Code Orange! Or maybe by the time you read this its Yellow or even Red. The point is that regardless of the level of threat, there is a threat and we must all do everything in our power to combat it. No one can expect a friend or neighbor to do our part for us.

I just recently returned from San Francisco where we participated in the NADA Convention and Exposition. The show was well attended and the traffic at our location was more than satisfactory. The show organizers deserve congratulations for having put on such a well organized and smoothly run event. Security measures worked well and were not intrusive which is not always easy to accomplish. As is always the case when everything goes smoothly, security did not seem to be an issue, but we don t have to look far into the past to find an occasion when all did not work smoothly and lack of security was immediately blamed for the unwanted result. The thing about good security is that when it works really well, you hardly even know it s there. When it fails everyone knows immediately.

The Office of Homeland Security tells us that they are expecting attacks against soft targets, or places that might not usually be considered a likely spot for an attack. These soft targets are less likely to be guarded and are as a result, therefore more easily attacked. This is where you come in as a citizen and business leader, it is your responsibility to do everything in your power to help prevent any future terrorist attacks. There are actions you can take to help- be more vigilant and aware of your surroundings, take notice of unusual activities and report suspicious behavior to authorities.

Review security procedures and control measures at your dealership. Make certain that you know who has access to stock keys and demo tags and that these items are being used and controlled according to state regulations. Dealerships that operate in states that do not require the use of demo tags for demo drives should institute a system that controls which vehicles are out on demo rides and who is with those vehicles, to help better maintain control of inventory. Suppliers of equipment and systems that handle these tasks are ready to assist you with your requirements.

Remember, terrorists don t need your cooperation to succeed in their plans- they just need your complacency. Don t let your dealership become an unknowing participant in some future plot!