NEW YORK — General Motors' senior executives were in New York City this week to present this year's "GM Dealer Of The Year" winners with the 2006 Jack Smith Leadership Award. From more than 7,000 GM dealers across the country only 115 dealers nationwide earned this prestigious award for their continued dedication to sales excellence, customer satisfaction and community involvement.

“The Leadership Award received by our very best dealer partners recognizes their superior performance and innovative leadership," said Rick Wagoner, GM chairman and chief executive officer. "We thank them for their extraordinary contributions to our business, and their dedication to our customers and communities."

Each dealer winner received the 2006 Jack Smith Leadership Award, named after Jack Smith, retired GM chairman and chief executive officer, and founder of the honorary program.

The prestigious award is a Steuben crystal obelisk, which symbolizes the ultimate dealer achievement at General Motors. Rick Wagoner, along with senior company officers, presented the awards at the ceremony held at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York.