Tony Long, the executive director of the International Automotive Remarketers Alliance (IARA), is in the midst of preparing for the 16th annual IARA Summer Roundtable, and the content that this year’s Summer Roundtable will provide has him excited for what’s to come.

In an open letter to the industry, Long discusses his excitement for the upcoming Roundtable and the future of the IARA.

As I write this, I’m in the middle of last minute preparations for the 16th annual International Automotive Remarketers Alliance (IARA) Summer Roundtable. The excitement is building, and I’m excited about seeing all my industry friends in Nashville! Not counting my introductory visit in 2013, this will be the fourth Roundtable Conference that I’ve overseen as IARA’s executive director, and it has been a tremendous run. I’ve been privileged to serve with two great presidents, and we have two more tremendous leaders lined up for these next four years.

I’ve seen fourteen of our current board members elected during this short span of time, two new committees have been created, and seventeen chairs or co-chairs (plus many new committee members) have also been added. We’ve seen much change over the past four years. We’ve upgraded our website, our software, and our social media presence. We’ve ventured out to new and unique meeting venues for our Summer Roundtable.

Old partnerships and association alliances have also been strengthened. Together with our industry partners at NAAA, we continue to grow our Spring Business Meeting and attendance at the Conference of Automotive Remarketing (CAR). This newsletter is one example of Bobit Business Media and IARA ‘reinvesting’ in one another. The International Automotive Remarketers Alliance continues to grow in membership, in attendance, and financially. We may be known as the ‘voice of the consignor,’ but IARA’s roundtable philosophy provides a seat at the table for all industry segments. The Alliance provides a platform to initiate positive change in the remarketing industry, and our people are addressing today’s pertinent issues at multiple industry events. It’s a great time to be a member and to be involved, and I am so honored to serve this great association. I know our brightest days are still ahead!