BOSTON -

At the NAAA Convention in Boston, the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association awarded its 2014 Auto Auction of the Year honors to Dealers Auto Auction of Huntsville, Ala.

The award, which began back in 2008, is designed to highlight an NAAA member showing the highest level of customer service and resources for NIADA dealers, while also supporting its state association and its dealer members, NIADA said. The annual winning auction is also one that participates in dealer events and gives back to the community.

“This is an auction that has truly exemplified its business excellence, industry involvement and community service and has shown a real heart for taking care of its own employees and families," NIADA executive vice president Steve Jordan said.

“With a standing challenge to each of his location managers to find meaningful ways to give back to their communities, (owner) David Andrews has created a corporate culture that seeks to contribute to the lives of those they serve in business,” he added.

Elsewhere at the convention, Columbus Fair Auto Auction owners and president Alexis Jacobs was inducted into the NAAA Hall of Fame. 

The annual Hall of Fame Award is given to an auction executive and/or industry supporter consistently carrying out the NAAA Code of Ethics.

Jacobs has headed up the auction started by her father, William Jacobs, since his death in 1982 and has won numerous business and auction industry accolades, including the 2011 NAAA Pioneer Award.

“Alexis puts her all into absolutely everything she does,” said Jim Hallett of KAR Auction Services, who presented the award to Jacobs. “She is a true inspiration to many in the industry, in the community, and to me personally.

“Anyone who knows Alexis, knows that she loves cars; she loves the auction business; and she loves people. She truly is one-of-a-kind and has created a lasting legacy in our industry.”

These awards were in addition to several others announced during the NAAA Convention, including Auto Remarketing founder and publisher emeritus Ron Smith earning the 2014 Marie Hingst Exhibitor of the Year Award.