About Metro Portland New Car Dealers Association

Established in 1914, the Metro Portland New Car Dealers Association has operated as the advocate organization for the economic, educational and charitable activities related to the region's automobile industry. Its mission is to promote the economic livelihood of consumers and franchised new car dealers throughout Portland metro area communities. The association currently represents nearly 100 franchised new car and truck dealers.

Economic Impact
Automobile dealers represent a significant economic force throughout the state, generating sales of more than $7.2 billion annually. According to Oregon Employment Department April 2004 Current Employment by Industry Report, motor vehicle and parts dealers employed 13,400 people in the Portland metro area (including Salem and Vancouver), making the automobile industry one of the largest and most stable employers in the state.

Dealer Advocacy
In collaboration with staff and volunteer member dealers, The Association closely follows automotive legislation in both Oregon and Washington D.C. We evaluate a myriad of legislative and regulatory issues to examine and address the impact on dealer members, while also supporting legislation that furthers the interest of our industry.

Community Involvement
The association understands the value of giving back to the community through both charitable activities and support of educational programs. Proceeds from the association's signature event - the annual Portland International Auto Show - benefits local charities such as the Ronald McDonald House of Portland. The association and member dealers have donated millions of dollars to Oregon nonprofit organizations, including:

Investment in Education
The association steadfastly supports automotive technology training programs with a mission to provide education that informs and instructs high school and college students about industry career options. Automotive technicians beginning their careers with Portland area dealerships typically earn an annual salary of $30,000. As they become highly skilled, seasoned technicians, their earning potential can grow to as much as $100,000 annually - yet there remains a nationwide demand for qualified and skilled workers.

To that end, the association has established and provided funds for automotive education programs at Portland's Franklin High School, Troutdale's Reynolds High School, the Capital Center in Beaverton, Clark County Skills Center in Vancouver, Portland Community College, Clark College and Mt. Hood Community College.

As part of the national school-to-career initiative to prepare students for automotive technology careers, the association inaugurated an Automotive Youth Educational Systems program at the Clark County Skills Center in Vancouver and Franklin High School in Portland.

The association's annual support of region-wide education also includes:

Sponsorship of the Technology Educators of Oregon Conference and the local Automotive Technology Competition - in which high school students compete for prize money, scholarships and a trip to the national competition in New York City.

Distribution of $15,000 in scholarships to students in automotive technology training programs at Clark College and at Mt. Hood and Portland Community Colleges.

In-kind technical assistance, equipment contributions and financial donations that average more than $50,000 per year.

Headquarters
Metro Portland New Cars Dealers Association
Greg Remensperger, Executive Vice President
777 NE 7th Avenue
Portland, OR 97232
Phone: (503) 233-5044
E-mail: info@portlandnewcars.com
Web site: www.portlandnewcars.com

2007 Board Officers and Board of Directors President Erinn Sowle, Suburban Ford Vice President Bob Lanphere Jr., Lanphere Enterprises Secretary/Treasurer Steve Reece, Rey Reece Dealerships Immediate Past President Chris Meier, Herzog-Meier Auto Center Board of Directors Jim Fisher, Jim Fisher Volvo Russ Humberston, Jr., Beaverton Toyota Alex Laws, Timberline Dodge Neil Shelton, Monte Shelton Motor Company Bob Wentworth, Wentworth Chevytown Steve Reece, Rey Reece Volkswagen Bob Lanphere, Jr., Beaverton Honda