Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association

What Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association does

Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association (MADA) is a private, nonprofit state trade association founded in 1919 that represents Minnesota's franchised new car and truck dealerships, operating from its headquarters at 200 Lothenbach Avenue in West St. Paul, Minnesota with a staff of 11–50. The association delivers four core service lines: (1) legislative and regulatory advocacy at the Minnesota Capitol, including a track record of 2026 legislative wins on PFAS reporting reform and PTET extension; (2) compliance and legal support, including a Minnesota Automobile Advertising Standards program enforced via Lathrop GPM LLP with civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation; (3) MADA Title Solutions, which operates Minnesota's sole Electronic Vehicle Title and Registration (EVTR) inventory-distribution program in partnership with the state's Driver and Vehicle Services agency and platform partners eDealer Services, Vitu Interstate, and DLRdmv; and (4) a Certified Training curriculum of online and in-person courses (Title Basics at $199, Certified Title and Registration at $389, MN Electric Vehicle Certification at $149, and a 3-year Title Re-Certification). Technology is functional rather than proprietary: a member portal with role-based landing pages, an LMS for self-serve course delivery, an e-commerce shop (shop.mada.org) for branded apparel and dealership supplies, and HubSpot-mediated member communications. Revenue is generated through dealership membership dues (undisclosed), Associate Membership at $650/year, training course fees, advertising placements in MADA Magazine (four issues per year) and the annual Yearbook, event sponsorships (The Main Event, SPCC Pheasant Hunt), and supplies-shop transactions. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors that annually approves the Endorsed Vendor program, which channels pre-negotiated pricing from vetted partners (ComplyAuto, Ethos Group, Ensure Agency, Frogdata, Innovative Office Solutions, LegalShield, Propelr, Vitu Interstate) to member dealers, creating a multi-sided ecosystem anchored to MADA's certification and EVTR infrastructure.

Name

Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association

Legal name

Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association

Website

https://mada.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1919

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association (MADA) is a 1919-founded nonprofit state trade association serving Minnesota's franchised new car and truck dealerships with legislative advocacy, advertising-standards enforcement, EVTR title distribution, certified compliance training, and an Endorsed Vendor program.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Saint Paul

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Dealership Membership Dues: Recurring annual membership dues paid by Minnesota franchised new car and truck dealerships; supported by Endorsed Vendor revenue share that helps offset dues.
2. Associate Membership: Annual Associate Membership at $650/year, giving vendors a directory listing, digital banner ad, electronic dealer directory listing, MADA Vendor ViewPoint e-newsletter feature, yearbook ad, publication subscriptions, and event sponsorship invitations.
3. Training & Certification Course Fees: Per-individual course fees: Title Basics (on-demand) $199, Certified Title and Registration $389, MN Electric Vehicle Certification (on-demand) $149, Title Re-Certification quiz-only assessment.
4. Yearbook & Magazine Advertising: Annual print advertising placements: Year Book ad rates from $940 (1/2 page) up to $2,660 (Back Outside Cover); MADA Magazine runs 4x per year with front inside cover, back inside cover, centerfold, and back cover placements.
5. Event Sponsorships: Sponsorship packages for The Main Event (annual luncheon/vendor showcase at Radisson Blu Mall of America, October 16, 2026) and the SPCC Annual Pheasant Hunt.
6. Title Solutions & Forms Shop: Fee-based Title Solutions service (hotline plus on-site support for clearing backlogs and complex issues) and a transactional shop (shop.mada.org) selling branded apparel, promotional products, deal jackets, temp tags, stickers, banners, and dealership supplies.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association (MADA) is a state trade association that advocates for Minnesota's franchised new car and truck dealerships at the Capitol, provides expert legal and compliance guidance, operates MADA Title Solutions (hotline plus on-site support for title and registration processing), delivers certified training courses (Title Basics, Certified Title and Registration, EV Certification, Re-Certification), enforces advertising standards, and runs an Endorsed Vendor program with pre-negotiated pricing for member dealerships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MADA Title Solutions: Title and registration hotline, on-site support, EVTR program, and compliance guidance for Minnesota dealerships.
• MADA Shop
• Career in Cars
• The Main Event

Products and services

• MADA Title Solutions Expert advisory and operational support service for Minnesota franchised new car and truck dealerships covering title, registration, and compliance. Includes a member hotline, on-site dealership visits, back-log clearing assistance, and acts as Minnesota's sole EVTR inventory distributor in partnership with eDealer Services.
• EVTR (Electronic Vehicle Title and Registration) Program State-mandated electronic vehicle title and registration distribution service operated by MADA in partnership with Minnesota DVS; partner platforms include eDealer Services (EDS) and DLRdmv. Eligibility to participate requires Certified Title & Registration credentials.
• MADA Member Portal Authenticated member portal delivering tailored landing pages for Members, Board of Directors (BOD), and GMADA Foundation Board members, providing governance materials, approved minutes, resources, and updates.
• MADA Shop (Dealership Supplies and Branded Apparel) Online store selling branded apparel, promotional products, and dealership supplies including deal jackets, temp tags, stickers, banners, and custom-branded apparel to support dealership operational and brand-building needs.
• MADA Certified Training Courses Suite of online and in-person certification programs including Title Basics ($199), Certified Title and Registration Program ($389, 3-year credential), Title Re-Certification (quiz-only), and Minnesota Electric Vehicle Certification ($149) designed to keep dealership teams compliant.
• Minnesota Automobile Advertising Standards Program Industry self-regulatory program establishing and enforcing advertising rules for Minnesota dealers, including the Three Strikes Enforcement Progression and Advertising Standard No. 20 (Retired Courtesy Vehicles). Enforced by Lathrop GPM LLP, with potential civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation.
• MADA Endorsed Vendors Program Vetted vendor program with vendors approved annually by MADA's Board of Directors, delivering products and services with pre-negotiated pricing and revenue share to member dealerships. Endorsed Vendors include ComplyAuto, Ethos Group, Ensure Agency, Frogdata, Innovative Office Solutions, LegalShield, Propelr, and Vitu Interstate.
• MADA Associate Membership Program Annual membership tier for vendors and service providers at $650/year, giving Associate Members a directory listing, digital banner ad, electronic dealer directory listing, MADA Vendor ViewPoint e-newsletter feature, yearbook ad, publication subscriptions, and event sponsorship invitations.
• MADA Magazine and Yearbook Advertising Print and digital advertising placements in MADA Magazine (4x/year) and the annual MADA Yearbook, with rates from $940 (half page) to $2,660 (back outside cover).

Quantifiable outcome

• Secured two top legislative priorities in the 2026 Minnesota legislative session (PFAS reporting reform and PTET extension).
• +3 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMADA and NADA coordinate as peer dealer associations; MADA attends the NADA Conference (Las Vegas, February 3-6, 2027) and references NADA-hosted webinars with the FTC (April 17 FTC webinar on dealer advertising). NADA also develops model advertising and compliance frameworks that MADA adapts for Minnesota.
• Lathrop GPM LLPflagshipImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLathrop GPM LLP (David Archer) enforces MADA's Minnesota Automobile Advertising Standards and the Three-Strikes Enforcement Progression, including the new Advertising Standard No. 20 (Retired Courtesy Vehicles) effective March 1, 2026. Contact point for member complaints and preapprovals.
• eDealer Services (EDS)coreTechnology or IntegrationPartner for Electronic Title and Registration Service Systems providing secure web-based ELT, e-Title, eTRP, and title reassignment tools used by Minnesota dealerships; featured as EVTR provider on MADA's site.
• ComplyAutocoreTechnology or IntegrationBoard-approved Endorsed Vendor providing compliance and cybersecurity tools for dealerships; co-hosts educational webinars such as the 2026 Automated Deal Verification Update for Minnesota dealers. Contact: Lauren Bailey, 703-909-1625.
• Vitu InterstatecoreTechnology or IntegrationBoard-approved Endorsed Vendor providing 50-state title and registration processing for out-of-state vehicle transactions, generating compliant paperwork and reducing interstate deal risk. Contact: Susan Berger, 612-271-0602.
• Ethos GroupcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBoard-approved Endorsed Vendor providing finance and insurance solutions that help dealerships maximize profitability through expert training and tailored services. Contact: Marty Edwards, 402-250-5510.
• Ensure AgencycoreOthersBoard-approved Endorsed Vendor specializing in workers' compensation and dealer bond insurance for Minnesota dealerships. Contact: Al Johnson, 651-437-9317.
• FrogdatacoreTechnology or IntegrationBoard-approved Endorsed Vendor providing warranty administration and advanced analytics services to optimize dealership claims processes and operational efficiency. Contact: Chris Dulla, 414-807-5738.
• Innovative Office SolutionsminorOthersBoard-approved Endorsed Vendor for office supplies and workplace services to dealerships. Contact: Ryan Burgwald, 952-808-9900.
• LegalShieldminorOthersBoard-approved Endorsed Vendor delivering identity theft protection and legal solutions for dealership staff. Contact: Jim Gavin, 651-493-7768.
• PropelrminorOthersBoard-approved Endorsed Vendor providing secure, efficient credit card processing services tailored for dealerships. Contact: Marilyn Snyder, 218-371-0133.
• Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMADA partners with Minnesota DVS on EVTR distribution and dealer licensing; Greg Loper (DVS Vehicle Services Program Director) highlighted MADA's role as Minnesota's sole EVTR inventory distributor on an AAMVA Region 3 Innovations Panel in October 2025.
• Minnesota State Transportation Center of ExcellencecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing training, curriculum resources, career exploration programs, and industry-education partnerships for automotive, aviation, diesel, collision repair, and truck driving programs. Brought the Career Development Trailer to the 2026 Career in Cars event.
• Star TribuneminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional news and advertising partner offering integrated advertising, creative services, print/digital campaigns, and targeted audience reach for MADA members.
• Lube-Tech (Lubrication Technologies)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of the 2026 Career in Cars Event at the Twin Cities Auto Show, helping connect students with real-world automotive career opportunities.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA): National trade association representing independent (used-car) dealers rather than franchised new-car dealers; serves a partially overlapping but distinct membership base, making it an adjacent rather than direct peer to MADA.

Direct peers

• California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA): State dealer association serving California's franchised new-car dealers with advocacy, training, and compliance services; comparable in mission, though operating at significantly larger scale and in a more complex regulatory environment.
• Illinois Automobile Dealers Association (IADA): Midwest state dealer trade association offering legislative advocacy, training, and compliance support; comparable to MADA in scale, geography, and member-service offering.
• Florida Automobile Dealers Association (FADA): Florida state dealer association offering advocacy, EV training, advertising standards, and member services — directly comparable to MADA's portfolio, with a larger member base and similar regulatory complexity.
• Pennsylvania Automotive Association (PAA): Pennsylvania's franchised dealer trade association offering advocacy, training, and compliance support to member dealers; directly comparable to MADA in service mix and member value proposition.
• Texas Automobile Dealers Association (TADA): Texas state trade association for franchised dealers providing legislative advocacy, training, and compliance support; directly comparable to MADA in service mix and member value proposition.
• Ohio Automobile Dealers Association (OADA): Ohio's franchised new-car and truck dealer trade association delivering advocacy, training, and compliance services; structurally similar to MADA and competing in the same Midwest regulatory and labor environment.
• Michigan Automobile Dealers Association: Another state-level dealer trade association sharing the MADA acronym; performs the same advocacy, training, and compliance-support role for Michigan franchised dealers, making it the most structurally comparable peer to Minnesota MADA.
• New York State Automobile Dealers Association (NYSADA): New York state dealer association providing legislative representation, compliance support, and member services; comparable in mission and structure to MADA, though operating in a larger and more regulated market.

Broad incumbents

• National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA): The national trade association for franchised new-car dealers; MADA coordinates with NADA on advocacy (e.g., FTC advertising webinars), attends NADA's annual conference, and adopts NADA-developed compliance frameworks for Minnesota.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/minnesota-automobile-dealers-association

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association