Miller spoke about her book, “Drive: Drive: 9 Lessons To Win In Business And In Life” and how the lessons she learned in helping her brother, Dale Jr, translate into automotive business ownership. 

Key points highlighted by Miller were authenticity and approachability, knowing when to let go, firing a family member, pivoting, communication, aiming for win-win solutions, and leading from the heart.  

Hunt Demarest, managing partner at Paar, Melis & Associates, led a finance class following Miller’s keynote where he encouraged shop owners to make sound financial choices during this economic downturn. He also offered repair shop owners methods to leverage tax benefits to provide perks to their employees. 

During the evening awards banquet, the VAA honored the following people for their service to the association and contribution to the the industry: 

• Del. Kim Taylor for her work on HB 1677, which ended unfair taxation on roadside labor. 
• Jerry Tatum, a key member since 1976, was given the VAA Distinguished Member Award, the association's highest honor. 
• Chris Barnett, the past President Chair and a board member for 25 years for his work in guiding the VAA through the pandemic. 
• Steve Akridge, the exiting executive director, with the Excellence in Leadership Award. He will now retire from his post.

In other news, Bo Keeney was named the new executive director and will succeed Steve Akridge.