LAS VEGAS – Manheim and the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) presented the fourth annual NIADA Manheim National Community Service Award to Members Auto Choice of Suwanee, Ga., on June 25, during the 68th NIADA Convention and Expo at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
“It’s a privilege to be able to honor Members Auto Choice for their commitment to the community,” said Tim McKinley, senior vice president of sales for Manheim. “Independent auto dealers who share their time, talent and resources to improve the lives of others deserve to be honored. Michelle Groover and Dan Stryzinski of Members Auto Choice have embraced charitable giving and volunteerism through their support of more than 40 charities.”
“We are so pleased to support their outstanding community spirit and partnerships, and commend the
Michelle Groover and Dan Stryzinski and their team for their giving efforts in the metro Atlanta area,” NIADA President Keith Hagler said. “To reinforce its commitment to giving back, the dealership distinguished itself by raising money for more than 40 charities using their signature barbecue as a driving force.”
McKinley presented Members Auto Choice with a check for $5,000 to be donated to Georgia Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), the dealership’s charity of choice. C.O.P.S. provides resources to help the families and co-workers of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty rebuild their shattered lives.
Several years ago, Members Auto Choice (MAC) bought a custom-made smoker they named “Ol’ Geeze Barbecue” with plans to rent it as an income generator for the business. But MAC leadership quickly decided to utilize the smoker in an effort to provide food at area charity events and donate the profits back to charity. The slogan for “Ol’ Geeze Barbecue” is “HELP MAC GIVE BACK.”
MAC began by selling food at 5K runs, festivals and other fundraising events throughout five counties in the northern Georgia area and donating the money to charities. The company supports organizations near its corporate office in Suwanee, and its dealerships throughout northern Georgia: Athens, Buford, Decatur, Lawrenceville, Loganville, Monroe and Winder.
The company’s staff evaluates all the applications received for “Ol’ Geeze Barbecue,” and decides which charities will benefit from the fundraisers.
The list of charities supported by MAC includes Athens Community Council on Aging, Children’s Miracle Network, Concerns of Police Survivors , Gwinnett County Public Schools, Meals on Wheels, the National Football League Players Association, Relay for Life, Ronald McDonald House Charities, The Salvation Army, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Toys for Tots and The Will to Live Foundation.
“Through their tireless efforts, their staff cooks and serves a barbecue lunch for those riding in our annual law enforcement motorcycle charity ride since 2011,” said Roger D. Parker, executive director of the Georgia Chapter of C.O.P.S. “Their management team and employees have donated their time and have provided financial support to our organization. They are a loyal supporter and a true friend to the law enforcement community.”
Two other dealerships were honored at the NIADA National Leadership Awards Banquet as finalists for
the award:
• Grant Motors & Mint Motors, Ft. Myers, Fla.
• Country Club Auto, Greenville, Ohio
Photo Captions:
Award: Billy Graham, left, president of the Georgia Independent Automobile Dealers Association, accepted award on behalf of Members Auto Choice, from Tim McKinley, senior vice president of sales for Manheim. Graham is owner of Graham Auto Sales in Loganville, Ga.
Check Presentation: McKinley, left, presents Members Auto Choice check for $5,000 to be donated to Georgia Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), the dealership’s charity of choice. Graham accepted check on behalf of Members Auto Choice.
About Manheim (www.manheim.com)
Manheim is the leading global provider of vehicle remarketing services, connecting buyers and sellers of used vehicles to the largest wholesale used-vehicle marketplace. The company helps dealer and commercial customers achieve results by providing physical and digital auction channels, data analysis, financing, transportation and mobile products and solutions.
Manheim pioneered in-lane vehicle auctions and has been an innovator in both digital and mobile auction platforms. Manheim registers nearly 8 million used vehicles annually, facilitating transactions representing more than $50 billion in value. Manheim’s research and consulting arm, Manheim Consulting, provides industry-leading market intelligence and publishes the widely recognized annual Used Car Market Report. The company offers dealer financing though NextGear Capital, Inc., and transportation services through Ready Auto Transport.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Manheim has more than 20,000 employees in 106 worldwide sites and generates annual revenues of more than $2.5 billion. A subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, Manheim participates in “Go Green with Manheim,” the company’s sustainability program.