Manheim and the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association took time at the annual NIADA Convention and Expo last week to recognize a dealership for its dedication to its community.

This past week, Manheim and NIADA presented the fourth annual NIADA Manheim National Community Service Award to Members Auto Choice of Suwanee, Ga.

Tim McKinley, senior vice president of sales for Manheim, presented Members Auto Choice with a check for $5,000 to be donated to Georgia Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), the dealership’s charity of choice.

The dealership’s community projects began with the purchase of a custom-made smoker they named “Ol’ Geeze Barbecue”.

The smoker was initially bought with the intent to rent it as an income generator for the business, but MAC leadership chose instead to use it in an effort to provide food at area charity events and donate the profits back to charity.

 The slogan for “Ol’ Geeze Barbecue” is “Help MAC Give Back.”

“It’s a privilege to be able to honor Members Auto Choice for their commitment to the community,” said McKinley.  “Independent auto dealers who share their time, talent and resources to improve the lives of others deserve to be honored. Michelle Groover and Dan Stryzinski of Members Auto Choice have embraced charitable giving and volunteerism through their support of more than 40 charities.”

Over the years, the dealership has sold food at 5K runs, festivals and other fundraising events throughout five counties in the northern Georgia area and donated the money to charities.

The company’s staff evaluates all the applications received for “Ol’ Geeze Barbecue,” and decides which charities will benefit from the fundraisers.

The list of charities supported by MAC includes Athens Community Council on Aging, Children’s Miracle Network, Concerns of Police Survivors , Gwinnett County Public Schools, Meals on Wheels, the National Football League Players Association, Relay for Life, Ronald McDonald House Charities, The Salvation Army, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Toys for Tots and The Will to Live Foundation.

“We are so pleased to support their outstanding community spirit and partnerships, and commend Michelle Groover and Dan Stryzinski and their team for their giving efforts in the metro Atlanta area,” NIADA president Keith Hagler said. “To reinforce its commitment to giving back, the dealership distinguished itself by raising money for more than 40 charities using their signature barbecue as a driving force.”

Two other dealerships were honored at the NIADA National Leadership Awards Banquet as finalists for the award, as well.

• Grant Motors & Mint Motors, Ft. Myers, Fla.

• Country Club Auto, Greenville, Ohio