Beginner’s Guide to Automotive Titling
February 28
A 3-hour interactive course that outlines titling from a Colorado dealer’s perspective. The course covers fundamental concepts of titling that can be applied to a variety of transactions.
$99 per person
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Compliance Seminar
February 17
A 3-hour interactive course presented by Attorney Michael McKinnon. We’ll cover new statutes, required forms, emission tampering, D&H and more. Guests are encouraged to bring dealer jackets for review.
$65 members
$125 nonmembers
[REGISTER HERE]
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Pre-Licensing Class
Prepare Your Salespeople for the Mastery Exam
A state-mandated course for independent/wholesale dealers seeking to do business Colorado.
Every Wednesday
CIADA Office
Every Other Thursday
Western Slope/Montrose
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Online Safeguards Compliance Course
The Federal Trade Commission is extending the deadline for companies to comply with changes implemented to strengthen the data security safeguards. Read the FTC press release here. ($75 for Qualified Individual; $49 for Other Employees)
Visit dealereducationportal.com
Click here for more information.
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A Message from
Mike
MEET YOUR 2025 CIADA PRESIDENT
By Mike Widhalm, Reds Auto and Truck
President, CIADA
Dear Members of the Colorado Independent Automobile Dealers Association,
I am truly honored to have been elected as your CIADA President for the upcoming year. As I step into this role, I want to express my deep gratitude to my fellow board members, past presidents, and our CEO David Cardella along with each of our members for your support and confidence. Together, we represent a dynamic and resilient community of independent automobile dealers, and I am excited to work alongside you to build on the successes of the past while embracing the opportunities ahead.
This year promises to be one of growth, collaboration, and innovation. We are living in a rapidly changing automotive landscape, and our association will continue to advocate for your interests, provide valuable resources, and create opportunities for networking and education. I am eager to help us navigate these challenges while ensuring that your voices are heard and your businesses thrive.
Many of you already know me, but if we have not had the chance to meet yet, I encourage you to introduce yourself at one of the auctions or CIADA events. I would love the opportunity to connect with you and hear about your experiences and ideas for the association.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve this incredible organization. I look forward to an exciting year ahead as we work together to shape the future of the Independent Automotive Industry in Colorado.
With gratitude and enthusiasm,
CIADA Events to Stay
Connected
TRENDING: Court Vacates CARS Rule
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans on Monday, January 27, 2025, ordered the FTC to vacate the CARS rule, finding the agency did not issue proper notice of the rule change.
ALERT: Emissions Tampering
Random audits are being conducted by the state to educate dealers on emissions tampering. These articles detail what they are looking for and the amount of fines that can levied for not adhering to the law.
CO Catalytic Converter RegulationsWe Are Improving Our Community Together
The Used Car Dealers of Colorado Charity Fund is proud to have recently presented Access Gallery with a check for their “Fund a Need” fundraiser to help further their mission. Other recent contributions include funds to help ease the pain of Adam Nunez and his brother, who recently lost their mother, father and two younger sisters in a horrific car accident. We also closed out 2024 when Teshome Tesfaye, Dean Gunter and David Cardella visited our friend Scott Goodhue, a great auctioneer, at the hospital. Charity funds are helping to ease the pressure of his mounting hospital expenses. [Click to see more recipients!]
SPECIAL OFFER: Get a one-time targeted email to CIADA members promoting your products! Email David Cardella for pricing.
Be a CIADA Industry Partner
Our website is proven to be a valuable resource for Colorado independent auto dealers and anyone looking to get into the business, as they provide access to guidelines, procedures and forms necessary to operate in Colorado. Each month hundreds of dealers utilize ciada.org to sign up for compliance courses, order forms, find out about upcoming events and more. (Get pricing here!)
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
If you’re interested in applying for a Used Car Dealers of Colorado Charity Fund Scholarship, please download the criteria and application form.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT:
SEPTEMBER 16, 2025
QUALITY DEALER AWARD
It’s also time to consider nominating yourself or a dealer you know for the 2025 Quality Dealer of the Year Award.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT:
OCTOBER 17 2025
Vehicle Exchange Colorado (VXC) Continues to Accept Automobile Dealer Registrations on Rolling Basis
The VXC program helps income-qualified Coloradans recycle and replace their old or high-emitting vehicles with electric vehicles (EVs) by providing approved applicants with a discount on the upfront cost of an EV purchased or leased at an authorized automobile dealer. If you are interested in preregistering your automobile dealer for this program, click here.
View the GuideUpdated Odometer Discrepancies SOP
Per recent discussions at the County Touchpoint meetings and feedback via a Google survey, the Odometer Discrepancies SOP has been updated effective Nov. 14, 2023. Please follow this version going forward. Thank you for your input.
Affordable, Customizable Health Coverage for CIADA Members!
The CIADA has worked tirelessly with Mark Harrington and his team to bring CIADA members a unique and affordable health insurance option. Many of the plans offer a $0 deductible and include free Teladoc and over 700 free drug prescriptions. Because of the success, the plan has expanded to 4 other state associations. We are happy to announce that there will be more unique plans offered to allow you to truly customize offerings. Whether you have 2 people or 100, we encourage you to look into this plan. All of the enrollment and leg work is managed by the program, so you do not need to worry about burdening yourself or your staff with health administration. We encourage members to sign up for a short, personal presentation to review the offerings.
SCHEDULE A REVIEW TODAYGood News About Auto Theft!
Even though one stolen vehicle is too many, with the additional funding the task force received last year, auto theft is down twenty-one percent. This year they will receive an additional $9,000,000 to implement additional measures to fight this crime. One of the best ways to protect your investment is the State Patrol, who has offered to visit dealerships across the state, at no cost, to look at your security protections and suggest ways to strengthen them. This is a great way to interact with people we need to protect us and gives you the opportunity to ask them how they would help you recover a vehicle taken by someone using fraudulent information. Use this email address to request a complimentary lot review or visit their site for other resources.
Read their manual!