WASHINGTON, D.C. –

One dealer was honored Thursday by the American International Automobile Dealers Association in part for his efforts to advocate dealers’ interests to members of Congress and other decision makers in the nation’s Capitol.

At the Sixth Annual International Auto Industry Summit in Washington, D.C., AIADA awarded Tulsa, Ala., dealer Jim Norton its Legislative Action Network Grassroots Award.

Officials noted Norton received the accolade for his “advocacy efforts in reaching out to and engaging his members of Congress and other policy makers on issues important to the international nameplate dealer community.”

Commenting on the news, AIADA president Cody Lusk noted,  “Jim has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to opening a dialogue in Washington on the issues that matter most to AIADA’s dealer members.

“I can think of no one more deserving of this year’s Grassroots Award,” he added.

Highlighting Norton’s work in the industry, he began at the age of 14 in the parts department of his father’s dealership.

Then, he went on to take over the family business in 1976, the organization shared.

Now,  he is the owner and president of Jim Norton Toyota and Jim Norton Toyota of Lawton.

And his dealerships boast a number of accolades, as well.

Together, both dealerships have been the recipient of the Toyota President’s Award 12 times, AIADA reported.

Furthermore, he has served on the Isuzu and Toyota Regional and National Dealer Councils and is the past president of the Oklahoma Auto Dealers Association.

Norton also served on the AIADA board of directors and is the immediate past chairman of the Automotive Free International Trade Political Action Committee.