Doug Benns, vice-chairman of Directory Technologies has announced an agreement with the National Automobile Dealers Association of McLean, VA, to produce a unique, high-tech electronic directory. Named the Dealer's Resource Locator, the directory will bw distributed free to all of the NADA's 19,600 retailers as a no-cost benefit.

The National Automobile Dealers Association represents America's franchised new-car and -truck dealers. Today there are more than 19,600 members holding nearly 40,000 separate new-car and light-, medium-, and heavy-duty truck franchises, domestic and import. Founded in 1917 in response to a 5 percent tax on the factory price of automobiles, a result of the United States' entry into World War I, NADA represents dealers on Capitol Hill, provides its members counsel on legal and regulatory matters, develops data on the auto industry and operates training programs to improve dealership business operations.

As an industry-specific resource guide on CD, Dealer's Resource Locator will provide dealers with an easy-to0use approach for locating products or services dealers need to operate their business. The unique software, with just a few clicks of their mouse, enables dealers and department managers to do everything from getting a phone number to actually placing an order. Dealer's Resource Locator creates a genuine win-win situation for both dealers and vendors by putting them together as quickly and easily as possible. Essentialy, the Locator provides the useful elements of a national trade show right in the dealership on a 24/7 basis. Any legitimate business, regardless of size, which has a product or service that serves the retail auto industry is welcome to participate.

Benn's also reports that Directory Technologies has signed a key agreement with Ken Petty, president of KP Consulting, Hamilton, Ohio, to market and distribute Dealer's Resource Locator on behalf of NADA. KP Consulting will manage the project that is expected to include approximately 500 vendors and distribution of nearly 70,000 copies of the directory.

"We are delighted to be part of this significant project," said Petty. "The number one rule of any business is to always make it as easy as possible for people to do business with you. The Dealer's Resource Locator helps to accomplish that task in a powerful and unprecedented way."

According to Petty, "The most scarce, non-replenishable commodity in a car dealership is time and the Dealer's Resource Locator does a fantastic job of saving time. Along with the time savings, it can significantly reduce the frustration caused by Internet searches. Our product is Internet compatible without being Internet dependent. This clearly makes the Dealer's Resource Locator one of the most valuable and useful tools in the dealership."