SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 25, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) today announced East Hartford, Connecticut, auto dealer Bradley Hoffman as its 2015 chairman. Hoffman took over the position during AIADA's 45th Annual Meeting and Luncheon, held today in San Francisco, California.

"As AIADA's 2015 Chairman, I want to help usher this association into a new era," said Hoffman. "This will be a year of ensuring that dealers' rights are respected by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. It will the year we pass Trade Promotion Authority to ratify trade agreements with Japan and Europe. It will be a year to face forward."

Hoffman is the co-chair of Hoffman Auto Group, which was founded in 1921 and operates dealerships in East Hartford, Avon/West Simsbury, and New London, Connecticut. Along with its two auto body shop repair facilities and premium, pre-owned vehicle dealership, the company employs over 500 individuals. Hoffman joined the dealership group in 1982.

In addition to serving on AIADA's board of directors since 1994, Hoffman is an active member of the auto retail industry, serving in multiple board roles, including the Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association (CARA) board of directors. From 2003 to 2005 he served as chairman of the Automotive Free International Trade Political Action Committee (AFIT-PAC) and is a past member of the Audi National Dealer Council and the Lexus Dealer Council.

Also during its Annual Meeting, AIADA presented Oakland, California, auto dealer Ed Fitzpatrick with its 2015 David F. Mungenast Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is named after the late AIADA chairman who was known throughout the auto retail industry for his commitment to his community and the industry. Fitzpatrick operates several dealerships in California, including Coliseum Lexus of Oakland, Valley Lexus, and Valley BMW in Oakland, California.

"Ed Fitzpatrick is an exceptional example of the generosity of dealers toward their employees and communities," said AIADA President Cody Lusk. "His belief that business is a vehicle to help others is a philosophy the entire dealer community should emulate. I can think of no one more deserving of this award."

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aiada-announces-connecticut-dealer-bradley-hoffman-as-2015-chairman-300025225.html

SOURCE American International Automobile Dealers Association

Copyright 2015 PR Newswire