By Blair Qualey
Franchised new car dealerships across British Columbia have a staggering impact on the province’s economic landscape. As I’ve previously discussed in this column space, even when facing myriad challenges and supply chain issues, a 2023 study suggests BC’s New Car Dealers generated a remarkable $17 billion in retail activity in 2022, contributing $286 million in tax revenue and $775 million in total tax revenue for all levels of government. While this is certainly impressive, it’s important to note that we’re also making waves in the social landscape, driving impactful changes in communities, and supporting charitable causes.
These efforts begin to take form at the Annual Industry Preview Gala at the Vancouver International Auto Show, which is an event that brings dealers, elected officials and others who share our appreciation for everything automotive together to raise funds for New Car Dealers Foundation of BC’s initiatives. While this event is a great chance for members to engage with each other while viewing the latest offerings from global manufacturers, they contribute generously to the Foundation through their participation in specific Association events throughout the year.
At the heart of this community effort lies the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC. Fostering change and innovation starts with education, and the Foundation has showcased a remarkable dedication to these efforts with CarCareerBC grants and scholarships. The CarCareerBC Grant Program, for instance, is an endowment fund built on contributions that provide financial support towards the cost of tuition and books for recipients enrolled in applicable apprenticeship, training, or education – for those pursuing a career in the industry.
Beneficiaries include Georgian College, University of BC, Simon Fraser University, University of Fraser Valley, College of New Caledonia, Coast Mountain College, Kwantlen University, University of Victoria, Vancouver Island University, Skills BC Canada, Thompson River University, Okanagan College, Vancouver Community College, and BCIT.
But it doesn’t stop there. The foundation’s commitment expands beyond this mission, and actively supports various charities throughout BC where local dealers are involved. Contributions from the Foundation include Special Olympics BC (SOBC), where New Car Dealers Association Members proudly stand tall as the largest single financial supporter. These contributions underscore the industry’s commitment to playing an active role in fostering education, inclusivity, and community welfare.
Since 1984, the New Car Dealers Association of BC has been committed to supporting Special Olympics BC through the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC, and has raised over $5.4 million to support SOBC’s life-changing year-round sport programs for people with intellectual disabilities, and the empowering work of the New Car Dealers Foundation.
We’re very excited for the long-awaited return of the Vancouver International Auto Show. While the showcasing of innovation, exciting new models, emerging technological advances, and sneak peeks at upcoming cars are more than enough reasons to look forward to the event, the gathering of industry leaders for the Annual Industry Preview Gala is what makes the above possible. It’s wonderful to see what can be accomplished when we work together to help promote and support our industry’s future pioneers.
Speaking of which, we’re only a couple of weeks away from the big event, happening on March 20-24 at the Vancouver Convention Centre! For more on the show, including ticket information, please head to: www.VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com.
For more information and to stay updated on these impactful initiatives, visit the New Car Dealers Association of BC’s website. If you have any questions or thoughts to share, feel free to email me at [email protected].
