The National Auto Auction Association (NAAA) has named its United Kingdom counterpart a Warren Young Sr., Fellow.

NAAA announced recently that the National Association of Motor Auctions (NAMA) is the first association to join a small group of 100 other individuals and companies who have received the lifetime distinction of being named a Fellow.

Cherokee Media Group’s owner and principal Ron Smith and president Bill Zadeits are Warren Young Sr., Fellows, as well. 

Along with the honor, NAMA was presented with a $2,500 donation in the group’s name to NAAA's nonprofit Warren Young Sr., Scholastic Foundation during the 2018 NAMA Conference in Lisbon, Portugal.

NAMA became a member of NAAA just last year and represents about 75 percent of the auto auctions in the U.K. — more than 340 auto auctions and 100 associate members, according to NAAA.

Representatives from NAAA have attended NAMA’s conferences and managed a strategic partnership for about six years.

NAAA said that their relationship began after an executive delegation of the association made a visit to Great Britain to exchange ideas and get an overview of the U.K. market in 2012.

“It’s a privilege to honor our British colleagues because we share the same priniciples and mission as a unified voice for our industry,” NAAA chief executive officer Frank Hackett said in a news release. “We both work to enrich our members’ success by enhancing customer service, improving leadership skills, establishing industry best practices, ensuring business growth and influencing public policy.”

Prior to changing its name in 2011, NAMA was founded in 1969 as the Society of Motor Auctions.

NAMA’s name will be engraved on a plaque of esteemed Fellows at the NAAA headquarters. And in addition to a framed commemorative certificate, NAMA officials also received a gold medal and lapel pins from NAAA.

NAAA said the 14-year-old foundation named in honor of auto auction industry pioneer Warren Young Sr., who retired after 35 years with NAAA, awards $52,000 in merit scholarships each year.

The foundation has raised more than $2.25 million since its inception, according to NAAA.

“We look forward to strengthening our bonds and growing our professional relationship,” Hackett said. “We feel there’s a lot we can learn from each other to the mutual benefit of both groups’ membership and respective industries.”