The Calgary Motor Dealers Association (CMDA) is a nonprofit
organization representing 68 members.
Formed in 1951, the CMDAis closely affiliated with the
Motor Dealers Association of Alberta (MDA), which has over 300
new-vehicle franchised dealerships across the province. Together, we
are dedicated to strengthening our relationships with the consumer
through:
Advertising code of ethics: CMDAmembers are required to abide
by an advertising code of ethics covering such areas as product
claims, disclosure of financing terms and conditions, and advertising.
Government affairs: The MDAactively lobbies the provincial
government to enact protective legislation for both its members and
consumers. Two issues we are currently concentrating on are:
- Auto theft - revinned/stolen vehicles entering Alberta are being
sold to dealers and individuals, thereby creating property losses and
high insurance premiums, and a burden on enforcement agencies.
- Mandatory safety inspections to ensure only safe vehicles are on
the road, which will reduce costly and tragic accidents.
Community involvement: In 1988 the CMDAdonated a Handi-Bus
to the Calgary Handi-Bus Association. Until it was retired, the bus
logged 611,119 kilometres of service, providing more than 66,000 passenger
trips. The CMDAis proud to provide a "full bus sponsorship" for one
of the mini-bus units that were activated in March 1995. Bus #159 has
logged over 470,000 km, and has plenty of service life left in it yet!
And a new CMDA-sponsored "big brother" to #159 will hit the road
this spring. Designated #311, this larger bus will ensure even more
Calgarians have access to Handi-Bus service.
- Each December since 1991, CMDA members have joined in the
Calgary Inter-Faith Society’s annual Mayor’s Christmas Food Bank
Drive by collecting donations at their dealerships.
- In 1994 the CMDAestablished the Calgary Motor Dealers Association
Memorial Scholarship to be awarded annually to worthy students
attending post-secondary institutions who are seeking a career in the
automobile industry. These scholarships are awarded in recognition of
past members of the CMDAfor their contribution to the industry.
- The CMDAhas donated over $28,000 to the PARTY(Prevent Alcohol
and Risk Related Trauma in Youth) Calgary Program, designed to
inform teenagers about the tragic consequences of drinking and driving,
non-compliance to seatbelt legislation and dangerous behavior.
- In 1998 the CMDAestablished an annual Entrance Scholarship
Endowment Awards for students entering the automotive management
training program of full-time technology or apprenticeship
training program offered by the transportation department at SAIT.
- The CMDAhas provided financial support to Discovery House
(Udderly Art Auction), Calgary Drop In Centre, Hull Child and Family
Services, Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, Children’s
Wish Foundation of Canada, Foothills Hospital Development Council,
Calgary Emergency Women’s Shelter, Opening Gaits Therapeutic
Riding Society, STARS Foundation and Rotary Challenger Park
- The Vehicles & Violins Gala has provided funding for various
charities in Calgary in excess of $640,000 over the past four years.
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