The NIADA Convention fro 2010 has come to an end and I, for one had a great time. I attended some of the best seminars that I have ever been to in all my years in this industry. I have met with some companies who have some very exciting programs that were only available to our new car counterparts until recently and some other programs that I hope to bring to all the members of the OIADA very soon.

In addition, we also had some fun while we were there and my wife Cricket and I attended the final ceremony on Thursday night when the NIADA announced the National Quality Dealer of the Year. This was a first to have a commercial presented in 3D and thats why my wife and I are wearing those stylish glasses. Although I personally believe that our own Terry Reineke aka “Rino” should have been chosen because he was the best candidate as seen through our eyes, the nominee from from the state of Alabama won the nod from the judges. All I can say to Terry is that he should have answered “World Peace”.

New Integrated Platform for the Automotive Industry Auttr.com, a Gateway to Real-Time Information, Unites the Auto Industry with Social Networking and Vehicle Merchandising

Jun 15, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Auttr.com introduces the automotive industry’s most powerful integrated platform for automobile consumers, dealers, vendors, and lenders. Built on the foundation of industry specific and relevant content, Auttr.com provides a deep knowledge base and reference library as a resource to anyone involved in the car buying/sales cycle.

“We are excited to bring this community together,” states Keith Whann, Auttr.com President and CEO. “We started with a social networking portal with auto industry specific content and the concept grew to include a gateway to all things related to the car buying and ownership experience.

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Keith Whann presenting Auttr.com to NIADA convention attendees at the Auttr Booth (#313).

Todays social media workshop at the NIADA Convention was fantastic. Thanks Keith for another outstanding session. I can’t wait for tomorrows session on the virtual showroom.

Excellent crowd at the NIADA Convention today. Stop by the Auttr Booth (#313) and see a free demo of Auttr.com.<

Be sure not to miss “The Internet: Your Virtual Showroom” Panel I will be moderating at the 2010 NIADA Convention on Thursday morning from 8 to 9:30 AM.  My panel of industry experts Michael Page (cars.com), Howard Polirer (AutoTrader.com) and Amanda Savage (Manheim Online Solutions) will tell you the secrets you need to know about creating your own virtual showroom and maximizing your Internet presence.

Dealers and those who wish to view the Keith Whann presentation from the NIADA Convention can download the show here. This was a great event and now you can review valuable information from the show.

The NIADA Convention is a great event and the Auttr.com booth (#313) has been busy. Stop by and see how Inventory Management, Education and Social Networking can help your dealership. We’re here to help!

You won’t want to miss the “Social Media and Networking” Panel discussion I will be moderating at the 2010 NIADA Convention on Wednesday morning from 8 to 9:30 AM.  We have an outstanding panel with a wealth of knowledge to pass on to you.  Be sure to attend and hear what Philip Zelinger (Ad Agency Online), Jody Devere  (Askpatty.com), Ken Gibson  (Gibson Internet Marketing and Consulting) and Don Walker  (Walker Investments) have to say on this important topic!

Thank you to all of those who attended the Opening Session of the 2010 NIADA Convention and for the kind words you have said about the session.