Monday, November 30, 2015
Staff report
YOUNGSTOWN
The Automobile Dealers Association of Eastern Ohio will close at year’s end after more than 50 years in business as an aid to car dealerships.
The closure comes after the recent retirement announcements of Steve Chos, executive vice president of ADAEO, and Cathy Swegan, administrative assistant. A change in climate in the auto industry that includes a large decline in the number of dealerships also led to the ADAEO board’s decision to close.
“In 1950, there were more than 50,000 dealerships nationwide, and now that’s down to about 17,000,” said Chuck Eddy, ADAEO board president and owner of Bob and Chuck Eddy’s Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge in Austintown.
In 1989, the ADAEO had 59 dealer members and now has 36 members. The ADAEO works to improve business conditions for its member and provides continuing education and training opportunities.
Local organizations have benefited from ADAEO’s fundraising efforts. Since 1999, more than $659,000 has been raised through the ADAEO President’s Gala for a variety of organizations.
The Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana county dealers can use the national, state and regional associations as a resource.