Question of the day
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What have you learned at the convention?
Fran Pomarico, executive manager of Poughkeepsie Nissan in Wappingers Falls, N.Y.: "I didn't realize there were so many companies that did things like vAuto and Redbumper. There are a lot of companies that are doing the same thing that I wasn't aware of. It's good to shop, to be able to look at different versions of what you're already using."
Mark Scarpelli, president of Raymond Chevrolet and Raymond Kia in Antioch, Ill.: "The overall optimism and commitment by auto dealers is remarkable. The economic recovery is happening; dealers are a testament that we are roaring back. Fasten your seat belts."
Timothy Duff, owner of Earl Duff Subaru in Harriman, Tenn.: "It kind of surprised me there is so much focus on social media. One of the reasons I came here is to get some ideas on that. And there seems to be a lot of seminars and things devoted to that, so I think the industry is definitely headed that way."
Todd Blue, chairman of Indigo Auto Group in Houston, which sells Lamborghini and Porsche: "The spirit of optimism is completely a polar opposite change from last year and the year before. People are borderline euphoric, which is exciting. And they feel that the units are going to be very strong in the coming years."
Kevin Reilly, owner of Alexandria Hyundai in Alexandria, Va.: "The industry is strong and it's getting stronger, and that's validated not only by the attitude of the dealers but also too by a lot of the vendors."
