WASHINGTON, D.C. -

Starting in 1791, and with just a few rare exceptions, Congress has disbanded during the dog days of summer to return to their home districts for rest, relaxation, and some good old-fashioned politicking.

These district work periods, traditionally held during the month of August, provide legislators with an opportunity to escape from Washington, D.C.’s sweltering heat and brush up on some of the top issues impacting their constituents.

In all likelihood, the 2013 August break will feature less relaxation and more work for many members of Congress as they begin to ramp up support for next year’s crucial midterm elections. In addition, with Congress’ approval ratings hitting all-time lows, some legislators will be putting in extra hours to protect their own reputations among an increasingly dissatisfied electorate.

All of this is good news for dealers.

AIADA has always recognized that the most effective way to advocate on behalf of our industry is to catch lawmakers not in their busy Capitol Hill offices, but back home, where they have more time to talk and more reason to listen.

This August, it is especially important that dealers take the time to hold a visit at their dealership with their elected official. In reality, unless we talk to them about it, many legislators don’t realize how issues like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TTP), the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), the health care mandate, and new  regulations from the CFPB and the NLRB are impacting small businesses like ours.

The two trade agreements, TTP and TTIP, are especially crucial to international nameplate dealers. In addition to normalizing auto regulations in Asia, Europe, and the U.S. and giving an economic boost to all countries involved, the agreements could eventually result in the reduction or removal of the United States’ 25 percent tariff on import light trucks and 2.5 percent tariff on cars.

That alone should give you all the reason you need to take a moment to shoot off an email to AIADA’s grassroots team TODAY.

Once you contact AIADA with your interest in holding a dealer visit, they will work directly with you and your legislator’s office to schedule a date and time for the meeting. AIADA will provide you with a schedule, talking points, and will even offer step by step suggestions on how to hold a tour of your store and a Q&A between the member and your employees.

Speaking from experience, your time investment is minimal and the return can be enormous. My advice: Don’t wait; make this August recess work for you.

Jenell Ross is the AIADA Chairwomen and one of Auto Remarketing's Women in Remarketing class of 2013. To see the original AIADA blog post and more, click here.