TAA MEMBER PROGRAMS & SERVICES

In a recent survey published by Automotive Retailing Today, car purchasers ranked their new car dealerships as trustworthy as law enforcement.  That is the good news.  The bad news is that overall, automobile dealerships in general were ranked at the bottom of the barrel for trustworthiness.  What does this mean?  It means that individual dealerships are earning the trust of their customers, but the image of dealerships in general continues to be the subject of negative public perception.  Will dealers ever shed this perception entirely?  Perhaps, but dealers will continue to improve their images by becoming and staying involved in their communities, helping to educate consumers about car buying and meeting car and truck buyers’ needs.
 
            Another way to keep the image pendulum on the upswing is to be selective about the companies with whom you do business.  When considering working with a company, keep in mind that the company, especially one that will engage in customer service and advertising on a dealership’s behalf, will be a direct reflection on the dealership.
 
            The Tennessee Automotive Association Service Company (TAASC) applies this principle when recommending vendors.  TAASC currently endorses a total of 14 companies.  Likewise, it is important for dealers to conduct independent research on companies with whom they are considering doing business.  If a company indicates it has a relationship with TAA, check to see if they are on our Endorsed Companies List and verify that the information is correct.  Further, you may call us to request business references, contact fellow dealers and, most importantly, follow the old adage – it if sounds too good to be true – it probably is! Being vigilant about who you do business with will help improve the image of your dealership and dealers in general, not to mention prevent your dealership from being the victim of a scam.

Listed below are the programs, products and services which TAA offers its members:

Legislative Representation:  TAA members have a strong voice in Tennessee state government; their interests are continuously being promoted and protected.

Association Staff:  Your association staff works full-time for your benefit. . . assistance is as near as the Internet, your telephone, fax machine, e-mail or mailbox.

TAA Bulletins: Sent to all TAA members are Confidential Bulletins containing advisories to help dealers' compliance efforts and to improve their sales and service.  These Bulletins are widely recognized as some of the best in the country.

Dealer Legal Defense Fund:  Since 1998, TAA has expended over $1.1 million in defense of our members’ interests.

TAA Group Insurance:  The TAA plan is an excellent way to provide an up-to-date comprehensive Blue Cross/Blue Shield medical plan for your employees.  We have several plan deductibles from which to choose.  Other insurance options include: dental plans, disability coverage, life insurance, cancer policies and Section 125 flexible benefit plans.  Marketed by American Fidelity Assurance.  American Fidelity may be contacted by calling 1-800-937-6746.

TAA Worker's Compensation Trust:  TAASIT was established effective January 1, 1991, for Tennessee franchised dealers to self-fund worker's compensation coverage.  The program offers substantial discounts, interest free monthly premium payments based on actual payrolls and return of surplus premium, subject to state approval, to those participants who have favorable loss experience.  All participants share in the investment income. TAASIT has returned more than $20.9 million to its members.  For more information, contact TAA Headquarters 615-269-3433 or Brentwood Services, our third party administrator, at 615-263-1300 or toll-free at (800) 524-0604 or visit our website www.taasit.com.

Business Forms: Marketed by Reynolds & Reynolds Forms Division.  Designed to stay abreast of statutory changes and accompanied by excellent follow-up service.  Reynolds & Reynolds may be contacted by calling 1-800-344-0996.

Property & Casualty Insurance:  Zurich is TAA's endorsed provider for property and casualty insurance products.  A recognized industry leader, Zurich may be contacted by calling 1-800-241-8842.

Customer Relations System:  A comprehensive marketing program is offered through Spectrum Services to TAA members.  You may contact Spectrum Services toll-free by calling 1-800-225-7765.

Environmental Compliance:  Wimmer/Baldwin & Associates of Memphis, TN offers a "turnkey" program for dealers which gets you into compliance and keeps you there.  Special pricing for TAA members. Their toll-free number is 1-800-278-7810.

Drug-Free Workplace Training & Testing:  Premier Drug Compliance, LLC, Cookeville, TN, assists TAA members in setting up and conducting a “qualified” Tennessee Drug Free Workplace Program at a discounted cost.  Enables participating entities to receive a 5% premium reduction for workers compensation coverage. Long term, it can significantly impact your company’s expense modification factor which will also directly benefit your workers’ compensation premium costs.  For immediate assistance or to learn more, contact Chip Lewis, at (931) 432-8378.

Office Products, Furniture & Supplies:  Staples Business Advantage offers TAA members over 25,000 office products, furniture, computer supplies and promotional products at substantial discounts.  Whether you order on-line or visit your local Staples Retail Store, you receive the best pricing available.  Plus, you receive free, next day delivery on all office supply purchases over $50.00.  To get your savings started, call Gary Turnage at (800) 218-3771 ext. 221.  If you are an existing Staples customer, call Gary Latham at (865) 357-1325 and identify yourself as a TAA member to ensure the lowest prices.  

Long-Term Care Insurance – Marketed by Ed Owens, Southeastern Benefit Designs, Knoxville, TN.  Coverage through MedAmerica and Group Insurance Services, Inc., the for-profit subsidiary of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Tennessee.  Long-term care is very expensive – about $60,000 a year in Tennessee – and projected to triple in 20 years.  TAA’s endorsed plan offers its participants a monthly cash benefit when you need care and a special 10% premium discount for TAA members and their immediate and extended family members over 18, including spouses, adult children, parents, siblings, grandparents and in-laws.  For more information, call Ed Owens at (800) 424-9543.

Service Contracts:  Independent Vehicle Service Contract Program.  Owned by     the participants.  Managed by the participants.  Profits shared by the participants.   For more information, contact David Jones, The Assurant Group, (800) 748-8774.

Credit Card Processing:  First National Merchant Processing offers credit and debit card processing.  Funds are electronically deposited in your local bank account.  Low monthly maintenance fee, the ability to earn interest on your credit card deposits and a variety of check services.  For information, contact Jason Wagner (800) 228-2443 ext.6409.

Environmental Services:  Heritage-Crystal Clean L.L.C., a full service environmental company offers their products and services throughout Tennessee.    A special competitive pricing package has been developed for TAA members.  To learn more, contact Tim Martin, HCC Branch Manager, at (615) 394-2486.

Dealership Lighting:  LSI Automobile Dealership Lighting provides TAA Dealers with energy efficient interior and exterior lighting applications that are specifically designed for your dealership. We customize each project from showroom to the service area to the outdoor vehicle display area, to meet your requirements on light levels, design features, and value. A special new-build and a retro-fit pricing package is available for TAA members. Please Call Neely Ford at (615) 513-5132 for interior and exterior layouts and pricing.

Annual Convention: Designed to offer new business contacts, education, entertainment, and a fresh perspective on your dealership. Convention dates.

Regional Meetings:  The TAA Chairman and President hold meetings across the state in order to fully apprise the membership of the issues that face our industry.  Just as important, members take this opportunity to inform TAA of their concerns one on one.

CONTACT US

The Tennessee Automotive Association owns its office building.  Built in the 1960’s and extensively renovated in 1996, it is a facility we are proud to call our own.  Best of all, it is bought and paid for.  Come by and visit us anytime!

Tennessee Automotive Association
 2521 White Avenue
 Nashville, TN  37204

615.269.3433