| -

LAS VEGAS — The 2010 National Independent Automobile Dealers Association Convention and Expo keeps on rolling today with an education lineup chock full of workshops that touch on a wide spectrum of issues facing independent dealers.

Today's education schedule begins with the "Social Media and Networking" seminar on the General Education Track.

The workshop, which will run from 8 a.m. (PST) to 9:30 a.m. will be moderated by Keith Whann, NIADA general counsel, and will include the following panelists:

—Philip Zelinger, Ad Agency Online.

—Jody Devere, AskPatty.com.

—Ken Gibson, Gibson Internet Marketing and Consulting.

—Don Walker, Walker Investments.

This session will delve into social networking and how it pertains to auto dealers, while offering a look at developments within social media.

Following that, from 9:45 a.m. to 11 a.m., there will be a "Gearing Up for Efficient Inventory Management" workshop on the Retail Education Track. Moderating the session will be Joe Lescota, of Northwood University.

Panelists include:

—Michael Darrow, Certified Master Dealer from Durham, N.C.

—Laurie Kann, Certified Master Dealer from Lovington, N.M.

—Bob Taar, SmartAuction.

—Tim Zierden, ADESA.

"A perfect inventory is not about luck. It's about knowing how to use your numbers to stock your lot," officials indicated on the agenda. "This session is definitely a 'how-to' session."

Running concurrently with that seminar will be the "Obtaining Funding in Today's Capital Market" workshop on the BHPH Education Track. It will be moderated by Joe Keadle, of AFC, and will include the following panelists:

—David Fricke, Texas Capital Bank.

—Craig Larson, Park National Bank.

—Monica Maynerick, DebtMarket.

This workshop will offer dealers tips on how to present themselves to lenders effectively, while also giving them insight from lenders on "what they are looking for in a prospective borrower."

Continuing on, from 3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Retail Education Track will feature the "Letting the Web Work for You" presentation from Michel Jackson of Auto Search Technologies.

Jackson's speech is designed to help dealers critique their Web sites, while giving them strategies to become more cost-effective in this regard.

At the same time this workshop is going on, the BHPH Education Track will feature the "Structuring Deals for Success!" presentation from Mark Dubois, of Dealer Performance and Consulting.

"What are you selling — cars or credit? Good question!" officials noted. "This session will enlighten the less experienced BHPH dealer and will inspire the seasoned one.

"Your approach to the sale may mean deal or no deal," they added. "Come hear how to make it the best deal."