LAS VEGAS -

Cox Automotive joined the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association to present the sixth annual NIADA and Cox Automotive Community Service Award to Boise, Idaho-based Fairly Reliable Bob’s Inc. during the 70th NIADA Convention and Expo in Las Vegas this week.

The award recognizes an independent dealership deemed to have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the community in which it does business.

“We are honored to receive this award and to be recognized by NIADA and Cox Automotive for creating positive change in our community,” said Bobby Petersen, owner of Fairly Reliable Bob’s. “The real reward, however, comes from our many achievements and the impact we’ve made while serving the Boise community for more than 40 years.”

Founded in 1975, the family-owned dealership supported more than 30 local charities and youth programs last year. One of its efforts was partnering with a local Corvette enthusiast club to raise money for children’s charities throughout Idaho, including nearly $500,000 for cystic fibrosis research. In addition to its fundraising efforts, the team at Fairly Reliable Bob’s has supported numerous civic organizations over the years, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Idaho Food Bank and Toys for Tots.

“Community service and inspiring others to shape a better world has long been a part of our culture,” said Barry Roop, regional vice president of local auction — West region for Manheim, who presented the award. “I’d like to congratulate the team at Fairly Reliable Bob’s for embodying these principles and for demonstrating how every person, every organization, every day can make a difference when it comes to serving their community.”

Fairly Reliable Bob’s received a check for $10,000 to be donated to the Utah/Idaho chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

“We are pleased to once again partner with Cox Automotive to recognize worthy independent dealers for their outstanding community service,” said Steve Jordan, chief executive officer of NIADA. “We commend the entire team at Fairly Reliable Bob’s for personifying the spirit of community service and for sharing their time, talent and resources to improve the lives of others.

Two other dealerships were honored at the NIADA National Leadership Awards Banquet as finalists for their charitable efforts: A&D Motors (Arab, Ala.) and Matthews Motors (Clayton, N.C.).

Ring of Honor

Also during the convention, Jay Cadigan, vice president of industry relations for Manheim, received NIADA’s Ring of Honor.

The award is given annually to an allied industry executive who has contributed to the professionalism and growth of the automobile industry.

Cadigan leads Manheim's strategic efforts to develop, promote, and establish consistent standards, processes and policies that achieve business objectives and further the industry. He has held numerous leadership positions within Manheim for decades. He has served as market vice president for Florida and Puerto Rico where he oversaw the day-to-day activities of the 12 locations in that market.

He spent three years in a corporate role as vice president of sales and operations for the General Motors and Avis Budget Group accounts from 2003 to 2006. Before that, he was general manager of Skyline Auto Exchange (now Manheim New York Metro Skyline) in Fairfield, N.J., a position he held for 11 years.

Cadigan has been a devoted supporter of the NIADA and the NAAA as well. He is a past NAAA president (2010-2011). In 2013, he and his wife, Pam, were named Warren Young Fellows by the NAAA. In 2015, he earned the membership into the NAAA Hall of Fame.

"I am honored to join such an impressive group of individuals as those in the NIADA Ring of Honor," Cadigan said. "My colleagues in the automotive auction and retail sales industries are tremendously talented. It is a privilege to work alongside them, and truly humbling to earn this distinction and recognition from my peers."

Scholarships announced

Finally, the NIADA Foundation announced its 2016 scholarship recipients during the National Leadership Awards Banquet at this week’s convention.

Each year, the NIADA Foundation sponsors students across the nation. Four of the students selected represent each of the association's regions, and NIADA, along with NextGear Capital, provides a $3,500 scholarship to each for any college or university. A second award, given to a student currently enrolled at Northwood University and pursuing an education in an automotive-related field, is also provided by NIADA and NextGear Capital.

Tori Mason, a sophomore at Northwood University in Midland, Mich., received the evening's top honor, the $10,000 national scholarship. 

Recipients for the regional scholarships were Brendan Bozyk of Brighton, Mich. (Region I), Tyler Riley of Indialantic, Fla. (Region II), Marci Ricklick of Lakeville, Minn. (Region III) and Mark Beshoar of Montrose, Colo. (Region IV).

"At NextGear Capital, we are committed to continuing education for both our team members and our clients,” said Randy Dohse, senior vice president at NextGear Capital. “Partnering with the NIADA Foundation for these scholarships aligns with our core values, and we are proud to be here tonight."