01/10/2012
MADA Honors Teacher of Year with Gift of New Car

MARYLAND AUTOMOBILE DEALERS ASSOCIATION HONORS 2012 MD TEACHER OF THE YEAR WITH GIFT OF NEW CAR

BALTIMORE, Md. (January 10, 2012) – The Maryland Automobile Dealers Association recently honored Joshua P. Parker, Maryland’s 2012 Teacher of the Year, with the gift of a new car.  The car, a 2012 Honda Civic, is provided by MADA on behalf of all Maryland’s franchised new car and truck dealers.  This marks the 11^th year the Association has provided the gift of a new car to the winning teacher.

Mr. Parker, of Windsor Mill Middle School, was announced the winner of the prestigious competition from among 24 finalists selected from each county and the city of Baltimore.  Mr. Parker will next represent Maryland in the National Teacher of the Year competition; the winner will be announced in April at the White House.

“We are fortunate to have so many great teachers here in Maryland, and especially want to congratulate Mr. Parker on this honor,” said Marisa Shockley, Chairperson of MADA and vice president of Shockley Honda in Frederick, MD.  “It is our privilege to present this car in appreciation for his hard work and commitment to Maryland’s children.”

Joshua Parker is a graduate of the College of Notre Dame of Maryland – he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Communication, a minor in English from Towson University, and a Master of Arts degree in Leadership in Teaching. He is zealous when it comes to teaching to prepare world-class students, and he has proven his abilities while serving as English/Reading/World Language Department Chair at Windsor Mill Middle School, as well as an English Language Arts teacher at both New Town High and Dundalk Middle Schools.

The gift of a new car is especially fitting for Mr. Parker who noted that when he first began teaching that he did not have a private vehicle and had to take two different buses to get to work each day.

As a sponsor of the Maryland State Teacher of the Year competition, MADA annually presents the winning teacher with a free vehicle and an invitation to speak at the association’s annual meeting and legislative reception. Maryland’s Teacher of the Year Program is affiliated with the National Teacher of the Year Program, sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers and the ING Foundation.

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10/14/2011
MADA Honors 2012 Teacher of the Year, Joshua Parker

BALTIMORE, MD. (October 14, 2011) – The Maryland Automobile Dealers Association is honoring Joshua Parker, Maryland’s 2012 Teacher of the Year, with the gift of a new car.  Mr. Parker of Windsor Mill Middle School of Baltimore County was announced the statewide winner of the prestigious competition from among 24 finalists selected from each county and the city of Baltimore.  The car, a 2012 Honda Civic is provided by MADA on behalf of all Maryland’s franchised new car and truck dealers.

“MADA wants to congratulate Mr. Parker for his achievements,” said Marisa Shockley, Chairperson of MADA and vice president of Shockley Honda in Frederick.  “On behalf of all new car and truck dealers, it is our honor to present this car in appreciation for his commitment to Maryland’s children.”

Joshua Parker is a graduate of the College of Notre Dame of Maryland.  He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Communication, a minor in English from Towson University, and a Master of Arts degree in Leadership in Teaching.  He is zealous when it comes to teaching to prepare world-class students, and he has proven his abilities while serving as English/Reading/World Language Department Chair at Windsor Mill Middle School, as well as an English Language Arts teacher at both New Town High and Dundalk Middle Schools.  Having an uncommon drive to see students succeed, Mr. Parker states that he believes in their potential and works tirelessly to not only open, but to also fill their minds with instructional tools for learning.  In addition to this prestigious recognition at the state level, Mr. Parker will also compete for the National Teacher of the Year award to be announced in May 2012 at the White House.

This year marks MADA’s 11^th year as a presenting sponsor of the Maryland State Teacher of the Year program.  MADA annually presents the winning teacher with a free vehicle and an invitation to speak at the association’s annual meeting and legislative reception.  The Association also sponsors the Teacher of the Year Day in Annapolis, an event during which the 24 teachers are presented during the General Session and have the opportunity to meet with their local legislators. 

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07/27/2011
MADA Donates $12,000 to UMMC Shock Trauma Center

Maryland Automobile Dealers Donate $12,000 to the University of Maryland R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center for Injury Prevention and Policy

ELLICOTT CITY, MD (July 28, 2011) ­– President and Dealer, John Miller, of Ellicott City dealership, Miller Brothers Chevrolet Cadillac, Inc., presented a check for $12,000 to Mayur Narayan, MD, MPH, MBA, Assistant Professor of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine and Medical Director of the Center for Injury Prevention & Policy at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland Medical Center. Maryland Automobile Dealers Association President, John P. Kitzmiller, attended on behalf of all of Maryland’s franchised new car and truck dealers. Also in attendance to represent the Center for Injury Prevention and Policy were Tara Reed Carlson, RN, MSN; Alyson Schuster, RN; Joshua Ayres; and Cynthia Rivers. 

Maryland’s franchised new car and truck dealers have a long history of supporting the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland Medical Center. Over the last 10 years, the Association has donated over $400,000 on behalf of its members. The funds donated today will sponsor the mission of the Center, which is to provide education and awareness of high risk behaviors that often lead to traumatic injuries. The primary goal of the Center is to decrease preventable injury and death. The Shock Trauma Center is a multidisciplinary clinical, educational and research institution dedicated to world class standards in the prevention and management of critical injury and illness and its consequences.

05/02/2011
Maryland Teacher Named National Teacher of the Year

Maryland Teacher of the Year Michelle Shearer was recently named the winner of the nation’s top teaching honor: National Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Shearer, a chemistry teacher at Urbana High School in Frederick County, was named the Maryland winner last October.  She was named a finalist in January, competing against teachers from Florida, Illinois, and Montana. 

President Barack Obama will honor Ms. Shearer in a special White House ceremony tomorrow, where all 50 State Teachers of the Year will gather to share in the spotlight.

“Michelle is a model educator, working tirelessly each and every school day to bring science to life for her students,” said Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick, State Superintendent of Schools. “Science, technology, engineering and mathematics—the STEM disciplines—require effective instruction for students to excel.  Michelle’s work in this area has been exemplary.  Throughout her career, working with both gifted and disabled students, she has set high standards and expected outstanding results.  The results have come, and her students are richer because of that success.”

With today’s announcement, Ms. Shearer becomes the second Maryland teacher in the last five years to be awarded the honor.  Kimberly Oliver Burnim, a Montgomery County kindergarten teacher, was named National Teacher of the Year in 2006.

As a presenting sponsor of the Maryland Teacher of the Year program, MADA is very proud to recognize the honor and achievement of Michelle. 

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03/10/2011
MADA Honors 2011 Teacher of the Year

MARYLAND AUTOMOBILE DEALERS ASSOCIATION AWARDS 2011 CHEVY CRUZE TO 2011 MARYLAND TEACHER OF THE YEAR

BALTIMORE, Md. (October 8, 2010) – The Maryland Automobile Dealers Association is honoring Michelle M. Shearer, Maryland’s 2011 Teacher of the Year, with the gift of a new car. Ms. Shearer of Urbana High School was announced the statewide winner of the prestigious competition from among 24 finalists selected from each county and the city of Baltimore. The car, a 2011 Chevy Cruze is provided by MADA on behalf of all Maryland’s franchised new car and truck dealers.

“We are fortunate to have so many great teachers here in Maryland, and especially want to congratulate Ms. Shearer for her achievements,” said Sam Weaver, Chairman of MADA and vice president of Chevy Chase Acura Nissan.  “It is our honor to present this car in appreciation for her hard work and commitment to Maryland’s children.”

Ms. Shearer earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Princeton University and a master’s degree in deaf education from McDaniel College.  She was inspired to teach by her volunteer experience with deaf and hard-of-hearing students during her college years.  At Princeton, she was one of 30 students in her graduating class of 1,070 to earn teaching certification through the Teacher Preparation Program.  Ms. Shearer then studied American Sign Language at Gallaudet University and completed her master’s degree in deaf education in 1996. She holds dual certification in chemistry and special education, with an emphasis on teaching deaf and hard-of-hearing students.  Mrs. Shearer has taught in Maryland’s public schools since she began her career in education fourteen years ago.  In addition to this prestigious recognition at the state level, Ms. Shearer is also one of four teachers nominated for the National Teacher of the Year award to be announced in May 2011 at the White House.

As a sponsor of the Maryland State Teacher of the Year competition, MADA annually presents the winning teacher with a free vehicle and an invitation to speak at the association’s annual meeting and legislative reception. Maryland’s Teacher of the Year Program is affiliated with the National Teacher of the Year Program, sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers and the ING Foundation.

10/09/2009
Shockley Honda Supports Local Volunteer Fire Department Through Valuable Donation

10.05.2009 – ANNAPOLIS and FREDERICK, MD – The Maryland Automobile Dealers Association (MADA) and Shockley Honda of Frederick are presenting the Guardian Hose Fire Company of Thurmont with a set of new Resusci Anne CPR training mannequins. The life-like devices provide real life simulation and performance measures so that volunteers can quickly sharpen their skills in performing CPR, the Heimlich maneuver and other life saving techniques

"This is a great opportunity for us to help many people by supporting the fine work of our emergency workers,” said Marisa Shockley, CFO of Shockley Honda.

“The Annie mannequins help volunteer rescue workers hone their CPR skills and also allow them to host CPR training sessions for local organizations,” said MADA president, Peter Kitzmiller. “The more people who are trained in CPR, the greater the benefit to the community.”

MADA offers the mannequins, valued at $1,500 each, through a partnership with the National Automobile Dealers Association Foundation. Since 1975, the foundation has distributed over 4,100 training units throughout the U.S., to provide training for more than 1.9 million people. Local organizations may apply for a Resusci-Anne at www.nada.org.

Founded in 1887 and comprised of more than 200 members, the Guardian Hose Fire Company, Inc. provides fire and rescue services to a predominantly rural area in the Piedmont region of Maryland adjoining the Catoctin Mountains (part of the Appalachian Moutains) in Frederick County.

10/5/2009
MADA Congratulates Maryland Teacher of the Year 2010 Jennifer Rankin!

10.07.2009 – The Maryland Automobile Dealers Association is honoring Jennifer Burdock Rankin, Maryland’s 2010 Teacher of the Year, with the gift of a new car. Ms. Rankin, of Northern Middle School in Garrett County, was announced the statewide winner of the prestigious competition from among 24 finalists selected from each county and the city of Baltimore. The car, a 2010 Nissan Altima is donated by Chevy Chase Acura Nissan on behalf of MADA.

“We are fortunate to have so many great teachers here in Maryland, and especially want to congratulate Jennifer Rankin for her achievements,” said Sam Weaver, chairman of MADA and vice president of Chevy Chase Acura Nissan. “It is our honor to present this car in appreciation for Jennifer’s hard work and commitment to Maryland’s children.”

Ms. Rankin, a graduate of Frostburg State University and West Virginia University, holds a bachelor’s degree in Education with a minor in Spanish, a master’s degree in Education in Special Education, and a master’s degree in Administration and Supervision. She is currently working on her doctoral dissertation in the area of educational leadership, which she expects to complete this year. Ms. Rankin has also achieved her National Board Certification in Early Adolescent Mathematics. She said that having a mother as a kindergarten instructional assistant was a major factor for pursuing teaching as a profession. Ms. Rankin said she learned from an early age that the key to teaching is finding innovative ways to motivate each and every student.

As a sponsor of the Maryland State Teacher of the Year competition, MADA annually presents the winning teacher with a free vehicle and an invitation to speak at the association’s annual meeting and legislative reception. Maryland’s Teacher of the Year Program is affiliated with the National Teacher of the Year Program, sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers and the ING Foundation.

Click HERE to view a video celebrating Ms. Rankin’s accomplishment. 

06/10/2009
Maryland representatives speak at DC news conference

June 10, 2009-Maryland Congressmen Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD), Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Frank Kratovil (D-MD), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) joined Congressmen Dan Maffei (D-NY) and Don Manzullo (R-IL) and dealer representatives, Jack Fitzgerald and Tammy Darvish, at a press conference to discuss the recently introduced Automobile Dealer Economic Rights Restoration Act of 2009.  The legislation will restore the economic rights of automobile dealers in order to protect jobs, workers, and small business owners.  Click Here for video of Reps. Bartlett and Manzullo and Jack Fitzgerald’s remarks at the news conference.  Video of Tammy Darvish’s remarks at the news conference can be found here.  Comments from today’s press conference can be found here. 

The Automobile Dealer Economic Rights Restoration Act of 2009 would do the following:

• Restore the economic rights of General Motors and Chrysler car dealers as they existed prior to each company’s bankruptcies.
• Preserve General Motors and Chrysler car dealers’ rights to recourse under state law.
• At the request of an automobile dealer, require General Motors and Chrysler to reinstate franchise agreements in effect prior to each company’s bankruptcies.
•  

• Make clear that the legislation is not intended to make null and void the court-ordered transfer of assets from Chrysler LLC to New CarCo Acquisition LLC or the transfer of General Motors assets that could be approved by a court after the introduction of the Act. 

This builds on the bi-partisan letter signed by over 100 members of Congress, including Congressmen Chris Van Hollen and Steny Hoyer, that was sent to the President Obama on Monday and a letter that was mailed on May 15th to Steven Rattner, Senior Advisor on Auto Issues at the Treasury Department.

05/12/2009
Letter to the Editor for Dealer Use

Dealer members may use this letter to the editor on their behalf and distribute to local media.  Please make the appropriate changes with your business logo, name and contact information.  Click Here to access a Microsoft Word version of the letter.  Contact Katie Jones at the Association office with any questions, 800.526.7423. 

04/30/2009
MADA Recent Press Releases

Chrysler Bankruptcy Should Not be Used to Cut Dealer Network

Maryland Automobile Dealers Association Issues Response to General Motors

04/29/2009
Media Preparation for MADA Members

With the automotive industry in the news on an almost daily basis, your dealership may receive an unexpected inquiry from a reporter seeking a local point of view. MADA would like to share best practices for handling such inquiries.

Foremost, we recommend advising all staff members that only designated spokespeople at the dealership are authorized to speak with the press.

• Respond with courtesy
• Do not offer any comment
• Find out what the topic is
• Ask for their deadline (date and time)
• Get a phone number to call back

• Let employees know who is authorized to speak on behalf of the dealership.
• Make sure that contact information is readily available, including phone numbers for nights and weekends.
• Feel free to refer to MADA if you do not wish to respond**

** Contact Katie Jones at (410) 269-1710 or Nancy Carr at (410) 971-0668

THINK BEFORE YOU RESPOND

• Tell the reporter you will call him back (get deadline and phone number).
• Take time to collect your thoughts.
• Decide whether you would like to refer the reporter directly to MADA rather than respond yourself.

• Decide what message you want the reporter to take away from the interview.
• Write out 4 or 5 points to support the message or use points from the provided list (See link below).
• Keep comments focused on those points.

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04/15/2009
Franchise Bill (SB 668) Passes

Franchise Bill Passes on Last Day of General Session

The Maryland Automobile Dealers Association completed one of their most successful legislative sessions to date on April 13^th. The landmark victory of the 2009 session will bring greater franchise protections for all dealers. Maryland’s franchise laws are now considered to be some of the strongest in the country.

The MADA-backed franchise bill was passed on the last day of session with 2 and a half hours to spare. The bill was sponsored by Senator Jamie Raskin and Delegate Barbara Frush.

Click the link below for full details on Maryland’s new franchise laws. 

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03/17/2009
Local Credit Unions Offer Buyer Assistance

Did you know?

Your local credit union is now partnering with General Motors and Chrysler to provide buyer assistance when purchaisng a new vehicle.  Members of participating credit unions can get wonderful discounts on a new vehicle; visit Love My Credit Union to learn more!  Not a member?  You can find a participating union to join as a new member and benefit! 

03/24/2009
VA Auto Grant Program-Aiding Wounded Soldiers

Veteran’s Administration Auto Grant Program

A little-publicized Veteran’s Administration program provides grants of up to $11,000 to wounded service members for the purchase of a vehicle of their choice.  The amount of the grant is determined by the extent of the injury and is issued directly to the dealer when proper arrangements are made between the service member and the dealer.  Please be aware that the service member must also present the dealer with an approval form and a letter from the VA.   For further information on this program, please contact Katie Jones at the Association office, 800.526.7423. 

 Click here for access to a brief fact sheet.

 Click here to download the VA Program Handbook.

02/18/2009
Consumers Can Now Deduct Sales Tax on Federal Return

Maryland Titling Tax now Deductible on Federal Income Tax Returns!

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02/27/2009
JP Bishop Ch. 13 WJZ and Fox 45 Interviews

MADA’s newest Board Member, JP Bishop, provided professional and knoweledgeable insight into the current economic stresses facing automobile dealerships in Maryland during an interview on February 26 with Ch. 13 WJZ in Baltimore.  Click here to view JP’s Ch. 13 interview.

Earlier in February on Fox 45, JP Bishop, also argued the case for improved dealership financing, customer financing and passage of Senator Mikulski’s Tax-Incentive Amendment.  Click here to view JP’s interview online.