Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Voice in South Dakota Auto Dealerships
The South Dakota Auto Dealers Association (SDADA) has been the statewide trade association for franchised automobile dealerships since its founding in 1918. Our organization represents new car, heavy duty truck, RV, powersport, and non-franchised dealers across South Dakota. We maintain a level playing field for fair competition while ensuring consumers receive exceptional value and service. Our advocacy efforts protect members from overreaching manufacturer restrictions and burdensome regulations.We collaborate with government officials to provide practical solutions for operational challenges faced by dealers. With over a century of industry experience, we combine deep institutional knowledge with modernized systems to serve our members effectively. Our team prioritizes member involvement through statewide outreach and industry storytelling. We offer exclusive resources including legislative advocacy, business networking opportunities, and specialized programs to enhance dealership success.
Services
Legislative Advocacy
Regulatory Compliance
Industry Networking
Business Resources
Member Education
Details
- Year established: 1918
Highlights and features
- We advocate for dealers at state and federal legislative levels
- We provide exclusive member business resources and networking opportunities
- Our team includes former elected officials with policy expertise
- We offer specialized programs for dealership growth and compliance
- We maintain strong relationships with industry regulatory bodies
Services
Legislative Advocacy
We actively represent automotive dealers at state and federal legislative levels. Our team monitors regulatory changes and advocates for policies that protect dealership interests. We organize grassroots meetings between dealers and elected officials to shape industry-friendly legislation.
Regulatory Compliance
Our organization provides expert guidance on federal and state dealership regulations. We help members navigate complex legal requirements and maintain compliance through specialized resources and attorney consultations.
Industry Networking
We facilitate networking through conferences, committee meetings, and special events. Members gain access to peer-to-peer learning opportunities and collaborative industry relationships across South Dakota.
Business Resources
Our members receive exclusive access to business tools including insurance programs, marketing resources, and industry-specific educational materials to enhance dealership operations.
Member Education
We offer training programs and educational events covering dealership management, regulatory updates, and industry best practices. Our resources help dealers stay informed about evolving automotive industry standards.
People
Christine Vinatieri-Erickson
President
Life-long South Dakotan with legislative experience serving as former state representative and Sioux Falls council member. Leads association with focus on technology integration and member engagement.
Michelle Wells
Membership Manager
20-year association veteran with expertise in member relations. Manages membership services and serves as primary contact for dealer members across South Dakota.
Ian Hansen
Communications & Marketing Specialist
Marketing professional with background in social media management and brand development. Holds BS in Psychology from University of South Dakota with industry internship experience.
Patty Hinz
Office Manager/Graphic Designer
Commercial art graduate with 30+ years of design and customer service experience. Manages office operations and creates visual materials for association communications.
Scott Johnson
Controller
Certified Public Accountant with 40+ years of financial expertise. Former CFO in non-profit and for-profit sectors. Oversees association financial operations and reporting.
Questions
What types of dealers belong to SDADA?
We represent new car dealers, heavy duty truck dealers, RV dealers, powersport dealers, and non-franchised dealers across South Dakota.
How does SDADA support dealers with regulations?
We provide compliance guidance, monitor regulatory changes, and offer access to legal experts to help dealers navigate state and federal requirements.
What legislative issues does SDADA prioritize?
We focus on protecting dealers from unfair manufacturer mandates, supporting electronic vehicle regulations, and maintaining franchise protections through legislative advocacy.
How can dealers participate in advocacy efforts?
Dealers can join legislative grassroots meetings, serve on committees, and participate in PAC fundraising to support industry-friendly candidates.
What resources are available to members?
Members receive business tools, insurance programs, marketing resources, educational materials, and exclusive access to industry networking events.
How does SDADA help with technician workforce development?
We advocate for apprenticeship programs and collaborate with educational institutions to expand technician training opportunities for the automotive industry.