INDEPENDENT DEALERS EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Questions? Call (509) 220-5530

About Us

About Us

Who We Are

We're committed to being the preferred industry association.


Davelle Barnhart
Managing Director

We are a membership organization focused on the WA State independent motor vehicle dealer, their continuing education needs, and all matters of general interest. This association was started in response to the need to have affordable and relevant industry representation for all WA State independent auto dealers rather than a select few.

Our association is run by people who have actual experience in the auto industry. Our Managing Director has worked in the industry for over 20 years with responsibilities in managing the Buy Here/Pay Here program, bank financing, conducting title transfers, overseeing industry compliance with our state and federal regulations, and managing the sales staff. Our advisory group are also professionals in the industry. So, we truly are an association of independent dealers for independent dealers! We are dedicated to providing our members with information on the latest industry news, best practice tips, newly enacted federal and state legislation, and any upcoming laws that may impact our industry.

Our Mission

We're in this together.

When we say we are an association for all independent auto dealers, we mean it. We are dedicated to building an inclusive association that welcomes and supports all of the diverse voices within our industry.

An industry of diverse voices will only be as strong as the people who participate in it. We are committed in working collaboratively with our members, advisors, industry leaders, and state agencies in developing and communicating new ideas, introducing new methodologies, and implementing successful policies to help move our industry forward.

Our mission centers around three pillars of responsibility in serving Washington State independent auto dealers: support, education, and representation. We carry out our mission by:

  • Supporting and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within our association and for all independent auto dealers across Washington State.
  • Collaborating with our members, industry professionals, and state agencies in developing new methodologies to improve processes.
  • Building upon and promoting productive and beneficial legislation that supports the continued success of the independent auto dealer.
  • Advocating and encouraging well-grounded business principles and values that uphold state and federal rules and regulations.
  • Supporting the independent auto dealer in their commitment in operating their business with transparent and honest business policies and practices.
  • Providing high quality auto dealer education that fosters and enhances the independent auto dealer's knowledge in this challenging industry.
  • Representing and assisting the independent auto dealer in all matters of general interest.

Diversity + Equity + Inclusion

It's central to our mission.

Our diversity and inclusion initiative is our promise to carry out our commitments, actions, and policies so that we can build an industry where all members are treated fairly and have equal opportunity for success. We understand that a diverse and inclusive membership association welcomes, respects, supports, and values the unique perspectives, ideas, and experiences of all members and we pledge to uphold these standards.


Diversity


We've adopted a broader definition of diversity that includes welcoming the many diverse ideas, perspectives, and values that each member brings to our association and are fundamental to our mission. Having a diverse set of perspectives will help generate creative ideas that will serve as the foundation for solving complex problems within our industry. A diverse set of ideas will fuel innovation and propel our industry forward.


Equity


We embrace the shared commitment for equity that guarantees fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all. We will advocate for systems and programs that are fair and unbiased and deliver equitable outcomes for all of our members as well as removing systematic barriers that obstructs veteran-owned, women-owned, minority-owned, and other underrepresented populations from succeeding.


Inclusion


Inclusion makes us stronger as an association and as an industry. We advocate for the inclusion of underrepresented individuals in processes and policy making to allow for equal access to resources and opportunities for growth. Ideas and opinions will be welcomed and encouraged in an inclusive environment that celebrates differences and demonstrates respect for all as we work together toward a common goal.