MMDA hosted DRIVE! The 9^th Industry Celebration event on November 10, 2022 at the RBC Convention Center in Winnipeg. 

Over seven hundred registered guests (a record number of attendees!) were greeted with sparkling wine and passed Hors d’Oeuvres in the new Networking Foyer. Here, major sponsors like SiriusXM, Reynolds & Reynolds, WD Co-Auto, Smart Program and HUB insurance hosted fun contests and had gifts to giveaway to all attendees.

Upon arrival guests also filled out the backs of each of their tickets to enter into a draw to win an all expenses paid “Trip for 2” to Cancun, Mexico!  Chis Singh, from Selkirk GM was lucky to win this prize sponsored by Velocity Sponsor IA Sal.

Paul MacLean, former Winnipeg Jets Player was this year’s special guest NHL Celebrity, sponsored by Velocity Sponsor First Canadian. Paul presented awards to all award recipients who were recognised on stage. Categories included: Top Salesperson of the Year, Top Collision Centre of the Year, Scholarship Awards and Special Employee Recognition. After the award ceremonies, Paul mingled with the guests and signed autographs.

MMDA received over forty-five scholarship submissions this year, a record number for MMDA! The scholarship program is for students pursuing higher education, awarding $1000.00 to 10 students to assist with their studies. Five of them are pursuing a career as an Automotive Technician at RRC Polytech! These awards were presented by Eric Herbelin, President and CEO of MPI, Torque Sponsor. Eric says, “The Manitoba Motor Dealers’ Association Drive Event was an incredible evening celebrating so many talented and dedicated individuals as well as raising funds for industry recruitment, training and post-secondary scholarships. On behalf of Manitoba Public Insurance, we are proud to support the MMDA’s efforts in building a strong workforce of skilled technicians and to helping foster a strong and vibrant collision repair industry in Manitoba, now and into the future. Together, we share the goal of safe and proper repairs for vehicles on roads across our province.”

Bruce Giesbrecht, Dealer Principal of Giesbrecht and Sons was this year’s Emcee. He kept the crowd entertained and engaged throughout the evening. He says, “I enjoy helping to host MMDA’s signature event and am so impressed by the level of organization all around and entertainment tonight!”

Chuck Burton, General Manager at Kelleher Ford presented awards to the recipients recognised for Top Performing Collision Centres. He said, “The MMDA Drive event was once again a great success. It is always good to get together as members of the MMDA and celebrate all the people that have excelled in our industry. I was pleased to have presented awards in a new category that recognizes the Top Performing Collision Centre’s among our membership. This new category is another step towards recognizing that it takes an entire team to ensure our customers are looked after long after the purchase of their vehicles.

Turbo Sponsor, SiriusXM hosted the SiriusXM Bar elegantly placed in the center of the room offering service from all four sides. The signature cocktails served here was the SiriusXM Blue Lagoon and the MMDA Mule, this was also a popular beverage designed by Derrick Walker, Parts and Service Director from River City Ford.

Food Stations were open all night and sponsored by IA Sal. Serving Sushi, Beef on a Bun, Deli Spread, Shrimp Flambe, Pasta Station, Perogy Station, Chicken Tenders, Poutine Bar & for something sweet, a Churro Bar!

The Big City All Star Band was also sponsored by SiriusXM. They had guests on their feet dancing to 1:00am.

Mario DeGrace, Regional Manager, Western Canada, SiriusXM Canada said “The 2022 Drive! Event was a huge success and a lot of fun for our team! We were so pleased with the level of exposure and recognition we received by being a sponsor at this event. As a result, we were able to foster new relationships, and have meaningful conversations with key contacts. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the MMDA!”

Scholarship Recepients

Top Salesperson of the year

Collision centre of the year

Sponsors

MMDA Staff

“I’m really happy with the success of the DRIVE event this year! Every year we work to improve the event for our guests. It was great to see so many at the event and stick around till the very end! The MMDA has much in store for 2023 to demonstrate value for dealer members and associates”

Geoff Sine, MMDA Executive Director/CEO

Even with the snowy Winnipeg weather, it was clear that everyone enjoyed the night. Sponsors are already reaching out to secure their spots for DRIVE 2023!

For more information contact MMDA Program Manager, Illyssa Dzama ([email protected])