Our Beginning
The OIADA was founded in January of 1985 by a group of 6 independent auto dealers and the owner of an auction as the Auto Dealer Alliance of Ohio (ADAO). These original members believed that used car dealers should band together to form a new organization which would serve the needs of independent dealers statewide.
And so, the ADAO was incorporated as a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to the task of promoting and serving the needs of independent dealers.
The ADAO formally affiliated the association with the National Independent Auto Dealers Association (NIADA) on March 11, 1985, making it the recognized State Association for independent auto dealers in Ohio, thus making the association part of a national organization that has grown to over 20,000 dealer members. In late 2003 the association changed their ID acronym from ADAO to the more identified OIADA which represents the Ohio Independent Automobile Dealers Association. Shortly after this the bylaws were changed to require all members of the OIADA Board of Directors to be a licensed used car dealer operating in the State of Ohio. Through this change all members can be assured that the operation of the OIADA will have the best interests of the used car dealer in mind.
Dedicated to serving the needs of all independent dealers, OIADA’s membership represent auto dealers doing business in large metropolitan areas as well as many smaller rural communities. So whether your business is large or small, membership in the OIADA will be an asset to your organization!
The OIADA has also been recognized for some very prestigious awards as well. In 2011 its Executive Director was named as the National Executive Director of the year and the OIADA was also honored as one of only two State Associations that have more current members than at any time in the history of the Association. In 2012 the OIADA was very proud to have one of its members, Michael D’Andrea, named as the National Quality Dealer of the Year. These awards have shown that the OIADA is an organization in which any dealer should be proud to be a member.
Our relationships with several allied associations have allowed us to put together a member benefits package that is second to none. These benefits range from Free Buy and Sell Fees at many auctions in Ohio and Pennsylvania to discounts on dealer liability insurance programs, discounts on advertising, a Discount Tire Program for members only, free attendance to many seminars and the ability to call one number for all of your questions and needs as an auto dealer and enjoy the advantage of having your own Automotive Consultant, Legal and Business Advisor. Add to these a Group Workers Compensation Program and a Group Medical Insurance Program and, I’m sure you will realize that membership in the OIADA is mandatory for all independent dealers who care about their own business and their industry as well.
Throughout the years the OIADA has fought and implemented legislation which would improve the industry and benefit the independent automobile dealer in Ohio. In August of 2011 the OIADA spearheaded legislation which would require all individuals interested in becoming a licensed used car dealer to attend an 8 to 24 hour education program. This education was introduced by Senator James Hughes and ultimately passed both the Senate and the House and became law in June 0f 2012.
Join your fellow dealers by becoming a part of the association that works exclusively for the Independent Used Car Auto Dealer.