ALEXANDRIA, Va. — With Thanksgiving a day away, I thought now might be an appropriate time to count my blessings.
We auto dealers have so much to be thankful for.

No. 1 and No. 2 on my list (bolded AND starred) are my family and employees. It is their energy, support, and hard work that keep our small business running and make it possible for me to continue the legacy my father set into motion almost 40 years ago.

I am thankful for the brands I sell. I'm proud to see the Ross name associated with their logos, and consistently impressed by their evolution over the years. When my father first entered the business, manufacturer-dealer relations consisted of them telling us to jump and us asking, "How high?" Today, I see so much more collaboration between manufacturers and dealers, which ultimately leads to better products, smoother sales, and happier customers.

I've also seen a growing trend toward diversity in our industry. As a female African-American auto dealer, there was a time when I would have been about as common as a unicorn in this business. Though we still have a long way to go, today I am heartened to see more and more women and minorities entering the industry, and manufacturers showing genuine interest in diversifying their dealer bodies.

And of course, I am thankful for my fellow dealers. There's no denying that this is a tough business. Competition is fierce, margins are shrinking, and the sales process is undergoing unprecedented change. One thing that hasn't changed, however, is the fun I have with my peers. Dealers are some of the hardest workers I know, but that doesn't stop them from having a good time. I honestly can't think of a business I'd rather be part of, or a group of folks I'd rather relax with and exchange battle stories.

Finally, thank YOU. As we all take a Thursday to gather with friends and family and count our blessings, I will certainly be thankful for all the support I have received from AIADA's members throughout 2013. This relatively small, but agile, association accomplishes so much for international nameplate dealers, and we couldn't do any of it without your involvement. Your dues, your attendance at our events, and your participation in our grassroots and outreach campaigns make all the difference in Washington, D.C.

Thanksgiving shouldn't be something we do once a year, over six different potato dishes. Giving thanks is a way of life, and should be incorporated into our daily routine. Consider these words from John F. Kennedy: "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.

With that in mind, enjoy a warm and peaceful Thanksgiving.

Jenell Ross is the current chairwoman of the American International Automobile Dealers Association.

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