HARRISBURG, Pa. — Independent dealers in the Keystone State will now have the opportunity to meet and discuss examination and licensing issues with the Commonweath Department of Banking staff at education sessions hosted by the Pennsylvania Independent Auto Dealers Association.

"We have been able to arrange a great opportunity for PIADA members," said Jeff Dreier, the association's president. "At an Oct. 13 meeting with Department of Banking officials, we received a strong commitment from Victoria Reider, the acting secretary of banking, that departmental staff will participate in special 2006-2007 dealer training."

Reider pointed out that she is pleased with the opportunity, saying, "We look forward to meeting with the dealers and providing specific guidelines and clarification on Department of Banking examination and licensing programs."

Robert Weldon, who serves as the PIADA's education chairman and founded the association's complementary education program, added, "Many dealers are confused about the new banking audits. How much better can it get than to have someone from the Banking Department tell us how things should be done?"

Philip Zulli, PIADA's executive director, said the new training sessions will start this month and continue into October of next year. They will be planned during Advanced Issuing Agent courses.

"Current schedules for PennDOT's required Advanced Issuing Agent courses will be amended to include this new joint training session with the Banking Department," he said. "PIADA is genuinely committed to helping its members and is proud to give this added value to PIADA membership.

"We urge members and affiliated associates to support PIADA's unique initiative and to promote broad industry participation in these discussions," he continued.

Zulli also thanked Pennsylvania auctions for agreeing to host the training sessions. "The auctions are a convenient location for dealers to meet, and we are very grateful for the auctions' consistent support," he noted.

For additional information, contact Zulli at (717) 238-9002.