But first, a word from our sponsor

“NIVTA.org unites independent vehicle title agents, car dealership title agents, state affiliates, and associate business members.

We serve as a platform for identifying and resolving industry-related issues, engaging with governmental bodies and stakeholders to enhance the uniformity, integrity, and efficiency of vehicle ownership and registration processes."

Fall is in the air and it seems people are getting a bit antsy as we’ve seen several auto-related crimes the past few weeks. This is more the reason to make sure your home and dealership are always secure.

Here is a little rundown of what’s happening

The Maryland Car Rally Task Force, consisting of several MD organizations, busted NEARLY A DOZEN illegal car rally/takeovers last weekend.

This has been an ongoing issue in the Baltimore area, and continues to draw crowds in the hundreds despite the new law passed in June increasing fines and punishments.

Oh boy…

The culprit of the recent car dealership break-ins has been caught and turns out, it was a 12-year old child.

He was returned to his parents in DC and has hopefully learned his lesson.

It appears that often times thieves target service departments where the keys to each vehicle are likely close by.

It is important that not only new inventory is secured, but customer and personal vehicles that are staying the night at the dealership .

If you do nothing but watch the news (or read it online) you are likely to look at things a bit more pessimistically than they actually are.

Sources are suggesting that auto theft numbers are actually down considerably from this time last year. Some claiming over a 70% decrease.

Official statistics have not been presented yet, however. We can still remain hopeful, though.

Where Is Your Title Department Behind The Curve? The Next Level of Support and Services

From ASOTU

Join us on September 12 at 2PM for a 30 minute ASOTU Edge webinar that will help you identify the areas where your title department may be lagging and how to address these challenges head-on. Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier will be joined by title expert Beth Caro, President and CEO of NIVTA (National Independent Vehicle Titling Agents Organization) to delve into what a modern title department needs to reach its full potential.

In this webinar, you’ll discover:

1. The common pitfalls that prevent title departments from keeping pace with technological advancements and customer expectations.

2. Practical strategies for modernizing your department’s processes to improve efficiency, compliance, and fraud prevention.

3. Insights into how to better collaborate to enhance overall operational success.

4. Key steps to ensure your department is not just meeting, but exceeding, industry standards and regulations.

5. How dealers and state associations can work together to influence policy and process in the right direction.

Don’t let your title department fall behind the curve. Learn how to elevate your support and services to the next level, ensuring your team is equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing industry.

Hark! The MD Renaissance Festival Is Upon Us

Let not this chance slip through thine fingers like sand through a hourglass! Embrace the magic, the mystery, and the mirth of the Maryland Renaissance Festival!

The MD Renaissance Festival is truly an amazing experience for the whole family. If you have never been, it is a MUST DO. The event proves year after year to be one of Maryland’s most exciting attractions. Check it out and order your tickets below

And never forget… Winter is coming

Warning: Electricity Bills on the Rise

I am sure you have already taken notice to the fact that your power bill is steeper than it usually is. I’m also sure you contributed that to the fact that it’s summer and you’re running your AC more. While that can certainly play a role, there is a underlying reason costs have risen.

BGE provides power for 1.3 million customers in Maryland and takes up a large amount of the market share. Their recent Multi-Year Rate Plan proposes an increase in costs for all of those customers.

Even if you are not a BGE customer, chances are your power bills are also following the same upward trend. This has been an issue before summer even hit, and is projected to continue.

Click below to learn how to save some $$$ on your next bill

Now let’s spy check in on our local dealers!

@darcars_toyota

“🏆 Congratulations to Pejman Aminiha and the entire team at DARCARS Toyota Silver Spring for an outstanding job with the Rent-A-Toyota program. Pejman received the Rising Star Award presented by the Central Atlantic Toyota Team, we are so proud!”

@sheehyfordga

“Today our team got together to throw a surprise Retirement Lunch party for Keith Blaner! Keith has been one of our valued techs since August 15, 1988! We appreciate your dedication and hard work for the past 36 years, you will definitely be missed. Happy Retirement!”

@keenedodgechryslerjeepram

“Our Charity of the Month Cub Scout Pack 809 recently hosted their Pinewood Derby. Don't forget to drop off school supplies to our New Car showroom for their School Supply Drive, the bin will be there until tomorrow, August 31st.”

See ya’ next week