SAN FRANCISCO -
The American International Automobile Dealers Association held its 41st annual Meeting and Luncheon on Monday in San Francisco, where it welcomed its 2011 chairman and also named the David F. Mungenast Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award honoree.
The new chairman is Jim Smail, who assumed the new post at the event.
“I truly believe that dealers need AIADA more than ever. I am energized and very, very excited to continue AIADA’s crucial mission in Washington, D.C.,” Smail commented. “It is our best defense, and our strongest offense in Washington, and this year we will need your support.”
Smail serves as Smail Auto Group’s president. The Greensburg, Pa., company’s franchises include a bevy of import brands (Acura, Honda, Kia, Mazda and Mercedes-Benz) and it has taken home several dealership awards.
Smail’s experience includes time as the Honda National Dealer Advisory Board chairman. His current roles include the following:
—Acura National Dealer Advisory Board chairman.
—Member, Pennsylvania Automotive Association board of director.
—Member of the board of directors, Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealers Association, where he is also past president.
Continuing along, AIADA bestowed its David F. Mungenast Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award to Peter Blackstock, who owns Victory Toyota and Lexus Monterey Peninsula in Seaside, Calif.
From 2002 to 2005, Blackstock was an AIADA board member. He has been member of AIADA for more than 30 years. His experience also includes time as president of the California Motor Dealer Association and as a National Automobile Dealers Association director, as well as his time with the American Free International Trade-PAC.
Blackstock was a founder of that PAC and was its chairman from 2007 to 2009.
Additionally, he also has won multiple dealer awards from both Toyota and the media and has extensive community involvement.
“Just like the award’s namesake, Peter represents the best of America’s international auto dealers. His commitment to family, community and the industry made him an easy choice for this award,” said Cody Lusk, president of AIADA.
Moving along, AIADA said that the complete list of its 2011 officers of the board of directors is as follows:
—Jim Smail, chairman (Greensburg, Pa.)
—Rick DeSilva, immediate past chairman (Mahwah, N.J.)
 —Ray Mungenast, chairman elect (St. Louis)
 —Jenell Ross, vice chairwoman (Centerville, Ohio)
 —Larry Kull, secretary/treasurer (Marlton, N.J.).