Mallon Dealer of the Year

Posted on April 30, 2024 in Press Releases

Robert Bardonski, McCord’s Dodge Chrysler Jeep, received the “Robert P. Mallon Dealer of the Year” award at the WSADA annual convention in April. Selected by a committee of his peers, the Association’s award recognizes Rob’s contributions to the auto industry, quality dealership operations and outstanding community service. He didn’t grow up in the industry. At 21, he applied at a dealership in Portland, where the hiring manager advised him to work his way up to get a job at a Datsun store, and where he started selling cars in 1976. In two years, he moved on to […]

TIME and Ally Financial Honor Chehalis Dealer Heidi Pehl

Posted on October 18, 2022 in Awards, Press Releases

Heidi Pehl Wins National Recognition for Community Service and Industry Accomplishments (New York, NY, October 18, 2022) – The nomination of Heidi Pehl, dealer principal at I-5 Toyota in Chehalis, Washington, for the 2023 TIME Dealer of the Year award was announced today by TIME. Pehl is one of a select group of 48 dealer nominees from across the country who will be honored at the 106th annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in Dallas, Texas, on January 27, 2023. The TIME Dealer of the Year award is one of the automobile industry’s most prestigious and highly coveted honors. The […]

WSADA-BECU EV Test Drive Event October 22 in Tukwila

Posted on October 17, 2022 in Press Releases

WSADA-BECU EV Test Drive Event October 22 in Tukwila WSADA, Platinum Sponsor BECU, and partners Seattle City Light, and Tacoma Public Utilities are hosting a special EV test drive as part of BECU’s annual Shred and e-Cycle Event in Tukwila on Saturday, October 22. WSADA and BECU EV and Hybrid Test Drive 9AM to 1PM, Saturday October 22 Tukwila Financial Center 12770 Gateway Drive Tukwila, WA 98168 This is a great opportunity to test drive some of the newest technology available and compare battery-powered vehicles from a variety of manufacturers. Plus, you can dispose of some old electronics for FREE. Currently scheduled vehicles include: […]

Doug Overturf Named 2022 ‘Dealer of the Year’

Posted on May 31, 2022 in Press Releases

Doug Overturf, Overturf Motors, Kennewick, received the “Robert P. Mallon Dealer of the Year” award at the Washington State Auto Dealers Association (WSADA) annual convention in May. Selected by a committee of his peers, the Association’s award recognizes Doug’s contributions to the auto industry, quality dealership operations and outstanding community service. At age 14, Doug started working in the family business, going in every Saturday to wash cars and sweep the lot and service department. Over the summers, he worked in various departments, learning every aspect of the dealership. After graduating from Eastern Washington University in 1975, he started his […]

Greg Anderson Named President of Dealer Association

Posted on May 26, 2022 in Press Releases

Greg Anderson, Titus-Will Automotive Group, Olympia, was named 2022/2023 President of the Washington State Auto Dealers Association (WSADA) at the organization’s annual convention in May. Greg’s family has been in the automotive business going back three generations. Like so many dealers, Greg got his start in the family business at a young age working summers in the warehouse, in parts distribution, and as a delivery driver – essentially learning all the ins and outs of each department. After graduating with a Bachelors in Business and Marketing from the University of Puget Sound in 1997, Greg returned to the dealership, joining […]

Thinking of electrifying your ride? Learn more with SIAS Spokesperson Tom Voelk

Posted on April 19, 2022 in Automotive News, Media Campaigns, Press Releases

-Seattle International Auto Show Spokesperson Tom Voelk Thinking of electrifying your ride? There are many great reasons to do it. The Pacific Northwest is rich in hydro and wind generated power. We enjoy some of the greenest and cheapest electricity on the planet. EVs don’t need oil changes or trips to the gas station. With loads of instant torque and a low center of gravity, they’re satisfying to drive. And even before gas prices rose higher than Mt. Rainier, electric vehicles were much cheaper to operate. Plus, there’s much more choice now. Automakers have woken up and offer […]

Northwood University names this year’s Dealer’s Education Award recipients

Posted on March 2, 2022 in Awards, Press Releases

MIDLAND, Mich. — Northwood University is announcing this year’s Dealer Education Award recipients, who will be honored March 12 at the National Automobile Dealers Association Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. Annually, Northwood recognizes exceptional owners and dealer principals in the automotive industry who have made noteworthy contributions to education and to their communities. “Northwood University is proud to continue the tradition of recognizing dealers from around the world with the Dealer Education Award since 1972,” said Northwood President Kent MacDonald. “This newest class of influential honorees are today’s role models for tomorrow’s automotive industry leaders.” Ralph Shaheen, president of Shaheen […]

TIME and Ally Financial Honor Bellevue Dealer Jason Courter

Posted on November 9, 2021 in Awards, Press Releases

Jason Courter Wins National Recognition for Community Service and Industry Accomplishments (New York, NY, November 8, 2021) – The nomination of Jason Courter, dealer at Honda Auto Center of Bellevue in Bellevue, Washington, for the 2022 TIME Dealer of the Year award was announced today by TIME. Courter is one of a select group of 47 dealer nominees from across the country who will be honored at the 105th annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in Las Vegas on March 11, 2022. The announcement of this year’s annual award was made by Viktoria Degtar, Global Chief Revenue Officer, TIME, and […]

Alan Gamblin Named 2021 ‘Dealer of the Year’

Posted on June 16, 2021 in Awards, Press Releases

June 15, 2021 – Alan Gamblin, Art Gamblin Motors, Enumclaw, received the “Robert P. Mallon Dealer of the Year” award at the Washington State Auto Dealers Association (WSADA) virtual membership meeting and award ceremony. Selected by a committee of his peers, the Association’s award recognizes Alan’s contributions to the auto industry, quality dealership operations and outstanding community service. Born in Sandpoint, Idaho, Alan moved to Enumclaw when he was 13 years old after his father bought the local Chevrolet dealership. Alan immediately started working in the family business sweeping the shop, washing cars and then, at just 15 years of […]

Washington New Car and Truck Dealers Launch Partnership With Chargeway to Simplify the Electric Car Buying and Ownership Experience

Posted on May 10, 2021 in Press Releases

SEATTLE (May 10, 2021) — The Washington State Auto Dealers Association (WSADA) and its 294 new car and truck dealer members, who hold over 500 franchises statewide, have launched an education campaign dubbed “EV Revolution” to instruct the public and thought leaders on the role franchised dealers are playing in bringing electric vehicles to more driveways across Washington State. As part of the campaign, WSADA is pleased to announce a partnership with Chargeway, an automotive and software company that has developed a simplified digital experience for selling and using EVs. Chargeway uses colors and numbers to create a simple language […]

WSADA Bright Future Scholarship now accepting applications

Posted on April 8, 2021 in Press Releases

The Washington State Auto Dealers Association will award two (2) $3,000 scholarships to high school students enrolling and four (4) $3,000 scholarships to students currently enrolled in a Washington State automotive technology program. In addition, three (3) $3,000 scholarships will be awarded to Washington State high school seniors who are an employee of a WSADA-member dealership, or an immediate family member of a WSADA-member dealership employee, or applying to Northwood University’s Automotive Marketing and Management Program. Click here for a pdf copy of the scholarship application. Applications may be submitted online at theWashBoard.org or mailed to the College Planning Network. […]

NADA Honors Washington State TIME Dealer of the Year Marv McCord, Vancouver Toyota

Posted on February 9, 2021 in Press Releases

Please join WSADA in celebration of Washington’s TIME Dealer of the Year nominee Marvin “Marv” McCord, McCord’s Vancouver Toyota, at the Virtual NADA show Tuesday, February 9 at 12:30pm. Marv is one of forty dealer nominees from across the country being honored for their business excellence and community service. Tune in to find out who will be named 2021 TIME Dealer of the Year. Click here to watch the livestream. Congratulations, Marv, for receiving this much-deserved and monumental industry recognition. TIME AND ALLY FINANCIAL HONOR VANCOUVER DEALER Marvin McCord Wins National Recognition for Community Service and Industry Accomplishments at […]

WSADA recommends dealerships adopt the NADA Fair Credit Compliance Policy & Program and the Voluntary Protection Products Model Dealership Policy

Posted on January 15, 2021 in Press Releases

The WSADA Board of Directors voted unanimously to direct the Association to recommend that dealerships adopt the NADA Fair Credit Compliance Policy & Program and the Voluntary Protection Products Model Dealership Policy — or a similar compliance policy created by their F&I provider — as part of their dealership’s internal compliance programs. The NADA programs were developed to help dealerships avoid Equal Credit Opportunity Act issues in the sale of credit and voluntary protection products. The recommendation is not a requirement, however the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has taken significant action that limited dealer flexibility on both topics under previous […]

TIME and Ally Financial Honor Vancouver Dealer Marv McCord

Posted on October 23, 2020 in Awards, Press Releases

TIME AND ALLY FINANCIAL HONOR VANCOUVER DEALER Marvin McCord Wins National Recognition for Community Service and Industry Accomplishments at NADA Show (New York, NY, October 23, 2020) – The nomination of Marvin “Marv” McCord, president of McCord’s Vancouver Toyota in Vancouver, Washington, for the 2021 TIME Dealer of the Year award was announced today by TIME. Marv is one of a select group of 40 dealer nominees from across the country who will be honored at the 104th annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show being held virtually February 9-11, 2021. The announcement of this year’s annual award was made by […]

Welcome WSADA President Shayne Goff

Posted on July 27, 2020 in Press Releases

Shayne Goff, Wendle Motors, Spokane, was named 2020/2021 President of the Washington State Auto Dealers Association (WSADA). Growing up in Southern Idaho surrounded by corn and sugar beet fields, working in the automotive industry was not at the forefront of a young Shayne Goff’s mind. “I spent all my time outdoors,” he said. “I grew up in a simpler time. There were no cell phones, but I knew I was expected home before the streetlights came on.” As a young boy, Shayne’s primary mode of transportation was his bicycle. “I rode my bike to school, baseball practice, home, and everywhere […]

Auburn Volkswagen Donates Jeep to Church 253

Posted on May 8, 2020 in Press Releases

University Place church hits the road to help the community UNIVERSITY PLACE, Wash. — There’s an effort to help people in Pierce County with whatever needs they have. Our Church 253 in University Place started with what they called their “Jesus Jeep.” Then, Auburn Volkswagen added an Atlas SUV that they nicknamed the “Angelic Atlas.” They’re using the vehicles to go around and help however they’re needed. In some cases, it means delivering groceries to families or people who aren’t able to get out due to the coronavirus pandemic. On Wednesday, they took a delivery out to Anderson Island to […]

Washington State Auto Dealers Association Donates $50,000 to WA Food Fund

Posted on April 16, 2020 in Press Releases

SEATTLE, April 16, 2020 – The Washington State Auto Dealers Association (WSADA), which represents 294 new car and truck dealerships in 68 cities and towns across Washington, today announced it is donating $50,000 to the newly created WA Food Fund, a relief fund that supports food banks statewide so they can maintain their food supply. “As with many industries, our members have faced massive layoffs of employees because of COVID 19,” said Vicki Giles Fabré, Executive Vice President, WSADA. “Our dealerships are deeply concerned about the well-being of not only their employees and their families but also their customers, friends […]

Subaru of America Partners With Feeding America to Help Provide 50 Million Meals to Help Fight Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic

Posted on April 16, 2020 in Press Releases

Camden, N.J., Apr 16, 2020 – Subaru of America, Inc., along with support from its two regional independent distributors, Subaru of New England and Subaru Distributors Corp., today announced its continued commitment to supporting people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic by helping to provide 50 million meals* to Feeding America®. The donation will help the Feeding America network respond to increased need in their communities and will help provide 50 million meals nationwide to people most impacted by the pandemic. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization and a nationwide network of 200-member food banks, the automaker’s contribution will help […]

Congressman Smith Statement on National Mentoring Month

Posted on January 30, 2020 in Press Releases

January 30, 2020 WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Adam Smith today released the following statement in honor of National Mentoring Month: “Mentoring programs play a crucial role in supporting positive outcomes for youth, providing valuable experience in the field, and building supportive relationships that carry on throughout their careers. Programs like these foster new ideas about policies that can expand access to quality mentoring for young people and Congress should continue to increase support for the critical work they do every day. “One of these programs in Washington’s Ninth District is the Bright Future program—a mentor program established through a partnership […]

Tom Lane Named 2019 ‘Dealer of the Year’

Posted on May 10, 2019 in Awards, Press Releases

May 10, 2019 – Tom Lane, Dwayne Lane’s Auto Family, Everett, received the “Robert P. Mallon Dealer of the Year” award at the Washington State Auto Dealers Association (WSADA) annual convention. Selected by a committee of his peers, the Association’s most prestigious award recognizes Tom’s contributions to the auto industry, quality dealership operations and outstanding community service. At age 12, Tom started working in the dealership founded by his father, Dwayne Lane, first washing cars and then taking on part-time responsibilities during high school and college. By the age of 24, Tom was general manager of Dwayne Lane’s Arlington Chevrolet, […]

Four Auto Tech Students Receive Auto Dealer Scholarships

Posted on July 3, 2018 in Press Releases

The Washington State Auto Dealers Association (WSADA) awarded a total of $10,000 to four students studying automotive technology in the first-ever “New Car and Truck Dealers Bright Future” scholarship program. Applicants were asked to explain why they want to be an automotive technician, provide a letter of recommendation from an instructor or advisor, and discuss career opportunities with a new car and truck dealership service department employee. Johnny Desselle is a student in the Automotive Technology program at Grays Harbor College. Originally from Louisiana, Johnny relocated to Washington State five years ago after he was displaced due to hurricanes. With […]

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