DETROIT -

Ally Financial announced Monday that it has chosen 47 U.S. dealers as nominees for the 2018 TIME Dealer of the Year award.

Each year, the award recognizes several successful dealers who show a strong commitment to community service.

In addition to a $1,000 contribution from Ally for each dealer's charity of choice, the 47 nominated dealers will be formally honored during a ceremony at the National Automobile Dealers Association's 2018 NADA Show on March 23 in Las Vegas where Meredith Long, TIME news, luxury and style senior vice president and general manager, will introduce this year's nominees.

“Only a small fraction of the roughly 16,500 franchise dealers across the country are nominated for this award each year, putting the nominees into an elite group of automotive leaders,” Ally auto finance president Tim Russi said in a news release.

“This year's nominees have proven they understand, care and 'do it right' for their communities by giving in ways that make a difference to those in need. We are honored to celebrate their incredible stories and hope their examples motivate others to give,” Russi continued.

As the exclusive sponsor of the award program for the past seven years, Ally has contributed nearly $600,000 to the TIME Dealer of the Year program, according to the company.

Additionally, this year’s nominees will also be featured on AllyDealerHeroes.com, which promotes the philanthropic contributions and achievements of the award honorees.

Past award winners include Swope Toyota, Van Bortel Motorcars, AutoFair Honda, Teague Auto Group, Michael Alford and Mike Shaw Automotive Group.