The Rochester Automobile Dealers’ Association can trace its roots back to 1908 when a few area pioneer dealers organized the first automobile show. From the beginning, the auto show was such a huge success that its organizers decided to incorporate under the name of the Rochester Automobile Dealers’ Association, Inc. (RADA) in 1920.
As new car sales flourished, dealers needed to take used cars in trade and market them to second owners. The RADA soon became a facilitator for the fair exchange of used vehicles among first owners, auto dealers, and second owners. The continued pursuit of fair business practices led the RADA to expand services to both member dealers and auto buyers.
Over the years, the RADA has evolved into a multi-faceted organization that provides many services to its dealer members, and events for the general public. Dealer services include monitoring of New York State and federal legislation, group health benefits, safety and compliance training, OSHA/DEC training and assistance, dealer employee training, liaison with the Department of Motor Vehicles, and partnerships with various suppliers to the dealers. On the consumer side RADA organizes and manages the annual Rochester International Auto Show.
For over 100 years, the RADA has been committed to maintaining the economic vitality of the community by keeping its members profitable, employing thousands, and being a positive influence in Rochester.
Our Vision:
To be the leading Automobile Dealers’ Association in America by providing information, services, products and representation that result in the members improved success.
RADA Charitable Foundation:
Since our early days as a trade association, the RADA has enjoyed the support of the people in the communities it serves. The goodwill extended over the years inspired the members of the RADA to “give something back” through our Charitable Foundation.
Since its inception in 1985, the RADA Charitable Foundation has focused its efforts on local children’s charities that thrive on their own efforts for fundraising. Over the years, the Charitable Foundation has granted hundreds of thousands of dollars to these children’s charities.