SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Automotive Dealership Institute has added a new associate professor that is a well-known F&I trainer and consultant in the industry.

In a new partnership, Rebecca Chernek, president of Chernek Consulting, has agreed to offer classes to help ADI's students stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the F&I industry.

Based in Cumming, Ga., CCI specializes in providing F&I training, in-dealership consultations, high-energy workshops and sales development services.

Chernek herself is a renowned F&I workshop provider, and has taught at dealerships throughout the country. She recently served as a guest lecturer at ADI and received a standing ovation from a packed class, according to officials.

"I was very impressed at the depth of instruction Becky provided in such a short period," explained Keith Mason, an F&I student at ADI. "She really prepared us to be superior in the menu-presentation aspect of F&I."

As an associate professor, Chernek will offer special workshops at ADI throughout the year. She will also assist ADI graduates with job placement at her dealerships nationwide. ADI's dealership clients, too, will be able to go to Chernek as a resource, especially for new hire orientation, ongoing certification and continued training of employees, executives indicated.

"We are very excited to team up with Becky because she shares a common vision with ADI and has the same commitment to excellence," said Alan Algan, ADI's executive director and chief executive officer.

 "Chernek Consulting provides the most comprehensive and results-driven in-store workshops in the country. We believe that, together, we will set a new standard in dealership training," he continued.

Chernek added, "This is a great partnership. ADI's new Web-based F&I training product is incredible, it is exactly the type of cutting-edge training and adaptability that today's automotive industry demands. Competition is not within the dealership anymore. It is online and nationwide."

As part of their new partnership, the ADI said it will sponsor at least four dealership-only workshops each year. These three-day sessions will be taught by Chernek personally and held at ADI's Scottsdale, Ariz., facilities.

The first workshop is scheduled for Jan. 9 to 11. Officials said seating is limited to 24 participants, and many of Chernek's existing clients have already expressed an interest in attending.

"Becky's dynamic and ADI is the most trusted name in automotive training," said Wendy Bowen, general manger of Hurd Auto Mall, which is New England's largest General Motors campus. "I've enrolled multiple managers to Becky's courses over the last several years, and will definitely send them to ADI. Becky teamed up with ADI makes a great combination!"

CCI said it will be making extensive use of the ADI new Web-based F&I training program, and will integrate it into its nationwide dealership consultations.

This online product is offered in three modules, each of which covers different aspects of F&I management. Modules may be purchased individually to accommodate busy professionals who are unable to take extended time off from work, executives noted.

If students desire a more interactive approach, they have the option of enrolling in the hybrid diploma program, which offers an additional week of live instruction at ADI's Scottsdale campus and includes professional job placement.

For more information, call (877) 998-7200, or visit www.autodealerinstitute.com.

For more information about CCI, call 1-877-730-3663, or visit www.chernekconsulting.com.