克利夫兰及周边地区消息

 

GCADA Announces New Leadership

and Honors its Past

(Pictured, left to right: Hrnchar, Axelrod, Lancry, O’Brien, Preston, Vitantonio. High-resolution photo available upon request.)

 

  Cleveland, OH – The Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers’ Association (GCADA) has named a new Executive Committee for 2023. The announcement was made by Louis A. Vitantonio, Jr., President of the GCADA, at the organization’s recent board meeting.
    Vitantonio welcomed Barry Axelrod, president of Axelrod Buick GMC in Parma, Ohio, as the Association’s next Chairman.
    “I’ve spent over 40 years in the automobile business, and have faced many challenges in that time,” said Axelrod. “The changes we’re currently experiencing in the industry, with the adapting to the growing popularity of EVs, and of course inventory shortages, are going to take some time to get a handle on. But with the support of our dealer association, franchised dealerships will continue to bolster the economy by selling new motor vehicles for years to come.”
    The Association, which provides support and acts as an advocate for its members, is also a source of charitable contributions made on behalf of the dealers. Last year, the GCADA contributed nearly $200,000 for scholarships, post-secondary education, and disaster relief. The GCADA also supports many businesses and organizations that provide valuable programs and services to its member dealers, who encompass dealerships across Northern Ohio.
    Vitantonio also noted that with Axelrod’s tenure, the Association has its third father-son chairmanship, beginning with V. Blake Qua and Stephen Qua, who served in 1967 and 1973 respectively.
    “This business started with families, building relationships, and passing down knowledge to the next generation,” said Vitantonio. “Our outgoing chairman Paul Hrnchar worked in every department in his dad’s dealerships, learning everything he could.”
    Paul S. Hrnchar became president of four dealerships in 2017, after the passing of his father, Paul J. Hrnchar who served as GCADA Chairman in 1996.
    Axelrod also commented on his family connection, acknowledging his father Lawrence who was chairman in 1974 and his own son Mitchell, who were both in attendance, “I’m proud to continue the legacy of resilience and dedication that my dad Larry modeled for me. I’m also proud to have my son alongside me, and the rest of our hardworking staff, as we navigate the future of the car business.”
    The committee also includes 1st Vice Chairman Nathan Lancry of Jay Honda and Jay Buick GMC and 2nd Vice Chairman Patrick O’Brien of Firelands Auto Group. The GCADA Executive Committee’s newest member, Pat Preston of Preston Superstore begins his duties as Treasurer of the organization.
  
About the GCADA
    The Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers' Association (GCADA) has served the retail automobile industry and community with integrity and distinction since 1915. Today, located in Broadview Heights, GCADA represents over 280 franchised motor vehicle dealers, which include new-car, truck, motorcycle and RV dealers in 32 Ohio counties along the Lake Erie shore and beyond. More information on the GCADA can be found at www.gcada.org.
About the Cleveland Auto Show
     The Cleveland Auto Show features concept, pre-production and production vehicles from the world’s auto manufacturers. The Show also features an array of entertainment including sports and celebrity appearances throughout the ten-day run. The Cleveland Auto Show is a consumer show and a favorite family tradition since 1903. Find us online at clevelandautoshow.com. Contact:
Sara Panza / spanza@gcada.org / 440-746-1500
     If you no longer wish to receive email advertisements from GCADA, please call 440-746-1500, send a fax to 440-746-1504, or send an email to gcada@gcada.org and provide the following information so we can process your request: your name, the name of your company (if applicable), your email address(es), and that you do not wish to receive email advertisements from GCADA. We must process your request within 10 days. GCADA is located at 9150 South Hills Blvd. Suite 150 Broadview Heights, OH 44147