SENATE RESOLUTION 42

[By Senators Gaunch, Carmichael (Mr. President), Unger, Stollings, Woelfel, Maynard, Boso, Plymale, Cline, and Drennan]

[Introduced February 14, 2018]

Recognizing the contribution of car dealers to the economy of West Virginia.

Whereas, The automobile business is over 100 years old and many dealerships in West Virginia have been in the business of providing vehicles for most of that time.   Several dealerships are now being operated and managed by fourth-generation dealers and the majority of dealerships are family owned and operated; and

Whereas, West Virginia dealers are strong partners in the economy providing almost 13,000 jobs directly and indirectly. Hiring and training local residents enables many the opportunity to stay in West Virginia to enjoy the beauty of their home state; and

Whereas, Local dealers serve on many community and professional boards keeping in mind that we want a strong community and corporate presence.  As local dealers, they stand ready to assist in times of need for communities.  Providing staging centers during recent floods for donation, as well as being major donors, ensuring that supplies were delivered to areas in need; and

Whereas, Being involved in all levels of the educational communities to afford career opportunities for future employees, education, both traditional and otherwise, enables our industry to attract and keep next generations.  Through the West Virginia Automobile and Truck Dealers Association and the National Automobile Dealers Association, all level of training and certification prepare all levels for career development and progression; and

Whereas, Providing safe and affordable transportation is a major goal for franchise dealers.  With little or no public transportation, our citizens must depend on personal transportation to meet their needs; and

Whereas, Inventory taxes paid on vehicles and real estate are a main stay for local taxes for education and local needs.  Vehicle taxes provide 18.1 percent of the total retail sales; and

Whereas, As of 2016 in West Virginia, there were 135 new dealerships, providing 12,955 total jobs resulting in $4.8 billion in annual sales and $305 million in payroll for hard-working West Virginians; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby recognizes the contribution of car dealers to the economy of West Virginia; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the President of the West Virginia Automobile and Truck Dealers Association, Ruth Lemmon.