1919

“On March 31, 1919, a meeting of ’36 serious-minded, far-sighted progressive motor tradesmen’ at the Chamber of Commerce Salon in Des Moines prompted the creation of the Iowa Motor Trades Bureau.”

History of the Iowa Automobile Dealers Association (2008)

“We should not organize for the sole object of influencing legislation or protecting us against some unjust taxation. We must organize not only with this purpose in view, but with a broader idea of putting our individual businesses on a business basis, which means that we should make money and operate our places in a way which will not invite criticism. If we do this, we need not fear but that we will receive just treatment from every source, as all will know that we are able to protect ourselves.”
Iowa Motor Trades Bureau President John Rude, Rude Auto Company (1919)

1922

The IMTB changed its name to the Iowa Automotive Merchants Association (IAMA).

1927

Iowa led all states in the number of cars per capita.

1931

For the first time, the IAMA had members in every county.

1936

The association had it’s final name change and becomes the Iowa Automobile Dealers Association.

1943

IADA held its first regional meeting, known today as Town Meetings. It was so successful, by the end of the decade the association was holding 18 regional meetings per year and other state associations adopted the concept.

1950

Iowa Commissioner of Public Safety Al Kahl was hired to lead IADA.

1953

IADA began admitting associate members.

1956

IADA Services Inc. was officially established. Through the years, it has also been known as the Forms Department and IADA Printing & Promotions.

IADA members traveled to Washington, DC to lobby on Capitol Hill for the first time.

1958

IADA launched a workers’ comp program that operated for more than 50 years.

1960

IADA launched the Guaranteed Warranty certificate program, which provided a discount on cash purchases for repairs made to pre-selected vehicles on a dealer’s lot. The program quickly spread to 11 states and one Canadian province, with 3,300 dealers participating by 1962.

1970

The Iowa Motor Vehicle Franchise Act was enacted.

1971

IADA moved to a new office in Des Moines’ East Village.

1981

Gary Thomas became IADA executive vice president.

1983

IADA adopts a new logo.

1989

IADA moved to its current headquarters in West Des Moines and changed its logo for the second time in a decade.

1994

The first IADA website launched.

1995

The Iowa Automobile Dealers Foundation for Education was established.

2008

The IADA Hall of Fame was created with an inaugural class of five members.

2011

Bruce Anderson became IADA president.

2013

IADA adopted its current logo.

2018

Renovations began on IADA’s headquarters building.

2019

IADA celebrated its centennial.