The American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) is currently accepting nominations for the 2001 All-Star Dealer Award sponsored by Newsweek magazine and The Washington Post. The deadline for nominations is Jan. 26, 2001.

According to the AIADA, the All-Star Dealer Award was created to call attention to the tremendous contributions of the nation's auto retailers, not only as outstanding small-business men and women, but also as citizens dedicated to community service and the betterment of the industry and the country.

"By taking part in the All-Star Dealer Awards program, either as a nominator or nominee, you

help gain recognition for those whose efforts are a credit to the entire industry," said Kimberlee Berry, awards program coordinator for the AIADA.

"You are invited to nominate any import dealer for this prestigious award," Berry said. Eligible dealers must be members in good standing of AIADA and have not be named an All-Star Dealer in the past five years. Dealers from across the country will be chosen as regional winners, according to Berry.

Award recipients will be honored at a gala event during AIADA's 24th Annual Automotive Congress held May 21-23 at the JW Marriott in Washington, D.C.

Winners receive nationwide publicity. Their photos will appear in Newsweek magazine and The Washington Post as well as Automotive News and AIADA's SHOWROOM magazine. AIADA also sends press releases to the national trade

press and to each winner's local media.

Nomination forms must be returned to AIADA no later than Jan. 26, 2001. Dealers who are nominated then submit Dealer Profile Forms to AIADA. The judging is done by an independent panel of judges made up graduate business

school university deans and professors, according to Berry.

"We encourage you to participate in the nomination process," Berry said.

If you have any questions or require nomination materials,contact AIADA's awards program coordinator, Kimberlee Berry, at (703) 519-7800 ext. 134 or e-mail awards@aiada.org.